The Surf Window

Tres Palmas

Rincon, Puerto Rico

Reef breakExpert

Puerto Rico's most iconic big wave, Tres Palmas is a massive right-hand reef break off Rincon's point that holds swell from overhead to double-overhead and beyond, the venue for the first professional surf contest held outside of Australia and Hawaii in 1968.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

N
OptimalN (0°)
WindowNNW–ENE (330°–60°)

Wind

E

Offshore

Tide

Mid tide

LowMidHigh

Season

December–March

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

Right

Bottom

Reef

Shape

Massive, long right wall, powerful and heavy on big days, quality and fun at 4–8ft

Length

150–300m

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: Expert
  • •Why: At full size this is a big wave venue, the hold-downs are long and the reef is unforgiving

Hazards

  • •Shallow reef sections on the inside
  • •Powerful hold-downs on big sets
  • •Heavy crowds when conditions are perfect

Local Tips

  • •The palmtrees that give the break its name are visible from the Rincon lighthouse, use them to line up
  • •Rincon has world-class sunsets from the lighthouse point, best in the Caribbean

Location

Map showing the location of Tres Palmas in Rincon, Puerto Rico

18.3431, -67.2556