Things to do near isabela puerto rico

What to do in Isabela?

If you take this with you on your phone, you’ll be able to click in on each of the activities below to go to Google Map directions.

Let me credit one of our favorite resources for Puerto Rico activities, Puerto Rico Day Trips   Not only do the authors describe many exciting activities, they give the reader the important details such as where to park, and exactly how the adventure will unfold.  They have also been working to keep their website up to date with the latest post-Maria access and availability.  On our original trip to Puerto Rico I used them extensively.

Map of Isabela and Aguadilla Things to Do

Local Things to Do and Places to Go (within 30 min of Haudimar Beach Apartments)

Bowling

• Aguadilla Bowling Center in Aguadilla (20 min). See their  Facebook page. They have laser tag, bumper-cars, and an arcade in addition to bowling.  They serve food and alcohol.  It’s a very popular local location.   Click here for map/directions

Casino

• Casino at Ocean Casino in the Courtyard by Marriott in Aguadilla (15 min). See https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/bqncy-courtyard-aguadilla/.  Click for here map/directions

Golf

• Punta Borinquen Golf Club in Aguadilla (15 min). See https://en.leadingcourses.com/caribbean+puerto-rico/punta-borinquen-golf-club/  Click here for map/directions

Grocery Store

• Supermercados Econo Aguadilla Gate 5 in Aguadilla (10 min W). Due to its proximity to the former air base and current proximity to Homeland Security, etc., they carry a lot of products from the States – even Stonewall Kitchens jams, etc.  Can you believe it?  Their cakes are delicious.  This Econo offers “To-Go” service, so it’s possible to query the store directory to see their products and prices (and even arrange for pickup service, if you want.)  See http://www.superecono.com/index.php?src=directory&view=store&srctype=detail&back=store&refno=3  Click here for map/directions
• Supermercados Econo Isabela in downtown Isabela (10 min E).  See http://www.superecono.com/index.php?src=directory&view=store&srctype=detail&back=store&refno=30  Click here for map/directions

Horseback Riding

• Tropical Trail Rides in Isabela just 5 min West of the condo. What an awesome somewhat laid-back adventure – a beautiful ride on the beach through the forest.  See https://tropicaltrailrides.com/ and https://powerstotravel.com/northamerica/puertorico/tropical-trails-horseback-riding-in-isabela/   Click here for map/directions

Mini-Golf

• Taino Mini-Golf in Aguadilla (10 min). See http://tainominigolf.com/   They have food too!  Click here for map/directions

Minimart

• Gulf station right at our entrance.
• Comado el Aventurero (Minimart) just 1 min East on Rt 4466 (the road we are on).  Click here for map/directions

Movies

• Movie Theater at Caribbean Cinemas (20 min) at the Aguadilla Mall.  See http://caribbeancinemas.com/  Click here for map/directions

Nature and Hiking

• Paseo Lineal – Biking / Walking Trail along the ocean / Rt 446. To reach the trail, you must walk the beach eastwards until Jobos Beach, then you join the trail called the Paseo Tablado de Isabela (boardwalk) at the eastern end of the beach.  The boardwalk turns into a cycling/walking path at the IslaBela condominiums.  The boardwalk/path is 6 miles or so, and mostly level.  If you are biking, you’ll have to ride the road 446 eastwards from the condo to Jobos Beach to join the trail.  Click here for map/directions
• Tunnel at Guajataca (25 min.) Nice walk through an abandoned train tunnel to a beach beyond.    See http://www.puertoricodaytrips.com/quebradillas/  Click here for map/directions
• Hike to Survival Beach – (15 min) a not-so-easy hike along the hillside above rocks and beaches to an isolated beach.  The first section of the hike can be done regardless of tide level, as it is on the hillside.  The trail is up and down and filled with roots and trees to hug.  But then the trail dips down onto the sand among large boulders and that stretch requires a falling or low tide.   The final third of the hike involves climbing up large rocks over a hillside and then down to the isolated Survival Beach.  I’ve gone several times as it is a beautiful hike, however I’ve never done that final third.  I’ve always relaxed on the boulder beach and said to myself, “What can be more beautiful than this spot, and is it worth twisting my ankle or knee to climb over the rocks?”  Click here for the map/directions to the parking lot at which to begin the hike.  Click here for info from Puerto Rico Day Trips.   Hike leads from the far northeast corner of the parking lot.
• Lighthouse Ruins – A beautiful view west from the ruins of a lighthouse.  The site is a popular one for prom photos, etc.  No hiking required, but dirt road driving required. We usually park a little short of the lighthouse and walk the rest of the way.  Click here for info from Puerto Rico Day Trips.  Click here for the map/directions. 

Snorkeling

• There is a Blue Hole near Villa Montana. See http://www.puertoricodaytrips.com/isabela-beaches/ for more information.
• Shack’s Beach (5 min) West of the condo is known for snorkeling due to its reef.  See http://goseepr.com/shacks-beach/   It also has underwater caves.  See http://www.puertoricodaytrips.com/isabela-beaches/  Click here for map/directions

Swimming

• Jobos Beach is just a short walk eastward on the beach.  Great for swimming, surfing and eating.  Swim only where others are swimming.  (Don’t confuse surfers with swimmers.  Surfers go out much further of course and have surf boards!  Stay with the rest of the swimmers!)  There can be a very strong outbound current near the rocks on the east side.  Click here for map/directions
• Shacks Beach is to the west. A submerged reef creates a more calm area for swimming and snorkeling.   Low tide is NOT a good time to swim there as you could get scraped by the reef.   Surf can be strong at the barrier reef area during high tide.  Mid-tide is best.  Click here for map/directions
• Crashboat Beach, in Aguadilla, is the favorite family beach in the area among locals.  Click here for map/directions

Restaurants and Bars (many)

• Jobos Food Stop – right above the condo.  
• Villa Pesquera kiosks – (about 10-15 min depending on Jobos traffic) at the easternmost end of the Isabela beaches, right below the town. Head east on Rt 466 from the condo and take the very sharp left turn just as the road starts to climb up to the town of Isabela.  There’s a colorful sign for “Villa Pesquera” at the corner where you turn.   Lots of local food choices.  Isabela Click here for map/directions
• Food Trucks at junction of Rt 4466 and Rt 110 (at the top of the hill heading to Aguadilla).  (< 4 min away) Click here for map/directions
• Palmas Café – (< 4 min away) surprisingly good (and inexpensive!) gourmet meals, at the junction of R 4466 and Rt 110 in Aguadilla. Click here for map/directions
• Golden Crown – (< 6 min away) Awesome plentiful Chinese food.   Aguadilla.  Click here for map/directions
• Eclipse – 3 min away at the Villa Montana Resort near Shacks beach. Gourmet (expensive) delicious food served on their terrace by the sea.  At the manned security entrance just tell the guard you are going to the restaurant.  Reservations are recommended. Click here for map/directions
• Tuluum Restaurante and Tequila Bar – (< 6 min away) Great Mexican food.  Many of their menu items are offered “Puerto Rican style” and “Tex-Mex style”.  I ordered Fish Tacos, without tomatoes and without avocado, and the chef said, “In that case, try them our Tex-Mex style – with sour cream, cheese and special sauce.”  What a treat!    Here’s a link to their Facebook page, which contains a menu: https://www.facebook.com/Tuluum/  Aguadilla.  Click here for map/directions
• El Pinchoteo – our favorite pinchoes spot.  In a food truck area on Rt 110 near the Econo.  Only $3 for an entire chicken (preferred) or pork pincho skewer with 2 chunks of toasted bread.  Sometimes they have fish skewers too.  Click here for map/directions
• Junior’s Pizza – the absolute BEST New York style pizza.  Click here for map/directions

Shopping

• Aguadilla Mall (20 min) See http://www.aguadillamallpr.com/ It isn’t a large mall.  The anchor stores now is only a “Pueblo” grocery store and an “Amigos” grocery store.  Two of them?  Capri is a fun store for inexpensive home decor.  Click here for map/directions
• Walmart (23 min)  On Rt 2 in Isabela Plaza. Click here for map/directions

Unique Photo Opportunities

• Monumento al Cacique Mabodamaca, at the junction of Rt 2 Westbound and Rt 113. It is called “Cara de Indio” on Google maps.
  • Coming from the East: it is at the turnoff of Rt 113 from Rt 2, very soon after Rt 2 descends from the steep hill/river valley at Guajataca.
  • Coming from Isabela (this condo), go into Isabela, then out of Isabela eastbound on Rt 113. After a very windy stretch, the road ends on Rt 2.  The monument is right there.
  • Click here for map/directions
• Guajataca Mirador (overlook) in Guajataca (20 min) on Rt 2 Westbound just before the steep hill/river valley. See http://www.puertoricodaytrips.com/quebradillas/  Click here for map/directions
• Mirador de Aguadilla (overlook) (20 min away) in Aguadilla on Rt 2 Westbound on the steep downhill after the mall.  If we are heading to Mayaguez or Rincon we often stop at Firehouse Subsand then get back onto Rt 2 West / South and stop there for our lunch (eating in our car to be COVID-safe!)  Beautiful views.  Click here for map/directions

Not-so-Local Things to Do and Places to Go (> 30 min away from Haudimar Beach Apartments, Isabela)

ATV rental

• Hacienda Campo Rico in Carolina (2 hrs) See http://www.puertoricodaytrips.com/campo-rico-atv/ They also have ziplining and horseback riding.  Click here for map/directions
• Carabali Rainforest Park near El Yunque (2 ½ hrs) See http://www.puertoricodaytrips.com/hacienda-carabali-atv/ Click here for map/directions

Caving adventures

• Cueva Ventana in Arecibo (1 hr) See https://powerstotravel.com/northamerica/puertorico/cueva-ventana-arecibo/   This is a “mild” cave hike to see interesting petroglyphs and fantastic views.  It is definitely not hard-core caving.  We can say that because we enjoyed it!  Click here for map/directions
• Rio Camuy Cave Park in Quebrada (1 hr) See http://www.puertoricodaytrips.com/rio-camuy-caves-park/  The park has finally re-opened following its flooding during Hurricane Maria!  However, at this time the diesel-powered multi-car tram that takes you down the mountain path to the cave is not running; you have to hike down.  Then you take a guided walk through the caves to see the stalagites and stalagmites, similar to Luray Caverns in Virginia.  When we visited in 2016 it was extremely busy and we had a long wait even late morning when we got there.  Get there as early in the morning as possible.   It may be necessary to make reservations during COVID times?  Click here for map/directions
• Puerto Rico Interior Tours in Lares (1 hr)  See http://www.puertoricodaytrips.com/pr-interior-tours/  and  https://www.facebook.com/pritours/  Click here for map/directions
• Tanama River Adventures in Utuado (1½ hr). See https://www.tanamariveradventures.com/    Click here for map/directions
  

Nature and Hikes

• Bosque estatal de Guajataca (40 min) See http://www.puertoricodaytrips.com/guajataca-forest-cave/ Click here for map/directions
• Gozalandia Waterfall at San Sebastian (1 hr) See http://www.puertoricodaytrips.com/gozalandia-falls/ Click here for map/directions
• La Parguera Bioluminescent Bay (1.5 hr) See the very interesting article at https://workationing.com/puerto-rico-bioluminescent-bay/ which says that the bio bay was not negatively affected by Hurricane Maria. 

Parasailing

• Flying Fish Parasail in Rincon (1 hr) See http://www.rinconview.com/parasailpr/index.html  We have no actual experience with this operator.  Click here for map/directions
• NOW CLOSED.  HOW SAD.  A & J Adventures in Fajardo (2 ¾ hrs) See https://powerstotravel.com/northamerica/puertorico/parasailing-at-fajardo/   We definitely recommend this adventure.

Shopping

• Mayaguez Mall in Mayaguez (1 hr) – full sized mall with JC Penneys, Sears, Kmart, food court.  See https://mayaguezmall.com/  Click here for map/directions
• Puerto Rico Premium Outlets in Barceloneta (1 hr) See http://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlet/puerto-rico Click here for map/directions

Zip-lining

• Puerto Rico Interior Tours in Lares (1 hr)   See http://www.puertoricodaytrips.com/pr-interior-tours/ Click here for map/directions
• Toro Verde in Orocovis (2 hrs) See http://www.ziplinetourspr.com/#!/pageHome Click here for map/directions
• Hacienda Campo Rico in Carolina (2 hrs ) See http://www.haciendacamporico.com/   They also have ATVs and horseback riding  Click here for map/directions
• Rainforest Zipline Park in Rio Grande (2 ½ hrs) See https://rainforestzipline.com/ Click here for map/directions

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