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On my first trip to Puerto Rico I was excited about all the things I could do based on what I read online. I did not want to miss a thing, not knowing this was just the first of many trips to Puerto Rico. Thanks to our Puerto Rican friends, we had a great week. Now after many trips, I know the winning formula for a great first trip, especially if you are visiting the Northeast of the Island.

Enjoy Amazing Beaches

First things first, get your Vitamin Sea! Especially if you are going in the winter. There are so many beaches to choose from, each with their own character. I would first go to the beach closet to where you are staying and then venture outward. Or just stay put and don’t change a thing. Here are some of my favorites.

Playa Luquillo

Luquillo beach is a popular beach next to the Luquillo Kiosks, where you can find drinks, snacks, meals and souvenirs. You can also rent jet skis or try flyboarding. A bit further east is the Balneario Monserrate which has a parking area, lifeguards, restrooms and showers. (Balnearios are beaches that are government maintained and provide facilities for a small fee.)

Seven Seas Beach in Fajardo

This beach is crystal clear and has minimal waves. This is the beach where we discovered that you could enjoy chill in the ocean with a floatie laden with drinks and snacks! You can also snorkel out in the coral reefs.

Isla Verde/Carolina Beach

Isla Verde is a lovely urban beach in Carolina. It is next to some fine hotels and restaurants so you can enjoy fancy drinks and meals on your beach day.

Bahia Beach

This is a simple, rustic beach, mostly deserted. Bahia is what I can this spot, read about it here.

Hike the Rain Forest

El Yunque is a forest located in northeast Puerto Rico, and is the only tropical rain forest in the United States. Because it is a mountainous rain forest, there are plenty of streams, creeks, and rivers crossing the Forest. Entrance to the park is free so it tends to be busy in the weekends.  The visitors center is on Palmer St, I recommend you stop there first as it is on the way.  You can get your national parks passport stamped here and get a map and updates on which trails are open.  The Angelito Trail is a good beginner hike which ends in a lovely swimming hole.

Go Back in Time

Old San Juan is actually an island that is connected to the mainland of Puerto Rico by three bridges. It dates back to the 16th century when Puerto Rico was a Spanish colony. You will find great architecture, historical landmarks, cobblestone streets, wonderful food, great museums, El Morro and San Cristobol forts, beautiful parks and plazas and lovely residential streets.  Make sure you park in an official lot, street parking is restricted to residents. The Paseo de La Princesa is a Promenade next to the ocean around EL Morro.  It is very scenic and a hangout for cats.

Take a Tour

Like any other popular vacation destination, there are many tour companies vying for your travel budget. There are so many free things to do in Puerto Rico, skip this section if you want to minimize costs, you won’t feel deprived. But if you are looking for a guided tour, here are some fabulous options.

Bioluminescent Bay in Fajardo

There are five Bio Bays in the world, and three of them are in Puerto Rico. While Mosquito Bay in Vieques Island is most spectacular, the Fajardo Bio Bay is an trip into an unfamiliar world. You kayak at night through a mangrove channel to a nature preserve where you can enjoy the stars and these organisms than glow in the water. This tour is best when the moon is not bright. Here is a tour company we have used and recommend.

Snorkeling at Icacos Island

Icacos is a little island about half an hour off the north east tip of Puerto Rico. In it uninhabited and spectacularly beautiful. The clear blue waters make it an ideal snorkeling spot. There are a number of ways to get to the island. I have travelled to Icacos via catamaran and mini boat, both of which I recommend.

Casa Bacardi

This is a nicely curated factory tour which delivers a nice blend of history, education and fun. My friends and I chose the rum tasting tour and this was the beginning of my love of rum, specifically Bacardi Ocho. You will never say the word Bacardi the same way again. My local friends say Don Q is a better rum and Bacardi is only for tourists.

I would love to hear about your first trip to Puerto Rico. Was my advice helpful? Would you add anything different? Let me know!