Raices fountain Old San Juan at the tip of Paseo de La Princesa.
Puerto Rico has a slew of tour operators offering a variety of adventures that span the spectrum from guided city walks to deep-sea dives to mountain-climbing hikes. All tour companies require reservations.
ArqueoTours Coabey (787/342-9317 or 787/470-1862, [email protected]) offers family-friendly hiking tours to Taíno archaeological sites around Jayuya, including La Piedra Escrita. Rates are $65 adults, $20 ages 5-12, free for children 4 and younger. The tours are guided by a historian and archaeologist.
Legends of Puerto Rico (Old San Juan, 787/605-9060, fax 787/764-2354) offers daytime and nighttime walking tours of Old San Juan that revolve around topics from history, pirate legends, and crafts. It also offers a Modern San Juan tour and hiking tours of the karst region, El Yunque, and mangrove forests. Tours range $35-85 per person.
Adventure Nature Tours
Acampa (1211 Ave. Piñero, San Juan, 787/706-0695) offers a large selection of hiking, rappelling, ziplining, and rock-climbing adventure tours throughout the island. Sights include San Cristóbal Cañon, Río Tanamá, El Yunque, Bosque Estatal de Toro Negro, Mona Island, and Caja de Muerto Island. Acampa also sells and rents camping, hiking, and mountaineering gear at its store in San Juan. Rates are $80-170.
Aventuras Tierra Adentro (268-A Ave. Jesus T. Piñero, San Juan, 787/766-0470, fax 787/754-7543, Tues.- Fri. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.) leads cave and canyon tours that include rappelling, rock climbing, and ziplining for adventure seekers of all experience levels, including beginners. Reservations are required. Participants must be 15 or older. Cave tours take place Friday and Sunday for $170 per person. Canyon tours are on Saturday and cost $160 per person.
Expediciones Palenque (787/407-2858) offers daylong group tours throughout Cordillera Central. Tours include spelunking in Yuyu Cave in Ciales, $85; kayaking Guineo Lake in Jayuya, $85; hiking Guilarte Mountain in Adjuntas, $80; and tours combining hiking, rappelling, caving, and body rafting tours on the Río Tanamá, $90.
Toro Verde Nature Adventure Park (Carr. 155, km 32.9, Orocovis, 787/944- 1196, 787/944-1195, or 787/867-6606, fax 787/867-7022, Thurs.-Sun. 8 a.m.-5 p.m.) offers zipline canopy tours, hanging bridge tours, mountain bike tours, and rappelling. Packages are $65-200. Reservations are required. Participants must be at least four feet tall. Hotel pickup can be arranged.
Diving, Snorkeling, and Boating Tours
Abe’s Snorkeling & Bio-bay Tours (787/741- 2134 or 787/436-2686, reservations required) offers a variety of kayak tours, ideal for exploring beaches, mangrove bays, the bioluminescent bay (bio-bay), or undersea life in Vieques. A two-hour bio-bay tour in a double kayak is $40 adults, $20 children.
Blue Caribe Kayaks (149 Calle Flamboyan, Esperanza, Vieques, 787/741-2522) provides kayak tours of Mosquito Bay for $30 per person. Kayak rentals are also available for $10-15 per hour, $25-35 for four hours, and $45-55 all day.
Cancel Boats (Carr. 3304, on the waterfront in La Parguera, 787/899-5891 or 787/899-2972) and Johnny Boats (Carr. 3304, on the waterfront in La Parguera, 787/299- 2212) offer on-demand tours of the La Parguera mangrove canals for $25 per person (less if you have a group) and nighttime tours of the phosphorescent bay for about $6.
Capt. Suarez Electric Boat (Carr. 987, Las Croabas dock, Fajardo, 787/655-2739 or 787/472- 3128, [email protected]) offers electric boat rides into the Laguna Grande bio-bay in Fajardo ($45 adults, $35 children).
Caribbean School of Aquatics (1 Calle Taft, Santurce, San Juan, 787/728-6606 or 787/383-5700) offers full- and half-day sail, scuba, snorkel, and fishing trips from San Juan and Fajardo on a luxury catamaran with Captain Greg Korwek. Snorkel trips start at $69 per person; scuba trips start at $119 per person.
Day & Night Boat Tours (Dewey boatyard, 787/435-4498) offers a day-long snorkeling trip from Culebra to Culebrita. Cost (including drinks, snacks, and gear) is $75 per person. Custom fishing, snorkeling, and sightseeing tours can be arranged.
East Island Excursions (Puerto Del Rey Marina, Fajardo, 787/860-3434 or 877/937- 4386, fax 787/860-1656) offers sailing and snorkeling trips to Culebrita ($69 adults, $49 children ages 2-9).
Eco Adventures (787/206-0290) offers bio-bay tours of Laguna Grande in Fajardo ($45 per person) and sailing snorkel tours ($65 per person). Transportation from San Juan to Las Croabas costs $20.
Flying Fish Parasail (Black Eagle Marina, Carr. 413, Rincón, Barrio Ensenada, 787/823- 2FLY-787/823-2359, daily 9 a.m.-5 p.m.) offers single and tandem parasail rides ($60), glass-bottom boat rides ($30), sunset and whale-watching tours ($45), and reef snorkel tours ($55-85). Reservations are required, and there’s a 12-passenger maximum.
Island Adventures (Carr. 996, km 4.5, Esperanza, 787/741-0720) operates a tour of Mosquito Bay in Vieques on an electric pontoon boat that tools around the electric-blue water ($25 per person). Guides are friendly and informative.
Island Kayaking Adventures (787/444-0059 or 787/225-1808) offers bio-bay kayak tours to Laguna Grande ($45 per person, six-person minimum). Rainforest and bio-bay combo tours cost $100 per person.
Katrina Sail Charters (Black Eagle Marina, Carr. 413, Rincón, Barrio Ensenada, 787/823-7245) takes guests on snorkeling ($75 adults, $37.50 under age 12), sunset ($55, $27.50 under age 12), and full-moon sails ($55 adults only) aboard a 32-foot catamaran.
Kayaking Puerto Rico (787/435-1665 or 787/564-5629) offers bio-bay tours in Laguna Grande ($45 per person). Combination kayak and snorkel expeditions are also available.
La Cueva Submarina (Carr. 466, km 6.3, Isabela, 787/872-1390 or 787/872-1094 after 5:30 p.m., Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat.-Sun. 8 a.m.-5 p.m., dive trips Thurs.-Mon. 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. depending on weather, book at least 24 hours in advance) offers several tours, including snorkeling ($25); scuba for first-timers ($65); scuba for certified divers ($55); and a cavern dive ($55). It also offers diving certification instruction.
The Vieques Dive Company (787/672-6565) offers one-tank ($55-65) and two-tank dive tours ($75-100) and Discover tours for first-time divers ($135).
Paradise Puerto Rico Watersports (Combate Beach, Cabo Rojo, 787/567-4386 or 888/787-4386) offers Jet Ski rentals ($85 per hour, $45 per half hour) and tours ($30 an hour, $55 for two hours, three person minimum).
Paradise Scuba Snorkeling and Kayaks (Carr. 304, km 3.2, La Parguera, 787/899-7611, [email protected]) offers dive tours ($70-80), night dives ($60), snorkeling tours ($50), sunset snorkeling tours ($50-65), phosphorescent bay tours ($25), gear rental, and dive instruction. Dive sites include El Pared, Enrique, El Mario, Chimney, and Old Buoy.
Parguera Watersports (Carr. 3304, on the waterfront in La Parguera, 787/646-6777) guides visitors in La Parguera on bio-bay or full moon kayaking adventures ($45 per person). Kiteboard instruction is $95 for the first session, $75 for additional sessions, including equipment. Rent kayaks by the hour for $20 double, $15 single, or paddleboards for $20 an hour. Day rates are available.
Sail Vieques (Carr. 200, on the waterfront in Isabel Segunda, Vieques, 787/508-7245, [email protected]) offers a half-day snorkeling tour ($50) and a daylong snorkel trip to the southern tip of the Bermuda Triangle ($110). Captain Bill also offers a two-hour sunset cruise for $30.
Salty Dog (1 Calle 1, El Batey, Fajardo, 787/717-6378 or 787/717-7259) offers catamaran snorkeling tours including all-you-can-eat lunch buffet and unlimited rum drinks ($60 per person). A sunset cruise includes cocktails and light snacks ($50 per person).
Scuba Dogs (Balneario El Escambrón, Avenida Muñoz Rivera, 787/783-6377 or 787/977-0000, Mon.- Thurs. 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Fri.-Sun. 8 a.m.-5 p.m.) offers snorkel tours ($55 adults, $45 kids), scuba tours ($75 for certified divers, $95 for instructional tours for first-timers), and kayak tours ($65 adults, $55 children).
Sea Ventures Dive Center (Marina Puerto del Rey, Carr. 3, km 51.2, Fajardo, 787/863-3483 or 800/739-3483) offers dive and snorkel trips to local reefs. A two-tank dive for certified divers is $120. A two-tank dive for beginners is $150. Snorkel tours cost $60. Prices include gear.
Sea Ventures Dive Copamarina (Copamarina Beach Resort, Carr. 333, km 6.5, 800/468-4553 or 877/348-3267, daily 9 a.m.-6 p.m.) runs day and night dive excursions ($65-119) to sites including the 22-mile-long Guánica Wall, the Aquarium, and the Parthenon, a coral formation featuring a variety of sponges. Daily snorkeling excursions go to Gilligan’s Island, Cayo Coral Reef, and Bahía de la Ballerna ($55 including equipment). Certification courses are offered. Also available are kayak, catamaran, and paddleboat rentals.
Taíno Divers (Black Eagle Marina, Carr. 413, Barrio Ensenada, 787/823-6429, daily 9 a.m.-6 p.m.) offers daily snorkeling and dive trips to various dive sites, including Desecheo Island. Snorkeling trips are $50-95, scuba trips are $65-129, and Discovery scuba dives for first-timers are $119-170. Taíno also offers whale-watching cruises (late Jan.-mid-Mar.), as well as fishing charters and sunset cruises. Private excursions to Desecheo Island can be arranged. There is also equipment for rent or sale.
Travesías Isleñas Yaureibo/Vieques Outdoors (Calle Flamboyan, Esperanza, Vieques, 787/447-4104 or 939/630-1267) offers snorkeling, kayaking, hiking, and biking tours. Bioluminescent bay kayak tours are offered nightly ($25 adults, $15 children). Meet at the malecón in front of Trade Winds Guest House. Snorkel, hiking, and biking tours are $30.
West Divers (Carr. 304, km 3.1, La Parguera, 787/899-3223 or 787/899-4171) specializes in scuba trips to La Pared, an underwater wall and world-class dive site. Snorkel trips, sunset cruises, kayak tours, and equipment rental are also offered. A one-day, two-tank dive is $100 per person. Kayak tours cost $20-30 per hour; kayak rentals are $10-15 per hour.
Yokahu Kayaks (Carr. 987, km 6.2, Las Croabas, Fajardo, 787/604-7375, [email protected]) offers kayak tours to Laguna Grande in Las Cabezas de San Juan with licensed guides and equipment included ($45 per person).
Fishing Tours
Bill Wraps Fishing Charters PR (Marina Puerta Real, Fajardo, 787/364-4216, 787/347-9668 or 787/278-2729) offers half-day charters for $650 and full-day charters for $950, including tackle, bait and snacks. Lunch is included with a full-day charter.
Caribbean Fly Fishing (61 Calle Orquideas, Esperanza, Vieques, 787/741-1337 or 787/450-3744) charters cost $375 for a half day, $650 for a full day, including gear and tackle. There is a two-person maximum.
Light Tackle Adventure (Boquerón pier, 787/849-1430 or 787/547-7380) specializes in light tackle and fly-fishing excursions. Excursions for two people are $340 for four hours, $425 for six hours, $550 for eight hours. A $100 reservation deposit is required. This company also provides kayak trips to the Cabo Rojo salt flats, Boquerón Bay, Joyuda, and La Parguera. Bird-watching tours in Cabo Rojo salt flats are also available.
Light Tackle Paradise (Marina Puerto Chico, Carr. Road 987, km 2.4, Fajardo, 787/347-4464, $350-450 half day for 4 or 6 people) offers fishing excursions on 22-foot and 26-foot catamarans or 17-foot skiffs.
Magic Tarpon (Cangrejos Yacht Club, 787/644-1444) offers half-day fishing charters for $330-460 for 1-4 people.
Makaira Fishing Charters (Black Eagle Marina, Rincón, 787/299-7374) offers halfday ($575) and full-day ($850) fishing charters aboard a 34-foot 2006 Contender. Rates include tackle and refreshments; there’s a six-passenger maximum.
Parguera Fishing Charters (Carr. 304, La Parguera, 787/382-4698) offers half-day ($500) and full-day ($850) charters to fish for dorado, tuna, blue marlin, and wahoo on a 31-foot, twin diesel Bertram Sportfisherman. Trips include bait, tackle, beverages, snacks, and lunch. It also offers light-tackle reef fishing, half-day snorkeling trips, and customized charters.
Taíno Divers (Black Eagle Marina, Carr. 413, Barrio Ensenada, 787/823-6429, daily 9 a.m.-6 p.m.) offers half-day offshore fishing charters including tackle, bait, lunch, and soft drinks for $1,200.
Surfing Schools
Surf 787 Summer Camp (Carr. 115, behind Angelo’s Restaurant, 787/448-0968 or 949/547-6340) offers year-round surfing instruction.
Located on the beach at The Ritz Carlton San Juan and El San Juan Resort & Casino in Isla Verde, Wow Surfing School & Water Sports (787/955-6059, daily 9 a.m.-5 p.m.) gives two-hour surf lessons for $85, including board. Group rates are available. Equipment rentals include surfboards ($25 an hour), paddleboards ($30), kayaks ($25), and snorkel equipment ($15 and up). Jet Ski rentals and tours are available from La Concha Resort in Condado and San Juan Bay Marina. Call for prices.
Paddleboarding Tours
Las Palmas Paddle (508/237-9652) offers paddleboard tours around Culebra starting at $40 per person. Introductory tours for beginners as well as adventure packages for experienced paddlers are available.
Velauno Paddleboarding (2430 Calle Loíza, Isla Verde, 787/982-0543, Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Sat. 11 a.m.-7 p.m.) offers paddleboarding lessons ($100 first hour, $50 each subsequent hour) and tours ($75 for two hours, $25 subsequent hours).
Vieques Paddleboarding (787/366-5202) offers tours on stand-up paddleboards, a great way to explore the island. The four-hour downwind tour travels 2-4 miles, depending on wind conditions, along the north and south shores ($85). Or take a three-hour tour across the bay, through a mangrove forest, ending at a beach with a snorkel ($65). Kids 11 and younger can ride with adults for $20.
Excerpted from the Third Edition of Moon Puerto Rico.
