Puerto Rico has a lot of things to do for fun on Spring Break, even when you’re on a budget. We’ve put together some quick suggestions to make the most out of your days in Puerto Rico.
Beaches
All beaches in Puerto Rico are public and can be accessed by anyone. The only ones with hours of operation are the Balnearios or public beaches administered by the town. These are the only ones with lifeguards. If you see large waves, don’t go in. Currents and reefs can take you out to sea rather quickly.
Check sea conditions here: https://swimsafepr.com
There are more than 300 beaches all around the island that range from isolated gems to hang out spots. Here’s a list of the more popular metro beaches:
Balneario de Carolina– open Wed- Sun, 8am to 5pm. This long, crescent shaped public beach right next to the airport is well maintained and has showers, bathrooms and lifeguards. Some small eateries offer food and drink. Conditions, even when it’s rough are usually good for bathing. Parking is $5. Free admission. There a sailing center on the eastern end.
Isla Verde Beach– this is another very popular condominium and hotel lined sandy beach that’s bather friendly thanks to the protection of the outer reefs. There are chair and umbrella rentals. You can buy things to eat and drink in the businesses that line Isla Verde Ave.
Ocean Park– trendy, young, hip beach with kite surfing, beach tennis and volleyball courts. Can get rough with big swells.
Condado– good for sunbathing, but subject to direct Atlantic waves and currents. Good for swimming ONLY on very “flat” days.
Escambrón Beach– a reef protected public beach open 7 days, 8am to 5pm. Parking fee. Plenty of palm tres for shade and sand for sunbathing. Food kiosks and even a Spanish fort at the eastern end.
Water adventures
Daysail and snorkeling tours
Take a catamaran sail to an inhabited island to swim and snorkel in crystal clear water. Daily sailing am or pm includes a meal and drinks. Transport to and from San Juan available.
Bio bay kayak nighttime tours- Fajardo
There’s a small mangrove lined lagoon in the east that glows at night. Two nightly tours will take you through a mangrove channel and out into the open where you can experience waters that glow with every move. Moonless nights are best for viewing.
These tour operators offer Bio Bay and snorkeling tours:
Alestepr.com
Saltourspr.com
Ricosuntours.com
Luxury snorkeling and island adventures
Aventureagroup.com
Nature
There’s plenty of unique adventure trails to explore on the Island. Here’s some suggestions:
El Yunque
This rain forest is a natural wonder and full of trails to explore. It’s about 40 minutes from San Juan. Entrance is free and no reservations are required. Operating hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Visitor capacity is being managed due to parking limitations and to ensure the public’s safety Parking is permitted only in designated areas.
There are tours available that include transport and a guide.
Alestepr.com
Saltourspr.com
Ricosuntours.com
Horseback or UTV through a rainforest
Carabalí Rainforest Adventure Park to the East in Río Grande has miles of trails to enjoy on a guided horseback or UTV tour. They even have a bar/restaurant for your after tour pleasure.
Carabalirainforestpark.com for booking
Para la Naturaleza
This nature conservancy group offer unique nature and history experiences all over the Island. If you want to dive a little deeper into the wonders of Puerto Rico this is your best resource. They offer everything from nighttime tours of El Yunque to 19th century coffee farm tours.
Find out more: Paralanaturaleza.org
Metro forests
There are a couple of free nature reserves close by that you can explore in just a few hours.
San Patricio Forest
Up until the 1960’s this was an Army urbanization that was later abandoned. It began growing wild and in 1998 a neighborhood group rallied to have it declared what is is today, a forest reserve. You can walk the streets and see where the houses were. https://www.facebook.com/BosqueEstatalSanPatricio?
Jardín Botánico
This in the University of Puerto Rico’s botanical and sculpture garden. More than 20,000 species of native trees and plants grow here and there are relaxing trails and gardens to explore.
Info: https://www.upr.edu/jardin-botanico/
History
Old San Juan
The Spanish forts are one of the main attractions to explore. A one day pass for $10 is valid for 24 hours and let’s you explore both; El Morro and San Cristóbal forts. Buy them at the entrance. No cash accepted
Walking tour through Old San Juan
It’s amazing what a little historical insight can do to take an experience from good to memorable. Taking a walking tour can make all the difference. The Puerto Rico Historic Buildings Society offers really good info and access into some of the hidden corners. They offer an English tour on airbnb. https://www.prhbds.org
Rum tasting and tours
Puerto Rico is the largest producer of rum in the world and this presents a marvelous opportunity to learn more about this versatile Caribbean spirit.
Casa Bacardí
Right across the bay from Old San Juan you’ll find the Bacadí Distillery. Take a tour and learn more about this world famous brand. They offer four different experiences that cover history, tasting and mixology.
Reserve at casabacardi.com
Ron Barrilito
Puerto Rico’s oldest rum brand offers heritage, mixology and tasting tours at their facility in Bayamón, just 20 minutes form San Juan. A taste of their Five Star is worth the trip.
Reserve here: https://rondelbarrilito.com/tours/
Casa Artesano
This small batch craft rum recently opened a cocktail bar and tasting room in Cuartel Ballajá on the grounds of El Morro. Here you can try their amazing aged rums and their particular twist to traditional cocktails such as their Passion Fruit laced Piña Colada.
Ronartesano.com
If you have access to a car this is a fabulous small forest to explore:
Visit Monte Choca, a forest for gold diggers and bamboo cathedrals
