If you crave adventure but want to avoid the hassle of arranging a trip overseas, put away your passport and head to Puerto Rico, a little slice of Caribbean paradise that’s a quick plane ride from Florida’s southern coast. Thanks to its tropical climate and year-round warm weather, the island is a prime vacation destination for nature lovers and sun-seekers alike. Sadly, many visitors don’t venture beyond the confines of San Juan and miss out on some unforgettable experiences.
If you’re ready to step off the well-trodden path, discover a unique side of the island with these three adventures you must try on your next trip to Puerto Rico.
Where to Stay
There’s no shortage of sumptuous stays to be found in Puerto Rico. Nature enthusiasts with an equal affinity for luxury should check into Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve to enjoy 11 miles of walking trails, beachfront golf and a host of curated adventures, like kayaking excursions in Puerto Rico’s bioluminescent bays.
You can’t go wrong with Condado Vanderbilt Hotel for a centrally located base. Just 10 minutes from Old San Juan, the Four-Star hotel puts you within arm’s reach of top historic sites and well-heeled restaurants (including Condado’s own 1919 Restaurant) — if you can tear yourself away from the ocean-facing infinity pool.
Beachgoers with a penchant for barefoot luxury will want to book a room at Five-Star St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort. The former coconut farm provides a lush hideaway from the crowds with two miles of secluded beach, a palm tree-lined pool and a Five-Star spa serving up sea-inspired pampering.
Adventure No. 1: Try Late-Night Sips and Salsa
Exploring the cobblestone streets of Old San Juan by day is a must for any newcomer to Puerto Rico. Packed with history in the form of abandoned colonial forts and Technicolor homes, the vibrant (if touristy) downtown is an enchanting spot to start your trip. But stick around after the sun goes down to see where the locals hang out.
Founded by a crew of local bartenders who love experimentation, La Factoria is a must-visit for any spirits aficionado. A commitment to locally sourced, made-from-scratch ingredients and an unpretentious vibe has made La Factoria a favorite. Over the last decade, it has cemented its reputation as the heartbeat of Old San Juan. The venue has a line out the door almost every night of the week, especially after 10 p.m., when salsa dancing takes over one of the six unique bar spaces on Sunday and Monday. Rub elbows with locals and visitors alike as you try contemporary riffs on daiquiris and coladas, or sip on the house signature: a lavender-lemonade concoction that goes down as smoothly as its non-alcoholic inspiration.
Adventure No. 2: Swim with Sharks
With its array of sea life and more than 360 miles of coastline to explore, Puerto Rico is a haven for divers of all skill levels. Up the adventurous ante with a private guided tour to a secret location — the tour guide asked us not to reveal our whereabouts to protect the fish — where diving with sharks is a daily occurrence.
Led by local marine biologist Giovanni Guzman, Blue Kings‘ “seafari” tours whisk you away via catamaran to a secluded island and protected bio reserve off the coast of Puerto Rico, where you’ll get the chance to snorkel among a shiver of friendly nurse sharks, as well as a few sea turtles, sting rays and hundreds of tropical fish.
If you’re nervous about being in the water with some of the ocean’s most notorious predators, don’t be. Guzman gives a thorough lesson before you board the boat. He explains the behavior of nurse sharks (whose tiny mouths couldn’t clasp around your hand even if they wanted to bite you) and dispels harmful myths about these incredible creatures. You might even spot a few dolphins scavenging around the shore — don’t worry, your eagle-eyed captain will be sure to point them out along the way.
Adventure No. 3: Soar Through the Treetops
Those looking for an even more heart-pumping adventure should head for the hills of Orocovis, Puerto Rico’s central mountainous region. In addition to hiking, Orocovis is home to another adrenaline-inducing highlight: the longest zip line in America. Visit Toro Verde Adventure Park to fly face-first over the jungle canopy at up to 95 miles per hour on this mile-plus-long course. Once you’ve mastered The Monster (an apt name for this over-the-top experience), keep the thrills going with seven additional zip lines, tree-top courses, a sky bike and climbing walls.
If you’d like to get some fresh air but want to keep your feet closer to the ground, try a tour of the innovative farm Frutos Del Guacabo, which is only about 35 minutes from San Juan. Milk a goat, enjoy a cheese-making demo and explore the family-owned farm with patriarch Efrén David Robles, who will teach you about the property’s sustainable practices and experiments with hydroponics. The memorable visit concludes with a hearty alfresco farm lunch that will satisfy your taste for Puerto Rico adventure.
