Aguadilla

Sunny Aguadilla, situated on the north-western coast of Puerto Rico, attracts travellers with its surfing beaches and unique Caribbean flair. If you are planning a trip to Aguadilla, it is worth studying the logistics in advance: you can reach this resort city in various ways, using the international airport or ground transport. In this guide, we will tell you in detail how to get to Aguadilla so that your journey to the ocean begins easily and comfortably.

For most travellers wishing to visit Aguadilla, the main air gateway is Rafael Hernández International Airport (BQN). It receives many scheduled and charter flights, especially from the US mainland, allowing you to be on the coast almost immediately after landing. The air terminal is located very conveniently relative to the resort area, so the journey to your hotel or the beach will not take much time.

If there are no direct tickets, a reasonable alternative would be a flight to the island's capital: the city of San Juan (SJU) is located approximately 120 kilometres away and often offers a wider network of connections. You can also check flights to neighbouring Mayagüez or Ponce, from where it is easy to reach your destination by rented car or taxi, enjoying the views during the trip across the island.

When planning your route, it is worth considering that it is impossible to reach this picturesque corner of the Caribbean by train. There is no railway station in the city, as classic intercity passenger rail service does not function on the island.

The nearest major settlements, including Mayagüez, Ponce, and even the capital San Juan, are also not connected to the resort by railway. Travellers will have to make a choice in favour of a rented car or buses to cover the distance to the coast with comfort.

Bus services connect the resort with key points of the island, allowing tourists to enjoy the views on the way to the ocean. The trip from the capital, San Juan, usually takes about two and a half hours, during which the bus covers a distance of 130 kilometres along the picturesque northern coast. If you are departing from neighbouring Mayagüez, the journey will be quite short: the cities are separated by only 30 kilometres, and the road rarely takes more than 40 minutes.

For travellers departing from the southern coast, it is convenient to get there via Ponce: the route of about 90 kilometres will take approximately one and a half hours. It is worth noting that the public transport system here has its own peculiarities, often relying on small private shuttles, so it is better to clarify the schedule and departure points in advance.

A journey by car is the ideal way to explore the island at your own pace and enjoy the changing landscapes. The road from the capital, San Juan, will take slightly less than two hours: you will have to drive approximately 130 kilometres, moving west along the scenic northern coast. If you are departing from neighbouring Mayagüez, the trip will turn out to be quite short and untiring — the distance of 32 kilometres can be covered in just 35–40 minutes.

The route from the southern gem of the island, the city of Ponce, is also quite comfortable: 100 kilometres of the way fly by unnoticed, taking on average one and a half hours. Car rental will give you complete freedom of movement, but you can also use a taxi, although it is worth considering that an individual transfer over long distances may cost more than 100–150 dollars, while local route taxis known as "públicos" offer a more budget-friendly, but less predictable option.

Preparing for a trip to Aguadilla does not require complex logistics, but knowledge of local features will make your holiday much more comfortable and safe. We have compiled a list of important recommendations that will help you quickly adapt to the rhythm of life in this sunny corner of Puerto Rico.

1. Clothing and Belongings. The climate here is tropical and humid, so give preference to breathable clothing made from natural fabrics, such as cotton or linen. Be sure to take a head covering, sunglasses, and high SPF cream with you. In the evening or in rooms with strong air conditioning, a light cardigan or windbreaker may be useful.
2. Transport. The most convenient way to get around is a rented car. Public transport is poorly developed and runs irregularly, which may complicate access to remote beaches. Taxis and services like Uber are available, but renting a car will give you complete freedom of action.
3. Finances. The official currency is the US Dollar (USD). Credit and debit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it is recommended to carry cash (small notes) for paying for purchases in small kiosks, street food stalls, or at beach car parks.
4. Health and Safety. Aguadilla is a fairly calm city, but basic precautions should be observed: do not leave valuable items in the car in plain sight and avoid unlit places at night. Also, do not forget mosquito repellent, especially if you plan nature walks in the evening.
5. Communication. The main language of communication is Spanish, but English is widely spoken, especially in the tourism sector. Locals are friendly and usually willingly switch to English to help a tourist, however, learning a couple of phrases in Spanish (for example, a greeting) will show respect for the culture.
6. Local Etiquette. Puerto Ricans are open and emotional. It is customary here to greet people when entering small shops or a lift. The attitude towards time is relaxed — this is the famous "island time", so do not be surprised if service in a restaurant is leisurely.
7. What to Avoid. Do not swim on wild beaches alone if you are not confident in your swimming abilities. Aguadilla is popular among surfers, and on some sections of the coast, there may be strong underwater currents and high waves. Always pay attention to warning flags.
8. Additional Tip. If you plan to visit the famous Crash Boat Beach, try to arrive there as early as possible, especially on weekends. The car park fills up instantly, and by noon finding a place for your car will be problematic.

Following these simple tips will allow you to avoid minor troubles and focus on the main thing — enjoying magnificent sunsets and the unique atmosphere of the Caribbean coast.