Unique things to do in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is one of the top destinations in the Caribbean for so many reasons. Along with lovely food, kind people, and a gorgeous landscape, there simply is so much to do in Puerto Rico. Whether you are looking for an action-packed adventure, calming scenery, or an immersion in culture, Puerto Rico has the excursion for every traveler. If you are traveling to Puerto Rico and want to take the roads less traveled, here are some unique things to do in Puerto Rico. 

Adventure in El Yunque Rainforest

One of the best and most unique things to do in Puerto Rico is to adventure in El Yunque National Rainforest. El Yunque is located just an hour away from San Juan and boasts nearly 29,000 acres of protected animals, gorgeous waterfalls, winding rivers, and an amazing adventure. Puerto Rico has turned this rainforest into a tropical adventure park celebrating all the natural elements of the forest and all the fun thrill seekers look for. If you are among those most active, you’ll find more than a dozen hiking trails throughout the rainforest. Breathe in the fresh air throughout your nature walk and chat with the many birds, frogs, and exotic wildlife. If you are looking for the rain of the rainforest, find a splash down the amazing natural waterslides. Here you can slide down the smooth rockslides and dive into the rushing water below. 

Find the highest rated El Yunque Hiking Tour here or select from the experiences below!

Walk the Streets of Old San Juan

The second of the most unique things to do in Puerto Rico is to walk the streets of Old San Juan. If you are arriving by cruise or plane, most likely your first location will be the city of San Juan. Don’t just pass through this city while looking for your next adventure. Take the time to see the timeless magic the city has to offer. Old San Juan is a vibrant city where the locals and tourists both come together to share culture, music, and a rich history.

Along the alleyways of Old San Juan, you will find delicious and authentic Puerto Rican food. The flavors of Arroz Con Gandules and Mofongo will excite your taste buds and fill your stomach. Afterward, you can walk the streets and learn about the old architecture or the colorful buildings while dancing to the famous reggaeton in the streets. You can shop, take a food tour, and do so much in this city, many often spend an entire day in the city. 

You can find some of the most popular experiences here such as a food tour. Book now to ensure your guided tasting experience. 

Taste some Rum at the Casa Bacardi Distillery 

While in San Juan, the next thing you want to do is taste the most authentic Rum you’ll ever find. You can find this at the Casa Bacardi Distillery. If you like rum, you are in exactly the right place. Puerto Rico’s Casa Bacardi is the largest rum distillery in the entire world. This means, your taste buds and spirits will ignite with fresh and flavorful cocktails here. Take some time to sip your favorite flavors on a rum-sipping experience.

If you are more into history and want to know how it is made, you are in luck to know they offer tours of the distillery. You can carry your cup and watch exactly what goes into it. Even greater, there is a large Bacardi gift shop inside. If you are looking for something special, unique, and rare to take home, here is where you will find gifts straight from the source. 

Book your rum tasting tour below!

Swim with Sea Turtles at Flamenco Beach 

Next of the most unique things to do in Puerto Rico is swim with sea turtles! Have an ocean lover in the family? Lucky for them, Puerto Rico offers hundreds of crystal blue waters and beautiful white sand beaches. One of these beaches is the most popular and award-winning Flamenco beach. Here at Flamenco Beach, you can camp and enjoy the stars, snorkel with bright tropical fish, and enjoy fresh coconut water.

Most importantly, you can swim with the sea turtles. Throughout the year, you can find dazzling sea turtles floating through the shores of this beach. This is your opportunity to get up close and personal with the animal while learning about the sea below. Even more, it is just plain fun to swim and play with the turtles and it makes a great story to take back home. Grab an underwater camera and take pictures as you swim alongside these majestic sea creatures. 

If you’re looking for an underwater camera, you can find one here. Or if you want to take the chance, you can find an underwater bag for your phone here. Either way, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to swim with famous sea creatures and you don’t want to miss the photo opportunity.

Find the most popular experiences here!

Kayak in Bioluminescent Waters 

Another of the most unique things to do in Puerto Rico is Kayak, or swim, in bioluminescent waters. Remember the first Avatar movie, where everything was glowing a beautiful vibrant blue hue? That idea had to come from somewhere. In Puerto Rico, you’ll find gorgeous blue waters with bright glowing bioluminescent microorganisms lighting the way through the night. Not far from San Juan’s port, you can find Mosquito Bay, Laguna Grande, and La Parguera.

On these bays, you can grab a kayak, or stand-up paddle board, or simply yourself, and explore the waters as the glow-in-the-dark dinoflagellates react to your movement. This is a mind-bending and otherworldly experience. It genuinely makes you feel like you are on a whole other planet when you are simply enjoying the magic of Puerto Rico. I recommend booking a guided experience for this one. To enjoy the glow-in-the-dark experience, it will be dark, and you don’t want to get lost on the bay or paddle too far.

You can find some guided experiences here!

Explore the Untouched Icacos Island

One of the most exciting ways to travel is to explore that which hasn’t been explored before. That is why Icacos Island is another of the most unique things to do in Puerto Rico. Icacos Island is a mostly unknown Island in Puerto Rico that only locals and those who have been there before know about. You can only get to this island on a private boat or tour, but once you’re there the adventure begins. On this island, you’ll find crystal blue waters and powdery sand beaches perfect for snorkeling and family activities.

Because it is exclusive and only reached by boat, you’ll often find low crowds and the energy of a private beach just for you and your group. For those adventurous ones in the group, ditch the swimwear and put on your hiking boots instead. On this island there are also many guided hikes that explore the untouched island, even taking you to lost and hidden ruins of Puerto Rico. Here you can become the adventurer and explorer you dreamed about as a kid. 

Interested in exploring this untouched island, you can book your private boat and tour here. 

Travel through time at the San Juan historical Site

After you’ve finished your exciting adventure, travel back in time to San Juan’s National Historic Site. Traveling with a fan of Pirates of the Caribbean? In San Juan, Puerto Rico you will find the original fortresses and castles that inspired the movie. The country has beautifully preserved the many elements of Spanish-colonial architecture. Today you can find ranger-led tours and exploration of the land, castle tours, old military cannons, and so much more.

This national park isn’t just for your eyes though, the entire site is interactive with activities for young and old. You can picnic in front of the gorgeous Castillo San Felipe del Morro, fly a kite, and play around the wide fortress. For nature lovers, you’ll find a plethora of nature walks, trails, and tropical birds flocking around. Astronomy lovers are in the perfect place too. Due to the low light pollution and high altitude of the land, it is the ideal location to see a full night of stars and a beaming bright full moon. Kids can even become junior rangers and spend the day exploring and learning about the history of Puerto Rico. 

Walk the Paseo Del Morro

While in the area, another unique thing to do in Puerto Rico is to walk the Paseo Del Morro. The Paseo Del Morro is a long winding boardwalk on the outskirts of the Castillo San Felipe del Morro. Behind you, you’ll find the towering stone castle and imagine ships rolling in in the past. Then in front of you, you’ll find a gorgeous seafront surrounded by palm trees, stacked stones, and a view that is worth more than gold.

Walking the Paseo Del Morro gives you the opportunity to take things slow on your vacation and really appreciate where you are in the present moment. Though it is not an action-packed, fast-paced activity, the beautiful walk is full of lovely sights and relaxing imagery. On top of that all, the pictures from the top of the walkway to the bay below are guaranteed to attract thousands of Facebook and Instagram likes. 

Bask in The Beauty of Local Artists at Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico

Also located in the heart of San Juan is the Puerto Rico Museum of Art. At this museum, you will find beautiful historic art that celebrates the culture of the entire Caribbean. Find artists from Puerto Rico, Barbados, Jamaica, Dominican Republic, and more expressing themselves in the only way they know how. In this expression, pops of bright colors and gorgeously sculpted pieces will stick into your mind and teach you what it means to be alive.

This entire museum is a living experience for locals and tourists interested in the culture of Puerto Rico. In fact, if you visit at the right time, you might even find live concerts, parties, and events taking place on the green in front of the museum. Even more, there is a beautiful hidden garden within the museum encouraging visitors to take a peaceful moment to enjoy where they are and what they are seeing. The museum offers another chance to slow down and learn about the country and there is no better way to learn than through the art of its people. The Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico is one of the most unique things to do in Puerto Rico and is often skipped. Be sure not to skip this experience and fully indulge in the culture of Puerto Rico during your trip. 

Enjoy Puerto Rico

Enjoy everything Puerto Rico has to offer. Take the time to celebrate the beautiful country and all the living parts within it. Whether you are a laid-back traveler, a history buff, or an adventure seeker, you’ll find Puerto Rico is the perfect place for you. Once you’ve tasted an explosion of food in the city and swam in the gorgeous blue waters, you’ll find there is still so much to do. Take advantage of this list and be sure to book your excursions here in advance to ensure you are well prepared for your adventure!

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