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Plan Your Trip to Puerto Rico: Best of Puerto Rico Tourism

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Puerto Rico

You’ll go to Puerto Rico for beautiful beaches and Caribbean breezes, but once you’re there, it’s easy to see what makes this archipelago so special—from historical architecture to its diverse natural geography. Tour San Juan for shopping and sightseeing alongside colourful buildings and cobblestone streets. Hike the massive El Yunque rainforest to explore waterfalls and wildlife. And as far as beaches go, it doesn’t get better than the sands of Isla de Vieques—particularly Mosquito Bay, where at night, the water glows blue-green thanks to bioluminescent organisms. The best part? Puerto Rico’s doable size means you can cover a lot in a single trip. Check out more recs below.

Essential Puerto Rico

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Travel Advice

How to do Puerto Rico in 5 days

From kayaking a bioluminescent bay to hiking through the rainforest
Read on

The best beaches in Puerto Rico

As a born and raised Boricua (Puerto Rican), the island holds a special place in my heart. Though I've travelled extensively, nothing quite compares to the beaches here. My favourite hidden gems all hold cherished memories, and trust me, once you experience the golden sands, breathtaking sunsets, and the thrills of jumping into the waves, you’ll be equally captivated.
  • Playa La Cueva Las Golondrinas
    49
    Located about 45 minutes west of San Juan, this serene escape from the hustle and bustle is a true local’s secret. The quiet beach has crystal clear waters and plenty of shaded areas; if the sea is calm, you can explore the cave here, which is home to swallows, bats, and birds—a beautiful spectacle. (Be cautious of small sea urchins when entering). Bring your own drinks and snacks as there are no nearby restaurants.
  • Playa Fortuna Beach
    1
    With over 12 miles of white-sand coastline, Luquillo—about 45 minutes east of San Juan—has tons of opportunities for swimming and sunning with the lush El Yunque National Forest as a backdrop. Base yourself at Play Fortuna for access to one of area’s highlights: Kioskos de Luquillo, a row of 60 family-owned restaurants serving addictive bacalaitos (codfish fritters), seafood, pina coladas, and ice-cold beers.
  • Playa Sucia
    940
    Picture this—golden sands, rugged cliffs, and turquoise waters stretching as far as the eye can see—and you’ll know why Playa Sucia is a must visit. On the island’s southwest corner, you’ll get breathtaking views of the area’s rugged Acantilados cliffs from this remote beach near the historic Faro Los Morillos lighthouse. Adventurous travellers will want to climb down the rocks (carefully!) for an up-close look at the Insta-worthy Puente de Piedra rock bridge.
  • Playa Buyé
    317
    If I could choose just one beach to visit for a lifetime in Puerto Rico, this would be it. I'm not exaggerating when I say that experiencing the sunset on this soft-sand beach is like a religious experience. Last time I visited, a group of locals began playing bomba music while the tranquil waters shimmered under the fading sun—it was pure magic.
  • Playa Crash Boat
    1,154
    Crash Boat, on the island’s northwest corner, is a playground for water lovers thanks to its iconic bright green pier, originally built by the U.S. Air Force during WWII to dock rescue boats. The pier is popular both for fishing and for leaping into the aqua sea. And snorkellers and scuba divers like to explore by the pilings under the pier as well. Don’t miss the frituras (fritters) at the nearby stalls.
  • Flamenco Beach
    3,620
    On Culebra, an island 20 miles off the coast of mainland Puerto Rico, Flamenco is consistently ranked as one of the top beaches in the world for its clear, shallow waters (perfect for snorkelling) and snowy white sand. You can rent chairs and umbrellas, and there are showers, bathrooms, and food kiosks. On the beach, there are abandoned military tanks covered in graffiti, giving an intriguing glimpse into Culebra’s past when it was occupied by the U.S. Navy.
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Puerto Rico travel advice

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These questions and answers were created by AI, using the most common questions travellers ask in the forums.

Car Rentals

According to forum posts, many travelers recommend renting a car for flexibility and ease of travel around Puerto Rico, especially when exploring areas outside of San Juan. Vehicles can be rented from various agencies located at the airport, with on-premises agencies being recommended over off-premises ones due to reliability.

Public and Alternative Transportation

Some travelers said public transportation is limited and unreliable outside of San Juan. Uber is available in San Juan and may be cheaper than taxis, but its availability diminishes outside the city. Taxis are reliable but can be expensive, and they often need to be booked a day in advance in less urban areas.

Private Drivers

For those not interested in driving, hiring private drivers has been mentioned as a viable option. Travelers have successfully used Uber drivers for private trips, and local recommendations can often be sought from accommodation hosts or Uber drivers themselves for personal transport services.

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Family-Friendly Accommodations

Some travelers have recommended the Aquatika in Loiza for families, highlighting its amenities such as pools, playgrounds, green spaces, and a private beach, which are ideal for children. This accommodation requires a rental car due to its location between San Juan and Fajardo.

Resort Options

According to forum posts, the Wyndham Rio Mar is a favorite for families, offering a large kids pool with a splash area, a nice beach, and proximity to El Yunque rainforest. The El Conquistador hotel is also favored for its large water park and private beach access via a water taxi.

Additional Suggestions

Travelers have also pointed out that Isla Verde is suitable for families, with options like the Marriott Courtyard featuring a splash pad and Sonesta boasting very nice pools. These are closer to Old San Juan, providing a balance of beach access and cultural experiences.

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Historical Attractions

According to forum posts, Old San Juan is celebrated for its rich history, showcased in its impressive forts like El Morro and historic sites such as the Catedral de San Juan Bautista, where Ponce de León is buried. The area's Spanish colonial architecture and historic charm are major draws for visitors.

Cultural Experience

Travelers have called out the vibrant cultural scene in Old San Juan, which includes a variety of shops, restaurants, and bars. The area is pedestrian-friendly, making it ideal for leisurely exploring the narrow, picturesque streets and enjoying local street food and crafts.

Recommendations for Limited Time Visits

For those with limited time, such as cruise ship passengers, forum users suggest a self-guided walking tour to efficiently experience the area's main attractions. Key recommendations include visiting the massive fort of El Morro and enjoying local cuisine at places like Café Manolín or grabbing a quick snack at Señor Paleta for gelato or sorbet pops.

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Popular Breakfast Spots

According to forum posts, Café Manolin and La Bombonera in Old San Juan are popular for breakfast, offering local cuisine. Pinky’s and Bistro Cafe also come highly recommended for breakfast options.

Local Cuisine Recommendations

Travelers have called out Café Manolin and La Casita Blanca for lunch and dinner, highlighting their authentic local dishes. Mi Casita is another favorite, mentioned for both breakfast and dinner options.

Unique Dining Experiences

Some travelers said that Marmalade on Fortaleza Street is one of the best restaurants in Puerto Rico, famous for its white bean truffle soup. For those interested in French cuisine, Tres Cent Onze offers a traditional French menu and is praised for its quality and pricing.

Seafood and Grilled Options

For seafood and chicken lovers, travelers recommend Oroscos and Bebos Café in Condado and Santurce respectively, noting their quality and minimal wait times.

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Recommended Tours Based on User Experience

Some travelers have recommended Puerto Rico Bio Bay Tours for their services in Laguna Grande, Fajardo. Users noted excellent visibility and professional handling of the tours, especially during times with no moonlight for enhanced bioluminescence viewing.

Company Recommendations

According to forum posts, for those looking for electric boat tours in Fajardo, Bioislandpr is the only company mentioned. Despite some challenges in communication, persistence in calling at different hours or texting is advised to secure a booking.

Considerations for Vieques Tours

Travelers have called out the bioluminescent bay in Vieques as one of the brightest. Although kayak tours are popular, electric boat tours are also available, providing an alternative for those unable or unwilling to kayak.

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Beach Recommendations

According to forum posts, Vieques and Culebra are repeatedly highlighted for having the best beaches in Puerto Rico, with white sands and a more isolated, tranquil environment. Cabo Rojo is also frequently mentioned for its beautiful beaches on the main island, particularly Combate Beach, which is noted for its calm waters.

Mainland Beach Suggestions

For those staying on the main island, Luquillo Beach is recommended for its calm waters and scenic setting, protected by a reef. Isla Verde in San Juan is suggested for those who prefer a combination of beach relaxation and nightlife, although the water can be rougher compared to other regions.

Additional Insights

Travelers have called out specific areas like Condado for its vibrant nightlife and beach scene, although it has stronger currents. For a quieter option, Mar Chiquita in Manatí offers a picturesque beach experience, albeit with limited swimming options due to rougher waters.

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Car Rental Locations and Options

Some travelers have mentioned that car rental options are available at the airport and at a Hertz location in the Sheraton in Old San Juan. Avis also offers a rate of approximately $1,100 per month.

Car Rental Recommendations

According to forum posts, Charlies, Avis, and Enterprise are recommended car rental companies. Travelers have advised reading reviews before booking and have reported positive experiences with Avis and Enterprise.

Considerations for Car Use

Many users noted that in areas like Old San Juan, a car may not be necessary due to the compact nature of the city. However, for exploring outside of San Juan or for day trips, having a rental car is beneficial.

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Ferry Routes and Locations

According to forum posts, the ferry services for Vieques and Culebra have been relocated from Fajardo to Ceiba. This update was provided in response to a traveler's query about the current departure location for the ferry going to Vieques.

Ferry Operations and Reliability

Travelers have noted that there is no direct ferry service between Culebra and Vieques; passengers must travel back to Ceiba to switch ferries. Forum contributors have warned about the unreliability of the ferry service, mentioning frequent delays, cancellations, and a policy that prioritizes locals over tourists. This has led to recommendations to opt for flights instead of depending on the ferry service.

Booking and Ticketing Information

Some travelers mentioned that ferry tickets can no longer be purchased online via previous websites and are now only available through a specific mobile app. This has caused some confusion and inconvenience as users have reported issues with accessing the app or booking tickets through it.

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