Aguadilla

Introducing Aguadilla

Central Aguadilla occupies a small sliver of land wedged between Hwy 2 and the sea. Famous for its world-class surf beaches, colorful marine life and now defunct US air-force base, it is not an ugly place, but like many Puerto Rican towns the older sections have been largely abandoned in favor of generic out-of-town shopping malls (most of which infest Hwy 2).

The early colonizers of Aguadilla (founded in 1780) were Spanish loyalists fleeing from the Haitian invasion of Spanish Hispaniola in 1822. By the late 19th century the settlement had become an important port, but in 1918 its fortunes changed for the worse when it was ravaged by the destructive San Fermin earthquake and subsequent tsunami.

Attractions in town are thin on the ground, though a recent renovation has spruced up the central Plaza Colón. Surfers head north to the unblemished beauty of Crash Boat, Shacks and Jobos beaches, while committed golfers wheel their clubs to the windy Punta Borinquen course built for President Dwight Eisenhower. If neither activity appeals to you, give Aguadilla a body-swerve and head west to Rincón.

Last updated: Jul 22, 2009