Jobos Beach, Isabela - Puerto Rico

You can't leave Isabela, Puerto Rico without dropping by Jobos Beach. This whole area, just west of the former Ramey Air Force Base, now Raphael Hernandez Airport, is breathtaking. You can hop on Jet Blue, as of this writing, from JFK and be here in a few hours. Most tourism to Puerto Rico happens around San Juan. This coast is often overlooked.

The northwestern Puerto Rican shore has wild sand dunes and a handful of recommended beaches we have to tell you about, as they are better known to surfers. But we were asked about what locals consider the better sites to surf and Jobos Beach in Isabela was always mentioned. So with a little research we found that even though it takes some work to get to - the reward is great. You'll be presented with a family beach that encompasses something for everyone. Seems people have grown up coming here and have great memories of it.

We just reviewed Shacks Beach for you, some five miles from Isabela. But two miles east you'll see Jobos Beach. It's a nice walk from one to the other. Jobos curves beneath an unusual geological formation known as a fossilized sand dune. It's incredible to see. The cove her seems serene, but be aware of the rip currents. Even in the calm area, tidal currents move deep.

This natural beauty, Jobos Beach, Puerto Rico, is a haven for surfers. You'll catch the local gang in the southwestern corner by the coral heads. But Jobos also offers a strip of sand great for families with children. Bunches of restaurants line the beach. There's fishing here, snorkeling, scuba diving, along with kiteboarding and windsurfing. This area is great for exploring, too. See some unusual surf and shore formations.

There are a few hotels close by, but most are high priced between November and April. You'll get more reasonable accommodations inland at Isabela.

Jobos Beach - Beach Index:

• Sand - nice white/tan combination
• Facilities - full
• Shade - great palms and umbrellas
• Sports - snorkel, diving, kiteboarding, boogie boarding, windsurf, surfing
• Notes - amazing terrain makes for a spectacular beach
  

The surf keeps getting bigger. We make our way to Montones Beach! Next! >>

Shacks Beach, Isabela - Puerto Rico

Probably the most popular spot for kiteboarders and windsurfers is Shacks Beach, Puerto Rico. Now I know what you're thinking - there are things such as "beach shacks", but this beauty is called Shacks. It's located in the little town of Isabela on the northwest point of Puerto Rico. Come here to enjoy water sports.

Most days you can see as many as a dozen intermediate kiteboarders on the water. Shacks Beach is big and you'll not be in the way. If you are a boarder, know that the wind blows in the same direction as rip currents: offshore, so make sure you know how to tack back in. As anywhere, beaches with surf are dangerous and the very best thing you can do is converse with a local surfer who has a little experience under his belt.

For snorkelers, this is pretty nice as well. There's about 50 yards of nice water between the reef and shore. But watch out for the kiters. As with most ocean with coral, the bottom here has its share of sea urchins! Make sure you wear booties.

If you're not into kiteboarding, downwind you'll find a nice area of sand to enjoy. You can do some snorkeling here as well as diving, although we found the water slightly clearer up wind.

There is some good lodging here as well. Check out the room rentals along the beach. We found a few with oceanfront restaurants. Stay further in town if your budget is tight.

Shacks Beach - Beach Index:

• Sand - medium grain, soft, mixed with some rock in places
• Facilities - full
• Shade - nice shade from trees along beach
• Sports - known for kiteboard, but windsurfers abound, snorkeling
• Notes - you will enjoy the view if you venture out here, not recommended for swimming
  

Just up the coast is Jobos Beach, another surfing hot spot in Puerto Rico - and the beach is rad! Next! >>