Aguadilla, Puerto Rico

The Water Hole Villa

Aguadilla (ah-gwah-DEE-yah) popularly known as the “Town of the Water Eye.” This nickname is linked to the Chiquito River, now known as El Parterre, one of the main springs in the area and the historical center of the city. Other nicknames for Aguadilla include “the Town of Sharks,” due to the historical presence of sharks along its coasts; “the New Garden of the Atlantic,” because of its vegetation and natural attractions; and “the place where even the stones sing,” referring to local legends and the municipality’s cultural richness.

Aguadilla, a town with deep traditions, celebrates its patron saint festivities dedicated to Saint Charles Borromeo every November. These celebrations combine religious processions, folk music, food fairs, and cultural activities that reflect the identity and history of the municipality. Additionally, the city hosts sports and cultural events year-round, such as music festivals, surfing competitions, and activities in its parks and public squares.

Located on the northwest coast of Puerto Rico, Aguadilla borders the Atlantic Ocean and the municipality of Isabela to the north; Moca and Aguada to the south; Isabela and Moca to the east; and again the Atlantic Ocean to the west. Its strategic location has historically facilitated the development of its port and its connection to other regions of the island and the Caribbean.

Geographically, Aguadilla belongs to the northern coastal plains region, characterized by mostly flat terrain, with some hills and elevations such as Jiménez and Viñet hills. Its forest resources include areas of high black and white mangrove, which host numerous species of flora and fauna, including migratory birds and ecologically and commercially important fish.

Its current economy combines manufacturing with tourism. It is an important center for pharmaceutical production, plastics, rubber, leather, textiles, metals, wood, electronic machinery, and food processing. At the same time, Aguadilla is renowned for the beauty of its beaches, such as Crash Boat, Gas Chambers, and Wilderness, which attract surfers, divers, and kayaking enthusiasts. The city also offers luxury and recreational tourism options, such as the Punta Borinquen Golf Course, tourist inns, beachfront villas, and the Aguadilla Art Museum, which exhibits works by local and national artists. Its Rafael Hernández International Airport and port infrastructure strengthen commerce, connectivity, and tourism in the region.

Foundation

Aguadilla was founded in 1775 by Don Luis de Córdova when it was separated from Aguada. Originally, it had only three main streets and a small population. It is known as “The Town of the Water Eye,” “The Town of Sharks,” and more recently as “The New Garden of the Atlantic.”

The name Aguadilla comes from the indigenous word "Guadilla or Guadiya," which means garden. In 1861 it received its declaration as a town, and years later Aguadilla became the head of the third territorial department, composed of Aguada, Isabela, Lares, Moca, Rincón, and San Sebastián.

Location

The municipality of Aguadilla is located at the northwest corner of Puerto Rico. Bordering it are: the Atlantic Ocean and Isabela to the north, Moca and Aguada to the south, Isabela and Moca to the east, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west.

Area:

92.3 square kilometers / 35.5 square miles

Elevation:

110.5 feet

Population:

53,300 (2020 census)

Population Density:

578 inhabitants per km² (1,498 per mi²)

People are known as:

Aguadillanos

Aguadilla is also known as:

• The Town of the Water Eye
• The Town of Sharks
• The New Garden of the Atlantic
• Where Even the Stones Sing

Wards: Aguadilla, Puerto Rico

Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, is a coastal municipality located in the northwest region of the island. According to the 2020 Census, Aguadilla has a total population of 55,101 inhabitants.

The municipality is composed of 16 barrios, including the barrio-pueblo of Aguadilla. Below is a table with the estimated population of each barrio according to the most recent data available:

Censo 2020: Population by Wards - Aguadillaa	Population
Aguadilla Pueblo	2,412
Arenales	1,763
Borinquen	8,386
Caimital Alto	3,953
Caimital Bajo	3,898
Camaceyes	12,138
Ceiba Alta	667
Ceiba Baja	2,420
Corrales	8,546
Guerrero	3,447
Maleza Alta	1,613
Maleza Baja	3,058
Montaña	4,027
Palmar	,622
Victoria	2,043
Total	55,101

Source: Censo 2000

Aguadilla has a rich history and culture, standing out for its maritime port, beaches such as Crash Boat, and its international airport, Rafael Hernández. The city is also known for its historic architecture, such as the Concepción Fort and the Punta Borinquen Lighthouse.

Topography

Aguadilla is located in the Western Coastal Valley region, characterized by mostly flat terrain. Its most prominent geographic formations include Jiménez Hill, with an elevation of 728 feet (222 meters), and Viñet Hill, at 689 feet (210 meters).

Hydrography

The main body of water crossing Aguadilla is the Culebrinas River, part of a watershed covering approximately 322.6 square kilometers (79,716.2 acres) in northwest Puerto Rico. This river flows from Lares westward, passing through San Sebastián, Moca, Aguada, and finally emptying into the Mona Passage near Aguadilla.

Economy and Industries

Today, Aguadilla’s economy is mainly supported by the pharmaceutical industry, plastics manufacturing, electronics, textiles, and food processing.

Additionally, its tourism activity has grown considerably thanks to the natural beauty of its beaches, Rafael Hernández Airport (former Ramey Air Base), and its offerings in sports, cultural, and gastronomic recreation.

The Las Américas Industrial Park and Ramey Base host various local and international companies, including logistics and technology centers.

Average Salary

According to 2022 data, the average weekly salary in Aguadilla is $693.04. Nationally, the average weekly salary is $1,042.74, indicating that Aguadilla falls below the national average in weekly income. The hourly wage in Aguadilla is $12.48, slightly below the Puerto Rico average of $15.54.

Transportation

Rafael Hernández International Airport (BQN), located on the grounds of the former Ramey Air Base, is the second-largest airport in Puerto Rico and a key connection point to the United States and the Caribbean.

PR-2 Highway crosses the municipality and connects it to neighboring towns such as Isabela and Aguada. It also has a modern maritime terminal and constantly developing road infrastructure.

Flag

Aguadilla’s flag consists of two horizontal bands of equal size: the upper one blue and the lower one gold, the colors of the municipality’s coat of arms. In the center is the local shield, symbolizing the identity and history of the municipality.

Once officially adopted, the flag is used on solemn and official occasions, hoisted over the City Hall building, alongside the flags of Puerto Rico and the United States, as well as the U.S. Bicentennial flag. The creation of the flag was co-sponsored by the Aguadilla Cultural Center and municipal leadership, reinforcing local identity.

Coat of Arms

Aguadilla’s coat of arms has a quadrilateral shape with lower angles pointed toward the center bottom, representing the municipality’s historical and cultural heritage.

• Top left: Image of the famous Water Eye, with the Jaicoa mountains in the background.
• Top right: A symbolic ship, representing the vessels that stopped in the bay centuries before the port’s establishment and referring to the discovery of Puerto Rico by Christopher Columbus.
• Bottom left: Tower emerging from the sea, recalling the Concepción Fort, which resisted attacks by English and Dutch privateers during the 18th and 19th centuries.
• Five-pointed star: Represents the numerous Aguadillan intellectuals who excelled in arts, sciences, letters, military, and legislation.
• Green branches: Refer to the palms carried by the Blessed Virgin of Victory, the municipality’s patron saint.
• Crown: Contains four towers, a heraldic symbol of the town’s category as a Villa.

Meaning of the colors:

• Red: courage, daring, intrepidity, and honor
• Blue: serenity, gentleness, and reference to the sea
• Green: hope, abundance, and freedom
• Purple: civic dignity
• Gold: wealth, faith, and perseverance
• White: temperance and kindness

The shield also includes the inscription commemorating the title of “Loyal Villa” granted in 1860 by Queen Isabel II, recognizing Aguadilla’s cooperation in Spain’s war in Africa.

Events

Aguadilla celebrates a wide variety of festivals and cultural activities throughout the year, reflecting its historical richness and vibrant community life:

• January: Three Kings’ Day Festival
• February: A Night of Love in the Atlantic Garden
• April: José de Diego Birthday and Puerto Rican Kite Festival
• May: A Flower and a Song for Mom and Beach Festival
• June: A Bohemian Evening for My Dear Old Man, Plácido Acevedo Music Festival, and San Juan Night Dip
• July: Virgin of Carmen Festival
• October: Municipal Games and Christmas Lighting
• November: Aguadilla Bay Festival (Patron Saint Festivities) and Discovery Festivities
• December: Christmas Party, Christmas Parade, Rafael Hernández Music Festival
• Every month: “Return to the Plaza” – last Sunday of each month

Name	Level	Telephone	Address
Elementary
ANA JAVARIZ	K-6	(787) 891-2260	PO Box 5254, P.R. 00603-0000
ANTONIO BADILLO HERNÁNDEZ	K-6	(787) 890-3350	PO Box 797, P.R. 00690-
CABAN	K-5	(787) 891-2077	PO Box 4024, P.R. 00605-4024
CARMEN GÓMEZ TEJERA	K-6	(787) 891-0810	PO Box 98, P.R. 00605-0000
DR. AGUSTIN STAHL	K-6	(787) 891-1000	PO Box 1807, P.R. 00605-1807
ELADIO J. VEGA	PK-6	(787) 891-0730	PO Box 566, P.R. 00605-0000
EXTENSION BORINQUEN	K-4	(787) 891-0484	PO Box 605 703, P.R. 00605-0000
HOMERO RIVERA SOLA	K-6	(787) 891-8064	PO Box 4022, P.R. 00605-0000
JOSÉ ACEVEDO ÁLVAREZ	K-6	(787) 882-1400	PO Box 5225, P.R. 00605-5225
JOSÉ DE DIEGO	K-6	(787) 891-0754	PO Box 4934, P.R. 00605-4934
LUCIA CUBERO	K-6	(787) 891-2877	PO Box 3427, P.R. 00605-0000
LUIS MUÑOZ RIVERA	K-6	(787) 891-0862	PO Box 250339, P.R. 00605-0000
MANUEL CORCHADO	K-6	(787) 891-8510	PO Box 5236, P.R. 00605-0000
RAFAEL CORDERO	K-6	(787) 891-0100	PO Box 98, P.R. 00605-0000
RAFAEL FABIAN	K-6	(787) 877-6590	PO Box 1857, P.R. 00605-
RAMÓN RODRÍGUEZ	K-6	(787) 882-9382	PO Box 5225, P.R. 00605-5225
Intermediate
ANTONIO BADILLO HERNÁNDEZ	7-9	(787) 890-3360	PO Box 68, P.R. 00690-
CENTRO PRE-VOCACIONAL	EE	(787) 819-4620	PO Box 3744 Caimital Alto, P.R. 00603-0000
DR. RAFAEL DEL VALLE	7-9	(787) 891-0620	PO Box 98, P.R. 00605-0000
ESTHER FELICIANO MENDOZA	7-9	(787) 890-2418	PO Box 250299, P.R. 00604-0000
JOSÉ DE DIEGO	7-9	(787) 891-2220	PO Box 1945, P.R. 00605-0000
Jr. & High School
CENTRO DE ADIESTRAMIENTO Y BELLAS ARTES	7-12	(787) 890-2008	PO Box 250041, P.R. 00604-0041
Jr. High
SU ADAMS	K-9	(787) 891-9170	Aguadilla Shopping Center, P.R. 00605
High School
BENITO CEREZO MÁRQUEZ	10-12	(787) 891-5000	PO Box 250434, P.R. 00604-0434
JUAN SUÁREZ PELEGRINA (NUEVA)	10-12	(787) 890-2320	PO Box 98, P.R. 00605-0000
SALVADOR FUENTES	10-12	(787) 890-5600	PO Box 250290, P.R. 00604-0296

Hymn:

Playita Aguadillana by Rafael Hernández Marín