Camping in the Caribbean

February 5, 2007 12:33 PM

I'm looking for some suggestions and advice for a short camping trip to Puerto Rico this month.

My self and two others are planning a quick escape from the cold to Puerto Rico Feb. 18-21 or 25-28. I understand Culebra is the hot spot in the area for beach camping but we'd like to stay on the mainland as we're short on time and want to make the most of it. Are there any nice, safe beaches to camp? Ideally we'd like a place with no one around where we can sit on the beach all day/night and relax. Is this possible? If we're only able to find that on Culebra so be it. If you have other island suggestions (Virgin Islands, St. Croix) with the above conditions please let me know, the only requirements are a place which is accessible w/out a passport and we can camp on/near the beach with few others. Yes, I found this. Thanks

posted by killyb to travel & transportation (6 comments total)

you can camp on the beaches around Rincón (west side of island). It's a surfing community and there's tons to do around the area. Not too crowded not too lonely. perfect
posted by octomato at 2:11 PM on February 5, 2007

I really appreciate that. It's perfect. I'll report back.
posted by killyb at 3:54 PM on February 5, 2007

As someone who has also been trying to plan a last-minute getaway (I'm in Chicago -- brrrrr), keep in mind that the first weekend you're looking at is Presidents Day weekend. That may limit the cheap/available fares from the U.S. and increase crowds wherever you go.
posted by awegz at 3:55 PM on February 5, 2007

oh, also if it's cheap flights you're looking for. Book to Aguadilla. It is closer to Rincón (30 min drive) and the prices are fairly cheap.
posted by octomato at 5:35 PM on February 5, 2007

Yep, Rincón - I'm just back from two weeks there, (pictures here) and there are people camping happily on the beaches. Also, the weather is perfect. JetBlue to Aguadilla is $100 each way if you buy your tickets now; taxi from the airport to barrio Puntas (the beachy part of Rincón) is about $35.

Mail me - or octomato! - if you want detailed beach descriptions, bar/restaurant advice, &c. - but basically, you want to camp on or near Sandy Beach so you can walk to Tamboo, Casa Verde, and Nuevo Flamboyan for food and fun - the serious surfers camp near Maria's and Domes Beaches, but then there's only Calypso Cafe to eat at.
posted by nicwolff at 11:41 AM on February 6, 2007

Oh, sorry: JetBlue to Aguadilla is $100 from JFK - not sure how you'd get there from Missouri.
posted by nicwolff at 11:46 AM on February 6, 2007