Best places to go Kayaking in Puerto Rico
Kayaking is one of the best ways to explore the island’s beautiful coastline, crystal-clear waters, and unique ecosystems. Whether you're a seasoned paddler or a beginner, Puerto Rico offers a range of kayaking experiences that are sure to please. We’ve put together a guide to the best spots for kayaking across the island.
Greater San Juan
If you’re staying in the San Juan area you have easy access to kayaking in Laguna del Condado.
Laguna del Condado is a popular kayaking location right in the heart of San Juan. With the Miramar to the south, and Condado just north of the lagoon, you’ll get a bit more of an urban vibe while you paddle around Lagune del Condado. High-rise apartment buildings and hotels ring the lagoon, making for a unique experience. Because the lagoon is sheltered by land, you’ll enjoy calm waters that are perfect for a relaxing paddle. Many of the beachfront resorts in Condado and Isla Verde offer kayak rentals, giving you easy access to the water right from your accommodation. We recommend booking ahead of time - check out KND Chiliboat’s kayak rentals or VIP Adventures Puerto Rico for some easy online rentals.
For a mix of food and kayaking, head to Piñones, a beachfront neighborhood known for its delicious food stands and beautiful natural scenery.
Laguna La Torrecilla in Piñones is a fantastic spot for a guided kayak tour. Only a 20 minutes drive from San Juan, this is another easily accessible lagoon to go kayaking in. Paddle through mangrove forests and keep an eye out for local wildlife, including birds, tarpon, and stingrays. The lagoon’s calm waters make it suitable for all skill levels, and you can combine your paddle with a tasting tour of the local food stands.
Culebra
Culebra is a small island off the east coast of Puerto Rico, famous for its stunning beaches and excellent snorkeling spots. Unsurprisingly, it’s also a great location for kayaking.
Luis Peña Channel Natural Reserve offers pristine waters filled with vibrant coral reefs and abundant marine life. Kayaking here provides the perfect opportunity to explore secluded cays and beaches, with the option to snorkel directly from your kayak. Popular spots like Flamenco Beach and Carlos Rosario Beach are ideal for a relaxed paddle, thanks to their calm waters and stunning scenery. Culebra can be accessed by ferry or airplane, so if you’re planning a trip out to the island be sure you’ve got your transporation squared away before you make the trip.
Fajardo
The coastal town of Fajardo, about an hour’s drive east of San Juan, is another kayaking hotspot.
Seven Seas Beach is a great starting point for a full day of beach activities. The crescent-shaped beach features clear, shallow waters perfect for kayaking and paddleboarding. The nearby coral reefs offer excellent snorkeling opportunities, making it a great spot for a family day out. If we were to pick one spot to go kayaking, this would be it. Fajardo offers a host of restaurants and different water sports so you can easily make a fun-filled day out of your time in this cute city.
Bioluminescent Bays
One of the most magical kayaking experiences in Puerto Rico is paddling in the bioluminescent bays. These unique ecosystems glow at night due to the presence of tiny microorganisms called dinoflagellates, which emit light when disturbed. Puerto Rico is home to three bioluminescent bays, each offering a subtly different experience.
• Laguna Grande in Fajardo is the most accessible bioluminescent bay, located just a short drive from San Juan in Fajardo. Paddle through mangrove channels under the guidance of local guides and watch as the water lights up with every stroke of your paddle. Tours typically last about two hours and provide a fascinating look at this natural phenomenon. Kayaking Puerto Rico offers an amazing tour that you can reserve online here.
• Mosquito Bay in Vieques is renowned for being the brightest bio bay in the world. Although getting to Vieques involves a ferry ride or a short flight from the main island, the experience is well worth the effort. The intense glow of the water here is truly spectacular, offering an unforgettable night-time adventure.
• La Parguera in Lajas is the least crowded of the three bio bays. It’s located on the southwest coast of the main island and offers a more laid-back experience. Some tours here even allow for snorkeling or swimming in the glowing waters, something not permitted in the other bays. You can easily book a Bio Bay tour with Kayak Parguera.
You can learn more about Puerto Rico’s Bio Bays in our blog post about the best time to visit. You can book a bioluminescent bay tour here.
Inland River Kayaking
If you’re looking for something truly unique, consider kayaking Puerto Rico’s inland rivers and caves.
Tanamá River offers a spectacular kayaking experience through the island’s karst region. Batey Adventures provides guided tours that take you through river caves, including a 1,000-foot tunnel, and past waterfalls. This adventure combines kayaking with hiking and swimming, providing an all-in-one nature experience.
Mameyes River in El Yunque National Forest allows you to kayak from the rainforest all the way to the ocean. This unique route offers a blend of rainforest and coastal scenery, making it an adventurous choice for nature lovers.
Final Thoughts
Puerto Rico’s kayaking spots offer something for everyone, whether you’re paddling through glowing bioluminescent waters, exploring vibrant coral reefs, or navigating tranquil lagoons and rivers. Grab your paddle, embrace the adventure, and get ready to experience the island from a whole new perspective!
