Quick answer
This is our main guide to Aguadilla, PR, the town on Puerto Rico’s northwest corner. Officially founded in 1780, it later grew around Ramey Air Force Base, whose airfield the island government took over in 1973 and now serves as the area’s airport.
Updated October 11, 2026. Facts come from the U.S. Census Bureau, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Ramey history), Puerto Rico's DRNA via Wikipedia, and OpenStreetMap routing.
Aguadilla is a surf town and air gateway on the far northwest corner of Puerto Rico, about two hours' drive from San Juan. It has its own international airport in the former Ramey Air Force Base, a string of beaches from Crash Boat to Wilderness, and an easy base for exploring Isabela, Rincón and the rest of the west coast.
Quick facts
| Region | Northwest coast ("Porta del Sol" tourism region) |
| Population | 55,101 (2020 Census); est. 53,219 in 2025 |
| Founded | 1775 |
| Airport | Rafael Hernández International (BQN), on the former Ramey AFB |
| From San Juan (SJU) | ~88 miles, about 2 hours without traffic |
| Known for | Surfing, Crash Boat Beach, Ramey history |
Getting to Aguadilla
- Fly direct into Aguadilla (BQN). Rafael Hernández Airport occupies the old Ramey airfield, now run by the Puerto Rico Ports Authority. Flying here saves the long drive if you're staying on the west coast.
- Drive from San Juan. About 88 miles and roughly two hours from SJU without traffic, mostly on PR-22 west and then PR-2. Read renting a car in Puerto Rico.
- Getting around: a car is the practical choice. Beaches, Ramey and town are spread out, and public transport is limited.
Beaches and surfing
Aguadilla has 19 beaches, the most of any municipality, according to Puerto Rico's natural resources department (DRNA). Its best-known surf breaks include Surfer's Beach, Gas Chambers, Crash Boat and Wilderness, and the town hosted the ISA World Surfing Championship in 1988.
Crash Boat Beach is the classic stop. It lies between Ramey and downtown, and its pier remains date back to the military rescue boats that raced out to pick up downed airmen, which is where the name comes from. Today people swim, snorkel and jump off the pier.
Winter swells make the outer reefs dangerous for beginners. Check conditions and swim where others are swimming. See our full guides to Aguadilla beaches, Crash Boat Beach and surfing in Puerto Rico.
Ramey: from air base to airport
The U.S. government began buying land here in 1939 for what was first called Borinquen Field. During World War II it supported reconnaissance flights against German U-boats. It was renamed Ramey Air Force Base in 1948 under Strategic Air Command, and B-52 crews stood alert here until 1972. The Air Force deactivated the base in 1973. Today the old base holds the airport, government facilities, businesses and housing, plus the Punta Borinquen golf course and lighthouse ruins.
Things to see in and around town
- Crash Boat Beach and the north-shore surf beaches
- Punta Borinquen lighthouse and its ruins, near Ramey
- El Parterre downtown, home to the Ojo de Agua spring that early settlers and Spanish soldiers used for water. (The town's name is a diminutive of neighboring Aguada; its full original name was San Carlos de La Aguadilla.)
- Parque Cristóbal Colón, with its Columbus monument
- Ramey Skate Park
More ideas in things to do in Aguadilla. Nearby day trips: Isabela to the east and Rincón to the south.
Where to stay and safety
For hotels, guesthouses and rentals, see where to stay in Aguadilla and the Aguadilla lodging directory. Is it safe? Our Aguadilla safety guide covers the details.
FAQ
Where is Aguadilla?
On the northwest tip of Puerto Rico, about 88 miles (around 2 hours) west of San Juan's airport.
Does Aguadilla have an airport?
Yes. Rafael Hernández International Airport (BQN), on the former Ramey Air Force Base.
Is Aguadilla good for surfing?
Yes. Surfer's Beach, Gas Chambers, Crash Boat and Wilderness are well-known breaks, and the town hosted the 1988 ISA World Surfing Championship.
Why is it called Crash Boat Beach?
The pier was built for military rescue boats ("crash boats") that went out to rescue downed airmen from Ramey.
How many people live in Aguadilla?
55,101 at the 2020 Census.
Sources we checked
Checked in October 2026. Where a fact could not be confirmed against a primary source, we removed it or said so.
Originally published on PuertoRico.com (2022-10-17). Reviewed and updated October 2026: facts were checked against the sources above.