9 Can’t Miss Day Trips From San Juan, Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is full of hidden gems. From topical rainforest excursions to Caribbean snorkeling tours, you’re sure to find a few day trips from San Juan that will be one for the memory books! And the best part? You don’t have to look far for fun. Puerto Rico is vibrant. To its food to its houses to its atmosphere, there is a buzz about San Juan that you can’t deny.
Once you’ve had your fill of San Juan, a short ride to unbelievable Puerto Rico day trips await you! Ocean catamaran rides, zip lining through rainforests or swimming in a bioluminescent bay, you can do it all in Puerto Rico! Old San Juan is amazing, but there is WAY more to see and experience on the island and we can’t wait for you to experience some epic day trips from San Juan, Puerto Rico!
The Best Puerto Rico Day Trips and Tours
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1. Culebra Day Trip
There is no place quite like the Puerto Rican island of Culebra. Located off the eastern side of the island of Puerto Rico, you’ll find the small tropical island paradise of Culebra. Home to one of the best beaches in the world, spend a day kayaking, snorkeling, or sailing the Caribbean blue waters. Whichever you choose, your skin will be salty and sun-kissed while you wear a big ole smile on your that face of yours.
For more things to do in Culebra, be sure to read our Culebra travel guide
2. Bacardi Rum Tasting Tour
Home to one of the greatest and oldest rum distilleries, no trip to Puerto Rico is complete without a little bit (or a lotta bit) of rum!
Enjoy a 90-minute tasting session and distillery tour where you’ll learn all about the history and flavor profiles that make the rum we all know and love, Bacardi Rum.
After you’ve had your tour, a great place to keep drinking rum (responsibly) is having a Pina Colada at La Barrachina
If you’re looking to take your tour up a notch, learn how to make classic Caribbean cocktails at a Casa Bacardi Mixology class!
3. Explore El Yunque Rainforest
El Yunque is the only tropical rainforest located within the U.S., making it a great addition to exploring during your Puerto Rico vacation. From waterfalls to hidden swimming spots to exotic plants and wildlife, ditch the crowds and break away to this rainforest paradise.
4. Swim in a Puerto Rico Bioluminescent Bay
Embark on a short boat ride through mangrove forests before diving into the water that surrounds you. As you swim, watch the water light up around you. The disturbances in the water, made by your swimming, active algae and it is this little organism who put on a magical glowing show for you. And yes, it really is magical. La Parguera Bioluminescent Bay will become a day trip from San Juan that you won’t soon forget!
Enjoy two of the best Puerto Rico day trips in one, a jam-packed day of outdoor fun – Bio Bay & El Yunque Rainforest Combo Tour
5. San Juan Snorkle & Catamaran Cruise
Cayo Icacos is a small, uninhabited island off the coast of Puerto Rico. It’s pristine and perfect. Truly. Making a day trip to explore this beautiful Puerto Rican island is a must! Jump on the catamaran and set sail over the turquoise waters with your sights set on the island of Cayo Icacos. Stroll the deserted beaches, enjoy lunch, and swim around the island’s waters. A day well spent if you ask us.
Looking for something more private? Check out a Half Day Charter to the surrounding islands of the tropics.
6. Puerto Rico Zip Lining & Waterfalls
Alright, you adventure seekers, how does rappelling down an 80 feet (24 meters) waterfall sound to you? Epic, right?! Well, then a zip-lining and rappelling trip to Puerto Rico’s Carite State Forest is for you!
Hike along a river as you make your way and gear up to glide across five ziplines that soar over the forests below. A full day of adventure and outdoor fun awaits you!
7. Explore Puerto Rico’s Cueva Ventana and Indian Cave
Venture out and experience two of Puerto Rico’s most famous caves, Cueva Ventana (Window Cave) and Indian Cave (Cueva del Indio). With a guide, admire the stalactite and stalagmite formations as well as the exceptional views. From Cueva Ventana, you’ll have amazing views of the valley below whereas, for Indian Cave, you’ll have coastal scenery and crashing waves. While visiting Indian Cave, admire the ancient Indian carvings that line its cavernous walls.
8. Book a Two-Tank Scuba Dive
For all you under-the-sea lovers, a scuba diving trip is a must! Exploring the reefs and marine life from 40 feet below the surface is a unique and unforgettable experience to have in Puerto Rico! Learn PADI skills and techniques as you prepare to take the plunge into the blue scuba diving waters of Puerto Rico. If you’re lucky, you may spot a sea turtle or two!
9. UTV Side-by-Side Excursion
If you have the need for speed, this day trip from San Juan may just be for you. Explore the foothills of El Yunque National Forest by UTV. Yes, a UTV! Hit the dirt trails and blasts through rivers with 4×4 off-roading vehicles. Sound fun? We thought so. A few-hour tour lets is a perfect way to explore the beautiful east coast of Puerto Rico. Oh, and riding dirty in a UTV is oh-so-fun!
OLD SAN JUAN TOURS: If you’re looking for some day trips from San Juan that are only a few hours in length, definitely check out the San Juan Catamaran Sunset Sail, Jet Ski Tour, or the LED Night Kayak. Or, if you’re looking to stay in Old San Juan itself, consider an Old San Juan Walking Tour, Flavors of Old San Juan Food Tour and last but not least, a Puerto Rico Craft Cocktail Walk…because wine not?!
Want More Information on Puerto Rico?!
Puerto Rico Vacation Planning and Travel Guide
13 Amazing Things To Do In Old San Juan
Your Guide to San Juan Graffiti Neighborhood
The Best Places to Eat in San Juan
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Happy Travels,
– Lauren & Jesse Stuart (The Stüs)
