With endless sand beaches, terrain that surprises you around every corner and a history rich with pirates and plunder, Puerto Rico is a Caribbean island like no other. Whether your holiday persona is beach bum, adrenaline junky or cultural bon vivant, Puerto Rico has something amazing for you.
Puerto Rico Scuba Diving
For novice and experienced divers alike, Puerto Rico offers a robust underwater world or reefs, underwater caves and walls. You can choose an easily accessible dive site on the mainland or venture out to one of the more remote outer islands for a world-class diving experience. A number of reputable dive operations offer boat dives, rental gear and certified guides who are happy to introduce you to Puerto Rico’s amazing aquatic realm.
If you prefer to view the reef from above, you won’t be disappointed either. Snorkeling is great in Puerto Rico, especially if you hop on one of the many luxury catamarans that make day trips to the outlying islands. Your best bets for snorkeling are Mona Island, Caja de Muertos, La Paguera and Fajardo. Just remember to pack your sunscreen.
Puerto Rico Coffee Farm
Coffee aficionados who visit Puerto Rico never miss a chance to savor one of the island’s better-kept secrets – it’s amazing coffee. For an insider’s look into how Puerto Rico’s famous coffee is created, travel to the Hacienda San Pedro – a working coffee farm that also offers a tasting room and museum. You can see the coffee making process from start to finish, and even take home a bag of green coffee beans if you want to try roasting yourself.
Puerto Rico Water Falls & Rainforests
No trip to Puerto Rico is complete without an iconic photo of one of the island’s numerous waterfalls. With much of the island made up of a rainforest, it is not hard to find the perfect photo opportunity. One of the nicest is La Mina Falls in El Yunque National Forest.
The falls are easy to reach via La Mina trail. At less than one mile, it is the shortest trail to reach the falls. The trail begins at the main Ranger Station – Palo Colorado, and winds through some of the most beautiful scenery on the entire island. Although the hike is not the easiest – you will encounter steep slopes and many steps, your efforts are rewarded when you reach the falls. Fresh water cascades down into a natural pool that is a refreshing reward after your hike.
When To Go
Puerto Rico enjoys a very stable climate throughout the year with temperatures rarely venturing above or below 75F – 85F (24C – 29C). August sees the most rain and the hottest temperatures. Puerto Rico must contend with hurricane season, which runs officially from June 1 through November 30.
High season is from December through April, when you’ll see the highest prices for lodging, but you can save money by visiting in the off season, which is late spring through late fall.
What To Do
Taino Divers at Black Eagle Marina on Puerto Rico’s west coast offers daily two-tank boat dives for $129 USD per person. Snorkelers can go along for $95 per person. They also offer sunset cruises, whale-watching trips and chartered deep-sea fishing trips.
Offering three locations around the island, Sea Ventures Diving offers one- or two-tank daily boat dives to local reefs and outlying islands. The cost is $65/119 and includes rental gear. Sea Ventures also offer PADI certification courses, as well as snorkel excursions.
