Things to Do in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico: 7 Ideas

One of the best things about staying at Villa Montaña is how much there is to do without traveling very far.

Beaches are an obvious part of any trip to this corner of the island, but the area has more to offer than somewhere to put down a towel.

If you are looking for things to do in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, you can surf, snorkel, explore historic ruins, play golf or simply spend a few hours discovering the coastline.

Here are seven ideas to get you started.

1. Spend the Morning at Crash Boat Beach

Crash Boat is probably Aguadilla’s best-known beach.

Its clear water and distinctive pier have made it one of the most recognizable beaches on Puerto Rico’s west coast.

Depending on the conditions, visitors come here to swim, snorkel, dive or simply spend the day on the sand.

It can become busy, particularly at popular times, so heading out earlier in the day is usually a good idea.

There are plenty of reasons the beach appears on so many Puerto Rico itineraries.

But you do not need to spend the entire day there.

Enjoy the water, take a walk and then continue exploring.

2. Explore the Punta Borinquen Lighthouse Ruins

For something completely different, visit the old Punta Borinquen Lighthouse ruins.

The original lighthouse was badly damaged by the earthquake of 1918, leaving the atmospheric brick ruins that remain today.

It is an interesting place to walk around and a reminder that there is considerably more history along this coastline than you might expect when you first arrive.

The coastal surroundings are part of the attraction too.

Bring a camera.

3. Discover Aguadilla’s Surfing Beaches

Surfing has been part of Aguadilla’s identity for decades.

Surfer’s Beach, Wilderness and other beaches around the area attract surfers looking for the Atlantic swells that reach Puerto Rico’s northwest coast.

Experienced surfers can explore the local breaks, while beginners can arrange lessons with one of the area’s surf schools.

You do not have to get into the water to enjoy the atmosphere.

Find somewhere safe to watch and you can easily lose an hour following the surfers out on the waves.

4. Go Snorkeling or Scuba Diving

If you would rather be under the waves than riding them, Aguadilla also offers excellent opportunities for snorkeling and scuba diving.

The clear waters around parts of the coast are home to reefs, fish and other marine life.

Local dive operators offer lessons and guided trips for different levels of experience, so being a complete beginner does not necessarily mean missing out.

Conditions matter, particularly along the Atlantic-facing coastline, so arrange activities with an experienced local operator rather than choosing a spot based purely on how the water looks from shore.

5. Play a Round of Golf

Not everything in Aguadilla happens in the water.

Punta Borinquen Golf Club gives golfers the chance to play close to the coast, with Atlantic views accompanying parts of the course.

It is an entirely different way to spend a morning.

And if one person in your group would rather play golf while everyone else heads to the beach, everybody wins.

6. Explore on Horseback

Horseback riding gives you another perspective on Puerto Rico’s northwest coast.

Tours are available around the Aguadilla and neighboring Isabela area, including rides that take in coastal scenery, trails and beaches.

It works particularly well if you want to experience the landscape without spending another day sitting in a car.

You also do not need to be an experienced rider. Check with the individual tour operator about suitable rides for beginners before booking.

7. Leave Some Time to Do Nothing

This might not appear in many lists of things to do in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico.

But it should.

Do not fill every day.

If you have spent the morning at Crash Boat, explored Punta Borinquen or been out on the water, come back to Villa Montaña and stop.

Head to the beach.

Find a place by the pool.

Have a late lunch.

Order a drink.

A vacation does not become better simply because you fitted more things into it.

Sometimes knowing when to stop exploring is just as important as knowing where to go.

Exploring Aguadilla From Villa Montaña

Aguadilla is particularly easy to explore because many of its best-known attractions are relatively close together.

It also has Rafael Hernández International Airport, making this part of Puerto Rico particularly convenient for visitors arriving directly on the northwest coast.

That means less time transferring from the airport and more time actually enjoying your trip.

Villa Montaña gives you an easy base for exploring Aguadilla, Isabela and the surrounding coastline while still having the beach, pool and Eclipse waiting when you return.

There are plenty of things to do in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico.

The harder part might be deciding which ones you can leave until next time.