Puerto Rico is a lush tropical island packed with opportunities for outdoor adventure. From natural water slides to scenic horseback riding experiences and great beaches, there are diversions enough in Puerto Rico to keep you busy for weeks.
It's good to have a plan before you leave. Knowing the most popular Puerto Rico tourist areas, unique excursions and things to do in Puerto Rico can help you put together an itinerary to keep the fun coming.
If you're looking for unique things to do in Puerto Rico, the experts at AAA Travel can help. You can put together a trip you'll never forget by using AAA's TripCanvas as a resource and getting advice from AAA Travel.
1. Scenic Horseback Riding Tour from San Juan
- Who's it for: Adults or children ages 12+
- Where's it located: Hacienda Campo Rico
Sightseeing is extra special when you explore Puerto Rico on horseback. Visit Hacienda Campo Rico, where you'll be given basic horseback riding lessons and then embark on a journey guided by a trainer. You'll ride horses through private fields and trails.
Riders of all knowledge levels are welcome. On your journey, you'll see lush meadows, native plants and flowers, rolling hills, and private trails that reveal the beauty of the Puerto Rican countryside. Horses on the tour are experienced and well-trained, while the guides can give you all the information you need to have a safe and memorable experience.
2. Tour of Arenales Caves, River & Hidden Spring, Waterfall
- Who's it for: Ages 10 to 70
- Where's it located: Vega Baja, Manati
During this day of hiking, you'll enjoy a river trek, visit caves, try to cliff jump, swim through limestone canyons, admire unique rock formations and view the lush scenery with this full-day tour. There will be waterfalls, hidden springs and refreshing, pristine water. Later in the day, you'll be provided with Puerto Rican food at a local restaurant. Your certified tour guide will take you through the forest while avoiding big crowds and will give you a lesson on local flora and fauna.
3. Single ATV Adventure: Private Hacienda Experience
- Who's it for: Adults with a valid driver's license
- Where's it located: Hacienda Campo Rico
Do you love driving all-terrain vehicles (ATVs)? In this countryside excursion, you'll enjoy the thrill of driving an all-terrain vehicle during this Single ATV Adventure through a 2,200-acre private ranch. You'll see plains, lagoons, mountains, forests and more.
You'll start your adventure with a safety briefing and operational instructions. Once you've hit the gas, you'll maneuver your vehicle around mangroves, tropical fields and the verdant Puerto Rican environment.
The photo opportunities alone make the entire adventure worthwhile, not to mention the thrill of the ride. You'll view wildlife, see beautiful native plants and close out the adventure with a rest at the hilltop watering hole.
4. Half-Day Rainforest Tour
- Who's it for: Ages 4 to 70
- Where's it located: El Yunque Hiking Area
Do you love the idea of hiking in the rainforest? Do you want to view the flora and fauna of Puerto Rico, all while learning about the area's geography and history? If so, you'll probably enjoy a rainforest tour at the El Yunque hiking area.
In this tour, you'll swing from a rope into a river, swim in a beautiful river pool, and take in the lovely scenery. During your tour, you'll also have the opportunity to enjoy local snacks like alcapurrias and empanadas.
5. Fajardo Bioluminescent Bay Night Kayak Adventure
- Who's it for: Ages 6 to 80
- Where's it located: Bio Bay of Laguna Grande Reserve in Fajardo
So what is there to do in Puerto Rico at night? One exciting adventure to enjoy is a kayaking excursion on a Bioluminescent Bay. This enchanting experience is unlike any other activity.
A Bioluminescent Bay is a body of water with high concentrations of single-celled organisms called dinoflagellates. Dinoflagellates glow briefly when disturbed, causing the water to light up when splashed. The coloration in the water is subtle but beautiful nonetheless.
In this tour, you'll go kayaking through the bay at night with knowledgeable guides who speak English and Spanish. Your guides will provide all the necessary gear as well as a helpful safety briefing beforehand. Your tour guides will also provide transportation to and from the bioluminescent bay as well as quick kayaking lessons.
6. Morning Snorkeling Beach Tour
- Who's it for: children and adults
- Where's it located: Fajardo, Puerto Rico
Are you a morning person? If so, snorkeling in the morning is the perfect way to wake up! This tour takes you to Icacos Island Nature Preserve, where you'll snorkel for an hour and a half before relaxing on a beach for another two and a half hours. When you're done, you'll head back to the marina.
During your snorkeling adventure, you'll see stingrays, turtles, and tropical fish of many varieties. All staff on the tour are CPR-trained. Although you will be given snorkeling instructions, you will need to know how to swim.
7. Southern Sunset Horseback Riding
- Who's it for: Adults
- Where's it located: Juana Diaz
Is it your dream to go ride a horse into the sunset? If so, then this end-of-day ride in the coastal town of Juana Diaz is your dream come true. You'll be assigned a well-trained horse, and guides will take you through the lush trails and verdant forests of the Hacienda Herradura.
While there, you'll learn about the history and ecology of the area. After watching the sunset, you'll be provided with a refreshing homemade mojito. The beverages, breathtaking views and horseback ride add up to a one-of-a-kind experience in Puerto Rico.
8. 2-Tank Scuba Diving
- Who's it for: Children and adults, ages 10+
- Where's it located: Various locations
Feel the weightlessness of scuba diving with a supervised instructor. This excursion will help you master some basic concepts and scuba skills before you head off on an open-water dive that takes you as far down as 40 feet. During your adventure, you'll see marine turtles and other sea life up close. It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to enjoy a real dive.
9. Half Day Icacos Island
- Who's it for: Ages 3 to 70
- Where's it located: Icacos Island
Icacos Island is the ultimate tropical escape, and you can take this 4-hour Icacos Island tour for the best experience. In addition to round-trip transport from San Juan, you'll snorkel, tour a white sand beach, swim in crystal-clear water and relax along the shores.
Your journey will begin with a guided snorkeling trip, where you'll see colorful fish, vibrant coral, and more. Next, you'll relax on a remote beach, where you can swim in the warm water or soak up the sun. You'll be provided a buffet-style lunch, plenty of drinks, helpful guides and all the snorkeling gear you need.
10. El Yunque Rainforest Tour: Natural Waterslides Adventure
- Who's it for: Ages 8 to 65
- Where's it located: El Yunque rainforest
El Yunque Rainforest is one of the most famous Puerto Rico attractions. This tour of El Yunque focuses on the natural waterslides throughout the forest. Wearing safety gear like helmets, life jackets and knee pads, you'll have an adventure sliding down natural rock formations created long ago. You'll also hike, climb, rope swing and cliff jump. Enjoy the natural wonder of the rainforest while engaging in an adventure you'll be able to tell people about for years to come.
11. Full-Day Zip line and Waterfall Rappelling Adventure
- Who's it for: Ages 12 to 65
- Where's it located: near Carite State Forest in Guayama, Puerto Rico
Zip line is the ultimate way to spend an afternoon in Puerto Rico. In your exhilarating ziplining and rappelling tour of the Carite State Forest, you'll learn about the area and its history, zip line on three different lines and rappel down El Salto Waterfall. A delicious meal is provided.
12. Rainforest River Nature Walk Adventure and Luquillo Beach
- Who's it for: Ages 6 to 85
- Where's it located: Luquillo Rainforest foothills
In this half-day trip through the Luquillo Rainforest foothills, you'll see beautiful landmarks, hike through the lush tropical landscape and swim in a river of some of the cleanest, purest water you'll ever see. Your guide will point out landmarks along the way, educate you on the area and give you plenty of time to take in the natural beauty.
At El Yunque National Forest, you'll visit the "Broken Bridge" recreation site, known for its scenic beauty and spacious water play area. At Playa Luquillo, you'll relax on the beach and enjoy savory local cuisine. Finally, at Torre Yokahu, you'll climb a 69-foot tower where you can view four types of forest.
13. Rainforest Hike to Hidden Waterfall in Puerto Rico
- Who's it for: Ages 12 to 70
- Where's it located: Bayamon
Puerto Rico is full of stunning waterfalls, and on this rainforest hike, you'll embark on a journey to see one for yourself. This moderate hike takes you through the lush forests of the island's central mountain range.
Your certified guide will talk to you about the biodiversity of the area, take you on a walk through a tropical jungle to a hidden waterfall, and answer questions about the landscape and animals of the area. When you arrive at the waterfall, there will be plenty of opportunities for pictures.
Note: These hikes are for small groups only.
14. 8 Hours Scooter Rental in Puerto Rico
- Who's it for: Adults
- Where's it located: Various locations
One of the unique things to do in San Juan Puerto Rico is to rent a scooter and see the city on two wheels! Your guided tour will take you to a beach, hop across the island and show you the thrill of the open road. You'll stop at a local eatery where you'll enjoy authentic Puerto Rican cuisine. Once your guide gets to know you a little better, they'll be able to tailor the adventures to your style and preferences. You'll learn tips about getting around the island, enjoy scenic river spots and more.
15. Private Puerto Rico's Bucket List 3-Day Package
- Who's it for: Children and adults
- Where's it located: Various locations
Have you ever wanted a private guide to take you on a three-day tour to see the hidden treasures you would never otherwise see? This is your chance. You'll visit pristine beaches, see unique natural wonders, snorkel in crystal-clear waters and more. In this extensive tour, you'll cross everything off your bucket list at once, seeing up to 80 landmarks, ranging from a rum distillery to a rainforest to Old San Juan.
Plan Your Trip to Puerto Rico With AAA!
Unlock the fun and adventure of a week in a tropical paradise. For more information about unique things to do in Puerto Rico, check out the TripCanvas website.
Here, you'll see unique things to do in San Juan, Puerto Rico, find out more about what is there to do in Puerto Rico and identify some of the most popular Puerto Rico tourist areas.
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