13 Don’t-Miss Bucket List Experiences in Puerto Rico

Taking a sailboat tour is one of the best ways to enjoy the beauty of Old San Juan’s coastline. Admire scenic views of important landmarks like Castillo de San Cristobal, a historical fort dating back to the 18th century, and La Fortaleza, a stunning building that serves as the governor’s mansion.

There’s no better way to go full vacation mode than by sailing the turquoise Caribbean waters off the coast of Fajardo. Here, you can explore Icacos, a protected deserted island, to enjoy the area’s fantastic marine life—and if you’re lucky, you may spot a sea turtle.

Culebra, a small island off the east coast of Puerto Rico, is home to some of the best snorkeling in the Caribbean. The Carlos Rosario Nature Reserve has an extensive, vibrant reef inhabited by species like yellowtail snapper and eagle rays. A stop at Cayo Luis Pena gives the sense of what it would be like to have your own private island.

Adventure travelers will enjoy this outing to El Yunque Rainforest, featuring activities like sliding down a natural water slide and swimming under waterfalls. Explore this local favorite spot and enjoy free time for relaxation alongside the sounds of the hundreds of tropical birds who call this paradise home.

Take in San Juan’s natural beauty on a nighttime kayak tour on the Condado Lagoon. Navigate through mangroves and marshlands, learning about the local ecosystem from your guide, and gain insight into local conservation efforts and spot manatees as you kayak under the moonlight in a serene atmosphere.

Ride a well-trained Paso Fino horse suited to your experience level and learn about local vegetation and wildlife as you enjoy views of the mountains and coastal plains of Puerto Rico. Paso Fino horses, now a pillar of Puerto Rico’s equine culture, are renowned for their smooth, 4-beat gait, providing riders with exceptional comfort and steadiness.

One of the best times to admire Old San Juan's beauty is at sunset. Exploring on foot allows you to appreciate architectural details that tell the story of more than five centuries of history in one of the oldest cities in the Americas. Plus, get tailored food and nightlife recommendations as you enjoy the charming city at dusk.

Puerto Rico has one of the largest cave systems in the world. Explore the island’s subterranean marvels on a day trip to the Cueva del Indio (Indian Cave) on the island's northern coast. Not only do you get a view from below, but you can also climb to the top for a stunning panorama of the rocky beaches of Isabela. Fun fact: This was a filming location for Pirates of the Caribbean.

Head to the southwest coast of Puerto Rico to experience a stellar sunset followed by a swim in Parguera, home to an impressive bioluminescent bay that comes alive with a blue glow after dark. Here, you'll be able to float along the calm waters amid the illuminating micro-organisms that light up the bay.

If you’re looking for a hidden gem in Puerto Rico, visit Charco Azul, a magical swimming hole in a tropical forest nestled in the Cordillera Central, the central mountain range of Puerto Rico. Explore and swim through the idyllic Arenales Caves and dive into the natural swimming pools.

Unleash your inner thrillseeker at Toro Verde Adventure Park, home to one of the world's longest ziplines. Traverse 8,300 feet (2,529 meters) across the Orocovis Mountains at speeds of up to 95 miles (153 kilometers) per hour, gaining a unique bird’s-eye perspective of the island’s lush tropical landscapes.

It’s true—you can experience deep sea life without being scuba certified. Enjoy the underwater wonders off the coast of San Juan on this sea trekking adventure. Under expert supervision, you'll don a specialized helmet and walk on the ocean floor to admire marine life like seahorses and starfish.

Puerto Rico is known for its music and vibrant nightlife scene. There’s no better way to immerse yourself in all the fun than with a pub crawl in Old San Juan, during which you’ll embark on a guided tour of bars and restaurants that are a part of the local nightlife landscape.