Outdoor Activities
1. Cycling
Although heavy traffic makes cycling unsafe in most urban areas on the island, the countryside is less intimidating and offers the reward of spectacular scenery. Bikes can be hired from specialist tour operators, who also help plan exciting excursions.
Condado Bike Rentals • San Juan • 787 800 9805 • www.condadobikes.com
Rent the Bicycle • Old San Juan • 787 602 9696
2. Sport Fishing
Anglers rave about the quality of deep-sea fishing off Puerto Rico, where tuna, wahoo, and white and blue marlin are among the prize catches. Fishing charters are offered from most seafront towns. Fly-fishing for bass, bonefish, and tarpon is also popular – a license is required (for further details see Sport Fishing).
3. Scuba Diving
Healthy coral reefs ring the island and the Puerto Rico Trench off the south coast offers fantastic wall dives. Vieques and Culebra are also popular and have plane- and shipwrecks for divers to explore. Diving is possible year-round – many resorts and dive operators offer training courses (for further details see Scuba Diving).
4. Golfing
Puerto Rico is a world-class golf destination with more than 23 courses designed by celebrity golfers. Most are ocean-front courses associated with large resort hotels, although all are also open for public play.
5. Surfing
Surf aficionados proclaim Rincón to be one of the world’s finest surf spots, with waves topping 33 ft (10 m) in winter (for further details see Surfing). Aguadilla and Playa de Jobos also offer superb surfing, while the beaches of Dorado and Luquillo are good for beginners.
6. Swimming
Many of Puerto Rico’s beautiful beaches are protected from rough waves by coral reefs, but strong undertows are potential dangers. It is wise to check the swimming conditions with the locals before you step into the waters.
7. Hiking
Puerto Rico’s mountainous interior is ideal hiking terrain, with El Yunque, which boasts a variety of trails, being the most popular place. Bosque Estatal de Guánica offers relatively flat trails that are good for beginners.
8. Parasailing
Popular at the north-coast resorts, parasailing involves attaching yourself to a harness and giant kite. You are then towed by a speedboat and rise upward, gaining an exhilarating bird’s-eye view of the coastline.
9. Bird-Watching
With 350 bird species, the island brings bird-watchers flocking. Spotting birds in the island’s national parks and preserves is easy, especially with an experienced guide close at hand (for further details see Bird-watching).
10. Spelunking
The island is riddled with caverns, and spelunking (caving) is a popular activity. Some caves require rappel access and many are prone to flash flooding, so explore with a reputed adventure company.
Aventuras Tierra Adentro • 787 766 0470 • www.aventuraspr.com
Rocaliza Adventure Tour Company • 787 268 0101 • www.rocaliza.com
Top 10 Nature Trails
1. Bosque Estatal Cambalache
A hiker’s delight with eight trails, a bike trail, and camping facilities (for further details see Bosque Estatal Cambalache).
2. Bosque Estatal de Guajataca
Twenty-five miles (40 km) of trails through dramatic karst landscapes (for further details see Bosque Estatal de Guajataca).
3. Kayak Trail
A kayak trail that penetrates the mangrove-lined estuaries of Bahía de Jobos preserve.
4. Bosque Estatal de Guanica
A dry forest with 36 miles (58 km) of trails through four ecosystems (for further details see Bosque Estatal de Guánica).
5. El Yunque Trail
A climb from Palo Colorado Visitor Center to El Yunque’s summit (for further details see El Yunque Trail).
6. Paseo Piñones Recreational Trail
A paved coastal trail for walkers, bicyclists, and roller-skaters.
7. Playa Carlos Rosario Trail
A short trail leading over an isthmus separating Playa Flamenco and Playa Carlos Rosario.
8. Culebra National Wildlife Refuge
A trail with boulders studding dry forest and leading to Playa Resaca (for further details see Culebra National Wildlife Refuge).
9. Bosque Estatal Toro Negro
The island’s highest peak, with trails surrounded by dense vegetation (for further details see Bosque Estatal Toro Negro).
10. Cerro de Punta
A steep hike leading to the summit of Puerto Rico’s highest peak (for further details see Cerro Punta).
