Things to do in Puerto Rico
Playa Pelicano Beach, Caja de Muerto
Playa Pelicano Beach on Caja de Muerto, Puerto Rico, invites you to experience the epitome of a tropical paradise. Renowned for its pristine golden sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters, this sun-kissed haven promises an idyllic escape for beach enthusiasts.
Accessible by a scenic boat ride from Ponce, Playa Pelicano beckons with its unspoiled beauty and tranquility. The beach offers ample opportunities for sunbathing, swimming, and snorkeling, making it a haven for those seeking relaxation and adventure alike.
Nature enthusiasts will revel in the island’s diverse flora and fauna, creating an immersive experience in Puerto Rico’s natural wonders. While the beach’s name translates to “Pelican Beach,” it’s not just the pelicans that captivate visitors; the vibrant marine life, including colorful fish and coral reefs, adds a mesmerizing touch to the underwater world.
Whether you’re a solo traveller, a couple seeking a romantic getaway, or a family yearning for quality time in nature, Playa Pelicano Beach promises a slice of paradise on the shores of Caja de Muerto.
Sun Bay Beach, Vieques
Sun Bay Beach, situated on the picturesque south side of Vieques, stands as the island’s largest and most comfortable coastal retreat. Managed by the Puerto Rico Department of Natural Resources, Sun Bay goes beyond the typical beach experience, offering family-friendly amenities such as bathrooms, showers, changing rooms, BBQ grills, and lifeguards, ensuring a hassle-free day in paradise. This dreamlike kilometer-long crescent of golden sand, framed by lush palm groves, invites visitors to unwind in its serene ambiance.
The turquoise-hued sea, akin to a giant pool, gently laps at the shore, creating a safe haven for swimmers. While camping is permitted with a pre-arranged permit, Sun Bay also caters to day-trippers, providing picnic tables and hammocks in the shade of swaying palms. Accessible by public transportation, this Blue Flag Beach award-winner guarantees a delightful escape for those with limited time on the enchanting island of Vieques.
Whether basking in the sun, enjoying water activities, or savoring local cuisine at the beachside snack bar, Sun Bay ensures an unforgettable tropical retreat.
Luquillo Beach, Balneario Monserrate
Luquillo Beach, home to the renowned Balneario La Monserrate, stands as a coastal gem along Puerto Rico’s northeastern shore, captivating visitors with over 12 miles of pristine coastline bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, Fajardo, and Río Grande.
This sun-soaked paradise caters to beach enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike, offering a range of activities such as swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, kitesurfing, and kayaking. Balneario La Monserrate, managed by the Puerto Rico Department of Natural Resources, elevates the beach experience with amenities like ample parking, accessible facilities, and more than 25 gazebos for gatherings. The beach’s unique charm extends beyond its golden sands, as it is nestled between the majestic peaks of the Luquillo Mountain Range and the azure waves of the ocean.
Luquillo Beach, recognized as one of Puerto Rico’s five Blue Flag beaches, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience, with designated swimming areas and lifeguards at the balneario. Whether seeking relaxation under swaying palms or engaging in water adventures, Luquillo beckons with its tropical allure and accessibility for all travellers.
Combate Beach, Cabo Rojo
Combate Beach, nestled within the captivating Boquerón National State Forest in Cabo Rojo, stands as a cherished destination for both locals and international visitors alike. With its pristine shores and sparkling waters, the beach is a haven for diving enthusiasts, showcasing expansive reefs that add to its allure.
Particularly favored by the younger crowd, Combate Beach is renowned for offering the best sunsets in Puerto Rico, creating a magical ambiance for those seeking relaxation. The beach, with its thin yet lengthy stretch of clean and slightly turbid waters, provides a picturesque setting. While it attracts many visitors with its natural beauty, the surrounding area boasts an array of bars and restaurants, adding vibrancy to the atmosphere.
Beyond the sandy shores, Combate Beach serves as a gateway to Cabo Rojo, recognized as the Internal Tourism Capital of Puerto Rico, featuring over 30 world-class attractions and a diverse culinary scene. Explore the charming north side with colorful homes and fishing boats or venture to the more secluded and stunning south side, all while immersing yourself in the island life of Combate—a perfect blend of swimming, hiking, relaxation, and dining.
Playa Sardinera beach, Hatillo
Playa Sardinera, situated on the north coast of Dorado, Puerto Rico, is a delightful balneario that promises a refreshing beach experience. Administered by the Compañía de Parques Nacionales, this beach, officially known as Balneario Manuel “Nolo” Morales, guarantees safe and pristine waters along its extensive sandy shores. As a balneario, it offers essential services such as a roped-off swimming area, gated parking, bathrooms, showers, and vigilant lifeguards, ensuring a secure and enjoyable environment.
The crystal turquoise waters and bright sands form a straight coastline, eliminating the need for special shoes and making the beach accessible to various preferences, from solo travelers to those seeking a relaxation getaway. With the convenience of beach restaurants and toilets, Playa Sardinera invites visitors to unwind and partake in various activities.
The town of Hatillo, renowned for its tourist attractions, showcases Playa Sardinera and the adjacent Punta Maracayo as top-listed destinations. This hidden gem, protected by a cove that maintains calm waters year-round, offers not only a stunning half-mile stretch of white sand but also easy access to nearby attractions like the Arecibo Lighthouse and Historical Park and the fascinating Cueva del Indio, making it an ideal spot for sun-seekers and explorers alike.
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Bosque Carite Rainforest, Guavate
Positioned in the southeast region of Puerto Rico, Bosque Carite Rainforest spans five municipalities and captivates visitors with its lush greenery, vibrant wildlife, and natural wonders. One of its most cherished gems is the Charco Azul swimming hole, a serene oasis accessible through a delightful 20-minute forest hike.
As you explore Bosque Carite, you’ll be surrounded by a thriving jungle, offering a glimpse into the island’s rich biodiversity. Beyond its natural beauty, the forest is renowned for the plethora of lechoneras—eateries adding a savory dimension to your rainforest adventure. Located just under an hour’s drive from San Juan, Bosque Estatal de Carite beckons nature enthusiasts and food connoisseurs alike, providing an immersive experience that seamlessly blends Puerto Rico’s tropical splendor with its culinary delights.
Whether you’re seeking a refreshing dip in Charco Azul or savoring the flavors of lechoneras, Bosque Carite promises a memorable journey through the heart of the island’s enchanting rainforest.
Las Salinas de Cabo Rojo, Cabo Rojo
The mesmerizing allure of Las Salinas de Cabo Rojo awaits, an enchanting 1,249-acre expanse within the Cabo Rojo National Wildlife Refuge in southwestern Puerto Rico. Embraced by 505 hectares of salt lagoons, salt flats, and mangroves, this refuge, established in 1974, is meticulously owned, protected, and managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Boasting a rich ecological tapestry, the refuge features diverse landscapes, including seagrass beds, coral reefs, xeric forest, and pristine beaches, accentuated by the iconic rust-red limestone cliffs overlooking Bahia Sucia. The salt flats, an integral part of this haven, hosts 28 species of shorebirds.
Today, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service ensures the conservation of this natural wonder, where commercial salt extraction coexists with the refuge’s role as a public park. Visitors can explore the landscape via hiking and mountain-biking trails, leading to expansive beaches and mangrove forests. A three-story wooden lookout tower offers panoramic views, while the star attraction, Las Salinas, unveils its captivating shades—from reddish brown to bright pink—creating a visual spectacle shaped by algae, bacteria, salt, and water.
Guajataca Tunnel, Isabela
Explore the rich history and scenic wonders surrounding the Guajataca Tunnel in Isabela, Puerto Rico. Constructed in 1904 as part of the ambitious American Railroad Company project, this 514-foot-long tunnel played a crucial role in expanding Puerto Rico’s transportation infrastructure. Serving as a key connection in the railway system connecting San Juan to Ponce, the Guajataca Tunnel facilitated the rapid transport of goods, particularly sugar, following Puerto Rico’s annexation to the United States in 1898.
As you stroll through this remarkable tunnel, a journey through time awaits, offering insights into Puerto Rico’s early 20th-century transportation boom. The Black Tunnel, also known as El Tunel Negro, stands as a testament to the engineering prowess of its time. Connected by the iconic Red Bridge over the Guajataca River, these historic structures once echoed with the rumble of trains carrying passengers and sugarcane until 1953.
Declared a Historical Monument in 2000, the Guajataca Tunnel invites visitors to immerse themselves in its storied past. On weekends, a ridable miniature train recreates the historic journey, providing a delightful experience for visitors of all ages. As you traverse the tunnel, marvel at the mountainous landscape that separates Playa Guajataca from Playa Mirador. Engage with local artisans, relish unique crafts, and treat yourself to culinary delights from food kiosks. Discover the charm of Guajataca Tunnel, where history, nature, and recreation converge to create an unforgettable experience.
Rio Camuy Cave Park, Arecibo
Embark on a captivating journey into the depths of Puerto Rico’s natural wonders at Río Camuy Cave Park. Located in the northwestern region, this park spans the towns of Camuy, Hatillo, and Lares, with its main entrance situated in the scenic Quebrada area of Camuy. A testament to the island’s geological marvels, the cave system is a result of the Río Camuy, the third-largest underground river globally, carving an intricate network of limestone caverns and waterways.
While officially discovered in 1958, evidence suggests that indigenous communities explored these caves centuries ago. With over 10 miles of caverns, 220 caves, and 17 entrances mapped, the Camuy cave system reveals only a fraction of its extensive complexity, estimated to harbor another 800 caves. To explore this subterranean realm, reservations are required, providing access to a small portion of the 300-acre park.
Photos can hardly capture the beauty of the towering 170-ft ceilings within the caverns. This natural wonder, also known as Parque Nacional de las Cavernas del Río Camuy, features a two-hour tour showcasing the breathtaking limestone formations shaped by the Camuy River over 45 million years. Open year-round, the park is best explored during the dry season, from December to May, offering an unforgettable encounter with Puerto Rico’s fascinating subterranean landscape
Coqui Water Park, Fajardo
At El Conquistador’s Coqui Water Park* you can experience 253 feet of speed, thrills and sensational splashes with a heart-pounding speed slide and massive vertical drop. There is also the lazy river and an expansive infinity edge pool overlooking the Caribbean Sea and Palomino Island. the first water park ever to sit along the Caribbean Sea and overlook the Atlantic Ocean. Mind-blowing vertical drops and high-speed flume slides bring 362, 080 gallons of non-stop fun to guests of all ages, and levels of excitement never before seen in Puerto Rico.
Coqui Water Park was inspired by the resort’s neighboring El Yunque Rainforest, home to Puerto Rico’s beloved Coqui tree frog, and delivers an adventurous jungle experience, including waterfalls, rapids, a jungle rope bridge and more. Named after the benevolent Indian spirit Yuquiyu, El Yunque is comprised of 240 different species of trees and is the only rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System. Coqui Water Park blends natural rainforest design elements with state-of-the-art technology in each action-packed water ride, bringing the 8, 000-square-foot lazy river, 253-foot double inner tube slide, high-speed, 40-foot vertical drop, and 26-foot serpentine flume body slide to life.
The Coqui kids slide brings junior thrill seekers their own waterlogged, pint-size fun; slide will have 38″ height restriction. Dive into the fun with their heart-pounding speed slide, boasting 253 feet of twists and turns culminating in a massive vertical drop.
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