Things to do in Eastern Region, Puerto Rico

Discover an area off the beaten path on this full-day catamaran tour to the Cordillera Islands. Departing from Puerto Del Rey Marina in Fajardo, the 50-55 minute journey on the high-speed catamaran will take you to the beautiful Cordillera Islands, off the coast of Fajardo. Upon arriving at the Cordillera Islands, the captain will decide which beach will have the best conditions for the day, usually Flamenco or Culebrita beach. Spend the afternoon swimming, snorkeling, beachcombing, sunbathing, or relaxing on the roof deck. Throughout the day, the bar onboard the catamaran is open for all guests with Piña Coladas, Rum Punch, sodas, iced teas, and juices. A sumptuous lunch is served on board, including fresh fruit, chicken salad or veggie wraps, salads, and chips.

Immerse youself in the spectacular El Yunque Rainforest as you enjoy a day of guided hiking. Encounter watering holes, rope swining, and climb a rock water slide. Meet your guide at the meeting point and follow them into the rainforest in your own vehicle. Start your experience with a short hike to the first mineral water watering hole. Enjoy the landscape, swim in the water, rope swing, or free dive from multiple heights. Next, embark on a second hike for a different watering hole. At this stop, climb up a natural rock slide and feel the thrill of jumping off a 40-foot cliff into the river. Learn all about the rainforest as you go from your guide as you get to know it as a local. Hear historical facts and information about the ecosystem as you go about your trip.

Enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings of the Carabalí Rainforest Park. Admire the stunning flora and fauna of a unique ecosystem on a guided family-friendly horseback tour, suitable for all abilities. Upon arrival, meet your ideal horse who will be matched with you according to your height, weight, and riding ability. Have a short safety briefing for a safe and fun excursion, before departing on your adventure through the lush natural surroundings. Ride through the beautiful landscape of the rainforest, admiring the vibrant colors of various plant species around you. Explore the foothills of El Yunque National Forest and ride along the banks of the Mameyes River. Learn a little bit about the natural history of the area, as well as the organization of the park itself. Choose between a 1-hour or 2-hour riding tour and enjoy a relaxing day in a serene natural retreat.

Spend a day in the sun with lunch and specialty drinks includes, taking you out on the clear waters of the Caribbean and along the Fajardo coastline aboard a catamaran. Set sail in the morning from Puerto del Rey Marina, the largest and best-kept marina in the Caribbean. On board the catamaran's deck you will enjoy beautiful views of the mountains in the El Yunque National Forest, as well as the beaches along the Fajardo coastline. After a comfortable sail of about 45 minutes, you will anchor at one of the small deserted islands and cays off the northeast coast of Puerto Rico. Normally it is the island of Icacos, but the captain will sometimes head to Cayo Lobo or Palominos if the conditions are better for the day. Once you arrive, step off into shallow water and spend the next 1.5 hours walking on the beach, beachcombing, and swimming in the crystal clear waters. Return on board to enjoy your pre-packed lunch. Sodas, water, and juices are also available, and those with a taste for the sweeter things in life will want to sample the specialty piña coladas and tropical rum punch. When you have eaten your fill, the boat will head a short distance out and anchor over the reef for another 1 or 2 hours of swimming or relaxing. A leisurely sail back to Marina Puerto del Rey will bring you back to the dock, with plenty of time to enjoy your afternoon and evening in Fajardo.

Take a guided boat tour to a local reef for a day of snorkeling with colorful marine life with this tour from Fajardo. Swim through fish and relax on the beach. Have some drinks and snacks onboard. Check-in at the marina and embark on a boating tour that is designed for those that are new to snorkeling. Put on the provided snorkeling gear. Stop at a hand-picked local reef that is teeming with life. Hit the beach after snorkeling. Indulge in some delicious snacks and sip on cold water, soda, rum, and vodka.

Discover the beach of the Carabalí Rainforest Park on a guided horseback ride, suitable for all abilities. Go off the beaten path to experience a change of pace and scenery while taking in the Caribbean views. Upon arrival, meet your ideal horse who will be matched with you according to your height, weight, and riding ability. Have a short safety briefing for a safe and fun excursion, before departing on your adventure through the lush natural surroundings. Ride through a part of the rainforest, admiring the vibrant colors of various plant species around you. See the stunning flora and fauna of a unique ecosystem, and the foothills of El Yunque National Forest Ride along the banks of the Mameyes River to some of the most beautiful beaches in all of Puerto Rico. Learn a little bit about the natural history of the area, as well as the organization of the park itself with your guide. Then, you will return back to the starting point.

Feel like a true explorer on an off-the-beaten-path tour in the heart of the El Yunque Rainforest. Avoid big crowds as you blaze a trail to the lesser-known attractions of the lush tropical rainforest. The initial hike is a 25-30 minute journey up a rock and dirt path with some river wading. This trail is surrounded by bamboo trees, rainforest flowers, and many other beautiful plants. Visit a collecting pool that forms at the base of a waterfall. Here you will have the opportunity to swim in its crystal clear waters and admire the colors of its deep pools. Enjoy the cascades of the waterfall and take the opportunity to snap pictures. Continue exploring the rainforest and end your adventure in another pool area, the rainforest's best-kept secret. After a few minutes of hiking, arrive at a river where you can swim, swing from a rope into the river, and enjoy natural water slides.

Embark on a nighttime adventure into the waters of San Juan's Laguna Grande and see millions of glowing plankton. Paddle aboard on this guided evening tour. Make your way through mesmerizing mangrove channels and learn about the wonders of bioluminescence. After getting picked up from your accommodation, head to Laguna Grande. Listen to a quick overview and safety briefing from your guide before setting out. Paddle in a two-person kayak for approximately 30-minutes through the mystical mangrove channels leading to the natural reserve of the Laguna Grande. See the microscopic plankton capable of producing natural light at the touch of your hand. Explore these amazing organisms up close as your professional guide takes you on a journey to discover all their secrets. Learn how this fragile and unique ecosystem maintains a perfect balance of life, and what you can do to protect such a special place. Paddle in this safe and closed environment, and watch as the water comes alive with millions of glowing plankton. Be aware the bio bay is an unpredictable natural phenomenon that may be influenced by multiple factors. Bioluminosity levels can vary from very visible to minimal or none without any prior notice. The full moon phase may also affect the visibility of the bioluminescence. In the event of this happening, alternate methods such as the use of a tarp will be incorporated in order to appreciate it.

Embark on a UTV adventure through the Carabalí Rainforest Park near the El Yunque National Forest. Admire the spectacular scenery in the area as you get off-road using the power of your 4×4 vehicle. Upon arrival, receive a safety introduction and instructions on how to correctly operate your vehicle. Gear up with helmets before speeding off on this offroad adventure. Set off on either a Honda Pioneer or Can Am Maverick UTV and begin to explore this special part of Puerto Rico's east coast. Take in panoramic views of the island's lush scenery as you discover the El Yunque Forest.

Join this guided tour in Luquillo to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Puerto Rico's tropical rainforest of El Yunque. Learn about its rich flora and fauna while following natural trails, wading through rivers, and swimming in natural pools and waterfalls. Start your day by meeting your guide at the local fruit stand “Frutera Flores” in the town of Luquillo. Here, your guide will pick up a variety of fresh local fruit for the tour, and you have the opportunity to purchase some local fritters and/or a fresh fruit smoothie. After this stop, follow your guide in your rental car to the majestic El Yunque Rainforest- without a doubt Puerto Rico’s greatest Natural Wonder. It is the only tropical rainforest, the most biologically diverse, and the most studied forest in the US National Forest System. After an interpretive hike through natural trails lined with beautiful flora and fauna, and some river wading, arrive at a hidden gem found in the heart of the rainforest. This breathtaking segment of the 29,000-acre forest is like a natural playground. Here, have the chance to swim in the natural pools, refresh in waterfalls, slide down an exhilarating waterslide, rope swing into the river, jump from different rock formations, and enjoy fresh local fruit with a view. Along with all of this excitement, you will also have time to simply relax to the sounds of cascading waters and take in the beauty of this very special place.