all the great beaches our on the west side of the island RINCON AND ISABELA would be better choices. you are going yo have a tough time getting around anywhere in PUERTO RICO without a car. i would reconcider not renting a car!!!!!!

good luck,

doda

So Doda.....

should we find travelling all the way to Rincon a hassle, what beaches do we have available in Ponce? i'm not really looking for paradise, just need a couple of jetskis, wakeboards, beach volleyball courts, booze and i'm good.

can anyone recommend great but cheap spots?

Conrad

Hey y'all!

There are several very nice beaches near Ponce, though none are walking or taxi distance away. No need to go THAT far away as to Rincon (apparently, this is the only beach known outside the Metro Area), and not the best, BTW.

The best way to travel within PR is a rental car, try Payless Rental in Ponce (787-842-9393, 787-844-9333FX). Public transportation in PR is close to non-existent, especially outside the Metro Area.

My first and closest choice would be Playa Santa in Guanica. It's a white sand beach with warm shallow water. Kinda crowded on weekends, but worth a try. Comfortably desolate on weekdays. There's a kayak, banana boat and jetski rental, with a nearby "cafetin" where you can sit down and relax while enjoying a Medalla with a coupel of "empanadillas de Chapin" (fish turnovers). It's pretty safe, and parking is available, and there's even an ATM nearby!!

To reach Guanica, go West on Road 2 and South on Route 116.

My second choice would be Caña Gorda. It's a little off the beaten path, but all you need to do is keep driving past Copamarina Resort. It's a dead-end road, so you can't get lost.

To get to Copamarina, go West on Road 2 and South on Route 116 to Guánica. Follow Route 333 to Caña Gorda; the resort is located at KM 6.5, and keep going 'til you reach this beach.

Deeper water, a BEAUTIFUL palm grove nearby (few of those left in PR), a HUGE strip of sand, and few people, even on weekends. Don't expect much nearby (which might be the whole purpose), no parking, no food, no payphones, NOTHING!! This is a close to paradise as you can get, while still staying on a paved road...

I live in Ponce, so let me know if you need more tourist info. There are a TON of cool places, nightlife, attractions, history and even a couple of 30's Art Deco buildings and houses to visit in Ponce. It's like San Juan, but without the 2 hour gridlock @ 4PM.

Geez, I hope no "metropolinos" read this...

Enjoy!!

Bijol...

You won't find a hotel for $30 in Puerto Rico.

For transportation and tours in Ponce contact Jusino at www.aventuraspuertorico.com

Hey, about how long would it take (if I rented a car and drove) to get to Playa Santa, Caña Gorda, or Copamarina from Ponce?

Thanks!

Amanda

About half an hour to each, give or take a few minutes...

The closest nice beach is Playa Santa and the Guanica area. There are some condo rentals and small B&B's there. Ponce is on the coast but no beaches worth visiting. Another option besides renting a car (which might be your best option) is taking public transportation (publico) to another area like the Rincon or Aguadilla areas (west) or San Juan (Isla Verde or Condado). Ask at the airport where you can take a "carro publico". They might even have some there. I wouldn't stay 5 days in Ponce unless I had friends or family there.