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This is hands down one of our favorite destinations for a quick gateway from NYC, as it is less than 4 hours away by plane. We have visited this beautiful island multiple times and realized it is nearly impossible to run out of things to do in Puerto Rico. From indulging in delicious food (and drinks) to enjoying time on one of the many beautiful beaches, exploring neighboring islands, and walking through picturesque cobblestone streets in San Juan, there is something for everyone!
In this article, I compiled a list of some of the best things to do in Puerto Rico. To make your trip planning even easier, don’t forget to also check out our Puerto Rico Travel Guide Infographic, which is packed with easy-to-access information.
Let’s TAKE A LOOK AT SOME OF THE THINGS TO DO IN PUERTO RICO.
BIOLUMINISCENT BAY
WHAT'S A BIOLUMINESCENT BAY (aka Bio Bay)?
It is a rare ecosystem where a specific type of harmless single-celled organisms called dinoflagellates glows when agitated, creating the characteristic phosphorescent blue light. This incredible glow-in-the-dark effect will make your jaw drop!
Ok, I will get straight to the point. YOU CAN’T MISS THIS! It is one of those experiences that will feel surreal, and you won’t forget for the rest of your life. I promise! There are only five ecosystems in the world where the concentration of these planktons is high enough to be considered bioluminescent bays, and Puerto Rico is home to three of them.
THERE ARE THE 3 BIO BAYS IN PUERTO RICO:
Mosquito Bay (Island of Vieques)
In 2006, the Guinness World Records recognized it as the brightest bioluminescent bay in the world due to the lack of light pollution surrounding the area. Mosquito Bay is located on a small island called Vieques, and it can be reached by ferry. Because of the ferry schedule, you might need to stay overnight to visit this bio bay.
La Parguera (Lajas)
This bioluminescent bay is the only one where motorboats can come in and out, and people can still swim in the water. You can also take a glass-bottom boat ride.
La Laguna Grande (Fajardo)
This is the one we visited and decided to experience by boat. We chose a company called BIO ISLAND, the only company that provides an eco-touristic ride in an electric engine boat to the Bioluminescence Lagoon in Las Croabas, Fajardo. Our guide was amiable and knowledgeable, and we couldn’t have asked for anything better. We LOVED the experience! PS: The photo you see above is not edited. That’s exactly how we saw the water. Pure magic!
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Fajardo, Puerto Rico
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They only operate Monday through Friday.
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The tour lasts approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
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The cost is $60 per person (plus taxes).
IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE VISITING A BIO BAY:
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CLAUSTOPHOBIA
I am not sure about the other two bio bays, but in Fajardo, when leaving the coast and before getting to the area where the water glows, you will experience pitch-black darkness for a few minutes. I am telling you this because we had a claustrophobic person on board, and we had to stop and turn back to allow her to get off the boat because she started experiencing a panic attack. Of course, it depends on the level of your condition, but I recommend taking this into consideration if you have claustrophobia that can be triggered by darkness.
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NO SWIMMING
Back in the day, it used to be possible to swim in all three bio bays, but over time they realized that was causing the death of the dinoflagellates due to the chemicals in the body products people had on their skin (deodorant, lotion, etc.) that had accumulated over time in the water. This was very noticeable because the water started not to glow as much. For this reason, since 2017, getting in the water in Mosquito Bay and La Laguna Grande has been prohibited. As for now, it is still possible to swim in La Parguera (this is highly discouraged due to environmental impact).
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CAMERA WITH LONG EXPOSURE
Capturing the glowing is challenging! Your phone most likely won’t be able to do it even with a proper night setting. You will need a decent camera that allows long exposure (aka, slow shutter or time exposure). Our guide was so nice to set up the camera for us and took pictures of everyone on the boat.
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RESERVER YOUR TOUR IN ADVANCE
We recommend always booking your tour in advance, especially if you want to go by boat with BIO ISLAND. They only have two boats, and availability is usually limited.
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MOON PHASES:
When planning your visit, it can be useful to consider the moon’s phases, as the glowing effect is better appreciated during nights with a new or crescent moon.
BEST PUERTO RICO BEACHES
Thanks to the Island’s diverse geography, you will find a vast choice of beaches to enjoy, each with a different vibe. Here are some of the most loved beaches in Puerto Rico:
FLAMENCO BEACH (Isla de Culebra)
This beach is ranked as one of the top beaches in the world. It is practically wave-less, which makes it ideal for snorkeling, but also to just relax. While you’re there, don’t miss your chance to check out Flamenco’s most iconic attraction, The Tank, which is a reminder of the US Navy’s occupancy of Culebra. The beach is open daily and there’s a $2.00 per person fee to enter.
PLEASE NOTE: Flamenco Beach is on Culebra Island, and you must take a ferry from the town of Ceiba to get there. It takes approximately 45 minutes. The fare is $2.25 one way. An extra $1-$2 per item is charged if you are traveling with luggage, a cooler, a bicycle, etc. – you can add and pay for these at check out. You can purchase your tickets at the Terminal, on the Puerto Rico Ferry website, or through the App.
SUN BAY BEACH (Isla Vieques)
Like Flamenco Beach, this beach is on another island, Vieques Island. It is just eight miles from Puerto Rico’s mainland and easily accessible, with plenty of parking, as well as public toilets and showers. It only takes 30 minutes to get to Vieques by ferry, and you can purchase the tickets on the same Puerto Rico Ferry website. Sun Bay Beach is one of the island’s most popular beaches on Vieques. This beach has been awarded the Blue Flag recognition many times. Isla Vieques is also where you will find one of the Bioluminescent Bays, Mosquito Bay.
CONDADO BEACH (San Juan)
This is considered one of the trendiest beaches in Puerto Rico. It has a Miami Beach vibe with a multitude of bars, cafés, and resorts along the sand and the possibility of several water sports. You won’t be disappointed with Condado as long as you recognize it’s not a remote strip of sand but rather a beach that sits alongside a bustling city.
EL ESCAMBRÓN (San Juan)
Recognized with Blue Flag awards throughout the years, El Escambrón is the most picturesque beach in San Juan. This popular beach is protected by coral reefs that make the beach ideal for snorkeling and exploring some of Puerto Rico’s marine life. Being a metropolitan beach, El Escambrón is only five minutes away from restaurants, food stands, and the Luis Muñoz Rivera Park.
LUQUILLO BEACH (Luquillo)
The beach runs for nearly a mile, just 30 miles from San Juan. It has public restrooms, showers, and changing rooms with lockers. There are also local food vendors just outside the entrance. El Yunque National Forest, one of Puerto Rico’s top natural attractions, is located just beyond the beach, making for a great combined day trip.
PLAYA SUCIA (Cabo Royo)
This beach doesn’t have a strip of hotels or oceanfront businesses, but the striking landscape makes it a special natural wonder. It offers breathtaking views and plenty of wilderness to explore, and it is part of Cabo Royo’s nature reserve.
BOQUERÓN (Cabo Royo)
It has a local vibe, and concerts and festivals are often held on weekends. Restrooms, showers, and snack bars are scattered along the beach, and you can grab fresh seafood from local vendors. Running for three miles, this golden sand beach is accented by almond trees and coconut palms. The water here is very clear and calm.
ISLA VERDE (Carolina)
Because of its proximity to SJU airport, this award-winning beach is popular among visitors. It has a strip of hotels and restaurants along its shores. It is perfect for parasailing and jet skiing and is often voted the best urban beach in the Caribbean.
PLAYA CRASH BOAT (Aguadilla)
It offers a wide range of activities to do, like swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing, and -during the winter- surfing. A few feet away is El Natural, a famous diving spot with a huge reef full of marine activity. For lunch, you can get food from vendors selling local street food and casual beachfront restaurants. Its west coast location will also give you the opportunity to enjoy stunning sunsets.
PORK HIGHWAY
The Pork Highway is a couple of mile stretch along Route 184 in Guavate (about 45 minutes from San Juan) with many roadside restaurants (lechoneras) lined up specialized in slow-roasting whole pigs. It can be a half-day activity and the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in local life.
I recommend checking out either El Rancho or Los Pinos. El Rancho has two locations, El Rancho Original and El Rancho Express (across from each other). The first has bench-style seating, while the express version has two levels. Both have a band playing and a dance floor. You order the pork by the half-pound (quarter if you ask) and get one or two sides. You can choose from arroz con gandules, morcilla, potato salad, flan, white rice, yucca, fried plantain, sweet potatoes, and pork tamale.
You might have already heard of Los Pinos, which became famous after the late Anthony Bourdain was there with one of his shows. The food and the atmosphere are pretty much the same.
SAN JUAN
Founded in 1521 by Spanish colonizers, San Juan stands as one of the oldest European-established settlements in the Americas. Its historical significance and architectural beauty make it a compelling destination for history enthusiasts and curious travelers alike. As you step foot in San Juan, you’ll be instantly captivated by the city’s enchanting atmosphere. The narrow cobblestone streets, lined with colorful buildings adorned with wrought-iron balconies, create a charming ambiance that transports you back in time.
These are some of the things you can’t miss while exploring this lovely city!
LA FORTALEZA AND SAN JUAN NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE
The city is home to one of UNESCO’s World Heritage sites, La Fortaleza and San Juan National Historic Site, which were built between the 16th and 20th centuries to protect the city and the Bay of San Juan. It is a beautiful place to explore on foot. Make sure to wear sunscreen and a hat, and bring a bottle of water with you!
THE COLORFUL STREETS OF OLD SAN JUAN
You can’t visit San Juan without getting lost along its charming narrow streets with candy-colored buildings. Take some time to explore the area, buy souvenirs, and enjoy delicious food in one of its many restaurants.
One of our favorite spots to eat is BARRACHINA, a traditional indoor/outdoor restaurant with charming decor and mouthwatering food! Plus, it is super close to La Fortaleza. After that walk in the sun, their delicious Piña Colada will hit the spot!
Another restaurant we tried in Old San Juan is called Deaverdura. It is a small popular spot, and there is usually a pretty long wait time for a table (they do not allow reservations, so you will have to stand outside).
The service is also very slow. Having said that, the food and the ambiance can be worth it. We recommend trying their Puertorican Sampler (pictured below) and their coconut water (the coconuts are freshly cut on the spot right in front of you).
If you are in the mood for a refreshing ice cream, stop by Anita – La Mamma del Gelato! It is simply delicious, and they have an extensive selection of flavors, including vegan and sugar-free options and yogurts.
OFF THE BITTEN PATH
Our favorite restaurant in San Juan is actually outside of the tourist area. It is called LA CASITA BLANCA, and it’s in a residential neighborhood about 25 minutes by car from Old San Juan. If you are looking for traditional and authentic Puerto Rican food and a lovely ambiance, look no further. This place is worth the drive! Trust me. You won’t regret it!
BARS AND NIGHTLIFE
San Juan has a vibrant nightlife with plenty of nightclubs, lounges, and bars, with great music and drinks. La Placita de Santurce (a marketplace by day that turns into San Juan’s hottest bar and restaurant scene by night), Calle Loíza neighborhood, and the streets of South Fortaleza (SoFo) and Calle San Sebastián are some of the best places to enjoy your night out! For a casual drink, check out Marylin’s Place. An original spot decorated with Marilyn Monroe memorabilia. Enjoy some Latin music while sipping your favorite drink. Mojitos are delicious and strong.
BEACHES
There are three main beaches in San Juan: Condado Beach, Ocean Park Beach, and El Escambrón. El Escambrón (a Blue Flag Beach) is protected by coral reefs that make the beach ideal for snorkeling.
EL YUNQUE TROPICAL RAINFOREST
This forest is commonly known as El Yunque. It has a diverse ecosystem, hosting hundreds of unique plant and animal species, including Puerto Rico’s famous coquí frog. It is an excellent destination if you want to be immersed in nature! You can hike one of its many trails, bathe in the natural pool beneath waterfalls or even book a super fun ATV tour.
We opted for an ATV tour with CARABALÍ RAINFOREST ADVENTURE PARK and had a blast! You can choose a 1-hour or a 2-hour tour (we recommend the 2-hour one). Upon arrival, you are given a 10-minute introduction on how to operate the vehicle, including safety instructions. Then the real adventure begins as you ride through the rainforest, splash through the river, and more. Whether you are an experienced rider or a first-timer, you will surely have an exhilarating trip. You also have the unique opportunity of stopping at Mameyes River, which comes directly from the rainforest, for a refreshing swim in its pure, clean, crystal-clear waters.
A FEW THINGS TO KNOW:
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Drivers must be at least 16 years old.
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Must bring a physical valid driver’s license.
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Guests under 18 must be accompanied by someone 18 or older.
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485 pounds combined weight limit for each ATV.
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Passengers must be a minimum height of 60 inches tall.
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Wear your swimsuit (if you want to swim in the river).
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We recommend wearing ATV goggles.
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Get ready to get dirty 🙂
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1-Hour / Driver – $70, Passenger – $45
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2 Hours / Driver – $115, Passenger – $70
MONKEY ISLAND
The Island of Cayo Santiago, aka Monkey Island, is completely inhabited and controlled by over 2,000 rhesus macaque monkeys. Humans are not allowed to set foot on the Island, but you can visit from a distance by boat or kayak.
We opted for the option to go by boat because we went the day we were leaving and didn’t want to risk getting wet before going to the airport. We booked our tour with La Paseadora Cruise. The owner, Captain Paco, is a seaman who will play music for you, tell you stories, and even make you a ham and cheese sandwich while cruising on his old-fashioned boat. To see the monkeys was cool but to spend time with the amazing Captain Pablo was what truly made it special—highly recommended!
BOOK YOUR TOURS AND EXCURSIONS
Let's Be Social!
The article provides a general overview of the things to do in Puerto Rico, but this amazing island has so much more to offer! Leave a comment below to let us know what places you think you will explore or if you have ever been to PR, what your favorite things to do are.
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