Surfing: Big-wave surfers and beginners alike will find a break suited to their abilities. Start in front of Pelican Point. From your balcony, you'll see these breaks: 7 Barros, Sandy Beach, Parking Lots and Antonio's. Check out our Surfing page for detailed information.
Beach Combing: Get up early and stroll the beach. Sandy Beach is known for its abundance of colorful, ocean-tumbled glass, which is often used to make jewelry. (Stay with us, and we'll share the secret spots.)
Day Sailing Tours and Sunset Cruises: We recommend Katarina Sail Charters. Reserve a spot on their catamaran for the "Tan Your Can" day sails, or Shine Time sunset cruises, which includes complimentary beer and rum punch. 787-823-SAIL; www.sailrinconpuertorico.com
Deep-Sea Fishing: Deep-sea fish off Rincon for Billfish, Mahi-Mahi, Dorado, Yellow Fin Tuna, White Marlin, Blue Marlin and Sailfish. For more information, call Moon Dog Charters. 787-823-3059; www.moondogcharters.com
Diving: The best diving and snorkeling is about 12 miles offshore of Rincon, at Desecheo Island. Desecheo is a National Reserve Park and a protected marine environment. Visibility is up to 150 feet. You can expect to see deep-sea fish, coral reef, rocky reef, endless sea fans, sponges and caverns. We recommend Taino Divers. 787-823-6429; www.tainodivers.com
Snorkeling: Just minutes from Pelican Point, you'll find coral reef from the marina to the lighthouse, specifically at Tres Palmas beach. There is consistently good visibility, allowing snorkelers to see vividly colored fish, Elkhorn coral, sea turtles, sea horses and squid. You can rent equipment at Desecheo Surf and Dive Shop. 787-823-2672 or 787-823-0390; www.desecheosurfshop.com
Hiking: Be prepared, as the mountains are steep; however, easier trails are just a short hike toward the El Faro Lighthouse. Look specifically for the Domes Trail. On it, you will see the beauty of the coastal landscape, as well as beaches not frequented by the public. (See below for day-trip hiking destinations.)
Horseback Riding: Try Pintos "R" Us for a guided tour along scenic beaches and tropical trails in the morning, at sunset, or under the moonlight. Beginners are welcome for day trips. 787-361-3639
Parasailing: View Rincon from a whole new perspective! Single and tandem flights are available. Contact Flying Fish Parasail. 787-823-2FLY
Swimming: Sandy Beach is the most popular swimming spot, due to its soft, sandy bottom — perfect for protecting soft, sandy bottoms.
Whale Watching: During winter (January through March), the endangered Humpback whales travel to these waters to give birth. They migrate south more than 3,100 miles every year from the coasts of southwestern Greenland, Newfoundland and surrounding areas. Once they arrive, they mate, calve and nurse in the warm Caribbean waters. Noted as the best place to get a glimpse of the whales, Rincon Lighthouse Park is just three miles away from Pelican Point.
Rum: Last, but never least, rum is an activity. Medalla, the local beer, is too.
Day Trips
Puerto Rico has both a dry and, by contrast, a rainforest. The Guanica Dry Forest is located in Guanica, between Mayaguez and Ponce. Designated a biosphere reserve, the forest has 36 miles of trails, varying in difficulty. You'll see 700 types of plants, along with Gumbo Limbo trees, a Guayacan tree, which is 500 to 700 years old, limestone caves and 40 species of birds. Contact the forest reserve office. 787-821-5706
El Yungue is the only tropical rain forest in the US Forest Service. The 28,000-acre preserve, made up of varying micro-climates, is located on the eastern side of the Luquillo Mountains. Hike around waterfalls and pools, 240 species of tropical trees and 50 varieties of orchids. The forest is also home to 68 bird species, including the endangered Puerto Rican parrot. 787-888-1810; www.elyunque.com
Visit the Arecibo Observatory to see the world's largest radiotelescope, through which scientists study each of the planets and Near Earth Asteroids. It's 1,000 feet in diameter and covers about 20 acres. You may have seen it in the James Bond movie GoldenEye, as well as in Jodie Foster's Contact and on the X-Files. 787-878-2612; www.naic.edu
The Rio Camuy Cave Park covers 268 acres of dramatic caves, sinkholes, waterfalls and even an underground river. You'll be able to walk through the illuminated 170-foot-tall Cueva Clara and overlook the 400-foot-deep Tres Pueblos Sinkhole. We recommend the trip, as the cave system is one of the three largest in the world. Just be sure to call first for tour hours. 787-898-3100
Gilligan's Island is part of a biosphere reserve near Guanica. For about $7, a small ferry will take you about a mile to the island on which the '60s TV show was based. Soak in the mangrove cays or float along the crystal clear canals. There are picnic facilities and grills. Tip: if you aren't able to get on the ferry, which runs back and forth several times per day, local fisherman will likely give you a ride over. Gilligan's Island typically is not crowded, and you can always find your own tranquil space. 787-821-5706
Call 787-360-7562 to rent a unit at Pelican Point, or fill out the form on the Rental Units Page.