Puerto Rico’s attractions range from the adventurous (like the underground caves of Río Camuy Cave Park) to the historic (like the 500-year old walls of the El Morro fort). And there are plenty of options between the two extremes. Beach lovers must visit the western beaches of Rincón for sunbathing and surfing; snorkelers are bound to enjoy Vieques’ bioluminescent Mosquito Bay. And if you’re the kind of traveler who parties heartily, you’ll discover a varied but vibrant nightlife in San Juan. How we rank Things to Do.
Bioluminescent Mosquito Bay (Vieques)
This south Vieques beach might not sound like much, but it’s one of travelers’ favorite experiences in Puerto Rico. During the day, Bioluminescent Mosquito Bay is your stereotypical Caribbean hideout — but at night, the sky and waters emit a blue glow from the half-plant, half-animal microorganisms that live there. More than 700,000 bioluminescent dinoflagellates live in each gallon of bay water, and recent travelers have been amazed by just how much visibility these tiny creatures provide.
But avoid visiting the bay during a full moon; the microorganisms aren’t as visible then. Also aim for a quiet approach: “I would definitely go in a group with kayaks-not a motorized boat,” one TripAdvisor reviewer said. “It is very peaceful and beautiful to be on the water at night but the sparkling water is a real treat.”
Though you can visit Mosquito Bay unaccompanied, most suggest you spring for a tour of the area. Mosquito Bay’s official site offers tips on the best nights to visit and lunar calendar information, as well as details on eco-friendly tours. Nightly tours operated by the popular Travesias Islenas Yaureibo range from $35 to $55 per person, depending on which type of tour you choose.
Flamenco Beach
On the island of Culebra — which sits about 20 miles east of Puerto Rico— visitors will find a beach perfect for families, snorkelers and those looking for a remote spot that boasts a delightful aesthetic from nearly every angle. Flamenco Beach’s 1½-mile strip of sand is the most popular on Culebra and is often recognized by travelers and experts as the most beautiful in all of Puerto Rico.
Facilities like bathrooms and showers can be found on site, and the beach’s white sand is peppered with kiosks selling refreshments or offering chairs and umbrellas for rent — all available for inexpensive prices (about $10 USD each). Amenities and tranquility are among the many allures of this favorite spot but above all else, travelers simply can’t stop raving about the beach’s beauty. “The water is shades of teal, turquoise, and blue. I’ve never seen such amazing ocean water,” one TripAdvisor reviewer raved. Some travelers do complain that Flamenco Beach’s popularity means it can get a bit crowded on the weekends (despite a lack of fancy resorts or restaurants). And your company won’t just be of the human variety; fish tend to swim right up to the shallow water’s edge.
Flamenco Beach is also home to a campground, should you care to spend the night outside, under the Caribbean moon. In order to camp you’ll have to pay a fee of $20 USD, and you’ll need to bring your own equipment (or ask the campground office for details about renting a tent). If you’re staying on Culebra, this beach is a must, but from the main island it can be quite a trek. Air Flamenco and Cape Air offer flights between San Juan and Culebra. Ferries also run to and from Culebra, though the schedule and availability are often unreliable. Flamenco Beach is free to visit and is open daily from dawn to dusk.
Museo de Arte de Ponce
Following an extensive renovation, Museo de Arte de Ponce reopened in 2010 boasting a bigger space and a larger art collection. Today, the museum houses more than 4,500 works from Europe, Africa and the Americas dating back to as early as the 14th century. During its brief hiatus, the museum lent 125 items from its permanent collection to 15 museums across nine countries, where it was admired by countless visitors. At home in the Puerto Rican city of Ponce — along the island’s southern coast — the collection is particularly beloved for its blend of European baroque works, Victorian paintings and Puerto Rican folk art.
Recent travelers loved the variety within the collection and raved about the museum’s intuitive, easy-to-follow organization. Others found the museum’s setting perfect for a bit of R&R: “On the third floor there is a private nook with 2 chairs overlooking the grounds and garden which is a nice spot to take a load off,” one TripAdvisor reviewer wrote.
The museum is open Wednesday to Saturday and Monday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., on Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. and closed on Tuesdays; last admission is at 5:15 p.m. Adult admission costs $6 USD, while seniors and children 12 and younger can get in for $3 USD. Museum de Arte de Ponce offers daily guided tours (included in the admission price) in both English and Spanish at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.; audio guides are also available for $2 USD.
Luquillo Beach (Balneario de Luquillo)
The resort beaches along Condado or Isla Verde are beautiful, but if you tire of the same old scenery, take a 30-minute drive east along Route 3 to Luquillo Beach. Families flock to this shore for its reef-protected calm waves, and you’ll also see a lot of day trippers fresh from a jaunt in the nearby El Yunque National Rainforest.
Recent vacationers agree that Luquillo isn’t crowded, but there are differing reports on its cleanliness. Following an April 2010 trip to the beach, one TripAdvisor user wrote: “It was the most disgusting site ever. You literally could not walk to the beach without stepping on some piece of garbage.” But another TripAdvisor user that visited around the same time is full of praise: “The beach was gorgeous, the water clean, the view spectacular and real easy to get to.”
There’s a small fee to park at Luquillo, plus a $1 fee to use the bathrooms (which includes access to the changing rooms and showers).
El Yunque National Rainforest
Sometimes referred to as the Caribbean National Forest, the El Yunque National Rainforest, or simply El Yunque, this lush expanse is the only tropical forest in the U.S. National Forest System. It’s also a particular favorite for vacationers who like to hike — but even if nature really isn’t your thing, travelers urge you to make the trip just 35 miles east of San Juan. Remember to wear layers that can get wet — the site receives more than 100 billion gallons of precipitation annually — and pack a water-resistant camera to capture some of the area’s splendor. Keep your ears peeled in the evenings, when Puerto Rico’s tiny coquí tree frogs begin their serenade.
The forest has 13 well-marked hiking trails that range in difficulty. The two most popular, La Mina & Big Tree Trail, are a combined two-hour hike that snakes by La Mina River and ends around La Mina Falls.
Travelers agree that El Yunque is too much to handle in one day; many choose to camp or find accommodations in the area. You can obtain a free permit (before 3 p.m. each day) to camp on El Yunque’s premises, but facilities are few and far between. Many hotels in San Juan offer day trips or excursions to the rainforest, so be sure to inquire with your concierge.
Entering the forest is free, but there’s a modest admission charge into El Portal visitor center or to arrange an overnight tour of the forest.
