Jim’s guidebook for Isabela and surrounding areas
City/town information
Isabela is a region on Puerto Rico’s northwest coast. To the west, Jobos Beach has a sheltered cove opening up to more powerful surf. Nearby, Shacks Beach has underwater caves and coral reefs. To the east, the abandoned Guajataca Tunnel leads to the rugged coastline of Guajataca Beach. Inland, forest trails in the Bosque Estatal de Guajataca lead to Cueva del Viento, a cave filled with limestone formations. ― Google
Population: 41,707 (2019)
Hotels: 3-star averaging $148. View hotels
Area: 238.1 km² (143.4 km² Land / 94.74 km² Water)
Unemployment rate: 8.2% (Aug 2020)
Rivers: Río Guajataca, Quebrada La Minga
University: Escuela de Peritos Electricitas de Isabela
Discover the perfect beachside getaway.
Isabela is the type of beach town you visit for the weekend to get away from hectic urban life. The beaches accommodate surfers, swimmers, and snorkelers. There's a state forest for hiking, camping, and lake activities, and there are even luxury resorts with exceptional cocktails. This town has something for everybody, as long as your goal is to relax and unwind.
Surfing
Isabela's beaches offer conditions for all levels of surfing experience. Middles beach is the most advanced, a stretch of sandy beach with powerful currents and rocky sections offshore where waves break. Jobos beach is also very popular and has sections that are appropriate for swimmers, as well as a number of restaurants, bars, and surf shops.
Snorkeling and Beaches
For snorkeling visit Shacks beach, although be warned the current is strong and the seabed rocky and covered in coral reef. Montones beach also offers great snorkeling and is protected from the Atlantic currents by an enormous formation of volcanic rocks creating a pool that's safe for swimming. There's also family-friendly Villa Pesquera Beach, which has tranquil water and food kiosks nearby.
https://www.discoverpuertorico.com/profile/villa-pesquera-beach/8992
https://www.discoverpuertorico.com/profile/middles-beach/9471
https://www.discoverpuertorico.com/profile/shacks-beach/8987
Pozo de Teodoro is the prettiest natural pool in Puerto Rico.
https://www.puertoricotravelguide.com/playa-pozo-teodoro-teodoro-isabela-puerto-rico/
Paseo Lineal de Isabela
Paseo Lineal de Isabela is 4.5-mile cycling and jogging lane that follows the coast, reaching famous beaches like Jobos and Montones, with sections in asphalt, packed sand, and boardwalk. On weekends companies like Pedalea Isabela offer bike rentals to enjoy the Paseo Lineal.
https://greatruns.com/puerto-rico-route-466-paseo-tablado-de-isabela/
A massive face carved into the side of a steep stone cliff
Monument to Cacique Mabodamaca
As you drive down PR-2 through Isabela you'll come across a giant stone sculpture carved right into the mountainside called Monument to Cacique Mabodamaca, or more colloquially La Cara del Indio (the Indian's Face). This sculpture was made in honor of Taíno chief Mabodamaca whose tribe occupied the region known as Guajataca and who went to war with the Spanish.
https://www.quebradillas.pr.gov/cacique-mabodamaca/
Guajataca State Forest
The Guajataca State Forest spans several towns including Isabela, Lares, and San Sebastián. Camping in Guajataca State Forest can be arranged through the Puerto Rico Natural and Environmental Resources Department. Facilities include parking, gazebos, fresh water, and bathrooms. The forest system has several trails, including one that leads to the Cueva del Viento, and an observation tower. You can also enjoy kayaking and fishing at Guajataca Lake and visit the Guajataca Tunnel and coastal trail.
https://www.discoverpuertorico.com/profile/bosque-estatal-de-guajataca/1718
https://www.discoverpuertorico.com/profile/el-tunel-del-tren-en-guajataca/8071
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Isabela
Isabela is a region on Puerto Rico’s northwest coast. To the west, Jobos Beach has a sheltered cove opening up to more powerful surf. Nearby, Shacks Beach has underwater caves and coral reefs. To the east, the abandoned Guajataca Tunnel leads to the rugged coastline of Guajataca Beach. Inland, forest trails in the Bosque Estatal de Guajataca lead to Cueva del Viento, a cave filled with limestone formations. ― Google
Population: 41,707 (2019)
Hotels: 3-star averaging $148. View hotels
Area: 238.1 km² (143.4 km² Land / 94.74 km² Water)
Unemployment rate: 8.2% (Aug 2020)
Rivers: Río Guajataca, Quebrada La Minga
University: Escuela de Peritos Electricitas de Isabela
Discover the perfect beachside getaway.
Isabela is the type of beach town you visit for the weekend to get away from hectic urban life. The beaches accommodate surfers, swimmers, and snorkelers. There's a state forest for hiking, camping, and lake activities, and there are even luxury resorts with exceptional cocktails. This town has something for everybody, as long as your goal is to relax and unwind.
Surfing
Isabela's beaches offer conditions for all levels of surfing experience. Middles beach is the most advanced, a stretch of sandy beach with powerful currents and rocky sections offshore where waves break. Jobos beach is also very popular and has sections that are appropriate for swimmers, as well as a number of restaurants, bars, and surf shops.
Snorkeling and Beaches
For snorkeling visit Shacks beach, although be warned the current is strong and the seabed rocky and covered in coral reef. Montones beach also offers great snorkeling and is protected from the Atlantic currents by an enormous formation of volcanic rocks creating a pool that's safe for swimming. There's also family-friendly Villa Pesquera Beach, which has tranquil water and food kiosks nearby.
https://www.discoverpuertorico.com/profile/villa-pesquera-beach/8992
https://www.discoverpuertorico.com/profile/middles-beach/9471
https://www.discoverpuertorico.com/profile/shacks-beach/8987
Pozo de Teodoro is the prettiest natural pool in Puerto Rico.
https://www.puertoricotravelguide.com/playa-pozo-teodoro-teodoro-isabela-puerto-rico/
Paseo Lineal de Isabela
Paseo Lineal de Isabela is 4.5-mile cycling and jogging lane that follows the coast, reaching famous beaches like Jobos and Montones, with sections in asphalt, packed sand, and boardwalk. On weekends companies like Pedalea Isabela offer bike rentals to enjoy the Paseo Lineal.
https://greatruns.com/puerto-rico-route-466-paseo-tablado-de-isabela/
A massive face carved into the side of a steep stone cliff
Monument to Cacique Mabodamaca
As you drive down PR-2 through Isabela you'll come across a giant stone sculpture carved right into the mountainside called Monument to Cacique Mabodamaca, or more colloquially La Cara del Indio (the Indian's Face). This sculpture was made in honor of Taíno chief Mabodamaca whose tribe occupied the region known as Guajataca and who went to war with the Spanish.
https://www.quebradillas.pr.gov/cacique-mabodamaca/
Guajataca State Forest
The Guajataca State Forest spans several towns including Isabela, Lares, and San Sebastián. Camping in Guajataca State Forest can be arranged through the Puerto Rico Natural and Environmental Resources Department. Facilities include parking, gazebos, fresh water, and bathrooms. The forest system has several trails, including one that leads to the Cueva del Viento, and an observation tower. You can also enjoy kayaking and fishing at Guajataca Lake and visit the Guajataca Tunnel and coastal trail.
https://www.discoverpuertorico.com/profile/bosque-estatal-de-guajataca/1718
https://www.discoverpuertorico.com/profile/el-tunel-del-tren-en-guajataca/8071
Food scene
Great Mojitos, great food and a spectacular view!
https://www.facebook.com/jobosmojitobeachbarandrestaurant/
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Jobos Mojito Beach Bar and Restaurant
Puerto Rico 466Great Mojitos, great food and a spectacular view!
https://www.facebook.com/jobosmojitobeachbarandrestaurant/
Due to Covid they are only doing take-out but it is delicious.
https://www.facebook.com/runsushirun/
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Run Sushi Run
Puerto Rico 107Due to Covid they are only doing take-out but it is delicious.
https://www.facebook.com/runsushirun/
Amazing food! Fine dining experience.
https://www.facebook.com/cincorestaurant/
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Cinco Restaurant
Amazing food! Fine dining experience.
https://www.facebook.com/cincorestaurant/
The upper deck is open air with view of the beach across the street. Very close to our AirBnB
https://www.facebook.com/Delpinseafood/
Delpin Sea Food
BoThe upper deck is open air with view of the beach across the street. Very close to our AirBnB
https://www.facebook.com/Delpinseafood/
Good Chinese food. In Puerto Rico the Chinese restaurant combinations come with fried rice and french fries.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ying-Ying-Restaurant-Comida-China/162870364661601
Ying Ying Restaurant
90 Calle ImperialGood Chinese food. In Puerto Rico the Chinese restaurant combinations come with fried rice and french fries.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ying-Ying-Restaurant-Comida-China/162870364661601
Great pizza with dine-in, take-out and delivery
https://www.facebook.com/Marcos-Pizza-Puerto-Rico-109699440617745/
Marco’s Pizza Isabela
Great pizza with dine-in, take-out and delivery
https://www.facebook.com/Marcos-Pizza-Puerto-Rico-109699440617745/
Great Beer and food. The Mac and Cheese Burger is awesome.
https://beerboxpr.com/
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The Beer Box
Puerto Rico 110Great Beer and food. The Mac and Cheese Burger is awesome.
https://beerboxpr.com/
The restaurant is right on the beach. You can watch the surfers while dining.
https://www.facebook.com/sonidodelmarpr/
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Sonido del Mar Restaurant
466 Bo. BajurasThe restaurant is right on the beach. You can watch the surfers while dining.
https://www.facebook.com/sonidodelmarpr/
Locally made fruit/Ice cream snacks.
https://www.facebook.com/palefruta/
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Palefruta
L1 Calle José Celso BarbosaLocally made fruit/Ice cream snacks.
https://www.facebook.com/palefruta/
Bakery with fresh pastries, cafe and breakfast & lunch
Puerto Rico's Famous Artisanal Jelly Roll (BRAZO GITANO)
https://foursquare.com/v/ricomini-bakery-isabela/526676bc11d23662c5b69c01
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Ricomini Bakery
Bakery with fresh pastries, cafe and breakfast & lunch
Puerto Rico's Famous Artisanal Jelly Roll (BRAZO GITANO)
https://foursquare.com/v/ricomini-bakery-isabela/526676bc11d23662c5b69c01
Khalan Thai
Good Thai Restaurant
https://www.facebook.com/KhalanThaiPR/
Acai fruit bowls, fresh fruit bowls & fresh fruit and yogurt bowls.
https://www.facebook.com/koaacai2018/
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Koa Acai
Puerto Rico 4466Acai fruit bowls, fresh fruit bowls & fresh fruit and yogurt bowls.
https://www.facebook.com/koaacai2018/
This Restaurant Bar is located at Crashboat beach in Aguadilla and is eco-friendly and dog-friendly (if leashed).
Cocoloba at Crash Boat - Blue Sand Collection
This Restaurant Bar is located at Crashboat beach in Aguadilla and is eco-friendly and dog-friendly (if leashed).
Considered to have the Best Mofongo around. A very traditional dish made from plantains. It is like the Puerto Rican mashed potatoes but I think it's more like stuffing with gravy.
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By Cheff's Foodtruck Restaurant
Considered to have the Best Mofongo around. A very traditional dish made from plantains. It is like the Puerto Rican mashed potatoes but I think it's more like stuffing with gravy.
Activities
Surf lessons available here.
https://www.waveridingvehicles.com/pages/wrv-puerto-rico
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Wave Riding Vehicles (WRV) PR
4566 PR-466Surf lessons available here.
https://www.waveridingvehicles.com/pages/wrv-puerto-rico
Aquatica Dive and Surf
Calle AnegadaDive, snorkel or surf
https://www.aquaticapr.com/
They have Bio Bay trips as well as snorkeling and diving trips. This is the only Bio Bay tour where you can actually get in the water and snorkel.
https://www.paradisescubasnorkelingpr.com/
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Paradise Scuba & Schnorchelzentrum
They have Bio Bay trips as well as snorkeling and diving trips. This is the only Bio Bay tour where you can actually get in the water and snorkel.
https://www.paradisescubasnorkelingpr.com/
Ride horses on the beach.
https://tropicaltrailrides.com/
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Tropical Trail Rides
Ride horses on the beach.
https://tropicaltrailrides.com/
The longest zip line in the America's and the 2nd longest zip line in the world.
https://www.toroverdepr.com/
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Toro Verde Adventure Park
State Route 155The longest zip line in the America's and the 2nd longest zip line in the world.
https://www.toroverdepr.com/
SKYDIVE PUERTO RICO
Interested in skydiving?
https://puertoricoskydive.com/
Paramotor flights available just past Villa Pesquera on the beach.
https://www.volarpr.com/tandem/
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Villa Pesquera
Paramotor flights available just past Villa Pesquera on the beach.
https://www.volarpr.com/tandem/
The Links at Royal Isabela extend dramatically along cliffs 200 feet above the ocean, and drop to areas of natural sand dunes along the Atlantic. Our golf course is alive with plants, birds and butterflies native to Isabela, Puerto Rico. Sod-faced bunkers add a Scottish flair to this island gem. All of these elements, along with trade winds that are your friend one moment and your foe the next, shape the course’s character and captivate the golf purist. http://https://royalisabela.com/golf/
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Royal Isabela Golf Course
396 Av. Noel EstradaThe Links at Royal Isabela extend dramatically along cliffs 200 feet above the ocean, and drop to areas of natural sand dunes along the Atlantic. Our golf course is alive with plants, birds and butterflies native to Isabela, Puerto Rico. Sod-faced bunkers add a Scottish flair to this island gem. All of these elements, along with trade winds that are your friend one moment and your foe the next, shape the course’s character and captivate the golf purist. http://https://royalisabela.com/golf/
Sightseeing
Great for snorkeling and you can rent jet skis and paddle board and there are local food vendors on the beach.
https://www.puertoricodaytrips.com/crash-boat-beach/
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Crash Boat Strand (Schnorcheln)
Great for snorkeling and you can rent jet skis and paddle board and there are local food vendors on the beach.
https://www.puertoricodaytrips.com/crash-boat-beach/
Has been recently restored and there are amazing murals prior to the tunnel which give you some amazing photo opportunities.
https://www.discoverpuertorico.com/profile/el-tunel-del-tren-en-guajataca/8071
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Guajataca-Tunnel
Avenida Noel EstradaHas been recently restored and there are amazing murals prior to the tunnel which give you some amazing photo opportunities.
https://www.discoverpuertorico.com/profile/el-tunel-del-tren-en-guajataca/8071
https://www.discoverpuertorico.com/profile/bosque-estatal-de-guajataca/1718
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Guajataca State Forest
https://www.discoverpuertorico.com/profile/bosque-estatal-de-guajataca/1718
Easy access to beautiful waterfalls. There is a parking area that charges $5 but well worth it as they have the easy trails to the falls.
https://www.puertoricodaytrips.com/gozalandia-falls/
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Gozalandia Hiking Area
Sector LechuzaEasy access to beautiful waterfalls. There is a parking area that charges $5 but well worth it as they have the easy trails to the falls.
https://www.puertoricodaytrips.com/gozalandia-falls/
Nice boardwalk out of Jobos Beach
https://greatruns.com/puerto-rico-route-466-paseo-tablado-de-isabela/
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Paseo Tablado de Isabela
Nice boardwalk out of Jobos Beach
https://greatruns.com/puerto-rico-route-466-paseo-tablado-de-isabela/
Nice day trip and beautiful place to watch the sunset.
https://www.puertoricodaytrips.com/cabo-rojo-lighthouse/
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Leuchtturm Cabo Rojo
Nice day trip and beautiful place to watch the sunset.
https://www.puertoricodaytrips.com/cabo-rojo-lighthouse/
He is normally only there on the weekends, you get a bamboo straw with your coconut.
https://m.facebook.com/profile.php?id=397424414293351
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Coco Truck
Puerto Rico 466He is normally only there on the weekends, you get a bamboo straw with your coconut.
https://m.facebook.com/profile.php?id=397424414293351
Surfing beach, restaurants, bars and a boardwalk
https://www.puertoricotravelguide.com/jobos-beach-isabela-puerto-rico/
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Playa Jobos
Surfing beach, restaurants, bars and a boardwalk
https://www.puertoricotravelguide.com/jobos-beach-isabela-puerto-rico/
The legend goes that he leaped off the cliffs of Isabela to escape the capture of the Spanish. Nature made sure that Isabela's beloved chief was not forgotten.
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Cara del Indio
Puerto Rico 2The legend goes that he leaped off the cliffs of Isabela to escape the capture of the Spanish. Nature made sure that Isabela's beloved chief was not forgotten.