The Best Water Sports to Try on Your Puerto Rico Vacation
Puerto Rico is a paradise for water enthusiasts, offering a plethora of activities to suit every taste. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a nature lover, or someone who just wants to soak up the sun, there’s a water sport for you. Let's dive in and explore the best water sports to try on your Puerto Rico vacation!
Snorkeling
Snorkeling is a great option on any vacation. Puerto Rico has a ton of beautiful beaches to choose from, and as a result you can find great options all over the island. That being said, Fajardo serves as one of the water sports hubs for the island, and as a result makes for a great option for snorkeling.
There’s a variety of boat and sailing charters that leave from Fajardo, and one of our favorite combos is the Icacos Beach & Snorkeling trip offered by East Island Excursion. Icacos is absolutely stunning, and when you hop in the water you’ll be greeted by a host of marine life.
When planning your snorkeling trip we can’t stress the importance of remembering a few essentials. Do NOT forget sunscreen! Nothing ruins a fun day on the water like getting fried by the sun. A few other essentials are towels, sunglasses, and while most tour providers offer snacks and drinks, it never hurts to bring some of your own water along.
These tours are wildly popular, and there’s a lot of competition. To make things easier, we’ve curated some of Puerto Rico’s best snorkeling tours. These tours tend to sell out 1-2 days in advance, so be mindful of that when making a reservation.
Kayaking
Kayaking in Puerto Rico is another great option. It’s super accessible, offers some light exercise, and you’ll get to see some fun, otherwise inaccessible parts of Puerto Rico. Popular spots for kayaking include Laguna Grande in Fajardo, the mangroves of La Parguera, and the tranquil waters around Vieques.
In terms of where to go, there are a couple of different options we recommend.
Laguna Grande is famous for its bioluminescent bay, where the water lights up with a blue glow when disturbed. There are only 5 bio bays in the world, and Puerto Rico is home to 3 of them. These are absolutely stunning experiences, and one of the most popular tours on the island.
The mangroves of La Parguera offer a different kind of adventure, allowing you to paddle through narrow waterways.
Vieques is another excellent location, with calm waters and beautiful scenery. Vieques has the distinction of being home to the brightest bio bay on the planet - Mosquito Bay.
Kayaking tours are widely available and can range from daytime explorations to nighttime bioluminescent adventures. If you’re a beginner, guided tours can provide the necessary equipment and instruction to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. For those looking for a bit more freedom, kayak rentals are available at many popular beaches and marinas.
If we were to make a suggestion here, we highly recommend going on a bio bay tour. People travel from all over the world to experience the magic of a bio bay, and as a result these tours can book out 1-2 weeks in advance. If you’re interested in learn more, check out the top rated bio bay tours in Puerto Rico.
Paddleboarding
Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) has become a favorite water activity not just for visitors to Puerto Rico, but people around the world. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the island’s beautiful coastline while getting a great workout. Rentals and guided tours are available at many beaches, including Condado Beach in San Juan, Escambrón Marine Park, and Jobos Beach in Isabela. Paddleboarding is perfect for those looking to relax and take in the scenery at their own pace.
Condado Beach is located in the heart of San Juan, making it a convenient spot for paddleboarding. Its calm waters are ideal for beginners. Escambrón Marine Park offers a mix of calm waters and beautiful marine life, making it a great spot for both paddleboarding and snorkeling. Jobos Beach is known for its surfing, but its calmer areas are perfect for paddleboarding.
Many rental shops offer paddleboard rentals by the hour or day, and some even provide lessons for beginners. Paddleboarding is a versatile activity that can be as relaxing or challenging as you make it. Whether you’re gliding over calm waters or riding small waves, you’re sure to have a great time.
Surfing
Puerto Rico is renowned for its world-class surfing spots. From beginners to pros, there’s a wave for everyone. We recommend checking out Rincon, known as the “Surfing Capital of the Caribbean.” Other great spots include Jobos Beach, Domes Beach, and Middles. Whether you’re taking your first lesson or catching your hundredth wave, surfing in Puerto Rico is an experience you won’t forget.
Rincon is a must-visit for any surfer. It hosts several surf competitions each year and offers a variety of waves suitable for all skill levels. Jobos Beach is another popular spot, known for its consistent waves and lively atmosphere. Domes Beach, located near Rincon, is famous for its powerful waves and stunning views. Middles, located in Isabela, is known for its challenging waves and attracts advanced surfers from around the world.
If you’re new to surfing, consider taking a lesson from one of the many surf schools on the island. They provide all the equipment you’ll need and can help you get started with the basics. For more experienced surfers, there are plenty of rental shops where you can find the perfect board for the local conditions.
Jet Skiing
For those who are looking for a little more speed and excitement, jet skiing is a must-try activity. Popular places to rent jet skis include San Juan, Isla Verde, and Fajardo.
San Juan offers several rental locations along its beautiful beaches. Isla Verde is another great spot, with its long stretch of beach and calm waters. Fajardo, located on the east coast, offers beautiful scenery and easy access to nearby islands.
Most rental shops offer a range of jet ski options, from hourly rentals to guided tours. Guided tours can be a great way to explore the area and learn about the local sights while enjoying the thrill of jet skiing. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a first-timer, jet skiing is sure to provide an unforgettable experience.
If we had to pick, we think it’s worth checking out this 1-hour guided tour offered by Puerto Rico Jet Ski Rental.
Sailing
Experience the beauty of Puerto Rico from the deck of a sailboat. Whether you opt for a private charter, a sunset cruise, or a day trip to nearby islands, sailing offers a peaceful and picturesque way to enjoy the water. The marinas in Fajardo and San Juan are great starting points for your sailing adventure. East Island Excursions, located near Fajardo, offers a wide variety of tours and activities. We highly recommend checking out some of the tours they have to offer.
Fajardo is known for its excellent sailing conditions and offers easy access to the nearby islands of Culebra and Vieques. These islands are perfect for day trips, with beautiful beaches and excellent snorkeling spots. It takes just under an hour to get to Fajardo from San Juan by car, so it’s an easy day trip for anyone staying in the capitol.
Many charter companies offer a range of options, from small sailboats to luxury yachts. Whether you’re looking for a romantic sunset cruise or an adventurous day trip, there’s a sailing option to suit your needs. Sailing is a great way to relax and take in the stunning scenery of Puerto Rico’s coastline.
If you’re thinking about booking a sailing charter, check out the best options Puerto Rico has to offer.
Scuba Diving
For the more adventurous, scuba diving in Puerto Rico is an awesome experience. Dive into the depths to explore shipwrecks, underwater caves, and a diverse array of marine life. The waters around Vieques, Culebra, and Mona Island offer some of the best diving in the region. Certified divers can join guided tours, while beginners can take introductory courses to start their underwater journey.
Vieques offers several excellent dive sites, including the famous Mosquito Pier and Black Beach. Culebra is known for its clear waters and abundant marine life, making it a favorite among divers. Mona Island, located off the west coast of Puerto Rico, is a remote and pristine diving destination known for its underwater caves and diverse marine life.
Most dive shops offer a range of services, from equipment rentals to guided dives and certification courses. If you’re new to diving, consider taking an introductory course - these are called Discover Scuba - to learn the basics and experience the underwater world for the first time. For experienced divers, guided tours can take you to some of the best dive sites in the region. If you want to check out a seleciton of the top rated scuba trips in Puerto Rico, look no further.
