Seeing the island from the water on a boat tour is a very exceptional experience. You get to step back and admire Puerto Rico from a whole new perspective. There are many boat tour options to choose from. Go snorkeling on one of the offshore islands to the east, discover the western coastline or even take a river or lake tour. We’ve put together this list to help you become the aquatic explorer you’ve always wanted to be
The best boat tours on the east coast
Eastern Puerto Rico is blessed with spectacular small islands close by such as Icacos and Culebra. It’s also home to a bioluminescent bay in the middle of a mangrove forest. Why not combine an island visit and a biobay excursion for the ultimate, full day experience? Al Este Tours offer two different combos for the adventurous.
Culebra snorkeling and bio bay kayak tour
On this tour you’ll leave Fajardo on a power boat for one hour boat ride to any visit any one of Culebra’s best snorkeling spots to see the amazing variety of reef inhabitants. Culebra is an island paradise with some of the clearest water in the Caribbean. A protected marine reserve guarantees you’ll see plenty of underwater life. You’ll return in the afternoon. Then around 6 pm you’ll check in at Las Croabas in Fajardo to kayak through a mangrove canal on your way to check out the wonders of the bioluminescent bay. This two for one is an experience you will surely enjoy and remember for years.
Icacos catamaran sailing/snorkeling and biobay kayak tour
Icacos is a small cay just off Fajardo. On this tour you’ll get to experience the magic of sail as you leisurely head to Icacos. Once there you can go swimming and snorkeling or just walk around on the beach of this deserted island. Sandwiches and drinks are included. in the evening around 6pm you’ll check in to the biobay kayak excursion. That trip will last up to 8:30pm.
Information and reservations at alestepuertorico.com
La Paseadora- Espíritu Santo River, Río Grande
Puerto Rico has hundreds of rivers but there’s only one that’s navigable. For more than 15 years La Paseadora has been taking locals and visitor on a two hour, six mile expedition through the Espiritu Santo Nature Reserve all the way to the Atlantic Ocean.
This boat tour is a birdwatcher’s dream. More than 65 bird species can be seen along the bank along with many crabs, fish and other reptiles that inhabit the reserve. Along the route the captain will point out the many features and history of this unique environment. Four tours are held daily (9 and 11 am, and 1 and 3pm) from Thursday to Saturday. Getting there is very easy. The dock is right off the PR 3 in Río Grande about 25 minutes to the east of San Juan. This is a very affordable experience, just call for prices and more information. Reservations are a must- 787-612-3075
La Plata Reservoir Boat Trip
This fresh water reservoir was built in 1973 and has been designated as a wildlife refuge. It’s become a natural habitat for dozens of local and migratory birds, turtles, and more. It’s also a popular fishing spot since it is stocked with tilapia, small mouth bass and catfish.
One of the more popular ways to see the reservoir is by boat. La Plata Tours offers different options you can enjoy to see the main attractions such as the only suspension bridge in Puerto Rico, the dam and the 1908 La Plata iron bridge. They offer a short 25 minute excursion all the way to a 2.5 hour experience. All tour are on weekends between 12 noon and 6 pm and are priced according to duration. Prices are very reasonable starting less than $30 per person with reduced rates for kids ages 3 to 10 and even dogs (bring a life jacket for the pooch).
The dock is right next to Lagolandia restaurant right on the lake. Reservations are recommended as the maximum capacity of the boat is limited to 6 on the lake. They don’t accept credit cards so you should bring cash. Contact them for current prices and tours available- 787-368-8536
Crash Boat Boat trip for the birds
Capitán Pelícano or Captain Pelican will be your guide to discover the natural wonders and history of the Crash Boat area in Aguadilla. You’ll learn about the natural wonders and experience the coastal environment from the water. On the way you’ll get to marvel at the pelicans, marine birds and their habitats and maybe even dolphins, whales (February to April) and sea turtles. Captain Pelican is famous for his unique relationship with the local pelicans and some will even come with you on your tour. This tour is much more than sightseeing, it’s an immersive journey to understand the coastal ecosystem and the need to protect these waters. Along with this boat tour Crash Boat Experiences offers beach hopping, hiking and snorkeling tours.
Find out more here: crashboatexperiences.com
