I fell in love with Puerto Rico just a day into my first visit. I admittedly haven’t spent a lot of time on the island but I hope to change that. Even though my time has been short I’ve picked up a handful of useful information and Puerto Rico travel tips that I want to pass on to anyone considering booking their first trip to Puerto Rico.
Whether you’re drawn to the enchanting streets of Old San Juan, the lush greenery of El Yunque National Forest, or the serene shores of the bioluminescent bays, Puerto Rico offers something for every traveller. As a first-time visitor, navigating this tropical paradise can be both exciting and daunting. To help you make the most of your adventure, I’ve compiled some essential travel tips from my own experience. Get ready to immerse yourself in the warmth of Puerto Rican hospitality and the island’s unique charm!
Learn Some Spanish
While you’ll get around San Juan just fine without knowing any Spanish, if you venture outside of the capital (and I highly recommend that you do) having at least a basic level of conversational Spanish will be helpful. Things like ordering in a restaurant, checking into a hotel, or asking for directions.
Public transit doesn’t exist outside of San Juan
San Juan does have a public bus system, called the Metropolitan Bus Authority (AMA), which is affordable but has limited routes and irregular schedules. It’s mostly effective within San Juan, including to tourist-friendly areas like Old San Juan and Condado. Taxis and Ubers operate in the city and surrounding areas and while you can take one to places like Fajardo don’t expect to find one waiting to bring you back.
Puerto Rico doesn’t have a widespread intercity bus system, so bussing between cities isn’t an option for tourists. If you want to explore outside of San Juan on your own, you’re going to need a rental car.
While publicos might be an option, they usually aren’t the best for tourists. These are shared vans that operate like informal buses, connecting cities and towns. They don’t have set schedules, only leaving when full, so they’re best for flexible itineraries. Look for “terminal de públicos” in towns to catch a ride. To ensure a smoother journey, keep these Puerto Rico travel tips in mind when planning your transportation.
Expect American Prices
As a US territory Puerto Rico is subject to American federal minimum wage rules so don’t expect things to be as cheap as they are in nearby islands like the Dominican Republic, where minimum wage earners make about $350/month. Also, items that are imported to the island often cost more due to extra fees and taxes (see Jones Act).
Puerto Rico was once a thriving self-sufficient island but over the decades has been turned into an island that needs to import most things, including their food. This has caused prices to go up as a result.
Overall, expect typical American prices in most areas. For a more budget-friendly experience, consider venturing into local neighbourhoods, dining at smaller eateries, and shopping at local markets.
There are no all-inclusives in PR
Unlike many other Caribbean destinations, you won’t find a budget all-inclusive option in Puerto Rico. You won’t find a luxury option either. There are several reasons why this type of resort isn’t popular in Puerto Rico.
I believe that one of them comes down to price. Unlike places like Cuba and Mexico where wages and costs are lower, Puerto Rico pays US wages and often has a higher costs of goods (thanks Jones Act) so the all-inclusive model doesn’t really work for businesses there.
Another reason is likely because Puerto Rico’s infrastructure is relatively well-developed, with a range of reliable hotels, restaurants, and transportation options. This allows tourists to feel secure exploring beyond resort boundaries, which might be less common in more remote or less-developed Caribbean destinations where all-inclusives are popular.
Know Your Beaches
Puerto Rico is a small island but it has quite a bit of geographic diversity, including in its beaches. Whether you want calm, warm waters or wild, dramatic waves, there’s a beach for you.
If you’re looking for calm waters, head west, particularly around the town of Rincón and nearby areas like Playa Crash Boat in Aguadilla. The western coast of Puerto Rico is shielded from the Atlantic’s stronger currents, creating calmer waters, especially during certain times of the year. The south coast, including areas like Cabo Rojo, also features more tranquil beaches, with clear, warm waters ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Due to its proximity to the Caribbean Sea, the southern side tends to have warmer, calmer waters compared to the northern coast, which faces the Atlantic Ocean.
The beaches on the north side of Puerto Rico are known for their dramatic beauty, powerful Atlantic waves, and popularity among surfers. Since this side of the island faces the Atlantic Ocean, beaches here tend to have larger swells and stronger currents, making them ideal for surfing and other wave-based water sports. Beaches like Playa Jobos in Isabela, Playa Middles in Isabela, and La Ocho in San Juan are particularly popular with surfers.
The beaches on the east side of Puerto Rico are known for their beautiful views of nearby islands, clear turquoise waters. This region faces the Caribbean Sea, making the water warmer and often calmer than the north, though some eastern beaches can have moderate waves depending on the season and weather. One of the most famous areas is Fajardo, home to popular beaches like Playa Seven Seas and the launching point for day trips to the pristine offshore islands of Culebra and Vieques, as well as the small cays like Icacos.
Don’t Book a Bio Bay Tour During a Full Moon
You’ll want it to be as dark as possible on a bio bay tour, whether you’re in Laguna Grande, Mosquito Bay, or La Parguera. Bioluminescent bays are known for the glow emitted by microscopic organisms called dinoflagellates. These organisms emit a soft blue-green light when disturbed, which is most visible in complete darkness. The brightness of a full moon can overpower this glow, making the effect much less noticeable.
If possible, don’t go after a heavy rainfall either. Bioluminescent organisms like dinoflagellates thrive in specific saltwater conditions. Heavy rainfall can dilute the salinity in the bay, which may temporarily reduce the concentration of these organisms and, in turn, their bioluminescent glow. Typically, rainfall’s impact is short-lived, and the water clarity and bioluminescent levels return to normal after a few days, once the water’s salinity and clarity are restored.
Visit La Perla
Maybe you want to recreate the video for Despacito. Maybe you want to see the colourful buildings. Visiting La Perla can be quite an experience but you should take some precautions when doing so. Only visit during the day, and don’t go alone if you can help it. In fact, I would recommend you take a walking tour during the day paired up with a local tour guide or community leader.
While taking pictures of murals is ok, only take pictures of private homes or people if you’ve asked permission first. This area may be attractive but it’s more than a tourist attraction, it’s someone’s home.
You Can Drink the Tap Water
The tap water is safe to drink in most areas of Puerto Rico, since it’s treated to meet U.S. standards. Bring a reusable bottle to refill, especially if you plan to explore outside of major cities. No need to use single use plastics here.
Know Your Miles from Kilometres
Renting a car and driving yourself is the best way to explore Puerto Rico beyond San Juan but there’s one curiosity you need to know about. You probably won’t get too far before you notice that distances are often marked in kilometers while speed limits are in miles per hour. The quirk goes back to the time when Puerto Rico was a Spanish colony using the metric system. After Puerto Rico became a territory in 1917 the US imperial system starting appearing. Today, the mix persists because the infrastructure and signage were developed over decades with these two systems in place. Transitioning completely to metric or imperial would require changing thousands of road signs, which is costly and complex.
Operate on Island Time
Particularly in more rural areas, businesses may have a relaxed, laid-back approach to time. Understand that things may not happen exactly on schedule. For instance, restaurants may take a bit longer to serve food, and events might not start promptly. Puerto Rican culture places a high value on enjoying the moment, so try to do the same. If things don’t happen as quickly as you’d like, take a deep breath, observe what’s around you, or engage with others nearby. Think of “island time” as a break from the fast-paced lifestyle that many people experience at home. Puerto Rico offers the chance to unwind, reset, and maybe even bring a bit of that easygoing mindset back with you.
Keep these tips in mind when you’re planning your first trip to Puerto Rico and you’ll have a great time. From understanding the nuances of public transit to appreciating the island’s diverse landscapes and vibrant culture, a little knowledge goes a long way. Embrace the local pace of life, savour the delicious cuisine, and don’t hesitate to step outside your comfort zone to explore all that this enchanting destination has to offer. Whether you’re wandering the colourful streets of Old San Juan, soaking up the sun on a tranquil beach, or experiencing the mesmerizing glow of the bioluminescent bays, your time in Puerto Rico promises to be filled with unforgettable memories. So pack your bags, open your heart to new experiences, and get ready to fall in love with the magic of Puerto Rico!
