It's known for its Nuevo Latino cuisine. With an open-water fishing excursion in some of the greatest fishing waters in the world, the fun and exhilaration are second to none. rico puerto lovers water For a great insight into the world of astronomy, check out the guided tour of the famous Arecibo Observatory. Learn about the history of one of the striking engineering marvels of Spain the Castillo San Felipe del Morro. You can soak in the sun and enjoy the crystal clear waters, or you can opt to go on a snorkeling tour and catch a glimpse of the wondrous marine life in the area either way, a day of fun in the sun for the entire family awaits! Spanning around 27 acres, Castillo de San Cristbal was originally constructed to protect Old San Juan from foreign attacks. Get Link to Share - Right-Click, or Press and Hold. san juan rico puerto activities under beach In addition to its selection of noteworthy hiking trails, the park also offers a range of guided activities, including horseback adventures, ATV rides, and even a Go-Kart track. Its true claim to fame? On this picturesque oasis, you can soak up the sun on the beach, go for a kayaking trip, or book a boat ride around the island. Then look no further. A good spot for a light, healthy lunch or dinner is St. Germain Bistro & Cafe, where you can choose from a selection of sandwiches and salads -- like the Arabian (pesto chicken, grape tomato and hummus on pita bread) or the Ginny (mixed greens, shrimp, carrot, tomato and parmesan cheese with a ginger vinaigrette). Hours of operation, prices, and contact information may have changed since this article was published and/or printed. Its exterior features beautiful terraces known for their architectural beauty and elegance while, within its walls, a collection of historic, glamorous furniture awaits. Because many ships spend evenings in San Juan and don't depart until late-night, cruisers should also consider dinner options. platform of the Arecibo Observatory, unfortunately, crashed into its dish on 1 December 2020. The observatory features the second-largest single-dish radio telescope on the planet. If you plan on hosting a special event (party, wedding, or special dinner), the terraces are available for rent. The guides on ToursByLocals provide private tours tailored to your needs. As you zoom along the coastline of Puerto Rico, soak in some of the most breathtaking landscapes the island has to offer. Along the tour, youll also learn about the Taino contributions to local cuisine, language, and artwork. pinones pr piones rico puerto forest mangroves mangrove kiosks puertorico boardwalk where The list of beautiful natural caves in Puerto Rico is as impressive as any Caribbean island nation. There is a reason why Puerto Rico is called the rum worlds capital, after all! Old San Juan is a buzzing city full of life, laughter, and more importantly food! Besides the time in the water, tour companies also provide plenty of entertainment on board the boats as well expect your fair share of music, snacks, and cultural insights. A murder mystery tour is not something you get to do every day, and its one way to make sure your Puerto Rico trip falls nothing short of memorable. Do we have any budding Sherlock Holmes out there? Enjoy Authentic Puerto Rican food on this tour with private transportation, Yabucoa, Maunabo y Patillas beach exploring! (Plaza San Jose, Tuesday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.). With plenty of shops, restaurants, coffee shops, and bars to check out, its easy to spend an entire day in the area, walking down the old cobblestone streets and enjoying the colorful architecture along the way. This is the farthest point to the west and closest to the main island Puerto Rico. Whether youre a total newbie or a seasoned pro, theres no shortage of exciting spots in Puerto Rico to ride the waves. The turquoise waters and white sandy beaches present it as the ideal photo backdrop, and a cozy cafe or local restaurant is never too far away. On a usually-2-hour tour, guests are led through a private ranch surrounded by beautiful green landscapes, meadows, and mangroves an experience sure to leave a lasting impression. It takes you to places unknown to some of the locals! Ve,"[more], Jennifer DeBesse - Apr, 2022 ), Aguaviva (364 Fortaleza Street) is another trendy place; it serves seafood. 19952022, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. The island boasts some of the biggest names in the hotel and casino business, so you dont even have to leave the main island in order to have a great time! We will customize your day and fish for family entertainment or big game fish that the island has to offer. For the best chance to see all of the wildlife native to the area, hop aboard the cable car and enjoy those birds-eye views from the observation tower at the top! Shore excursions to the nearby El Yunque National Forest or Casa Bacardi are other great options. Swim in natural glowing water on this San Juan tour with me! However you choose to experience the area, great times are guaranteed. Puerto Rico has some of the best beaches in the world, and Vieques Island is no exception. All content on this site is Copyright 2007-2022 PuertoRicoDayTrips.com - All rights reserved. TourScanner is the worlds largest website to search for tours & travel activities. El Morro: Check out the historic sites of Old San Juan, including on of its most famous forts, whose original parts were completed in 1539 (and which successfully deterred would-be colonial powers from capturing the island). The factory itself is lovely. There is much to discover on a San Juan tour: mesmerizing forts, cathedrals, Spanish architecture and a lively Old Town. Dont worry, even if you dont enjoy sweets that much, their menu is packed full of delicious breakfast foods, entrees, and mains. Since 2007, PuertoRicoDayTrips.com has been your guide to all things Puerto Rico. Dont let your day end when the sun goes down! Click on any of the activities below to get more info about that tour, see availability calendars, and book your excursions directly with the tour operators today! Sightseeing to the Foothills of the Rain Forest and Luquillo Beach, Old San Juan, Piones beach and/or the Metropolitan Area Private tour. The uber-popular Gilligans Island (and no, we dont mean the TV show) is a fan favorite with the locals, yet is often kept under wraps for tourists (until now!). Calle del Cristo commonly referred to as the shopping street by locals should be high up on any tourists list of things to see in Puerto Rico. Youre not really vacationing in Puerto Rico if you havent spent at least a couple of hours kicking back and enjoying the fruity cocktails at the Casa Bacardi distillery. The island is a U.S. territory so currency is the U.S. dollar, and while Spanish is the primary language, English is widely understood even if not spoken. Don't miss out on a pina colada from Barrachina (104 Calle Fortaleza), its supposed birthplace. With a selection of incredible tours available, there are plenty of ways to explore the beautiful 108-hectare park. By proceeding, you agree to Cruise Critics, Help Ukrainian Families in Need: World Central Kitchen Donation Match. Experience bio bay kayaking after dark with me on this tour! With plenty of tranquil beaches and sparkling waters to explore, you can relax at the beach and enjoy your favorite cocktail, join a snorkeling or diving tour, or work on the tan at Flamenco beach often considered one of the best beaches in the world. Puerto Rico is much more than just beaches and historical sites; the island nation is also home to a densely populated rain forest. We hope youve enjoyed our selection of things to do in Puerto Rico the Caribbean paradise oasis! Kayak down the streams, tackle one of the many different hiking paths, and keep an eye out for the diverse wildlife along the way. Join us in this one of a kind aquatic adventure! You can swim on the cold waters of the rain forest, and then heat your body at the hot springs. If contemporary fine dining is what your idea of an ideal vacation is all about, then you simply cant miss the Marmalade Restaurant & Wine Bar. Typically departing from San Juan in the north or Fajardo in the northeast, diving excursions can last from anywhere from 3 hours to a half-day, with plenty of opportunities for beginners and experts alike. Check out our selection of fun things to do in San Juan. Get lost in its beauty with a day hike, head out on a waterfall tour, sign up for a zipline adventure, or combine it with a kayaking experience on bioluminescent waters. If youre after an unbeatable deep sea fishing experience in San Juan, look no further. Caves and Karst Region Tour with private guide. It is also home to the Coqui Water Park (found in the Marina Village section), a fantastic place to enjoy a day of fun in the sun especially if youre traveling with the whole family! Not only do you get to be a part of the fishing experience hooking the bait, casting the line, and reeling them in but youll be doing so in a luxurious yacht as you sail across the wonderful waters. A Segway tour is the perfect way to explore the city and see all the attractions without breaking a sweat! tours in San Juan. The mangroves, on the other hand, located in the San Jose lagoon, offer fantastic vistas of their own. Local Guides offer 32 unique and customizable tours in San Juan. PuertoRicoDayTrips.com will receive a small referral commission for any activities that you book through this page. If youre after the snorkeling experience of a lifetime, look no further than Puerto Ricos Lcacos island. This is a FULL nature immersion type of experience. With a certified guide leading the way, captain your own 13 inflatable boat across the beautiful crystal clear waters of Eastern Puerto Rico, stopping at stunning, uninhabited islands with incredible white sand beaches. If you have any other must-see suggestions, feel free to let us know in the comments! Our tour inventory is updated nightly, and the availability of tours is confirmed hourly throughout the day. Get a feel of the ultimate Caribbean adventure by visiting the famous Carabali Rainforest Adventure Park, an immersive environment sitting on the foothills of the renowned EI Yunque National Rainforest. Located about an hour south of San Juan, you'll see numerous waterfalls, ferns and wildflowers along the marked trails. Art-lovers who want to stick closer to town can visit the Museo de Arte Contemporaneo de Puerto Rico, which houses some 700 post-1940s works from artists of Puerto Rico, the Caribbean and Latin America. Hot tip: bring a waterproof camera the landscape at the base of the waterfall makes for some jaw-dropping pictures. Check out our list of fun things to do in Puerto Rico! The Coliseum of Puerto Rico Jos Miguel Agrelot is the biggest indoor arena in all of Puerto Rico and it is host to many different events. (Don't walk -- it's long and hot.) Why wait until you are on vacation in Puerto Rico to book your tours, only to find out that the ones you want to do are all booked-up? Rated as one of the most beautiful and scenic beaches in the world, the Flamenco Beach (or Playa Flamenco, as the locals know it) is a picture-perfect representation of turquoise waters and white sands all around. If youre looking for a little piece of heaven, be sure to add this place to your list of things to see in Puerto Rico. Bacardi Rum Factory: This is commonly offered as a ship-sponsored tour, but it's easy to go on your own, too; take the ferry (which leaves from Pier 2, right next to the cruise ship dock, every half hour and costs $1, roundtrip, for the six-minute ride) to Catano, and then catch a bus or ferry for the 10-minute ride to the factory. Be sure to check out the museum, military barracks, and military archives while youre there too. Inside this loudly-colored building sits one of the citys most famous landmarks: the old fire station, which, today, acts as a small museum. Tour in Rio Grande, United States:"Excellent tour. The perfect combination of food, souvenirs, and a vibrant atmosphere, the farmers markets are a great way to spend your day strolling around and relaxing. Site by Ray Bentz. Want to see the best views in the city? Moreover, the island attracts photographers from all across the world, as well as serving as the training destination for Puerto Rico Police. Head to the aforementioned SoFo, where the hip restaurants of the moment include Marmalade (317 Fortaleza), which offers a U.S.-inspired menu. All Rights Reserved. The core of the museum sits inside an impressive neoclassical building, dating back all the way to the 1920s. The Salinas de Cabo Rojo, otherwise known as the pink lake, is considered to be a national treasure and its not hard to see why! Besides tasting the famous local staples like plantains and sofrito, youll also be given a complimentary rum cocktail and learn all about the intriguing architecture along the way. Later, jump into the waters of "La Cordillera" Cays Nature Reserve, for a guided snorkeling experience you will never forget! Biobay, Boat, Kids, Transportation, Water. Best Beach for a Half-Day Visit: The beaches that run in front of Isla Verde's luxury hotels (about a 20-minute cab ride) are the best for short visits; ask the cabbie to drop you off at the Ritz-Carlton or the El San Juan. Better yet, everything is already set up for you, so you dont have to sweat the details just reap the rewards! Picture vibrant marine life and beautiful, peaceful tropical islands thats Culebra island for you. If youre a bit of an adrenaline junkie, an ATV adventure is a non-negotiable when it comes to things to do in Puerto Rico. Led by a local, youll also hear all about the culture, history, and art of the city along the way. With so many different ways to explore the park and witness some truly amazing views above the forest canopy, its a regular hit for adults and kids alike. Of all the things to see in Puerto Rico, theres arguably nothing more magical than the shimmering neon-blue shores of the Laguna Grande Bioluminescent Bay and Mosquito Bay. One for the history buffs, theres arguably no better place to learn about the fascinating cultural heritage of Puerto Rico than at the popular Museum of the Americas. If youre someone who loves nature and everything green, then mark El Yunque down as a must-see. Copyright 2007-2022 PuertoRicoDayTrips.com accessible juan san excursions tour most Private VIP Charter for up to 6 people for a full day of fishing off the coast of Fajardo. [CLOSED RIGHT NOW] The platform of the Arecibo Observatory, unfortunately, crashed into its dish on 1 December 2020. If youre an undisputed sweet tooth who craves chocolate on the regular, there are no exceptions: you need to stop for a meal at Chocobar Corts. For Golfers: Bahia Beach is a hidden treasure; a car rental is required to get to this out-of-the-way, 18-hole public course that sits at the base of El Yunque and fronts the sea with a gorgeous beach, framed by palms and palmettos. Our inventory currently contains over 240 tours, offered by over 55 different tour operators, with space available over the next 90 days! However, the most famous surf beaches all of which are worthy of a visit due to their regular lively atmosphere are Domes, Sandy Beach, Marias Beach, and Surfers Beach. We changed itinerary on Hector and he rolled with it. As you soar out of the water like a superhero, youll be grinning from ear to ear. Be sure to check out the Blue Hole, then recharge the batteries with a hearty meal at Rancho Original. Dont forget to try their steak and eggs, with a side of choco pancakes! The Carolina Childrens Museum makes learning fun! Golf clubs are available for rent. The Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico in Santurce: This off-the-beaten-path museum exhibits elegant Puerto Rican art, along with visiting themed shows. With a great selection of locations to choose from, such as Vieques, Ricon, Carabal Rainforest Park, and Hacienda Campo Rico just to name a few simply saddle up and enjoy the scenery as it morphs from countryside to meadows, mountains, and beaches. Activities booked through this page are booked directly with the activity operator. With all sorts of things including food trucks, drink stalls, and hand-crafted goods made by the locals, you never know what youll find! As part of the Cordillera Cays Nature Reserve (an area protected for study and conservation), Icacos is flush with sea life and color. On a dedicated booze tour, youll get to sip and enjoy some of the best rums and cocktails that the island has to offer, hopping in between a selection of three unique bars (cocktails included, of course). The Museo de Arte de Ponce has a permanent collection that is sure to thrill any and all art lovers, one featuring work dating all the way back to the 14th century! You will have the opportunity to hang around at the fisherman village of La Parguera and get dinner in a local restaurant. Hot tip: due to its popularity, if you do want to eat here, make sure to make a reservation first! After you arrive, your group will be split into two teams the fastest team to figure out the mystery wins! Sports fans should head to the Hiram Bithorn Stadium to watch ball players take to the field for a lively game of baseball. Thanks to its calm waters, the country is ideal for surfing year-round. The Beach: While Old San Juan doesn't really boast any of its own, the beaches in the nearby areas of Condado and Isla Verde stretch along high-rise hotels and are a 5- to 10-minute taxi ride (longer during rush hour) from the cruise pier. Youll get to see everything the city has to offer and learn the citys history thanks to the expert (and, more importantly, local) tour guides. Puerto Rico offers some of the Caribbeans most pristine scuba diving spots regular hits for both tourists and locals. A little warning: if youre afraid of heights, you might be better of skipping this one! Romantics, take note. Eat like a local, devouring all the Puerto Rican specialties like Alcapurrias, Empanadillas, and Tostones! Meanwhile, within its walls, youll find an impressive collection of religious art and portraits, spanning from the modern era to the 17th century. ), youll soar over the ground for two whole hours! ToursByLocals 2008, 2022. If you have something like a proposal in mind, you can upgrade your package and the locals will capture it all on camera (secretly) so that you can keep the memory forever. Its the perfect place to go to pick up some one-of-a-kind souvenirs before you head back home. Hot tip: have a peek at the calendar before visiting to check out which of the upcoming events are most enticing. Cueva Ventana (Window Cave), the Cueva del Indio Cave (Indian Cave), and the Rio Camuy Caves all offer abundant opportunities for hiking, rock climbing, spelunking, rafting, or rappelling. You are going to feel great. Do you consider yourself lucky? If your idea of a great vacation includes caving, rafting, and hiking, then a canyoning adventure is a no-brainer to add to the itinerary. Travelers love checking out the Segundo de la Portilla a centuries-old stone building that still stands today. The breathtaking waterfall is one of the major natural attractions on the island, and therefore one of the most impressive things to see in Puerto Rico, hands-down. Also on the menu are quiche and crepes. Experience the beauty of Puerto Rico on this Private Tour! Past diners rave about the sangria and the ceviche. If you want to experience the rainforest in a fun and exciting way as opposed to a casual hike or drive then this place is an absolute must. The El Conquistador course is ideal for those who like a challenge; or, if you consider yourself a seasoned pro, why not try your luck at the championship course at the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Hotel? Discover one of Puerto Rico's famous bioluminescent bays on this tour from San Juan to Lajas. Youll get to see a great birds-eye view of all the places you want to visit (or have already visited) as well as spectacular views of the coastlines. As you wander the famous Tano Route, youll witness beautiful caves, trails, and petroglyphs as they unveil in tandem the impressive story of the islands cultural origins. Sea Trek gives you the opportunity to explore the underwater universe by different means. From beautiful cobblestoned streets to colorful homes, sprawling plazas, and some of the most fantastic food in the world, the islands epicenter San Juan- is a multicultural city packed with love, life, and laughter. Be sure to visit the famous 19th-century Santa MaraCemetery, the Casa Blanca Museum, Cathedral de San Juan; and all of the sidewalk cafes, candlelit restaurants, and beautiful plazas. Search for free among 1,500,000 tours in every destination around the world! As you walk through the narrow entrance and observe the flags waving across the Atlantic breeze, you easily transport to another medical time in history. morro 1539 defends cristbal Soak up the old world charm in San Juan, Puerto Rico with a friendly local guide. Explore the immense Castillo de San Cristobal - the largest fortress the Spanish built in the new world - and make sure you see the oldest fort too, the imposing El Morro. Get a lifetime experience swimming in the bioluminescent bay at La Parguera. [viewguidepage], Tour in San Juan, United States:"Hector is a great guide. An organized romantic sunset beach picnic is the perfect way to surprise your better half! Tours are from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with an entry fee for adults, though the fee also covers the cost of San Cristobal Fort. As you tour these places, led by a local guide, youll learn about the scientific reasons behind these unique vistas a fascinating organism called pyridinium bahamense. Besides the impressive landscape, your expert guide will also share stories of the important role that the Taino people have played in developing the heritage of the island. Besides figuring out whodunit, youll also get to stop at some of the local hotspots for drinks and a bite to eat. The Parrot Club (363 Fortaleza) is the restaurant that inspired San Juan's gourmet revolution, and while it's a bit more passe these days, it's one of the few in the trendy SoFo (south of Fortaleza restaurant district) to open for lunch. Please re-confirm this information directly with the attraction or tour operator. Considered one of, if not the best beach on the west coast of Puerto Rico, Crash Boat Beach is often referred to as the crowning gem of Aguadilla and once you see it first-hand, youll quickly understand why. Hidden away on the beautiful island of Culebra, Flamenco is booming with colorful aquatic life and stunning scenery its guaranteed to make all of your social media buddies green with envy. There is an abundant variety of colorful reef fish even the most seasoned snorkelers would swoon over. Are you the type of person who loves a day out in nature? Found in the historic Casa Salazar-Candal district of Ponce, the enthralling Ponce History Museum provides a unique insight into decades and centuries gone by on this unique island, focusing on its art, culture, architecture, and government. (Note the whimsical, octopus-like chandeliers.). PuertoRicoDayTrips.com makes no representations regarding the level of service offered by an activity operator. But theres far more than just cocktails at this iconic watering hole: the famous Distillery offers immersive mixology classes, teaching you everything you need to know two about mojitos and mimosas! At ToursByLocals, we will always put health and safety first. Medalla Light is the local beer, and while Bacardi is the better-known rum produced in Puerto Rico, the locals prefer Don Q -- an equally (if not more) venerable brand. Enjoy and relax during the road trip from San Juan to La Parguera, Lajas.