So! I traveled around Puerto Rico for over a month as a solo female traveler, and I loved it, from San Juan to Isabela, Ponce, and Rincon. A little by bus, a little by Uber, and a little by rental car (and I will explain why and how).
The capital of Puerto Rico is nestled along the island’s beautiful northern coastline. As the island is not very big at all, it is not difficult to have San Juan as your base and to take day trips from here to other amazing destinations in Puerto Rico.
However, if you are doing things on your own, there are a few factors to be aware of (that I was not aware of, which is direct carma from poor research).
To enable you to see the best of Puerto Rico, in this article, you find the six best tours from San Juan, three of which are in San Juan, and three are really cool day trips.
Best Tours From San Juan Puerto Rico
As I said, Puerto Rico is a tiny island, so you can actually reach any destination on the island from any other destination on the island on a day trip.
I rented a car, tried Uber (in San Juan, and from San Juan), and took some organized tours; in short, I tried a variety of transport and adventure options that you might benefit from knowing about.
Let’s start with the tours close to the capital, San Juan!
Three Top-Rated Tours In San Juan
1. San Juan Guided Snorkel Tour
Go swimming through the tropical waters off Guaynabo in the Bahia de San Juan, San Juan Bay, on this amazing guided snorkel tour!
I did not do this tour myself, but a friend who came to visit me in Puerto Rico for a few days did – and she loved it!
You will get up close and personal with curious sea turtles, a variety of tropical fish, and many other marine life and sea creatures for an unforgettable experience!
Before you start snorkeling, you can get a lesson from a professional diver if you feel a bit insecure, and you will get all the equipment you need from the local tour guides before you head off into the crystal-clear waters.
The cool thing about San Juan is that even though it is the capital, it has the most amazing city beach I think I have ever seen. So you don’t have to go far to have incredible sea adventures from San Juan!
You will have up to one and a half hours to explore the waters, which is more than enough to satisfy your exploration craving and have all the magical encounters you want.
What is included in this tour:
- All equipment
- GoPro video footage
- Local Guide
Afterward, you can revisit your adventure whenever you like, as a GoPro video of your snorkeling excursion is included in the tour price.
2. Flavors of San Juan Food Tour
On this top-rated small-group food tasting tour of Viejo San Juan, you will be guided through a culinary exploration of the flavors and rich Puerto Rican food culture!
You will visit several local eateries and get to sample traditional treats like plantains and sofrito (a super tasty Latin American sauce). A great way to taste the rich culture of Puerto Rico!
All while strolling the historic old city with cobblestoned streets in the oldest and most scenic district of the capital.
What is included in this tour:
- One rum cocktail
- Food – enough for a whole meal
- Bilingual local guide
- Local taxes
Admire the beautiful colonial architecture in the historic districts and learn all about Old San Juan’s rich history while walking the streets with your knowledgeable and enthusiastic guide.
You can also do an Old San Juan walking tour without the food, but you know, here you get the best of both worlds!
After the tour, continue on to Castillo San Felipe del Morro, the old fortress at the end of the island!
Tickets to the fortress are sold at the entrance. On a side note, the Fortaleza de San Juan in the city is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site worth a visit!
3. Guided LED Night Kayak Excursion
This one-of-a-kind kayak excursion in the Condado Lagoon of San Juan at night is an amazing experience!
You will basque in the city lights of Puerto Rico while paddling in a clear bottom kayak!
The kayak is equipped with LED lights, enabling you to see the waters underneath, and you can also paint yourself in glow-in-the-dark paint so you will light up too when the sun sets!
This is a completely unique way to experience San Juan from the water.
What is included in this tour:
- Kayak, Life Jackets, and Paddles
- Knowledgeable “Urban Explorer” Guide
- Glow Paint and Glow Sticks
- Complimentary storage lockers for guests.
This sunset tour starts at 6 p.m., and you will experience the entire stunning sunset from the water until both you and the water beneath you glow in the dark!
(You can also make this trip earlier in the day if you prefer.)
📍 EpicNomadLife Tip: Serously, unless you hate driving, if you are not planning on relying only on organized tours, get a rental car in Puerto Rico! There are no public buses between destinations, and Uber is only in San Juan, so a rental car will make your life a lot easier and more fun!
Top 3 Day Trips From San Juan
4. El Yunque Rain Forest
The Yunque National Forest is located in the Northeast region of Puerto Rico, and although the smallest in size, it is one of the most biologically diverse and the only tropical rainforest!
You will encounter breathtaking natural scenery, with amazing recreational experiences year-round.
On this small group tour, you will combine a trip to El Yunque with some leisurely beach time at Luquillo.
The tour starts with El Yunque, where you will hike through the forest and swim in the incredible crystal clear river waters, passing places like Rio Mameyes, Puente Roto recreation area, and the Angelito Trail Head.
Then, you do a moderate hike in the forest canopy, looking for exotic wildlife, birds, and the famous coqui, a tiny frog native to Puerto Rico. A great place for exploration!
What is included in this tour:
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Waterfall, natural waterslide, and walk through El Yunque Rainforest
- Swimming and shopping at Luquillo Beach
Arriving at Luquillo, you get to venture down natural water slides, enjoy the waterpark at Las Paylas, and enjoy some time at the beach there before returning to San Juan at the end of the day.
5. Culebra Day Trip by Catamaran from Fajardo
Visit the Culebra island to the east of Puerto Rico with a high-speed catamaran from Fajardo on the east coast!
This is a full and fun-filled day trip with lots of opportunities for swimming in the Caribbean sea, beach combing, and relaxing in the sun on a tiny island paradise.
You start by swimming or snorkeling the island’s coral reefs, getting to experience the colorful underwater life in this area. Then, you will be served a rich lunch buffet, including rum punch and pina colada (or virgin options) refreshments.
What is included in this guided tour:
- Lunch
- Beverages (Sodas, juices, water and local beer)
- Use of Snorkeling equipment
You will spend the afternoon chilling, swimming, and relaxing on a paradisiacal white sandy beach on the island until it is time to return to shore and San Juan.
6. Full Day Arenales Caves, River, and Waterfall Tour (Plus Hidden Spring!)
On this small-group tour of the incredible Arenal Caves, you will hike through rivers, swim in the crystalline waters, and visit an underground cave!
After the exploration, you will float leisurely and slow down the river, heading for the second destination.
It is an open cave with thousands of years old unique rock formations and the opportunity to jump or float between the amazing rock formations in the natural pool freshwater. Simply a beautiful place of natural wonder,
What is included in this tour:
- Life Vests if requested
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Bottled water
- Parking Fees
You’ll finish off your day of adventure with a hike to a small hidden spring before returning to your hotel.
Round-trip transfers from select hotels are also included in the tour fee. If you love caving in particular, you might also want to check out the Cueva Ventana a little further to the west!
If you also love to surf, San Juan is perfect for this in January!
(For any avid surfers out there, the Rincon beaches on the west coast of Puerto Rico are famous for their spectacular surfing, too)
Also read: When Is Hurricane Season In The Caribbean? Hurricanes vs Travel From An Expert
Getting Around Puerto Rico
If you are traveling around Puerto Rico, my best advice is to either 1. Rent a car, or 2. Go on a guided tour. Most other wing-it options quickly become difficult.
What surprised me (or more accurately, took me by surprise) was that there is very little public transport in Puerto Rico! You can find Uber in San Juan, and you can also get an Uber from San Juan to somewhere else.
However, to get from “somewhere else” onward, there are no Ubers to be called, and there are no buses! Which I found out the hard way, so I was kind of stuck in Isabela for a moment until I managed to find ONE car rental hidden in an alley there.
Needless to say, I rented a car there. They were super nice, and I liked the car, but learn from me and remember that when there is no competition, the prices are way higher than if you book online in advance!
FAQs Charming San Juan
Do U.S. citizens need a passport to visit Puerto Rico?
No, Puerto Rico is technically the United States, so U.S. citizens and permanent residents do not need a passport to travel to Puerto Rico.
As it is a U.S. territory, domestic flights require only a government-issued ID, such as a driver’s license. For non-U.S. citizens, the same visa and entry requirements apply as for the United States.
What is the best time to visit Puerto Rico?
The best time to visit Puerto Rico is during the dry season, which runs from mid-December to April when the weather is sunny and super nice.
Be aware that this is also peak tourist season, so accommodations (and flights) may be pricier than shoulder and low season. For a fine balance between cost and weather, maybe visit during the shoulder months of May and November?
Is Puerto Rico safe for tourists?
Puerto Rico is considered safe for travelers, including for solo female travelers, and after traveling around there myself, my personal experience was really good. No bad happenings, no catcalling, or uncomfortable incidents.
Popular destinations like Old San Juan, El Yunque National Forest, and beach areas are considered safe. That said, as with any destination, don’t lower your guard completely. You are a tourist, so stay a bit vigilant.
Petty theft, such as pickpocketing, is quite common in tourist-heavy areas, so; do all the things. Leave valuables at home, close bags and pockets, be aware of your surroundings and stick to well-lit areas at night.
What currency is used in Puerto Rico?
Puerto Rico, as a US territory, uses the U.S. Dollar (USD). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it’s a good idea to carry some cash, especially in smaller towns, and for tipping (15% is a good rule of thumb here).
Wrap-Up Best Tours From San Juan
San Juan is my favorite destination in Puerto Rico, a small but vibrant city with the best of all worlds. The city vibe, the wonderful city beach, and the tropical natural parks that are only hours away.
It is an incredibly charming tropical island capital, with so many things to do in the city and a plethora of adventures accessible on a day trip from the city.
Stroll the picturesque old city with lots of museums, shopping, history, and architecture, and a huge impressive historical fortress at the tip of the island.
And from San Juan, you can reach anywhere on a day trip! You welcome 🙂
Related blog posts:
Is Puerto Rico Safe For Female Travelers Going Solo?
