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Planning a trip to Puerto Rico? You’re in the right place!
This vibrant Caribbean island is packed with adventures, from rainforest hikes and waterfall swims to food tours, sailing trips, and glowing bioluminescent bays. Every corner feels like a new discovery, whether you’re wandering the cobblestone streets of Old San Juan or paddling through mangroves under the stars.
When we visited, what struck us most was how easy it is to mix culture, history, and outdoor fun in a single day. One moment you’re sipping fresh piña coladas, the next you’re ziplining through lush jungle – there’s just that much to do.
Ready to get started? Let’s go!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!

The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE thing we did in Puerto Rico was this food tour of Old San Juan! We got to know the city through its classic dishes, like sofritas and plantains, and learned so much as we wandered through the charming cobblestone streets with our local guide.
Check out the 4,300+ 5-star reviews and book this tour here!
- Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
- Things to do in Puerto Rico
- 1. Chase waterfalls and hike in the world-famous El Yunque Rainforest
- 2. Taste your way through iconic Puerto Rican dishes
- 3. Snorkel side by side with sea turtles
- 4. Wander the historic streets of Old San Juan with a local guide
- 5. Light up the water on an LED night kayak tour
- 6. Saddle up for a scenic horseback ride
- 7. Sail away on a full-day boat trip
- 8. Go off-road on an ATV adventure
- 9. Paddle through Puerto Rico’s Bioluminescent Bays
- 10. Soar above the trees on a zipline adventure
- 11. Feel the thrill of jet skiing
- 12. Discover a hidden underwater world on a scuba dive
- 13. Go off the beaten path with a cave and waterfall adventure
- 14. Learn to craft the best cocktails
- 15. Cruise into the sunset on a scenic boat ride
- Where to Stay in Puerto Rico
- Thanks for reading!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- Renting a Car in the Caribbean
- Don't Forget Travel Insurance!
Things to do in Puerto Rico
1. Chase waterfalls and hike in the world-famous El Yunque Rainforest


Ready to swap city streets for jungle trails? A visit to El Yunque Rainforest is a must for anyone traveling to Puerto Rico! This lush, tropical paradise is the only rainforest in the U.S. National Forest system, and it’s packed with waterfalls, swimming holes, and hidden trails waiting to be explored.
We set off in a comfortable van on this full-day adventure from San Juan, and within an hour, we were surrounded by the sights and sounds of the rainforest. The first 25-minute hike brought us to a stunning waterfall where the water was cool and refreshing. Some in our group grabbed the rope swing while others just floated happily in the pool.
Another short hike led us to a second spot with a natural rock slide, honestly, one of the most fun things we’ve done in Puerto Rico! Between swimming and cliff jumping, our guide shared fascinating details about the flora and fauna, from iguanas sunning on rocks to guava trees dotting the trail.
After hours of adventure, the day wrapped up with a local Puerto Rican lunch (not included but absolutely worth it) that left us full and happy. This tour is perfect if you want a mix of hiking, swimming, and a little adrenaline. It’s active, fun, and a great way to experience the beauty of Puerto Rico’s wild side.
Read 12,000+ reviews and book your El Yunque rainforest adventure today!
2. Taste your way through iconic Puerto Rican dishes


There’s no better way to get to know Puerto Rico than through its food, and this San Juan food tour makes it deliciously easy. From the very first sip of coffee to the last bite of sofritos, every stop gave us a taste of the island’s rich culture and history!
We met our guide, Pablo, outside of a cozy bistro, and his energy and enthusiasm were infectious right from the start. Our group kicked things off with a rich cup of Puerto Rican coffee, setting the stage for an afternoon of incredible flavors.
From there, we wandered along the charming cobblestone streets, stopping at small eateries and street food stalls for local specialties. The standout for us was mofongo — mashed plantains mixed with garlic and crispy pork skin — absolute perfection. Pablo added so much depth to every stop, weaving in stories about the history and culture behind each dish. Later in the tour, we paused for cocktails, with Dan opting for a mojito while I went straight for a piña colada (when in Puerto Rico, right?).
This tour gave us such a fun introduction to Puerto Rican cuisine, and it even helped guide our dining choices for the rest of our trip. We’d recommend booking it early in your stay so you know exactly what to order throughout your visit.
Book this San Juan food tour with flexible payment options here!
3. Snorkel side by side with sea turtles


San Juan
Just west of San Juan lies the municipality of Guaynabo, which just so happens to be an epic place to go snorkeling. On this top-rated snorkeling tour, I felt like I saw the whole cast of Finding Nemo, including sea turtles!
We met our friendly guide, Jordan, at the beautiful Escambrón Beach. We immediately knew we were in for something special, the beach is gorgeous and Jordan was so friendly and welcoming. The water was warm and inviting, and after a quick safety briefing, we were ready to dive in and start exploring.
Jordan helped us spot tons of marine life, especially sea turtles. We must have seen 4 or 5 of them, which was wonderful. Watching these gentle creatures glide gracefully through the water is really one of those things that you just have to see for yourself.
We also saw lots of tropical fish darting in and out of coral formations, and Jordan took GoPro footage of the entire adventure, which we got to keep. How cool is that?
This tour was hands down the best thing that we’ve ever done in San Juan, and we’d do it again tomorrow if we could! It really doesn’t matter whether you’re a seasoned snorkeler or a complete beginner, either.
Read all the positive reviews and book your snorkeling tour here!

Fajardo
If you’re looking for a dreamy adventure in paradise, then we think that this Culebra Island snorkel and turtle tour is the perfect choice! It’s a full-day adventure that perfectly combines breathtaking scenery, amazing wildlife, and a chance to relax on one of the world’s most beautiful beaches.
We caught the ferry from Ceiba with the help of our guides and then hopped in a minibus for a guided tour of Culebra as soon as we arrived. We saw gorgeous beaches and got acquainted with the island before heading to Luis Peña Marine Reserve to snorkel with turtles.
Honestly, it was some of the best snorkeling we have ever done! Beneath the crystal-clear waters, we explored vibrant coral reefs, saw tons of tropical fish and stingrays, and swam with sea turtles. Gliding alongside them was pure magic, and the guides were fantastic at helping us spot as many marine species as possible.
We didn’t want the snorkeling to end, but the blow was softened by the fact that we got to hang out on Flamenco Beach afterward. It’s a bucket list-worthy beach with pristine white sand and bright blue water, and we had time to grab some lunch from local vendors and relax in the sun.
This tour showcases some of the best scenery and marine life that Puerto Rico has to offer, so don’t miss it while you’re in Fajardo. It usually sells out ahead of time, so be sure to grab your spot ASAP.
Read all of the 5-star reviews and book this tour here!
Related Read: For more fun activities, see our guide to the best things to do in Fajardo here!
4. Wander the historic streets of Old San Juan with a local guide


If it’s your first time in San Juan, we think this walking tour is the perfect introduction to the city!
We actually did this on our second trip to the city. The first time we were there, we explored on our own, but this was a much more memorable experience that allowed us to delve far deeper into San Juan’s history and culture.
Our guide, David Rodríguez, is a local author, and he really knows his stuff when it comes to San Juan. He taught us so much history, and it felt like we were uncovering secrets that were hidden in plain sight. David was so passionate about the stories he told us, and this tour brought every corner of Old San Juan to life, from Fort San Cristobal to the San Juan Cathedral.
David tailored the pace of the tour to suit everyone in our small group, and we loved soaking in the beauty of spots like Plaza de Armas and La Princesa walkway. We also loved Calle de la Fortaleza, which is super colorful and often decorated with flags or colorful umbrellas.
This tour is a must whether you’re looking to get your bearings in San Juan or simply deepen your connection to the city. We loved it (and so did thousands of others, check all the great reviews here!) and wished we had booked it for our first-ever day in the city!
Easily book this walking tour here and you’ll get FREE cancellation!
5. Light up the water on an LED night kayak tour


If you’re looking to add a little magic to your trip to San Juan, then booking this night kayak tour will definitely do that!
This excursion was a fun experience from start to finish. When we arrived, our friendly guides gave us glow paint and glow sticks to deck ourselves out with! Then, once we looked the part, we got into our clear-bottomed kayaks and set off. The kayaks were lit up at the bottom with colorful LED lights, which turned the water beneath us into a glowing spectacle.
Paddling through the lagoon felt surreal, as we caught glimpses of fish darting underneath us and the sparkling city lights reflecting off the water. Meanwhile, our guides were friendly, informative, and full of energy, so the vibe was high. They shared tidbits about Puerto Rico’s history with us as we glided across the lagoon, and pointed out wildlife, too.
From out on the water, we got panoramic views of San Juan at night. The lagoon was also super calm, so the paddling was very easy. Our guides were snapping photos the whole time, too, so we got some great mementos to keep!
If you ask us, this tour is the ultimate way to spend an evening in San Juan. It was vibrant, colorful, and a blast from start to finish.
Make sure to book this popular tour before it sells out!
6. Saddle up for a scenic horseback ride


Horseback riding in Puerto Rico is more than just a trail ride – it’s an adventure that combines rivers, forests, and beaches in one unforgettable adventure! If you’ve ever wanted to explore the island in a more relaxed, scenic way, this 2.5-hour ride from Carabalí Rainforest Adventure Park is an incredible choice.
We saddled up with the help of friendly guides who made sure everyone, from beginners to experienced riders, felt comfortable and confident before setting off. The trail started along the lush foothills of El Yunque National Forest, where the sound of tropical birds and rustling bamboo set the scene.
Trotting through the clear waters of the Mameyes River was a highlight. Our horses waded in with ease, and it felt magical to be surrounded by greenery with the water splashing around us.
Before long, the trail opened up to Luquillo Beach, and the sight of the waves rolling in after the forest ride was spectacular. We had time to relax on the sand, take a swim in the warm Caribbean water, or celebrate the journey with a cocktail at a nearby beach bar. It was the perfect mix of adventure and leisure.
This ride is ideal if you’re looking for a slower-paced activity that still feels special. Plus, it’s designed for all experience levels, making it a great pick for couples, families, or small groups.
Saddle up and ride to Luquillo Beach here!
7. Sail away on a full-day boat trip


Fajardo
If you’re based in Fajardo, this all-inclusive snorkeling tour to Icacos Island is the ultimate way to experience the natural beauty of Puerto Rico! We took a beautiful 35-minute boat ride from Fajardo out to Icacos, and then once we got there, we had a blast exploring the vibrant marine life.
The waters of Icacos Island are super clear and calm, so there’s no need to worry if you’ve never snorkeled before. There were also flotation belts available for the less confident swimmers in the group, so there’s no need to worry if you’re not exactly Michael Phelps.
After snorkeling, we got a deli-style buffet lunch, and the open bar began. We were free to enjoy as much Puerto Rican rum as we liked, and there were plenty of soft drinks available, too. The bartender kept making us laugh as he mixed us rum cocktails!
This tour was definitely one of the highlights of our trip to Puerto Rico. And we’re clearly not the only ones who loved it, you can read over 2,000 glowing reviews here!
Just be aware that it usually sells out, so be sure to book it in advance, and if you need hotel pickup, choose the “tour and transport” option.
Grab your spot on this tour here, before it sells out!


San Juan
There’s nothing quite like exploring Puerto Rico from the water, and this luxury catamaran cruise from San Juan makes the experience unforgettable. Step aboard a 54-foot vessel designed for comfort, with plenty of space to lounge, sip cocktails, and dive into hidden corners of the Cordillera Cays.
We loved how flexible the day felt. Some of our group headed straight for the water slides and rope swing, while others claimed the shaded daybeds to sip on cocktails and soak up the sea breeze.
Back on board, the crew kept the drinks flowing and served up a Puerto Rican lunch that hit the spot, including roasted chicken, pork, and island-inspired sides. Between the food, music, and laughter, it felt like a private Caribbean party on the water.
This cruise is a great pick if you want something all-inclusive, with thoughtful touches like shaded seating, restrooms, and an attentive crew. It’s lively enough to feel exciting, but never feels overcrowded, just the right balance.
Sail Puerto Rico’s cays in style, book your catamaran cruise here!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
8. Go off-road on an ATV adventure


Adventure-seekers, this one’s for you! Just 30 minutes outside of San Juan, Hacienda Campo Rico offers the perfect setting for an off-road ATV ride that’s equal parts thrilling and scenic. With mangroves, lagoons, and rolling limestone hills as your backdrop, this 2-hour ATV adventure offers the perfect chance to swap city streets for rugged trails and wide-open countryside.
After checking in at the Mojito Bar (a fun spot to return to post-ride), we geared up with helmets and a quick but thorough safety briefing. The guides were patient and helpful, which made it easy even for first-timers to feel comfortable before revving up the engines. Once we set off, the trails quickly gave us a taste of Puerto Rico’s wilder side. We rumbled over rocky paths, cruised past tropical greenery, and paused for sweeping views across the ranch.
What we loved most was the mix of adrenaline and nature, one moment we were kicking up dust on a straightaway, the next we were spotting iguanas or coasting alongside a quiet lagoon. By the end, we were dusty, grinning, and already talking about doing it again.
This tour is ideal for anyone craving a burst of excitement while still getting to see the island’s landscapes up close. Plus, with multiple tour times, it’s easy to fit into any itinerary.
Kick up some dust at Hacienda Campo Rico, book your ATV ride!
Related Read: Find yourself with extra time? See our favorite things to do in San Juan and add a few more to your bucket list!
9. Paddle through Puerto Rico’s Bioluminescent Bays


Fajardo
This kayaking tour through the bioluminescent waters of Laguna Grande was one of the most magical experiences we’ve ever had. If you’re visiting Fajardo, it’s a must-do because there’s nothing quite like watching the water light up with every stroke of your paddle.
We’re clearly not the only ones who were blown away by this tour either, read over a thousand 5-star reviews here!
The adventure began in Las Croabas, where, after a quick safety briefing, we climbed into our tandem kayak and set off into the mangrove channels. Paddling through these waterways at night was an experience in itself. They were calm, eerie, and beautiful! Along the way, our guides, Miguel, Francisco, and Brian, taught us about the delicate ecosystem and pointed out constellations in the night sky.
Things only got better when we reached Laguna Grande. I couldn’t believe how the water glowed blue-green with every movement! We even saw fish light up like shooting stars as they darted around near our kayak. It was an incredible spectacle.
Since this tour uses tandem kayaks, the paddling is easy, and the guides are always on hand to help. Whether you’re a total beginner or an experienced kayaker, you should not miss this chance to see this nighttime phenomenon while you’re in Fajardo.
Book this tour here, while spots are still available!

Vieques
Mosquito Bay in Vieques is widely considered the brightest bioluminescent bay in the world, and seeing it in person is nothing short of magical. The catch? You’ll need to take a ferry or short flight to the island of Vieques and spend the night there, but trust us, the experience is worth the extra effort.
On this 2-hour kayaking experience, we met our guide in Esperanza and were driven to the launch site, where a small group of us climbed into clear-bottom kayaks. Paddling out into the bay felt surreal. With every stroke of the paddle, the water lit up in glowing shades of blue and green. We couldn’t resist trailing our hands in the water just to watch the ripples sparkle – it felt like kayaking through a sea of stars.
Our guide explained the science behind the glow, pointing out how the microscopic organisms light up when disturbed, and also shared stories about the bay’s importance to the island. Having that mix of information and quiet moments of awe made the experience even more powerful!
Because of the overnight requirement, this tour is best for travelers who have a bit more flexibility in their itinerary, but it’s absolutely a bucket-list moment. Once you’ve experienced it, you’ll understand why people say Mosquito Bay is unlike anywhere else on Earth.
Experience the glow of Mosquito Bay, book your Vieques kayaking tour here!
10. Soar above the trees on a zipline adventure


If you’re craving a full-on adventure, this ziplining and waterfall rappelling tour near San Juan is one of the most thrilling ways to experience Puerto Rico’s wild side. We left the city behind and spent the day flying through the trees, scrambling over rocks, and soaking in epic jungle views, all with an awesome local crew who kept things fun and safe.
The day starts with a hike deep into Carite, a lush rainforest tucked in the mountains about an hour from San Juan. It’s green, misty, and buzzing with life. Our guides gave us a quick intro to the gear, then it was straight into the action, rappelling down a cliffside waterfall with nothing but the sound of water rushing beside us. It was intense in the best way.
Next up was the ziplining course, which had us soaring across canyons and treetops with panoramic views all around. The adrenaline was real, but the small group size made everything feel personal and well-paced. We never felt rushed and had time to take it all in between each section.
Wear sturdy shoes, expect to get wet, and bring your sense of adventure. This tour is best for active travelers who want more than a beach day and don’t mind getting a little muddy!
Book your spot on this zipline tour here to get free cancellation 24 hours in advance!
11. Feel the thrill of jet skiing

Few experiences get your heart racing like skimming across the water on a jet ski, and San Juan Bay is the perfect place to do it. This guided jet-ski tour combines all the fun of high-speed adventure with some of the city’s most iconic views, from the historic walls of El Morro to the colorful waterfront of Old San Juan.
We hopped on sleek Yamaha Wave Runners with cruiser seats (comfortable enough even for two riders!) and followed our guide out into the bay. The moment we hit the throttle and felt the spray of salt water, we couldn’t stop grinning.
What made it extra special was pausing in spots where the guide pointed out landmarks we might have otherwise missed, like La Fortaleza, Casa Bacardí, and even the Cataño Pyramid’s striking mural along the shoreline.
The tour struck a great balance between adrenaline and sightseeing. Beginners in our group felt totally at ease thanks to the clear safety briefing, while those of us craving speed got to open up the throttle in certain stretches. By the time we pulled back into the dock, we were sun-soaked, a little wet, and buzzing with energy.
This tour is perfect if you want to squeeze a big adventure into a short amount of time. It’s easy to fit into your San Juan plans, and with parking, showers, and restrooms on-site, it’s hassle-free too!
Ride the waves of San Juan Bay, book your jet ski tour here!
12. Discover a hidden underwater world on a scuba dive


San Juan
Puerto Rico boasts some breathtaking marine life, so it would be unforgivable not to explore it! And in our opinion, this beginner scuba tour is an absolute gem, particularly for first-time divers, because no prior experience or certification is required!
Even though we are both PADI-certified divers, we wanted to check out this tour purely because we wanted to dive in San Juan, and this tour has such stellar reviews. So we booked it, and it didn’t disappoint!
The tour began with a warm welcome and a very thorough briefing, and we noticed that it set even the more nervous beginners in our tour group at ease. Our instructor, David, took pains to explain everything step-by-step and ensure that first-timers felt comfortable and confident before diving in.
Then, the dive itself was absolutely magical. The shallow depths are perfect for novices, but the vibrant marine life meant that even experienced divers like us found ourselves in awe! We loved seeing the schools of colorful fish swimming around the underwater park. We even got to see turtles and seahorses, which was amazing! We were so glad that David captured underwater footage of our adventure so that we could relive it later on.
Honestly, whether you’re a seasoned diver or a complete newbie, this tour offers an unforgettable adventure! However, it’s a particularly amazing opportunity for those who aren’t PADI certified, because it’s pretty rare to find a beginner diving experience like this.
Dive into this must-do experience by booking your spot here!

Fajardo
As keen divers, we just had to book this scuba diving tour while we were in Fajardo, and it proved to be one of the best things that we did! You do need to be a certified diver in order to do this tour, but it doesn’t matter whether you’re super experienced or are returning to the water after some time off.
The day began with check-in and a briefing from our dive master, Samuel, who provided great insights into the dive sites and the conditions for the day. The boat ride to the first site was super scenic, with beautiful views of Fajardo’s coastline, and the crew made sure that everyone was comfortable.
Our first dive took us to a gorgeous coral reef, where we descended to about 60 feet (18 meters). The visibility was fantastic, and we saw colorful fish, stingrays, and even a few sea turtles.
The second dive was a shallower reef that featured impressive coral formations and sand channels. We were even lucky enough to spot a nurse shark resting beneath a ledge, which was the highlight of the day for me.
Overall, this was an incredible dive experience. The crew was fantastic, and we were super happy with how much marine life we got to see. We will definitely book this tour again the next time we’re in Fajardo!
Book this award-winning scuba diving tour here, with FREE cancellation!
13. Go off the beaten path with a cave and waterfall adventure


One of our favorite things to do in Puerto Rico is get away from the crowds and explore the stunning scenery, which is precisely why we booked this Arenales Caves tour!
We loved the chance to get away from the crowded tourist spots! Meanwhile, the small group size made the experience feel even more personal and enjoyable.
We began by trekking through the lush tropical forest, which was so much fun and a great way to spot wildlife. We had the chance to clamber over stunning rock formations, swim in limestone canyons, and float through the gorgeous Arenales Caves. It really was a magical morning! There was the chance to go cliff-jumping, too, which of course we couldn’t say “no” to.
There was a stop for lunch in Manatí, which was at our own expense, but it was super cheap and more importantly, absolutely delicious. Then, we continued onto a nature reserve, where we hiked to a hidden natural spring. The water was bright blue and crystal clear, and we had the place almost all to ourselves, so it was the perfect end to an unforgettable day.
If you love nature, adventure, and discovering hidden gems, we can’t recommend this tour enough. It really has it all, and we will 100% book this tour again when we come back to San Juan.
Book this incredible day trip here before dates sell out!
14. Learn to craft the best cocktails


Puerto Rico is home to Casa Bacardi, the iconic rum distillery that opened in 1962, when Bacardi decided to start producing rum outside of Cuba for the first time. Since then, it’s become a must-visit San Juan attraction, and we cannot recommend it enough!
In a nutshell, this mixology class was the perfect blend of history, hands-on learning, and amazing cocktails! We were greeted with a welcome drink, and then sipped it as we enjoyed a behind-the-scenes tour of the distillery with our awesome mixologist guide, Izzy.
Once we had brushed up on our rum knowledge, it was time for the best part of the tour – the mixology class. Izzy showed us how to craft classic craft rum cocktails, and then we got to drink them! We learned so many tips and tricks that will certainly impress our friends back home! The class was so friendly, and honestly, I wouldn’t hesitate to book this experience as a solo traveler.
We also loved the fact that we weren’t under any pressure to finish our drinks quickly. In fact, we were able to hang around after the class and enjoy the cocktails we had made as we explored the property and enjoyed playing some of the outdoor games on the grounds.
Basically, whether you’re a rum enthusiast or a complete beginner, this tour is a total must-do in San Juan.
Casa Bacardi is too cool to miss out on, so book this tour ASAP!
15. Cruise into the sunset on a scenic boat ride


You should never let a night in San Juan go to waste, and this sunset boat tour delivers an epic evening! It was a magical way to end a day in the city, and we cannot recommend it enough.
The experience felt special right from the start. We got a warm welcome from the crew as we boarded, and their enthusiasm set the tone for the evening. The sky began to turn gold almost as soon as we set off, and we enjoyed breathtaking views as we glided along the calm waters. The city walls looked gorgeous, bathed in the evening light, and we got a totally different perspective of Old San Juan!
The sunset was truly magical. The sky changed from bright orange to pink to purple, and I couldn’t stop snapping photos! Music was playing, beer and rum punch were flowing, and the atmosphere on board was so relaxed and cheerful. It really couldn’t have been better.
We did this as a couple, and it was a romantic experience for us, but honestly, this boat ride is also ideal for groups of friends, families, or even solo travelers! I mean, who doesn’t love a sunset boat ride with music and drinks?
Booking this sunset tour will have you falling more in love with the city!
Related Read: Need help organizing your trip? Follow our 3-day San Juan itinerary for a streamlined trip, which includes some of these top things to do!
Where to Stay in Puerto Rico

As you plan your travels through Puerto Rico, it’s important to find the right place to stay. Whether you’re looking for a luxury getaway or are traveling on a shoestring budget, each city has different areas and offerings for travelers.
We have a full guide on where to stay in San Juan, as this is typically where travelers start their trip. But if you’re continuing your travels, here is our top hotel recommendation for the major cities in Puerto Rico:
- San Juan – We love La Concha Renaissance San Juan Resort in Condado!
- Fajardo – Don’t miss El Conquistador Resort for a luxurious stay.
- Vieques – Blue Horizon Boutique Resort is our top pick for a relaxing stay in Vieques!
Renting a Car in the Caribbean

Renting a car in the Caribbean gives you the freedom to explore beyond the resorts—think secluded beaches, remote viewpoints, and vibrant local towns that buses don’t reach. As long as you are prepared for the road conditions and informed about local driving rules, renting a car can be a great addition to your trip!
We always book through Discover Cars and can’t recommend them enough. It’s easy to compare providers, filter for exactly what you need (like an automatic or 4×4), and add affordable full coverage insurance. If you want all the details, check out our full Discover Cars review here.
Tips for Renting a Car in the Caribbean
- Know the driving side: Some Caribbean islands drive on the left, while others stick to the right. It really varies island to island, so double-check before you go—and make sure you’re comfortable driving on that side of the road, especially if it’s different from home.
- Know the local driving rules: Road laws and signage can differ between islands, so it’s worth doing a quick check before pickup. Seatbelts are usually mandatory, texting and driving is typically illegal, and honking is often just a friendly heads-up. Expect low speed limits and shared roads—think scooters, pedestrians, and even the occasional animal—so stay alert and take your time!
- Add full insurance: Roads can be unpredictable, with potholes, hills, and narrow lanes—especially outside resort areas. For that reason, we always recommend adding on full coverage insurance to your rental. Discover Cars makes this super easy (and affordable!) to add on, so you can drive with peace of mind.
- Choose the right car: For beach tracks or hilly inland roads, a compact SUV or 4×4 might be your best bet. Discover Cars makes it easy to filter by vehicle type, transmission, or even luggage space to suit your needs.
- Watch for extra fees: Some rental companies charge sand cleaning fees, airport pickup surcharges, or require you to return the car spotless. It’s nothing to stress over—just check the fine print so you’re not caught off guard.
What You Need to Rent a Car in the Caribbean
- A valid driver’s license from your home country.
- On some islands, a temporary/visitor’s driving permit may be required. These are normally issued by the rental agency for a fee. Check with your company in advance, so you’re not surprised by extra costs at pickup!
- An IDP (International Driving Permit) may be required depending on your destination and the language of your license. Always check the country’s requirements beforehand so you’re prepared.
- A credit card in the driver’s name is typically required for the security deposit.
- Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, with a young driver surcharge applicable for those under 25. Some companies may have higher age requirements, so make sure you double-check.
Ready to hit the road? Book your car with Discover Cars here and discover the freedom of exploring the Caribbean Islands on your own terms!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
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A trip to Puerto Rico is a must for any traveler who loves the beach, amazing food, and charming historic streets. Whether you’re wandering through Old San Juan, exploring the lush jungles, or swimming in the warm blue water, these top things to do will highlight all the best of Puerto Rico.
If you need help planning more of your travels, check out all of our Caribbean blogs here! We have extensively explored the islands and put together guides on the top things to do, places to stay, and itineraries to make your vacation planning a breeze (or shall I say, a sea breeze!). Here are a few blogs to get you started:
15 Best Things to do in Belize
Where to Stay in Playa del Carmen, Mexico: 6 Areas & Hotels
How to Spend FIVE DAYS in Turks and Caicos – The Best 5-Day Itinerary