5 Things I've Learned While Living on an Island

Growing up, I watched Blue Crush almost every day. It was my dream to live that lifestyle; to live in a small shack near the beach and surf/dive everyday. On October 8th, 2019, I booked a one way ticket to Rincon, Puerto Rico and learned some things about living off the mainland.

Convenience. We are very spoiled on the mainland. Ubers surround our neighborhoods waiting for the next pickup, Amazon packages are delivered to our doorstep on the same day, hot showers are always ready for us, and we love to shop for “things.”

Here are five things I have learned since living on an island.

Showers are not necessary everyday.

We have the ocean right outside our front door. The ocean is the best way to rinse off and refresh your body. I personally love feeling salty and having beachy hair all day. When I need to take a fresh water shower at my house, I have found cold showers are more common than hot ones. Hot water isn’t always a guarantee on the island. So, the ocean is usually your best bet if you want to rinse off.

Shop locally.

Since the island is limited with stores you might find on the mainland, we shop at small, locally owned businesses. Instead of going to Starbucks, I go to one of my favorite breakfast places, The Juice Box, to buy coffee and eat a yummy acai bowl.

The Farmer’s market is hosted in downtown Rincon every Sunday, packed with fresh fruits, vegetables, and locally made products, such as essential oils and art.

I hardly shop for bikinis (because I have so many), but when I do, I ask Oakum Collection to create a custom suit. Her suits are sourced from Puerto Rican family-owned businesses, affordably priced, and super cute!

Many of the restaurants source fish caught by local fisherman.

Airbnb’s run the town. They outnumber hotels like crazy. You’ll find better luck renting an airbnb that is near a great surf spot and it’s a great way to meet and support locals.

Food, fish, coconuts, and locally made products are much more appreciated and taste much better when they are made and caught locally.

Living on an island makes adventuring very easy.

There are so many things to do on the island of Puerto Rico, in such a short distance. It’s filled with adventure. There are waterfalls everywhere, near and far. You can practically do anything in the ocean- surfing, diving, spearfishing, fishing, foil-boarding, paddleboarding, sailing, etc. A few hours away, you can cruise through the mangroves in La Parguera on small rental boats. Off the east coast of Puerto Rico, there are plenty of little islands to visit, too. There is a limitless supply of activities and adventure that await, all you need to do is pick an adventure and go for it.

The island lifestyle is priority- “Island time”

I’m sure you have heard of “Island Time.” The fun and easy going lifestyle is priority for most people living on the island. Many Americans move to Puerto Rico to escape the hustle and bustle of corporate culture and make a living by tourism. They own and work for small businesses in Rincon, anywhere from restaurants, dive shops, foil-boarding schools, to small boutiques and car rental services.

Surfing, fishing, and diving are usually what small talk is about; what the forecast looks like, how the winds and waves are coming around the coast, what fish is swimming around in local waters, and which dive spot looks best.

At the end of the day, you can find everyone at the happy hour bar near the beach to watch the best sunsets the Caribbean has to offer.

Minimalism

I’ve learned that living on an island, less is more. It’s hard to find long-term rentals in Rincon because so many places have turned into airbnb’s for short-term rentals. My boyfriend and I were lucky enough to have friends that were not using their house this season and we were able to rent it from them. The house is small, but perfect for just us two. We have a million-dollar view of the ocean and the best surf break in Puerto Rico. I would like to have a little more room to put surfboards and dive gear in, but I’m perfectly content the way we are living.

I also don’t save money for “things” anymore. I save for experiences, such as the next freediving course or upcoming trip.

I only have two small complaints. Work is hard to find here. If you don’t own a business, it’s hard to find a real job to make good money. Rincon runs on small businesses and there really are no big corporations. But, we all support each other and that’s the best part of such an awesome community.

The second complaint is the MOSQUITOS!!!!!! They are terrible. Before we installed a magnetic screen door, you could see me swinging the tennis racquet bug zapper around constantly.