Top 10 Things to Do In Puerto Rico 2022

Puerto Rico’s attractions range from the adventurous jungles of El Yanique to the scenic blue water beaches. Shoppers can stroll the boutiques of Old San Juan, beach lovers can snorkel with turtles on Mosquito Pier, bar hoppers can roam the streets of La Placita, and night owls can kayak the world’s brightest bioluminescent bay. If you aren’t sure where to start, here is a list of top things to do in Puerto Rico.

Brightest Bioluminescent Bay in the World: Mosquito Bay

There are five bioluminescent bays around the island and three are in Puerto Rico, but the Mosquito Bio Bay in Puerto Rico is the one that shines with the most intensity. The bioluminescent bay in Vieques was officially declared the brightest in the world by the Guinness Book of World Records in 2008. In the waters of Mosquito Bay, there are organisms named Pyrodinium bahamense, and Dinoflagellates (dinos). These “dinos” are responsible for this amazing natural phenomenon. When the “dinos” come into contact with another organism or are shaken they produce a bright burst of blue light. When agitated, these microscopic organisms (swirling fire) react emitting a blue-green light for about a decimal of a second. Puerto Mosquito, aka Mosquito Bay, is often referred to as a “magical” and priceless memory to remember for a lifetime. The bio bay is best experienced during a “New Moon” phase, so we’ve included an interactive moon phase calendar for June 2022. One of the best ways to experience the Bio Bay in Vieques is in a glass-bottom kayak in Vieques. Jak Water Sports and Fun Brothers in Vieques provide glass bottom kayaks bio bay tours.

Most Photo Worthy Spots in Old San Juan: Umbrella Street

Old San Juan, Puerto Rico is one of the most photogenic because everywhere you turn, there are photo opportunities. Wander the streets of Old San Juan with colorful streets, old Castello walls, sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean, and the photogenic hotels. La Fortaleza is the official residence of the Governor of Puerto Rico. The street of La Fortaleza is lined with colorful buildings and a car-free cobblestone street. In the Spring and Summer, La Fortaleza is decorated with colorful kites and umbrellas often referred to as the Umbrella Street San Juan.

Day Trip to Flamenco Beach on a Catamaran

Flamenco Beach on Culebra Island is ranked one of the top beaches in the world with a postcard-perfect stretch of white sand and turquoise waters. This beach is practically wave-less, which makes it ideal for snorkeling, swimming, unwinding, playing in the sand, or simply beach-bumming. Culebra Island is a short 20 minutes flight or ferry ride from Puerto Rico. However, the best way to visit the beach on a short visit is on a getaway day trip on a catamaran. Tobias Adventure offers a Culebra Snorkeling Tour, a 6 hours round trip that departs from Fajardo. This tour includes a light lunch, complimentary Pina Colada, and rum punch. They provide snorkeling gears and flotation devices on a 46’ tour boat.

Horseback Riding in Vieques

Isla de Vieques is known as the land of wild horses and is home to about 2,000 Paso Fino Horses. Visitors will find the horses strolling on the beach, grazing in fields, and by the roadsides. Locals ride horses around the island and visitors along for the ride, on a horseback riding adventure. Horseback riding is a great way to see a lot of Vieques Island, free from the crowds on secluded beaches. Esperanza Riding Company offers a two-hour scenic beach and trail ride through the hills, open meadows, woods, river bottoms, and two beaches that you cannot access by car. Their horses have the willingness to please and gentle nature, so perfect for first-time riders, vacation riders, experienced equestrians, and children alike.

Day Trip to Culebrita

The island of Culebrita can be seen from Zoni Beach on Culebra Island. This tiny cay is uninhabited, visited only by a few people every day, and holds many wonderful “secrets” waiting to be explored. You can only get there by boat, but it is totally worth the effort in order to experience this unspoiled island. The island is a wildlife refuge, so you’ll see birds and some other animals. Culebrita boasts beautiful white sand beaches, clear water with great underwater visibility for snorkeling, a wild turtle population that frequents the area some amazing “baths” (rock formations that slow the large northern waves and form a Jacuzzi-like experience), and ruins of an old lighthouse. You can only get there by boat, but it is totally worth the effort in order to experience this unspoiled island. The cost-efficient route to get to Culebrita from Culebra is on Gammy’s Water Tours. It is a husband and wife duo water taxi service that takes you and your party on a round-trip ride to Culebrita from 11 AM to 5 PM. They drop you off at Tortuga beach with beach chairs and umbrellas, a SUP board, snorkeling gears, and instructions on how to explore the island. Or you can book a private catamaran trip to Culebrita, and islands hop on a 35’ catamaran. It is a 4-hours trip that includes a warm lunch, beach requirements, snorkeling gears, snacks, water, and towels.

Food Tour: Best Start to Your Puerto Rico Trip

The best way to experience a new culture is through your stomach. Adding a food tour in San Juan should be your first excursion on your travel itinerary. A tour guide by a local will provide insights into the best places to eat and personalized recommendations for you to enjoy the best of what this beautiful island has to offer. You will get up-to-date information and a complete overview of San Juan’s food scene and culture. Food tours are perfect for solo travelers, couples, families, groups, and corporate gatherings. You can engage in conversations with like-minded people and locals on a food tour. San Juan Dumplings Food Tour will take you off the beaten path that is not featured in tourist guides. You will be taken on a 3-hours walking tour from Condado to La