Experiences
More than a place to sleep. It's a way to live on the coast for a while.
Surf, ride horses on the beach, watch paragliders drift over the coastline, see turtle hatchlings in season, and end the day with good food under warm lights.
Arenas Negra sits on Puerto Rico's north shore in Barceloneta — close enough to San Juan for an easy drive, far enough that the coastline still feels raw. The house is your basecamp, but the real story is everything you can do within a short walk or drive.
Exclusive with Juan Pimentel
Juan doesn't just know this coastline — he lives it. He lines up experiences you won't find on any booking site and brings Barceloneta to life the way only locals can.
- • Home-delivered coconuts, artisanal Puerto Rican candies, and holiday treats (tembleque in a coconut shell, coquito — Puerto Rico's tropical eggnog, pitorro de coco)
- • Rooftop crab-shack feast at the villa
- • Surf lessons, guided sessions, and GoPro water footage
- • Annual boogie-boarding tournament right behind the house
- • Summer surf camps for kids and beginners
Tell us what you want to experience and we'll coordinate with Juan before you arrive so everything is dialed in from the moment you step onto the sand.
On the water
This stretch of coast is for people who like the ocean with a little bit of attitude. Some days it's lake-calm, some days it's heaving — which is exactly what makes it fun for surfing, paddling, or just watching waves slam into the reef.
- • Surf spots and protected coves a short drive from the villa
- • Great conditions for watching big winter swells from a safe distance
- • Easy access to mellow beach days when the ocean goes glassy
If you're a surfer, bring your board or rent locally. If you're not, the coastline still puts on a show.
Along the coastline
You'll see horses on the beach, paragliders riding the thermals above the shoreline, and long empty stretches of sand in both directions. Sometimes you'll even spot the yellow markers protecting a turtle nest. It's the kind of place where you drive a little, pull over when it looks good, and step out.
- • Horseback rides on the sand with local guides
- • Paragliding from launch points along the north shore
- • Long walks on nearly empty beaches when you want quiet
We'll share our favorite local operators and spots once you book so you can line up rides and flights ahead of time if you want.
Sea turtles and seasonal magic
Parts of this coastline are active sea turtle nesting areas. In season, you may see marked nests on the sand, and — if you're lucky — hatchlings making the mad dash to the water under the supervision of local conservation groups.
- • Marked turtle nests along protected stretches of beach
- • Occasional hatchling releases managed by local volunteers
- • A reminder that you're sharing the coast with more than humans
Turtle activity is highly seasonal and not guaranteed. When it's happening, it's special.
Eat, drink, and wander
Barceloneta and the neighboring towns have that classic Puerto Rican mix of beach kiosks, open-air bars, and plazas where everyone seems to know everyone else. You can keep it low-key, or lean into the scene.
- • Beach bars and kiosks for drinks with your feet in the sand
- • Local spots for fresh seafood, frituras, and cold beer
- • Plazas where you can sit, people-watch, and just exist for a while
We'll point you to a few of our favorites once your trip is locked in.
Make Arenas Negra your base on the north coast.
Book the villa, rent a car, and give yourself enough days to actually settle into the rhythm here.
Check availability