Puerto Rico Things to Do ⎮ Puerto Rico Places to Go – Destinations ⎮ Isabela Puerto Rico
Off the beaten path, amazing beaches, surfing all year, mesmerizing natural pools…
Go Horseback Riding on the Coastline of Isabela
We were the first travel guide to cover Isabela in detail, we love it so much we wanted to share it with the world.
Isabela is a destination replete with amusements for visitors as diverse as families, nature lovers, surfers, golfers, foodies, and eco-travelers. Comb beaches of glittering sand for sea glass and shells. Wonder at the wilds of cliffs and tidal pools. Catch world-class waves while you balance on a polished surfboard and go golfing across a carpet of perfect green at Royal Isabela.
Explore the Beaches of Isabela, Puerto Rico
You can spend a full week enjoying the beaches of Isabela at a relaxed pace. Isabela delivers an excellent beach escape for the whole family; if you love to surf, go beachcombing, listen to the surf, or relax with small children on clear shallow waters of tidal pools, Isabela has a beach for you.
Related Guides: Isabela Travel Guide ⎮ Isabela Best Places to Stay ⎮ Best beaches in Isabela ⎮ Isabela Best Things to Do
Golfing in Isabela, Puerto Rico
Isabela has been mostly known for its surfing beaches, but with the creation of Golf Links at Royal Isabela, this town will soon boast to be home to one of the best and most well-planned golf courses in the Caribbean. Golf Links sits on top of the most breathtaking clifftop of Isabela, overlooking the Atlantic, with a design inspired by the natural contours of the land. Isabela is a golfing destination unlike no other in Puerto Rico, quickly gaining attention and admiration around the world.
Top Rated Hotels in Isabela, Puerto Rico
Surfing in Isabela
When it comes to surfing in Puerto Rico, Isabela rivals the nearby town of Rincon to the west, but many locals argue that Isabela is much better because the surf is good all year round. Middles Beach in Isabela has hosted the famous annual Corona Pro Surfing Tournament. Jobos Beach is just west of Middles Beach and is good for beginner surfers, locals and visitors love it for all the local beachfront restaurants nearby. Beginners are encouraged to schedule lessons with friendly experienced guides who will also advise about safety on Isabela’s beaches.
Top Rated Surfing Lessons in Isabela & Nearby Rincon
Snorkeling in Isabela
Bring your snorkel gear and your whole family to experience the magic and wonder of the tropical underwater world. Isabela’s natural pools offer small children a safe place to learn how to snorkel. Playa El Pastillo has a secret snorkeling spot on the east side, water is only calm during the summer months. The reefs at Shacks Beach are very interesting with views of the caverns deep below.
Top Snorkeling Tours on the West Coast of Puerto Rico
Scuba Diving in Isabela
The west coast of Puerto Rico offers exciting adventures for scuba divers, and Isabela offers divers an opportunity to explore the caverns of the Blue Hole. It is advised to schedule a tour with a local professional guide who knows the caverns well, Open Water certification is required.
There are various scuba shops that offer a variety of Padi Recreational Certifications. Beyond Isabela, world-class diving adventures await in the towns of Guanica, Lajas, Mona Island, Desecheo Island, and Crash Boat Beach in Aguadilla.
Top Rated Scuba Diving Tours on the West Coast of Puerto Rico
Horseback Tours in Isabela
You walked the beaches, you admired the breathtaking landscape from your lounge chair…exploring the shores by horse will give you a totally different perspective. Horseback riding on the beach is a therapeutic activity, the beauty of the scenery, the gentle sounds of the ocean, the cooling breeze caressing your skin and the sound of horses galloping on the sand will erase all your cares away. When you get back home, you can close your eyes and re-live the experience. Whether you’re celebrating love or spending quality time with the whole family, you’ll cherish the experience forever.
Horseback Riding Tours in Isabela, Puerto Rico
Guajataca Tunnel
Be sure to visit the Guajataca Tunnel where you can spend a full day enjoying a number of activities. Kayak or paddleboard up the Guajataca River, hang your hammock on palm trees and relax, unwind at the natural infinity pool (when the conditions allow), go for a walk across the railroad tunnel, and continue the hiking trail for breathtaking scenery.
Pozo de Jacinto is an obligatory scenic stop while visiting Isabela. Pozo de Jacinto is a beautiful pit cave, just up the hill from the Jobos Beach parking lot. Originally, this cave was called El Pozo de Jobos (Jobos Well). According to the legend, there was a farmer named Jacinto….
Go Hiking in Isabela, Puerto Rico
The unique landscape of Isabela’s coastline makes it a wonderful destination for long hikes/walks on the beach. The Guajataca Tunnel offers a nice trail along the shore and through a historic path where the railroad used to chug along. High up in the lush mountains, you can explore the trails of Bosque Estatal Guajataca (Guajataca State Forest). The whole family can enjoy hiking through interpretive trails where you can learn about the native flora, and visit a cave. The trail is shady, the temperature is cooler and the only sounds you’ll hear are birds singing and the breeze moving through the landscape.
The Original Cara del Indio
The original Indian face was artfully carved by nature alone on a cliff facing the beautiful beach of Playa El Pastillo. This place feels sacred and it’s certainly worth a visit. You’ll have to come during the summer months when the winter waters recede and allow passage. On the side of the Native’s (“Indian”) face, you can enjoy a very special natural treasure… when the tide is low, you can walk into the side of the Indian face to admire a sub-marine cave that fills up with fresh water from the mountains.
Paseo Lineal / Coastal Trail
Isabela is one of the top destinations in Puerto Rico for bicycling. The town did a nice job creating a coastal trail with sea views where visitors can make stops at beaches and casual local restaurants. Along Route 466, walkers, joggers, and cyclists can amble the attractive coastal boardwalk. Unlike popular boardwalks on the mainland USA, the focus here is nature. You won’t find crowds or a busy business stretch; this is a place to unwind with the natural allure of the Isabela coastline. A great spot is along Middles Beach, where you can observe surfers riding the Atlantic waves.
Kayaking & SUP in Isabela, Puerto Rico
The Guajataca River is a wonderful place to take the whole family for a kayaking adventure.
Cara del Indio / Monumento Mabodomaca
Guajataca State Forest & Cave Tour
Take a break from the sun and traverse deep into the mountains to explore the cool shaded trails of Bosque Estatal de Guajataca (Guajtataca State Forest) & La Cueva Del Viento (Del Viento Cave), nestled in the karst region. Highlights include karst formations and Cueva (Cave) del Viento. The Guajataca Forest is an educational and adventurous place for those that love to be embraced by nature. At the Guajataca Forest, you can enjoy birdwatching, cave exploring, and learning about the native flora on the interpretive trail.
Plaza de Recreo de Isabela, Puerto Rico
At the center of Isabela, visitors can visit the colorful and charming town, featuring the traditional plaza, the historic Catholic church, relaxed cafés, restaurants, and government offices.
The plaza in Isabela is an active cultural center where you can immerse yourself in the welcoming culture of Puerto Ricans. Many free events are held throughout the year with live music, crafts, delicious food, and more. Festive and fun, the plaza becomes a neighborhood party to which all are invited.
Cristo de los Machado
Cristo de los Machados, a statue with the image of Christ, is the most beloved statue in the town of Isabela. The large crucifix was a gift donated to the Catholic church of Isabela by Juan Machado Diaz. The statue was a show of appreciation for the miracle of his family surviving a shipwreck from the Canary Islands to Puerto Rico. In 1918, the town suffered an earthquake, leaving the entire temple destroyed, but the wall in which this statue was hanging remained intact.
Ruins of Ermita San Antonio…
Tour the main historical site of Isabela on which the town was originally established back in 1725.
Epifanía de los Tres Reyes Magos / Feast of the Epiphany with the Three Kings
Everyone that knows Puerto Ricans, is well aware that Christmas is a very special time. The Three Kings are the most beloved personalities at Christmas, bringing gifts to children in January 6. Just about every town in Puerto Rico celebrates Three Kings Day with a special event celebrated at the plaza. Isabela’s Three Kings are the only ones in Puerto Rico who also compose and sing, sharing the Christmas message of love and peace. If you happen to be visiting Isabela on the 5th and 6th of January, be sure to attend the Three Kings Christmas event at the Plaza Manuel Corchado y Juarbe in center town.
Paso Fino Horses
Isabela is the place to learn and admire the sport of racing Paso Fino horses. Since 1966, Paso Fino racing is the national sport of Puerto Rico, Isabela is proud to continue the tradition and do it best than any other municipality on the island. When you visit Isabela, be sure to check the town calendar for a Paso Fino event.
Shopping in Isabela, PR
Should you desire a break from the beach, need groceries at a supermarket, or just feel like shopping for whatever, you can do so in Isabela. Venture into the town square, a very safe area, park free on the street, and walk around the surrounding blocks to visit local clothing and jewelry shops, pharmacies, and the Plaza de Mercado (farmer’s market) where you’re certain to find something you need. Or, head further south to the Plaza Isabela shopping mall, at the intersection of PR Routes 2 and 4470, where you’ll find U.S. “chain” stores and restaurants. Please reference the map below and zoom in to see names of stores in the aforementioned areas.
Tours in Isabela, Puerto Rico
Content - Isabela Puerto Rico Guides
Isabela Puerto Rico Guides
Map - Isabela, Puerto Rico
Beaches, Top Attractions, Best Hotels / Resorts & Local ServicesPuerto Rico Things to Do ⎮ Puerto Rico Places to Go – Destinations ⎮ Isabela Puerto Rico