10 BEST Day Trips From San Juan You Don’t Want To Miss! (2025)
Written By Jenny White | The Kai Life • Posted on November 14, 2024
Looking For The Best Day Trips From San Juan?
As someone who’s fallen head over flip flops for Puerto Rico, it’s quickly become one of my favorite tropical destinations to return to over and over again. Being a seasoned visitor, I love to share everything I discover about this vibrant island with other coastal obsessed travelers.
Walking down the street in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
From stunning beaches to charming cities, tranquil rainforests and the warmest locals – Puerto Rico is one of those places that your bucket list grows longer with each trip!
If you’re staying in the San Juan area, you’re in the perfect spot to experience so much of what Puerto Rico has to offer. From this historic city, you’ll be just a short stop away from some of Puerto Rico’s most unforgettable experiences.
To help you fill your itinerary, I’ve put together a list of fun and unique excursions that are easy to take from San Juan.
Short on time and looking for what not to miss around San Juan?
Favorite Option : Hop Aguadilla’s pristine beaches on a water adventure tour
Must Do In Puerto Rico : Spend the day exploring a tropical rainforest
Bucket List Experience : Glow in a bioluminescent bay
10 Best Day Trips From San Juan
Whether you’re the kind of traveler that wants to relax, or you’re ready for an adventure, Puerto Rico offers something for everyone. With so many experiences in arms reach of San Juan, it’s the perfect home base for you to “Live Boricua”, like the locals do.
There are also a lot of free things to do in Puerto Rico that won’t break the bank during your trip, including some MUST DO’s for your itinerary planning!
1. Visit An Uninhabited Island
One of my first ever Puerto Rico experiences was taking a catamaran to the beautiful uninhabited island of Cayo Icacos. It continues to be one of my most favorite travel memories ever!
On the catamaran on the way to Cayo Icacos.
The waters of Cayo Icacos are some of the clearest I’ve ever swam in!
Part of La Cordillera Nature Reserve, Cayo Icacos is known for its crystal clear warm turquoise waters and soft white sand. It’s completely uninhabited, with no services – but that’s part of its charm.
The catamaran ride out is SO much fun and part of the journey. Once the anchor is dropped, snorkel around the boat or explore the island. This is an experience I’ll do over and over when I visit.
You can only access Cayo Icacos by boat, and the trips begin around $60/person for water taxi, with catamarans costing a little bit more and offering deeper excursion experiences.
Cayo Icacos is always open, however no camping is allowed.
Visiting hours will vary based on your water taxi or catamaran schedule. Water taxis leave roughly every 30 minutes, and catamarans have charters throughout the day.
Cayo Icacos is gorgeous year-round.
Water taxis leave from the Las Croabas neighborhood of Fajardo (about 45 minutes from San Juan).
Catamarans leave from Marina Puerto del Rey (just under an hour from San Juan) or Villa Marina (about 10 minutes from San Juan).
Check in with your tour company about what’s provided and think ahead in your packing since you’ll be on an island without amenities. I was happy that I packed ::
- Sunscreen
- Water
- A hat
- Snacks or a picnic (if not provided by your tour)
- A towel
- An umbrella if you want shade
- My camera
- A wet bag
2. Hop Aguadilla’s Pristine Beaches On A Water Adventure Tour
One of my favorite ways to experience the world famous beaches of Aguadilla on Puerto Rico’s West Side is to tour them from the water! Plus, the drive to Aguadilla is a great way to take in the island.
We hopped off the cruiser boat at several Aguadilla beaches to enjoy the perfect waters.
On one of my most recent trips, I had the opportunity to take a water adventure tour with Aguadilla Water Sports and it became my favorite tour to date. Run by a close-knit, super fun Puerto Rican family who are passionate about sharing their slice of heaven – it’s the most fun way to get a taste of Aguadilla.
Choose between jet-skis or cruiser boat and make multiple stops to snorkel, visit the beaches and take in the views.
Varies, based on the tour you choose and how many people are in your group.
Aguadilla Water Sports is open 7 days a week and runs tours throughout the day from 9:30am – 4:30pm. Be sure to text them if you don’t see the time slot you were hoping for, they’re super accommodating.
Aguadilla is 90 minutes from San Juan.
The best way to get to Aguadilla is to drive. We’ve always had wonderful experiences renting a car in Puerto Rico, and love the ease of bopping around to our favorite spots.
Bring your sunscreen! The sun is no joke in Puerto Rico, especially when you’re out on the water.
I had some friends do the jet skis and love them. I was on the cruiser boat and had the BEST time learning about Aguadilla, getting to drive the boat, snorkeling and visiting some of my favorite beaches. You truly can’t go wrong either way!
3. Spend The Day Exploring A Tropical Rainforest
El Yunque sight to see and a MUST-VISIT spot during your trip to Puerto Rico.
There’s something for every kind of visitor to El Yunque. Whether you love to hike, raise your adrenaline, bathe in waterfalls or learn about the sacred history and wildlife, you’ll find it in the rainforest.
Zip-lining with Kai at Rainforest Zipline Park.
El Yunque is a place I love to visit each time I return to Puerto Rico. We’ve zip-lined through the trees, taken a guided hiking tour where we jumped in the river, visited the waterfalls, and walked up the Yokahú Observation Tower.
El Yunque is free to visit and drive through with many accessible hikes.
The tour costs vary.
7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. daily, closed on Christmas.
The El Portal Visitor Center is open 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily, closed on Christmas.
Tour times vary.
El Yunque is just over 30 minutes from San Juan. Many tour companies offer pickups in the city or even at your hotel.
I was happy that I packed :
- Bug spray
- Water
- Snacks or a picnic (if not provided by your tour)
- Sneakers
- A rain poncho
- My camera
👉 Click here to book the BEST El Yunque Zipline experience!
4. Kick It Like A Local In Luquillo
Tucked just to the north of El Yunque, Luquillo is a laid-back coastal town. It’s home to some of Puerto Rico’s most beloved beaches and the famous Luquillo kiosks.
Luquillo’s kiosks are a favorite local spot to experience Puerto Rico’s cuisine. Image source : Discover Puerto Rico
If you’ve got a half day excursion in El Yunque, Luquillo is the perfect location to spend the other half. Stroll through the kiosks to try favorite local food and drinks. You could also spend the afternoon enjoying the waves.
A view of Luquillo from Costa Azul Beach. Image source : Discover Puerto Rico
Some favorite Luquillo beaches are :
- Playa Luquillo
- Playa La Pared
- Playa Azul
5. Glow In A Bioluminescent Bay
Being in a bioluminescent bay is a total bucket list item, and there are three (out five total in the world!) of these rare occurrences to choose from in Puerto Rico!
Visitors kayaking in one of Puerto Rico’s bioluminescent bays. Image source : Discover Puerto Rico (Omark Reyes).
I had the opportunity to swim in La Parguera during my last visit Puerto Rico and it’s ABSOLUTELY an incredible experience. It’s mesmorizing how your skin literally glows, and so fascinating to learn about the phenomenon behind it.
All three bioluminescent bays are accessible by authorized tour company only.
The most convenient bioluminescent bay to San Juan is Laguna Grande. This is also the most visited one, because of how close it is to San Juan. To protect the bay, swimming is not allowed but there are several boating options.
If you’re on the south side of the island, you can visit La Parguera. This is the only bioluminescent bay on Puerto Rico that you can actually swim in.
Mosquito Bay on Vieques is said to give off the strongest light. Swimming is not allowed, but again there are several boating options.
Varies, based on the tour that you choose.
Varies, with multiple time slot options per night.
Laguna Grande is roughly an hour and 15 minutes from San Juan, located in Fajardo.
La Parguera is about two hours and 15 minutes from San Juan, and might best be planned if you’re staying a night on the west side (instead of driving back to the city at night).
Mosquito Bay is located on the island of Vieques, and is best planned for a night you’re staying on the is
You can leave your camera at home for this experience and lean into taking a mental snapshot. The glowing effect doesn’t show up on a camera as well as it does to human eyes.
Excursions From San Juan (Still On My Bucket List)
Each time I head to Puerto Rico, my own bucket list grows x10, there is SO much to do on the island! Here’s a few things that I can’t wait to do next visit. I’ll update once I’ve done them!
6. Snorkel Around One Of Puerto Rico’s Most Beloved Islands
A bucket list experience for me is to visit Culebra. Culebra is known for it’s famous beaches, like Flamenco Beach which is rated the 3rd Best Beach in the world, and holds the iconic Blue Flag Beach distinction.
Snorkeling off Flamenco Beach in Culebra. Image source : Discover Puerto Rico
You can easily take a ferry to Culebra, but locals advise that it’s best to stay on the island for the night if you’re staying in San Juan.
A better way to experience Culebra by hopping its beaches and getting a tour from the water is to take a snorkel tour. These tours are easily accessible from San Juan, and will give you a taste of the island, which might inspire a future trip.
Varies, based on the tour company.
Varies, based on the tour company.
Culebra is accessible from San Juan via ferry, however day tours from San Juan or Fajardo are more convenient if you’re staying in the city.
7. Volunteer To Help Manatees
Why not combine some cool education with a volunteer opportunity during your trip?
Snorkeling off Flamenco Beach in Culebra. Image source : Discover Puerto Rico
The Caribbean Manatee Conservation Center offers 2 1/2 hour volunteer opportunities twice daily where you can learn about the center and animals they assist, as well as help to feed them.
Varies per volunteer situation
1/2 day volunteer slots happen Tuesday through Sunday with various volunteer time slots.
The center is located is Bayamon, about 40 minutes from San Juan.
8. Go Horse Back Riding On The Beach
If you’re a beach lover, check one off your list by horseback riding through it!
Riding horses on the beach. Image source : Discover Puerto Rico
Carabalí Rainforest Park offers many wonderful experiences, and their horseback riding tour is at the top of my list.
If you’re spending a half day in El Yunque, this is a great tour to add to your day since it’s in the same area. You could even schedule a rainforest experience through Carabalí for the beginning of your day and end it riding on the beach.
Roughly $150/person.
There are time slots available several times a day.
Carabalí Rainforest Park is located in Luquillo, about 45 minutes outside of San Juan.
9. Learn How To Surf
Puerto Rico is one of the world’s favorite surfing destinations. Why not try your balance at surfing on an island that boasts over 300 beaches?!
Surfing along Condado Beach.
There are several surfing schools around Puerto Rico. All of them cater sessions towards beginners.
Varies, per surfing school.
Varies, per surfing school
Varies, per surfing school. You can pick up classes out of San Juan, or other beach towns around the island like Rincón.
👉 Click here to book the most fun surfing lessons in San Juan!
10. Lean Into Wellness Like The Locals Do
Towards the end of your stay in San Juan, plan a day of relaxation and wellness. Locals love to visit the mountain oasis of Coamo Hot Springs because of the many benefits of soaking in the mineral waters.
The Coamo Hot Springs at night. Image source : Discover Puerto Rico
Coamo Hot Springs has you covered for your full day of wellness, with a menu of massages (starting at just $1/minute!) at its Fuga Spa. There’s a cafe with healthy snacks, and a beautiful garden.
Entry into the springs is just $3.35 and massage services are very affordably priced.
Open daily from 6am – 9pm.
The springs are located in Coamo, roughly an hour and a half from San Juan. Ponce is nearby, and makes a wonderful stop for dinner before heading back to San Juan for the night.
Where To Stay In San Juan
San Juan is the perfect spot to stay in Puerto Rico, especially for your first visit as you get to know the island. It’s central to so many different iconic places you’ll want to visit, and has so much going on itself that you’ll want to spend some time there anyway.
A view from our dining room in our apartment at the HiBird Hotel in the Condado neighborhood of San Juan.
📍Budget Option: Leave it to Puerto Rico to have a budget-friendly beachfront hotel option just steps from the sand. Stay at The Tryst Beachfront Hotel in the Condado neighborhood of San Juan and let the sound of the waves lull you to sleep.
📍Mid-Range Option: One of my favorite places to stay in Puerto Rico (especially with friends or family) is in the apartment style hotel, HiBird. We love it for its spacious apartments, beach access (with chairs and umbrellas), healthy restaurant, convenient Condado location and super friendly staff.
Alternatively, if you’re planning a wellness trip in San Juan, consider the wellness hotel La Botánica. All stays include morning yoga and a vegan breakfast!
📍Luxury Option: Enjoy the views at The Royal Sonesta San Juan and don’t sleep on their incredible pool and beachfront bar! It boasts a beautiful beachfront location at local favorite Isla Verde Beach. The Royal Sonesta is less than a mile from the airport and just 20 minutes from Old San Juan.
FAQs
Having spent so much time exploring Puerto Rico, I know what visitors can expect. Here are answers to a few common questions I’m often asked.
How many days is enough in San Juan Puerto Rico?
Although any time in Puerto Rico is a gift, I recommend that visitors try to spend at least 5 days. There’s so much to fill your itinerary with, and factoring in some down time on travel days, this will leave you with a few full days to explore.
Can you do a day trip from San Juan to Vieques?
It is possible to visit Vieques for the day on the inexpensive ferry, but locals recommend staying the night when possible. If you are planning time on the island for the day, be sure to have your return ferry tickets planned out in advance so you don’t get stranded on the island by missing the last return ferry.
Is it worth going to Puerto Rico for 3 days?
ANYTIME in Puerto Rico is worth the time visiting, but unless you’re coming from east coast where it’s quicker to fly into, it’s recommended to stay for at least 5 days.
Final Thoughts
San Juan is the perfect base for your Puerto Rico adventures. You’re going to have access to so many different experiences, with each offering its own unique charm.
I hope this list inspires you to make the most of your time on the island, exploring beyond the city and creating unforgettable memories.
