On an island as varied as Puerto Rico, the choice of things to do goes well beyond the typical Caribbean-island beach day.
By the very nature of its location – in the middle of the Caribbean Sea – many of Puerto Rico’s activities do revolve around water, but it’s not all about the sea with some of the best things to do not by the beach at all, instead including river rafting, cooling down under cascading waterfalls, and swimming in bioluminescent bays.
Then there’s the land. Puerto Rico is the fourth biggest of the Caribbean islands, and as such has many more inland activities to offer guests than most of its neighbours. Think hiking, horse riding and even zip lining – but also cities to explore and festivals to dance the night (or day) away at.
Any visit to Puerto Rico is bound to be filled with days lazing by the sea, doing nothing more than sipping on a cocktail, beach-read in hand. But for those days when you’re looking for something a bit more active, these are some of the best adventure activities in Puerto Rico.
In partnership with Discover Puerto Rico
Water
Go surfing in Rincón
Puerto Rico’s West is the place to be for all surfers – whether pro, mid-level, or even if you’ve never stepped foot on a board before. You’ll find plenty of spots to ride the waves along the West coast: Aguadilla was the first place in the Caribbean to become a designated World Surfing Reserve and is great for all levels; La Ocho is ideal for those with experience; and La Pared is a great starting point for beginners. But our favourite surf spot is the town of Rincón which, as well as having great waves and accessible waters for all levels, is also home to spectacular sunsets and plenty of good-times, good-vibes beach bars and restaurants, which range from local cuisine to food trucks.
Marvel at bioluminescent bays
Perhaps one of the most impressive facts about Puerto Rico: it is home to three of just five bioluminescent bays to be found in the world. A visit to one of them during your stay is a non-negotiable; each offers the experience of a lifetime as you swim or kayak, under the shadow of darkness that the night sky brings, among tiny microorganisms that when touched glow a brilliant, bright neon-green. Truly, an experience like no other – and one you’ll be thinking about for years to come. Puerto Rico’s three bioluminescent bays are located in the East and South of the main island (Laguna Grande in Fajardo, and La Parguera in Lajas) as well as at Mosquito Bay – said to be the brightest in the world – on the island of Vieques.
Relax at the beach (or kayak to the cayos)
Puerto Rico may have a long list of things to do, but we fully expect to laze on the beach for a day or two every time we visit – and we suggest you do the same. And you have a lot of options to choose from – more than 200 across 270 miles of coastline, in fact. As for the best? Flamenco Beach on the island of Culebra – one of the bigger islands in Puerto Rico’s archipelago – tops many lists, but if you’re staying on the main island then head to Fajardo’s Cayo Icacos in the East; Crash Boat Beach in Aguadilla in the West, or Carolina’s Isla Verde in the North.
Land and Water
Hike the forests and cool down at waterfalls
Merging the boundaries between land and water, a day spent hiking through forests and rainforests is best enjoyed by cooling down in one of Puerto Rico’s cascading waterfalls. You’ll find a few throughout the island, but one of the best places to visit is Río Grande in the East of the island. Here you can hike the trail alongside El Yunque National Forest, where the main road leads you to a waterfall cascading into a natural pool. Trust us when we say there’s no better feeling than taking a dip here to cool down mid-hike – but be sure to continue, because the higher you hike the larger the falls become. Elsewhere, a 2-3 hour drive deep into the island’s central Toro Negro State Forest leads you to Chorro de Doña Juana, a three-level waterfall that can be seen from the approaching road. To reach its pool at the bottom it’s a hike-meets-climb (recommended only for those who feel confident in their abilities). If you feel brave enough, it’s a journey worth your time – for both the experience and the photos you’ll come away with.
Go rafting along the rivers
For more in-land water-based activities, head to the mountainous Utuado region, where you can hike old Taíno trails towards the Tanamá River. Here, get ready for a body rafting experience with Explora, which will see you spend a few hours floating down the river (solo, in tandem or tied to several people): a peaceful way to soak up the stunning flora, fauna – and aqua – of the region. For a more heart-pumping experience, opt for a full or half-day tour with adventure tour group Rocaliza, who will show you a day of hiking, rock-climbing and water rappelling – or join them in the town of Caguas – just 30 minutes outside of the capital, San Juan – where rappelling, hiking and river climbing await.
Land
Explore Old San Juan’s history and culture
Old San Juan is a city like no other, and is well worth spending a few days exploring. Founded 500 years ago, one of the first things to strike you is the buildings: lining cobbled streets, an array of colourful paintwork coats their walls, intricately designed arches and doorways decorating them, window shutters closing out the heat of the day. Follow them towards the old city walls and forts: Castillo San Felipe del Morro (often known as El Morro) and Castillo San Cristóbal were built by the Spanish in the 16th and 17th centuries, to protect the city from attack by land or by sea. Some of the best museums to explore include the Puerto Rico Museum of Contemporary Art and Museo de las Américas, exploring the art and culture of both Puerto Rico and the wider Americas. If all you want to do is eat and drink your way around the city (good choice), head for Verde Mesa, Cocina Abierta or La Casita Blanca. And if you’re unsure where to start (we don’t blame you) book a tour with The Spoon Experience who will tailor your excursion to your preferences – be it food, culture, shopping or something else.
Join in at a festival
Festivals are a huge part of Puerto Rican culture, so no matter what time of year you visit you’ll likely coincide with one. Many take place in San Juan, though you’ll find plenty worth travelling out of the capital for too. If you’re planning a trip over the next few months (May, June or July) some of the best to attend include Festival de Teatro Puertorriqueño e Internacional, dedicated to theatre; Festival de la Piña Paradisíaca, which celebrates the not-so-humble pineapple; Noche de San Juan, when people jump into the sea backwards seven times for good luck; and Festival de Santiago Apóstol where vejigantes dance through the streets to bomba music.
Zip line over the mountains
Puerto Rico is home to one of the longest ziplines in the world. Know as ‘the monster’ it swooshes over the island’s central mountains, with 2.5 kilometres of heart-racing, body-swinging fun, and offers some of the best views of the island – if you can keep your eyes open! While it’s long been popular with locals, it found its fame in 2019 when Jimmy Fallon took to the Puerto Rico sky strapped into it. Find it at Toro Verde Adventure Park where, if you can’t quite work up the courage to follow in Fallon’s footsteps, you can try your nerves on a number of smaller versions, among other action-packed adventures.
Horseride through the meadows (or on the beach)
There’s something about jumping on horseback to explore the countryside; it’s a feeling of not only seeing nature, but of being a part of it. Experienced or not, keen riders have a number of places where they can make the most of our four-hooved friends in Puerto Rico, and Vieques is one of the best as the horses are wild, but ever so gentle. Suitable for all levels of rider (first-timers and children included), saddle up to walk or trot through the meadows and hills, or steer your way towards Esperanza’s black-sand beach.
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