Top 10 Things to Do in Puerto Rico!
As a top destination for adventure travelers and relaxation seekers alike, Puerto Rico makes for a wonderful tropical getaway in the Caribbean. And it’s a US territory, so it’s a domestic flight for visitors from the USA.
Whether you are visiting solo, on a romantic couples’ break, or a fun vacation with family or friends, you will find plenty of exciting things to do in Puerto Rico.
The island features world-class beaches, dense tropical forests, bioluminescent bays, and mangrove forests. San Juan, the capital, is known for its colorful historic quarter and the ritzy resorts of Condado, while second city Ponce is steeped in history.
In this article, we describe the top 10 things to do in Puerto Rico — the best tours and excursions for your splurge dollars, especially if you are a first-time visitor to the island.
Best Things to Do in Puerto Rico – At a Glance
| Puerto Rico Location | Best Tours (Reserve now, these sell out fast!) |
|---|---|
| San Juan | Snorkel with Turtles, El Yunque, local food, night glow kayak, city walk, ATV, jet snorkel, beginner scuba, zipline, nature adventure, zipline+rappel, horse riding |
| Fajardo | Culebra island+snorkel, Icacos island+snorkel, bio bay kayak, Vieques island+ snorkel |
Best Things to Do in Puerto Rico – Details
1. Explore Old San Juan on a Walking Tour
The colorful colonial facades of Old San Juan make for captivating photos, but the historic district offers a lot more, from old forts and charming sentry stations to gawkworthy sculptures and even special cobblestones!
🚶 Old San Juan City Walking Tour Discover the rich history and vibrant culture of Old San Juan on this guided walking tour. Visit iconic landmarks and learn about the city’s colonial past.
While you can wander Old San Juan on your own (and we recommend you do!), a guided walking tour is the perfect introduction.
In a span on just a little over two hours, you will stroll the most historic parts of the old quarter with writer David Rodríguez, who will offer fascinating insights into local history and culture.
Walk past striking landmarks such as the San Juan Cathedral, the Castillo San Cristobal, La Fortaleza, the San Juan Gate, Paseo de la Princesa and much more.
Whether you have limited time in Old San Juan and want to take in the sights of import in an efficient way, or you want an immersive introduction into the colorful historic district, the walking tour in the perfect answer!
>>> Check price and availability for this walking tour of Old San Juan now!
Top-Rated Old San Juan Tours
2. Savor the Local Food and Drink!
Puerto Rico is famous for its cuisine, and for its rum!
Join a food walking tour of Old San Juan to be introduced to tasty bites by a knowledgable local.
Not only will you get to sample such delicacies as mofongo, the famous plantain dish, and meats with a flavorful sofrito base, you will learn about local history and culture as you explore and taste.
🍽️ Savor the rich culinary heritage of Puerto Rico on this walking food tour through Old San Juan. Taste traditional dishes and learn about their cultural significance.
You can also get recommendations from your tour leader for places to dine on your own during your stay in San Juan.
Old San Juan’s alleys are made for walking and the colorful facades will have you taking lots of photos. The 3-hour tour includes walking past many of the most significant landmarks in Old San Juan.
While the food tour includes a rum cocktail, you can also take the ferry over to Casa Bacardi for a more immersive rum tasting experience. They also offer mixology classes!
>>> Check price and availability for the Old San Juan food walking tour now!
Top Food and Drink Tours in San Juan
3. Snorkel with Turtles in San Juan
Explore the rich underwater life on a guided snorkeling tour right near San Juan!
The waters off Guaynabo are teeming with colorful coral reefs, bright tropical fish, and turtles, and a guided snorkeling experience is a fun way to safely explore this beautiful world.
🐢 Dive into the clear waters off San Juan to snorkel alongside sea turtles and vibrant marine life. This guided tour includes underwater videos, capturing your unforgettable encounters.
You’ll start the excursion right from Encambron Beach near Old San Juan. A professional diver will give you a lesson and then you’ll begin your exploration.
All equipment is provided, and the tour price even includes a GoPro video of the excursion.
🧭 Let Me Show You MY Island Tour with Visit to El Yunque Join a local guide on a personalized tour showcasing Puerto Rico’s hidden gems, including a visit to El Yunque.
Both morning and afternoon departures are offered, but a morning tour usually offer calmer waters and better visibility, so pick a morning tour if your itinerary allows. Tours are capped at 20 participants.
Beginners can join, and no prior snorkeling or scuba diving experience is required. Your guide will be with you throughout, pointing out marine species so you don’t miss a thing!
>>> Check price and availability for this San Juan snorkel tour now!
Top-Rated Underwater Adventures in San Juan
4. Spend a Day in a Tropical Rainforest
El Yunque National Forest is the only tropical rainforest managed by the US National Forest system. Replete with waterfalls and natural watering holes the forest is a must-visit for anyone looking to spend some time in nature.
🌄 Small-Group El Yunque Rainforest Vivid Day Tour with Transport Delve into the heart of El Yunque on this small-group tour, featuring hikes to waterfalls and panoramic vistas. Highly rated for its intimate setting and expert guides.
Located in northeastern Puerto Rico, just a few miles from San Juan, El Yunque is an easy drive if you have a rental car, or you can join one of the many El Yunque tours on offer.
Yokahu Observation Tower offers views all the way to the ocean on clear days. La Coca Falls, one of the most impressive waterfalls in El Yunque can be viewed right from the road.
El Yunque National Forest not only features several different types of forest, it is also home to a variety of birds, as well as coqui frogs, lizards, and other small creatures.
🌿 Full-Day El Yunque Rainforest Hike with Waterslide from San Juan Embark on a full-day adventure through El Yunque National Forest, exploring lush trails, natural pools, and exhilarating waterslides. An immersive experience that offers a deep dive into Puerto Rico’s natural beauty.
El Yunque also offers hiking trails for different skill levels, and the opportunity for water play, from swimming and cliff jumping to natural rock slides.
This very popular El Yunque Tour includes round trip transport from San Juan and a stop for swimming and enjoying the natural rockslide.
>>> Check price and availability for this El Yunque tour from San Juan now!
Top-Rated El Yunque Tours
5. Go on a Day Cruise to Icacos Island
Did you know that Puerto Rico is not one island but an archipelago? You can visit some of the smaller islands that make up the archipelago, and Icacos is one of the most popular.
🏖️ Icacos Island All-Inclusive Snorkel and Boat Tour Enjoy a day of sun and sea on this all-inclusive tour to Icacos Island, featuring snorkeling, beach relaxation, and refreshments.
The small uninhabited Caya Icacos is pristine, with powdery white sand and surreal aqua waters. The rich diversity of marine life in the waters off Icacos is a big draw for snorkelers.
Part of La Cordillera Nature Reserve, Icacos makes for the perfect day trip from San Juan. The views en route are stunning as well.
If you are planning a quick visit, you can pop over to Icacos from Fajardo in a water taxi.
🛥️ Private All-Inclusive East Coast Keys Tour and Snorkel Experience Embark on a private boat tour exploring the East Coast Keys, complete with snorkeling and gourmet refreshments. Guests commend the personalized service and stunning locales.
If you want to spend several hours, opt for a catamaran tour that offers facilities and will anchor offshore, so you can enjoy the unspoiled beauty of Icacos without worrying about basic facilities like restrooms and showers.
Most full-day catamaran tours include lunch, beverages, and snorkeling equipment.
For a quieter, more relaxed experience, pick a weekday tour, because Icacos is somewhat of a party destination on weekends.
>>> Check price and availability for this cruise to Icacos Island now!
Top-Rated Tours to Icacos Island
6. Enjoy a Night Glow Kayaking Experience in Condado
Condado is a waterfront resort community in the Puerto Rican capital of San Juan. Apart from upscale shopping, luxurious stays, and fine dining, Condado also offers some fun experiences for visitors.
🌌 LED Kayak Night Glow Tour in Condado Lagoon Experience the magic of kayaking at night in a clear-bottom kayak illuminated by LED lights. Paddle through Condado Lagoon, observing marine life beneath you.
Condado Lagoon, a small body of water, is a popular hub for water activities like kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and even picnicking as you float on the water! And if you are lucky, you may even spot a manatee or two.
One of the most fun things you can do at Condado Lagoon is the very popular after-dark kayaking excursion, which offers sensational views of the night lights of the city. You enjoy sunset as well!
You will paddle a clear-bottomed kayak outfitted with LED lights, which you turn on after sunset. As a fun add-on, you get glow-in-the-dark paint that you can apply to your arms and face.
The kayaking excursion is also offered in the afternoon if you prefer to enjoy the scenery in the daytime.
>>> Check price and availability for the Condado Lagoon kayak excursion now!
Top-Rated Condado Tours
7. Snorkel on a boat tour of Culebra
If you want to visit that quintessential tropical paradise on your Puerto Rican vacation, so not miss a trip to the offshore island of Culebra.
Home to the world-famous Playa Flamenco, a breathtakingly beautiful tropical beach with surreal aqua waters and blinding white sands, Culebra is small and very sparsely populated.
🌊 Culebra Snorkeling Tour by Catamaran from Fajardo Sail to the pristine beaches of Culebra Island aboard a catamaran, then snorkel in crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life. This full-day excursion is lauded for its stunning locations and professional crew.
Flamenco Beach is the most famous of Culebra’s beaches, but the island offers other stunning beaches such as Tamarindo Beach, where the clear waters and rich marine life beg you to snorkel, and Punta Melones Beach, where sunsets are dreamy.
Culebra is surrounded by a multitude of cays, making it a must-visit destination or underwater explorations.
You can visit Culebra on your own by small plane or by ferry, or you can join a guided tour.
This popular tour to Culebra from Fajardo by high-speed catamaran allows plenty of time for swimming, snorkeling, and exploring. Snorkel equipment and a buffet lunch are included, and you can opt for round trip transport from San Juan.
>>> Check price and availability for this day trip to Culebra now!
Top-Rated Tours to Culebra
8. Swim through caves at Charco Azul and Cuevas Arenales
Adventure-loving visitors to Puerto Rico will want to check out the unique opportunity to swim in a lovely pool through caves.
Located about an hour’s drive southwest of San Juan in Vega Baja, the Arenales Caves and the Charco Azul make for a beautiful day out in nature. Picturesque rock formations line the blue-green river and the blue-green pool, Charco Azul.
Charco Azul is a great spot for swimming, diving, and floating through the water between the rock walls.
🏞️ Explore the wonders of El Yunque Rainforest on this half-day tour, featuring scenic hikes and natural waterslides. Ideal for those seeking a shorter yet immersive nature experience.
You can drive to the area on your own if you have a rental car, but note that unless you are an experienced driver in a 4X4, you should park at the top of the hill and walk down. Wear shoes with good grip because the slope can be slippery even when dry.
Better yet, join a guided tour so you visit the area in the company of a knowledgable guide. No need to worry about parking or a potential break-in.
This highly-rated tour includes round-trip transport from San Juan, and allows plenty of time for swimming and enjoying the charming scenery. Note that a moderate degree of fitness is required for this adventure!
>>> Check price and availability for this Charco Azul and Arenales Caves tour now!
9. Go horseriding on Luquillo Beach
Whether you are a first-time horseback rider or a seasoned rider, you will love this horseriding expedition in Puerto Rico!
The very scenic riding adventure takes you through forests and rivers starting at the Carabalí Rainforest Adventure Park and ending at the postcard-perfect Luquillo Beach.
Crescent-shaped Luquillo Beach features turquoise waters and golden sands, making for the perfect finale.
🐎 Horseback Riding Tour in Carabalí Rainforest Park Ride through the scenic landscapes of Carabalí Rainforest Park on horseback, exploring lush trails and rivers.
Along the way, you will ride by the beautiful Mameyes River, with a break for swimming in its refreshingly cool waters.
At the start of the tour, your leader will give you a lesson in horseriding basics, so you can feel comfortable participating even if you are a novice.
>>> Check price and availability for this horse riding tour in Puerto Rico now!
10. Enjoy ziplining (or join an ATV Tour!)
Puerto Rico is definitely not lacking in adventurous things to do, whether in the forests or in or on the water. And ATVing and ziplining are two of the most thrilling experiences you can have on the island!
On this two-for-one adventure, you will not only zipline over the tree canopy, you will also enjoy rappelling down a waterfall!
🛶 Bioluminescent Bay Kayak Adventure Paddle through the glowing waters of Laguna Grande, experiencing one of nature’s most mesmerizing phenomena. This nighttime kayak tour is celebrated for its magical ambiance and knowledgeable guides.
The adventure starts with a hike into the rainforest, where you will rappel down the 80-foot El Salto Waterfall and then glide along four ziplines back to the start point.
The highly-rated tour includes the option for round-trip transport from San Juan.
>>> Check price and availability for this rappelling and zipline adventure now!
Prefer to stay on terra firma as you enjoy the gorgeous landscapes of Puerto Rico?
On this single-rider ATV tour, you will start at Hacienda Campo Rico and make your way across rugged landscapes, with views of mountains, lagoons, rock formations, and mangrove forests.
Your tour includes a break at the hilltop Mojito Bar, where you can cool off with a drink whilst enjoying the surrounding views!
>>> Check price and availability for this Puerto Rico ATV adventure now!
Where to Stay in Puerto Rico
San Juan makes for an excellent base for your visit to Puerto Rico. You can choose from modern resorts in Condado or Isla Verde or the historic charm of Old San Juan.
Day trips from San Juan allow you to explore the rest of the island conveniently, or you can take a road trip around the island with our Puerto Rico itinerary.
Here’s where to stay in San Juan!
This one-bedroom condo in Condado is just a 3-minute walk from Condado Beach. A wall of windows looks directly out over the ocean. It also comes with a private balcony, a fully-equipped kitchen and password-protected wifi.
>>> Check price and availability for this beachfront condo in Condado now!
This ocean-view luxury apartment in the heart of Condado has floor-to-ceiling windows, a compact kitchen, and a pool. A pullout futon bed in the living area makes this unit great for a small family.
>>> Check price and availability for this ocean-view studio now!
This Old San Juan penthouse features a private terrace with a view of the ocean. The apartment offers a bedroom with a king bed and two futon beds if you are planning to visit with kids. There is a full kitchen.
>>> Check price and availability for this Old San Juan apartment now!
This one-bedroom condo in Isla Verde has a beachfront location. The bedroom offers two beds, and the condo comes with a full kitchen, a spacious bathroom, and air-conditioning.
>>> Check price and availability for this Isla Verde apartment now!
Renting a Car in Puerto Rico
If you want to explore Puerto Rico beyond San Juan, you’ll have the maximum flexibility if you rent a car.
Consider Discover Cars to book Puerto Rico car rentals. They search across a variety of rental car companies, both budget and brand, to offer you the best deals, AND they offer free cancellations. Plus, there are no hidden fees.
>> Check availability and prices on Puerto Rico car rentals now!