Visit Punta Higuero Light House (Faro Punta Higüeras) to enjoy the unblemished natural beauty of Rincón’s Caribbean coastline. Gaze longingly at beautiful beaches, where surfers ride big breakers before the waves crash onto the shore. Watch the sun drift down over the horizon, spot humpback whales and snap unforgettable photographs.
Punta Higuero Light House dates back to 1892 and was constructed by Puerto Rico’s government, Spanish at the time. It serves to guide seafarers safely through the Mona Passage, a strait between Puerto Rico Island and Hispaniola. A tsunami caused severe damage to the original building in 1918 and the U.S Coast Guard inaugurated the present 70-foot-tall (21-meter) lighthouse in 1922. Gaze up at its cylindrical and whitewashed tower topped by an automated beam.
El Faro Park surrounds the lighthouse. It features benches, pergola-style shelters, tree-lined lawns and wooden walkways. Follow the path running north from the lighthouse to a viewpoint of Domes Beach. Stop to admire the surfers riding the beach’s world-famous waves. At the opposite end of the park look down on Indicators Beach, another popular surf spot.
Bring your camera and take advantage of the excellent photo opportunities offered by the palm-fringed coastline. Catch a glimpse of dolphins and seals frolicking in the waves. Come between January and March to see migrating humpback whales. Early evening is magical here, when the sun paints the sky in hues of orange, red and yellow before seemingly disappearing into the sea.
Reach the lighthouse easily by car from Rincón’s town center and nearby beaches such as Maria’s Beach and Sandy Beach. Rincón has limited public transportation so rent a car to get around. Free parking is available outside the park. The entrance to Domes Beach is a 5-minute walk from the parking lot.
Punta Higuero Light House and El Faro Park are open daily and admission to both is free. View displays on the history of the museum in the building at the base. The tower itself is not accessible to visitors.
