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Visiting Puerto Rico and want to plan some unique and adventurous activities on the island? I have a few awesome recommendations to share for fun things to do in Puerto Rico. This list includes outdoor activities, local cultural experiences, and delicious food finds.
Whether you’re Boricua from the mainland and want to reconnect with the island, or vacationing in PR and want a list of unique things to do in Puerto Rico beyond San Juan – read on for adventurous suggestions!
Disclosure: I tried some of these things to do in Puerto Rico for free while at a conference on the island; others I paid for myself. All opinions are my own and I was not required or paid to include any of them.
Drive Your Own Mini-Speed Boat To Icacos
When you think of visiting an island I’m sure boating is on your mind, but have you ever considered driving your own mini speed boat? That’s exactly what me and the girls did when we were in Fajardo (Puerto Rico’s east region). It is high on my list of recommended things to do in Puerto Rico.
We used PR tour company Kayaking Puerto Rico to try the mini speed boat adventure to Icacos Island. This island is known for its pristine beaches. It is a common stop for boats and catamarans and was so much fun!
I hate driving, so I opted to be the navigator on this speedboat ride. However, they do give a tutorial if you want to drive yourself. A tour guide comes with you in their own boat to lead the way. Included with the tour fee is a jug of water in each boat, and a life jacket.
Beyond that, be sure to bring a dry bag and phone pouch because you will get soaked from the waves! There are changing rooms at the check-in spot if you want to bring an extra dry pair of clothing.
Pro tip: Waterproof supplies to bring on your boat tour
Explore The Bioluminescent Bay
If you’ve never experienced the awe-inspiring blue ocean glow that is bioluminescence, then you’re in for a treat. It is truly a magical experience. Plus you can only find it in select areas around the world (and it’s best seen under the perfect conditions of the moon phases.)
Bioluminescense is light emitted by living organisms, like plankton. The best time to see it is around the New Moon, when the sky is darkest, which allows for the water to really illuminate. The brighter the moon, the more difficult it is to see the water glow – you don’t want that.
If you want to experience Puerto Rico’s bioluminescence yourself, there are three main places to choose from. They are Laguna Bay in Fajardo, La Parguera in the south region, and Mosquito Bay on the island of Vieques.
Since a lot of adventure things to do in Puerto Rico are near Fajardo in the East Region, I’d recommend trying a kayaking tour in Laguna Bay. This tour with Island Journeys has a Rainforest & Bioluminescence tour worth trying.
If you really want to see Vieques’ famous wild horses, I recommend this bioluminescent bay boat tour. Then pair a visit to that island with a horseback riding tour.
Visit El Yunque National Forest
Did you know there are actual rainforests in North America? Places like Hawaii, Pacific Northwest, and Puerto Rico have lush green rainforests that appear straight from a fairytale storybook. It is magical.
What’s even cooler about Puerto Rico is the fact that its rainforest, El Yunque National Forest is the only rainforest part of the United States National Forest system.
If you choose not to do the adventurous Puerto Rico activities and tours available in El Yunque, you can explore their extensive visitor center at El Portal instead. It is equipped with interactive exhibits, a pristine walking path, and even resident birds. Or put on your hiking hat and enjoy miles and miles of trails that weave through the forest. There are also beautiful waterfalls and overlooks too.
- Travel tip for El Yunque: if you rent a car, know that El Yunque National Forest requires reservations to manage crowds. The vehicle reservation covers one vehicle and should be made in advance.
Take A Surf Class In Rincon
Of course, the beach is one of the most popular things to do in Puerto Rico, but did you know it is also a hot surf destination?
The west side of Puerto Rico is known for being super laid back and having great surf opportunities. If your idea of an island adventure includes barrels and sick breaks, Rincon is the spot for you. Rincon is the best place for experienced surfing in Puerto Rico, and there are a few places for stellar breaks.
Pro tip: According to The Surf Atlas, here are some of the best spots (read their whole guide here):
- Antonio’s
- Sandy Beach East
- Pool’s Beach
- Punta Higuero
- Maria’s
If you’re a beginner wanting a taste of Puerto Rico’s surf scene, there are plenty of tours to join too. Some are in Rincon, but since you won’t need as challenging of waves, there are plenty of beaches to enjoy. Here is a list of the top surfing lessons in Puerto Rico.
Take A Bomba Dancing Class
Bomba is the heart of the Puerto Rican people. Have you heard of it? Rooted in our African ancestry, Bomba music and the traditional Bomba dance were created by enslaved Africans using the rum barrels from the Spaniards.
The dancer guides the rhythm of the drum while another drum keeps the tempo. It is a fascinating and important part of Puerto Rican history and culture. You can learn to dance it too!
At some point during your Puerto Rico itinerary, head to Loiza in the east region for a unique Bomba adventure. Right on the beach, Taller N’Zambi is the company we used to learn traditional Bomba dance and it was so much fun! Paired with costumes and live drummers, we were taught some of the basic Bomba moves and their significance.
This experience is one of the most essential things to do in Puerto Rico if you want something totally unique and immersive with the land and its people. Message Sheila on Instagram if you want to arrange a visit.
Visit Wild Horses On Vieques
The island of Vieques is one of the most magical places on earth. You can see wild horses there too (but please remember, emphasis on “wild” – so be mindful of your distance and pay attention to your surroundings).
These Paso Fino horses technically have owners but can roam freely. They trot along the beaches and fields, offering a serene landscape view for your visit. If you want to go horseback riding here, I suggest contacting an outfitter: here is a list of the most popular Vieques horseback riding tours.
- Travel tip: if you visit Vieques from la isla, I recommend planning ahead. The best way to get there is by plane to Vieques from San Juan International Airport (SJU) or the local Isla Grande airport. Seats and schedules are limited. You can also get the ferry to Vieques from Ceiba. It is south of Fajardo, but note: cars aren’t allowed on the ferry.
- Warning: while this is one of the most bucket list things to do in Puerto Rico, it is important to keep a safe distance from the horses.
Eat Frituras From Kioskos
While you are in the east region, you’ll definitely hear terms thrown around like “Frituras” and “Kioskos”. Frituras are the fried street foods in Puerto Rico – and some of my favorite foods! While some restaurants may serve a fritura here and there, I feel you’re really not going to get the core of it unless you’re in the East.
Frituras are full of meat or fish, and use tons of butter – so fair warning to vegans. If you want to try them, I recommend tostones (fried green plantain), alcapurria (most often comes with ground beef inside), pastelillos (might be called empanadas in some spots and can be filled with pork, chicken, beef, or fish), and bacalaitos (made with cod fish).
Kioskos are the food stands along the road where you buy frituras. However, if you are dining in the East, you’ll also see plenty of them listed as sides and appetizers too. They are even in fancier restaurants.
Swim In Natural Rivers And Pools
Puerto Rico has more than just pristine turquoise beaches – there are serene rivers and pools throughout the island too. If you want to explore some of the freshwater locales on the island, book a tour to help you find the best spots.
I’ve used the local, family-owned tour company called Bespoke Lifestyle Management for tours in the east region. They’re the experts when it comes to knowing about local things to do in Puerto Rico, and they provide some great off-the-beaten-path rainforest and waterfall tours. Here is one tour that’s more focused on waterfalls and natural waterslides for a freshwater adventure.
Go Ziplining In The Rainforest
Ziplining is a common adventure activity in many different destinations, but how many of those places let you soar through a tropical rainforest on an island!? I highly recommend trying ziplining in El Yunque, which is very beginner-friendly.
I did a tour with Rainforest Zipline. It has a concentrated course where you climb ladders and stairs to get to the eight different lines. This particular company also has an adventure trail you can try too, which includes a suspension bridge, Tarzan swing, and more.
- Travel tip: there is a weight limit for ziplining – this company’s limit is 250lbs. This isn’t a good fit for anyone afraid of heights. Also, you should feel comfortable climbing ladders and walking 10 minutes uphill.
Go ATV Riding
ATV riding is all about exploring a destination’s natural wonders and diverse terrain in a thrilling way. Adventurous travelers love it and seek it out – especially with group travel! Puerto Rico is the perfect setting for that. There are a number of reputable tour companies and spectacular scenery to go with it.
Recently my husband and his friends used Carabali for their ATV adventure in Puerto Rico. They explored the foothills of El Yunque on 600cc ATVs for their 2-hour adventure. This experience included a stop in the Mameyes River.
- Travel tip: bring your license on this tour, otherwise you can’t drive and will have to ride on the back of someone’s ATV. They were firm with this rule.
Which Things to do in Puerto Rico Will You Try First?
These fun things to do in Puerto Rico are sure to make your island adventure one to remember. If you can’t do them all, I’d recommend heading east. A lot of the activities in this list can be enjoyed near El Yunque Rainforest, Luqillo, and Fajardo. Either way, Puerto Rico is always awaiting your next visit so you may have to save some adventures for next time!
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