20 Awesome Activities in Puerto Rico You Can’t Leave the Island Without Experiencing
Puerto Rico is known for its beaches and colorful Old Town streets, but there is so much more to the island than the typical postcard highlights. If you’re looking to go beyond the usual tourist stops, there are countless unique activities in Puerto Rico that showcase its wild landscapes, delicious food, and adventurous spirit.
From bioluminescent bays and hidden waterfalls to hands-on workshops and off-the-beaten-path tours, the best activities in Puerto Rico often happen outside the traditional guides.
Whether you’re visiting for a long weekend or planning a full island road trip, this guide focuses on experiences that feel memorable, immersive, and a little different from the norm.
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How to Find & Book the Best Activities in Puerto Rico
Before diving into our favorite experiences and activities in Puerto Rico, let’s talk a bit about how to find them, and what to know about the booking process.
🔍 Finding Unique Activities in Puerto Rico
We found a lot of the unique activities in Puerto Rico by speaking to locals, searching online, and simply exploring on our own.
We recommend reading this guide, and then also reaching out to people who know the island well. There are also some incredible tours that most tourists miss, especially from San Juan!
Make sure to make a list of all of the things that catch your attention, and you can use Google Maps to make your itinerary.
🎟 Booking Your Activities in Puerto Rico
Many of the top activities in Puerto Rico that we’re going to be sharing can be booked online, on sites such as Get Your Guide and Viator. Most are available as trips from San Juan, while others may require you to rent a car and go on your own.
Popular spots like El Yunque and the Bioluminescent bays tend to have multiple operators, and don’t need to be booked well in advance, while the more unique experiences may have very limited spots, and we’d recommend booking a few weeks out.
There are an endless amount of fun activities in Puerto Rico, so we’re sure you are going to have a full itinerary after seeing all of these!
20 Fun Activities in Puerto Rico
Ready to dive into all of the cool and unique activities in Puerto Rico? From adrenaline-pumping adventures to relaxing moments in nature, here are some of the most unforgettable things to do on the island.
1. Jump off a Waterfall
One of our favorite experiences in Puerto Rico is the number of waterfalls that it has scattered all throughout the island. One of our favorites is Gozalandia, which translates to “land of pleasure”. Here you can find not one, but two waterfalls.
These waterfalls aren’t just for show, but they are super fun to spend the day. The first fall you can climb right behind the water cascading down to admire the waterfall from behind, and you’ll find it is a popular spot to jump off of.
The second is just a 5-10 minute walk past the first one down a trail. You will find a smaller fall, and a rope attached to a tree where you can swing into the water!
2. Go Down a Natural Waterslide
Located just 45 minutes outside of the capital you can find a true hidden gem. We found this by speaking to locals (which are always the best spots). Head to Las Pailas in Luquillo, and you will find a parking lot attached to someone’s house.
All you have to do is pay $5 and walk down a small trail to find a river that has large rocks creating the perfect natural waterslide and one of the most unique activities in Puerto Rico.
If you don’t want to rent a car or get an Uber, and you’d prefer an excursion to get to Las Pailas, you can check the tours below:
Suggested Read: Las Pailas Natural Waterslide Guide
3. Explore an Abandoned Airplane
There are plenty of reasons to visit Aguadilla, and this is definitely one of them. They have this abandoned aircraft just off the side of the road! It is covered in graffiti making it quite the piece of art. Not only that, but the locals have put a wooden bridge to let you go right inside and explore this awesome airplane!
The plane is free to visit, and donations are accepted, making this a really cool must see while you are on the west side of the island.
4. Let the Waves Crash Over You
Some of the beaches in Puerto Rico offer those smooth, still, Caribbean waters, and some offer waves that are perfect for surfing! One of the most unique beaches you will ever find though is Crash Boat Beach, located in Aguadilla.
There is a pier there with a few platforms jutting out, where you can encounter the waves crashing down right in front of you! We saw waves with a backsplash of up to 30 feet! We suggest coming here for golden hour for a truly magical experience.
5. Discover Pink Waters
Ever seen a pink lake? Well there is a small area in the southwest of Puerto Rico, where there are salt mines with pools of different colors. Las Salinas de Cabo Rojo are located right off of the side of the road, and are free to visit.
Keep in mind that the color varies. We discovered the pink waters here in July, and the waters were high and deep in color.
When we revisited in February, a lot of the pool were dried up and the pink was very faint. Nonetheless, it is something very cool to stop by, and one of the most unique activities in Puerto Rico.
6. Marvel at the Bioluminescence
This is one of the most unique phenomenons in the entire world, and there are three different spots in Puerto Rico to experience this! Bioluminescence is activity that occurs from microorganisms in the water, that make it sparkle!
The one we visited was in the South East located in Parguera, where you can go on a shared boat ride, or you can do a really awesome tour like we did! We went with Parguera Water Sports.
We’ve also included a few tours in different areas of the island that you can check out below:
Our group was much smaller, and we were able to actually kayak in the waters, which is definitely worth the extra money in our opinion.
There is also a spot in Fajardo on the East side of the island, and the most famous is called Mosquito Bay, which is in Vieques (an island that is a few miles away from the East side of the island and can be accessed by either ferry or by plane.
Suggested Read: How to Experience Bioluminescence in Puerto Rico
7. Get an Adrenaline Rush at “The Best Seat in the House”
This was by far one of the wildest experiences in Puerto Rico! The hike is short (just 20-25 minutes), but leaves you with the most stunning views of the island.
But that’s not the crazy part. In order to get there we had to drive backwards up a hill in the dark, and then climb boulders until we found the exact spot.
Climb up on top of this rock at Cerro el Rodadero for “the best seat in the house”. But be EXTREMELY careful, as it is not for the faint of heart, and definitely scarier than it looks.
Suggested Read: Hiking to Cerro el Rodadero
8. Stay Inside an Art Gallery
Want to stay at one of the most stunning hotels in San Juan? Well the Gallery Inn isn’t just a hotel, but an experience in itself.
Designed by a local artist, the entire property is basically a living piece of artwork, full of pieces that the owner created herself. She has the cutest pet parrot, and the Cannon Club is their piano bar, which is an elegant escape from the busy streets of San Juan.
9. Check out the Colorful Towns
One of our favorite parts of Puerto Rico is how colorful it is! Everywhere you go you can find beautiful murals, colorful buildings, and Puerto Rican pride splashed all over the place.
Our personal favorites are Yaucromatic, Aguadilla, and Utuado. These places have been colorfully painted after the devastation of the hurricane, and brought life back into these small towns.
Suggested Read: The Most Colorful Places in Puerto Rico
10. Feel Like You’re on the Moon
The entire island is covered in beaches, but one of our favorite beaches in Puerto Rico is one that is really only popular with the locals.
Check out Mar Chiquita, which is just 45 minutes from San Juan. Here you will find a crescent-shaped beach with plenty of sand and water to enjoy. But the best part? Head over to the rocks and you will truly feel like you are on the moon! There are craters formed, and even small pools that fill them, making it seem like another planet!
11. Sail to a Nearby Island
When many people visit Puerto Rico they don’t even realize that there are actually smaller islands around that are some of the hidden gems! Not to mention, the nation’s best beaches.
Culebra and Vieques are the two main islands, and are great to spend at least a day or two. You can also sail to Palomino or Icacos from Fajardo for a nice day trip. We went on a shared catamaran to Icacos and had the best time!
There are tons of companies out there, but the best ones book up quick. Make sure to make reservations in advance, for one of the best activities in Puerto Rico!
We had the best time on our excursion, and you can book the same one by checking out the companies tours down below:
12. Taste the World’s Best Mofongo
If it’s one dish you need to try while in Puerto Rico, it is definitely Mofongo. This dish consists of smashed plantains, and can be stuffed with meat, veggies, or seafood. For the most traditional and tasty Mofongo, we suggest heading over to Raices, one of the best restaurants in San Juan.
Not only is the food INCREDIBLE, but the vibes are the most authentic, and it is a great spot to check out if you want to experience the best of Puerto Rico’s capital.
Aside from eating mofongo at Raices, you can also sign up for a mofongo and mojito making workshop – the perfect blend of iconic flavors!
Suggested Read: Experiencing the Best Food in San Juan, Puerto Rico
13. Walk Along an Abandoned Suspension Bridge
This spot is a true hidden gem that we have found, and is definitely for those adventure seekers and photography lovers out there.
Puente La Hamaca is an abandoned bridge located in Adjuntas. It is tucked away in the center of island, and is one of the coolest photo spots in Puerto Rico. It wasn’t an easy find, but it was definitely worth it!
14. Visit the Highest Point on the Island
Cerro de Punta marks the highest point of the island. Reaching 1,338 meters above sea level, you can get a great view of the surrounding hills, towns, and even beaches.
There is a road that goes all the way to the top, but we suggest parking on the side of the road and walking the last 800 meters as the road is pretty beat up at the top.
When you arrive there is a government building that says no trespassing. However, when we arrived there was a local working there that informed us that there was no problem going on the property. Just make sure that you don’t touch any of the wires or towers around!
15. Stroll Along the Top of Waterfall
This waterfall is one of the best kept secrets in Puerto Rico, and is one of our favorites! Located just 45 minutes- an hour from the capital, this is one of the best day trips from San Juan. Arecibo is home to not just one, but two of the most beautiful waterfalls in Puerto Rico.
Every time we came here we dreamed of walking along the top of these falls. It wasn’t until this most recent visit that we finally saw that it was possible! In order to get there you will need to climb through the small cave on the left. Once you get to the top you will not only have a great view, but a tranquil river as well!
You can spend an entire day at these waterfalls, swimming, climbing, and taking pictures. This will for sure be one of the most memorable experiences when it comes to unique activities in Puerto Rico.
💡 Keep in mind that to visit here and many of the other waterfalls in Puerto Rico, you’ll need to rent a car.
Suggested Read: Guide to driving in Puerto Rico
16. Zipline Across the Jungle
We love getting our adrenaline pumping, and if you do too, then zip lining is for you! Head out into the middle of the island to fly through the trees, and also get some amazing views at the top, and one of the activities in Puerto Rico you will never forget!
There are various zip line adventures to choose from, from flying by a waterfall to combining it with a Toro bike.
Want to book a zip lining tour? Here are some you can check out:
17. Visit the Only US Tropical Rainforest
One of the main highlights activities in Puerto Rico is El Yunque. This is the only tropical rainforest in the US, and although a little touristy, it is definitely a must visit! Here you can find several hiking trails, picnic areas, and waterfalls, as well as plenty of greenery.
For more information on visiting, check out our El Yunque travel guide.
Visiting El Yunque, Puerto Rico: The Only US Rainforest
Come explore the only rainforest in the USA with our guide sharing how to get there, what to see, and tips for visiting.
Check out organized tours to El Yunque Rainforest
18. Discover a Natural Rock Bridge
This spot probably won’t be around forever, as many rock bridges collapse over time. So it is definitely one that you will want to check out soon! Head over to Cabo Rojo, and you will find a small beach on the very bottom. Look on the map for Puente Piedra and you will find this gem!
Not only is it a cool place to walk along, but the beach below has such strong waves that when it pushes the rocks up along the sand it creates a loud crackling sound. The noise is extremely relaxing, and a unique thing to experience in Puerto Rico.
Suggested Read: 6 Reasons to Visit Cabo Rojo
19. Watch the Sunset at the Famous Fort
One of the most iconic places in Puerto Rico is the fort located in Old San Juan. Castillo San Felipe el Morro has plenty of cool spots to check out, but our personal favorite is the view from the fort at sunset. You can watch the boats sailing in and out, as the sun reflects on the water, as the fort’s lights start to come on.
This is one of the best free activities in Puerto Rico. It’s convenient, and will mark a truly beautiful moment to enjoy the capital in a relaxing way.
Suggested Read: 16 Top Things to Do in San Juan, Puerto Rico
20. Check Out a Black Sand Beach
When most people think of black sand beaches they automatically think of Hawaii or Iceland. But did you know that right in Puerto Rico is a beach with black sand?
Head over to the island of Vieques for the smooth and dark volcanic sand. This is definitely one of those experiences in Puerto Rico to be added to the bucket list!
Suggested Read: Best Things to Do in Vieques, Puerto Rico
The Best Activities in Puerto Rico: Final Tips & What’s Next
Puerto Rico is one of those destinations where the highlights really do live up to the hype. Exploring Old San Juan, hiking through El Yunque, and kayaking through a bioluminescent bay are bucket list experiences for a reason. They certainly belong on your itinerary!
But what makes the island unforgettable is pairing those iconic moments with the unexpected. From offbeat adventures and hands-on workshops to adrenaline-filled tours and immersive experiences, there are so many unique activities in Puerto Rico that elevate a trip from great to epic.
The key is balance. Start with the must-see landmarks, then layer in a few bold choices that most travelers overlook. Many of the top activities in Puerto Rico book out in advance, especially tours and specialty experiences, so planning ahead makes a big difference.
We recommend blending the classics with the extraordinary and you will walk away with a trip that feels iconic, personal, and unforgettable.
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👀 What’s Next?
Now that you know all of the fun activities in Puerto Rico to experience, let’s help you discover more of the island!
Here are other Puerto Rico guides we have for you:
✈️ How to get to San Juan, Puerto Rico
🍴 10 Best places to eat in San Juan
🚤 Top 16 things to do in San Juan
🤿 14 Beach activities & water sports in San Juan
🚁 24 Unique activities in San Juan
🍛 San Juan food guide
🚐 11 Day Trips from San Juan
🚗 How to get around San Juan
⭐️ 10 Reasons to visit Puerto Rico
✈️ What you need to know about traveling to Puerto Rico right now
❣️ The 15 best places to visit in Puerto Rico
💧 The 15 best waterfalls in Puerto Rico
🍃 Visiting El Yunque National Park
🗺 The perfect road trip around Puerto Rico
📸 The 20 most Instagrammable places in Puerto Rico
⛵️ 20 Awesome experiences in Puerto Rico
🏝 Top 10 beaches in Puerto Rico
🎨 5 Reasons to visit Aguadilla
✨ How to see bioluminescence in Puerto Rico
🧂 6 Reasons to visit Cabo Rojo
💦 Las Pailas natural waterslide
🥾 Hiking Cerro Rodadero
🌈 8 of the most colorful spots in Puerto Rico
🤩 30 Amazing spots to see in Puerto Rico
🏝 Vieques Island guide
🏖 Culebra Island guide
Puerto Rico has so much more than most people think of! You can spend weeks exploring all that the island has to offer. In order to check all of these off your list, we would suggest spending a full week, maybe even two!
Want to learn more about the island? Don’t miss out on our other Puerto Rico travel guides. We’re publishing new ones each week, so subscribing to our newsletter will also ensure you don’t miss a thing.
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