Isla verde puerto rico san juan: Isla Verde beach | Discover Puerto Rico

The Top 10 Things to Do and See in Isla Verde

Chanel Mowatt

9 February 2017

Isla Verde is the enchanting resort strip of San Juan and is known for its beautiful beaches. Despite having such a great beach area, Isla Verde – which translates to “Green Island” – offers some beautiful nature to see too. These are a few of the things you must experience in Isla Verde.

Isla Verde Beach | © cogito ergo imago/Flickr

Isla Verde Beach

Many people come to Isla Verde just to visit this beach since it is one of the best on the entire island. With shade from the trees, plenty of local spots to eat, parking and shower areas, it’s no wonder it’s a popular spot on the island. The strip runs all the way from the Isla Verde hotels to a public beach with soft, white sand rivaling what you’d find on Condado Beach.

Isla Verde Beach, Carolina, Puerto Rico

Parasailing lesson, San Juan | © Alan Kotok/Flickr

San Juan Waterfun

San Juan Waterfun, located on Isla Verde Beach in front of the El San Juan Hotel & Casino, gives you a chance to use Wave-runners™, banana boats and para-sails. If it’s fun that can be on the water, then San Juan Water offers it at reasonable prices with assistance including small catamarans, jet skis, water skis and knee boards.

San Juan Waterfun, 6063 Av Isla Verde, Isla Verde Beach, Puerto Rico +1 787 643 4510

Scuba diving at San Juan | © Connie Ma/Flickr

Scuba Diving

All of the local hotels can help you arrange a dive trip right off Isla Verde. Guides can teach techniques for mask and snorkel clearing that will help during the actual snorkel session. They also can help identify camouflaged species that you’d miss without their help. If you have a camera that can be used underwater this is a great opportunity to use it as you snap pictures of beautiful starfish and bright fish.

Isla Verde Beach, Carolina, Puerto Rico

Carolina Beach | © Prayitno/Flickr

Carolina Beach

A few miles away from the beautiful Isla Verde Beach is Carolina Beach. Tourists typically don’t visit it, but it’s a fan favorite among locals. Carolina is one of two public beaches in San Juan and has beautiful white sand. It’s easily accessible by taxi or car incase you don’t want to walk and has necessary beach facilities like lifeguards and restrooms. Enjoy a coconut underneath the shade of a palm tree.

Carolina Beach, Route 187, Carolina, Puerto Rico

Piñones beach | © Angel Xavier Viera-Vargas/Flickr

Piñones

If you continue driving east along the beach you’ll arrive at Piñones. This area is favored by the locals for being more natural and has mangroves as well as a lot of vegetation. If you’re looking to try some authentic Puerto Rican fried finger food you’ll find it here. You can ride bikes – rentals available – on the boardwalk or you could just walk with the views of the beach and forest.

Piñones, 187 Piñones, Puerto Rico

Café La Plage

If you get a bit hungry after your long day, give Café La Plage a chance. If you are able to get brunch there during your day at the beach, not only will you be served great country style omelettes or brioche but they’ll give you a table on the beach. When it’s dark, the café plays European and Latin American films such as The Motorcycle Diaries, Y Tu Mamá También, and Volver on the large, beachside white wall above the bar. Reserve your beach bed early to guarantee you’ll be comfortable.

Café La Plage, 4851 Ave Isla Verde, San Juan, Puerto Rico +1 787 268 7733

Mist Club Lounge l Courtesy of the San Juan Water Beach Hotel

Mist Club Lounge

Mist is a hot spot for locals and tourists alike. Mist has comfortable seating for rooftop relaxation, a skyline swimming pool, signature drinks and an Caribbean-Italian–Spanish fusion menu. The menu includes Socializers, small plates to share food – a perfect accompaniment to their fruity cocktails. Local and international DJ’s help set the mood all night long.

Mist Club Lounge, 2 Tartak Street, Isla Verde, Puerto Rico +1 787 728 3666

Lupi’s

Lupi’s offers a delicious fusion of Puerto Rican and Mexican fare at very reasonable prices. Most of their entrees can be made vegetarian if you make a request. Their cocktails are dangerously delicious, and very reasonable for their large size (sip them slowly!). A Spring Break like crowd often visits Lupi’s and instantly makes the place come alive.

Lupi’s, 6369 Isla Verde Avenue Roundabout, Carolina, Puerto Rico +1 787 253 2198

El San Juan Hotel & Casino | © superde1uxe/Flickr

El San Juan Hotel & Casino

A sparkling crystal chandelier and tuxedoed waiters greet you upon entering El San Juan’s Casino. As one of the most impressive casinos in Isla Verde, you can expect an overall glamorous experience during your trip here. Open from noon until 3am every day, the casino resembles a classic European casino with 336 slot machines and 27 table games.

El San Juan Hotel & Casino, 6063 Isla Verde Avenue, Carolina, Puerto Rico +1 787 791 1000

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Bar, San Juan | © Cellular Immunity/Flickr

Not only is this the largest casino in the Caribbean, but it’s open 24 hours and covers two floors. There are 300 slot machines and casino favorites like blackjack, craps and roulette. The Ritz-Carlton, San Juan Casino has a sophisticated decor that is reminiscent of a tropical resort in the 1940’s and offers live entertainment every night.

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Best of Isla Verde, Puerto Rico – 2022

Many travelers today are familiar with the idea of an “all-inclusive” resort, designed to make guests stay within the resort boundaries to consume all meals and enjoy entertainment.    

For those wanting a central location from which they can explore the highlights of an exciting vacation destination, Isla Verde is pretty hard to match.  Isla Verde offers exciting nightlife, great hotels for every budget, a beautiful lively beach.

Nearby you can explore UNESCO sites, quiet beaches, great shopping, world-class natural attractions, exhilarating activities, and much more.  Within a half-hour of arriving at the airport, you could be checking into your hotel, no precious vacation time is wasted on travel when you choose Isla Verde.

On this Guide – Isla Verde – Carolina, Puerto Rico

• Best Resorts & Hotels in Isla Verde Puerto Rico
• Best Things to Do & Places to Visit in Isla Verde
• Nearby Things to Do & Places to Visit Isla Verde

• Basic Facts – Isla Verde
• Travel to Isla Verde
• Getting Around Isla Verde
• Map of Isla Verde – Hotels & Places to Visit

Fairmont El San Juan

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Courtyard by Marriott Isla Verde Beach 

From $135 – Beachfront Family Resort & Casino

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Residence Inn by Marriott San Juan Isla Verde

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Hampton Inn & Suites San Juan

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TRYP by Wyndham Isla Verde

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Relax & Play at Isla Verde Beach

Isla Verde has the best beaches in the Metro Region of Puerto Rico.   Light golden sand, tall palm trees framing the shore, and warm turquoise water for refreshing and playing after basking under the Puerto Rican sun.  Isla Verde has some of the best and trendiest beachfront resorts in Puerto Rico.  Unlike most city Caribbean City destinations, Isla Verde beach is long and wide so it rarely feels crowded, there’s plenty of sand for visitors to find an open relaxing spot.   No vacation destination is complete without offerings of fun adventures and experiences on the water.  Visitors to the beaches of Isla Verde can choose from various water sports for the entire family to enjoy.  Always wanted to learn how to surf?  Pine Grove is a popular beach for surfers in Isla Verde.  If you have always wanted to learn to surf, be sure to secure a spot.  

+ Isla Verde Beach – Carolina, Puerto Rico

Top-Rated Beach Tours in Isla Verde Beach & Nearby

+ Isla Verde Beach

Have an Adventure at Hacienda Campo Rico

Just minutes from the resorts in Isla Verde, couples, families, and groups can enjoy a fun and relaxing adventure in the elegant and verdant 2200 acre Hacienda Campo Rico.  Activities include ATV rides, ziplining and horseback riding.

Tours you may enjoy at nearby Campo Rico in Carolina

Try your Luck at the Casinos

Ask locals and most of them will agree that Isla Verde is the place to go for casino action with exciting nightlife.  You enjoy a variety of popular table games and slot machines.   Casinos Hotels & Resorts in Isla Verde stand out for their attractive lounges, live entertainment, and fantastic dining experiences.  Isla Verde has a casino for every traveler from sophisticated and glamorous to a more casual ambiance.   Along Ave. Isla Verde, you’ll find the most popular casino resorts within walking distance of each other.

Visit Trendy Lounges of Isla Verde

Isla Verde is a popular vacation destination in the metro area offering loungers and bars from trendy rooftops overlooking the water to casual open-air to luxurious classy lounges at the hottest resorts along Isla Verde Avenue.  Enjoy traditional drinks, Puerto Rican mixology, sports bars to watch the game, and many with live music to dance the night away.

Visit Old San Juan

Just a short taxi ride from Isla Verde, you can walk the streets of Old San Juan, the most vibrant and interesting historic city in the Caribbean.  Don’t miss the forts of Castillo San Felipe del Morro and Castillo San Cristobal, dine at exquisite restaurants and relaxed cafes, walk-on scenic promenades, visit a historic church, eat a Piragua at one of the squares, shop for unique gifts and clothing pieces…and so much more.  Experience the warmth and vibrancy uniquely found on the streets of Old San Juan.

+ Old San Juan Puerto Rico

Top Rated & Fun Tours – Old San Juan

+ Old San Juan

Take a day trip to Icacos Cay

If you dreamed of experiencing a secluded island, swimming, and snorkeling in crystal clear waters, be sure to book a trip to Cayo Icacos / Icacos Cay.  Trips to Icacos leave from the marinas in Fajardo, a coastal town southeast of Isla Verde.  Most tour operators offer transportation.

+ Icacos Cay aka Icacos Island – Puerto Rico 

El Yunque Rainforest & Luquillo Beach

Just a short half-hour drive from Isla Verde you can be hiking at El Yunque National Rainforest, one of the top natural attractions in Puerto Rico.   Hike through the enchanting rainforest under cool green canopies leading to refreshing romantic waterfalls. Some of the favorite tours include a nice stop at Luquillo Beach for some beach time and great food at the famous Luquillo Kiosks.

+ El Yunque National Rainforest  ⎜ + Luquillo Beach

Visit a Rum Distillery in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is known around the world for manufacturing and creating some of the best rums.  There are various rum distilleries a short drive from Isla Verde such perfect for couples and a favorite activity for special events and business groups.

Among the most popular rum distilleries are:

• Ron del Barrilito, the oldest Puerto Rican rum offers excellent tours with rum tasting.
• Ron Pepon – Visitors will visit the sugar plantation and learn about the rum creation process, complete with tastings of artisanal rums.
• Casa Bacardi Distillery, the largest premium rum distiller in the world, manufacturing producing more than 80% of the Bacardi consumed worldwide. The Bacardi Distillery is located in the municipality of Catano, you can get there by taking a short ferry ride from the pier in Old San Juan or booking a tour taking care of all the details.

See top-rated tours below.

Top Rated Tours to Distilleries in Puerto Rico

Laguna Grande Bioluminescent Bay

About 45 minutes from Isla Verde, a magical experience awaits at Laguna Grande, one of the bioluminescent bays in Puerto Rico.  Don’t miss this unforgettable experience.  Book your space ahead to secure it, it is one of the most popular and must-see natural attractions in Puerto Rico.

Please Note: For the best experience and brightest bioluminescence, plan on visiting on a moonless night.  The fuller the moon, the less brightness you’ll see on the lagoon.

+ Puerto Rico Bioluminescent Bays & Top Tours

Culebra is one of the islands of Puerto Rico, like visiting the Caribbean of the past where the rhythm is calmer and nature reigns free of heavy development and crowded beaches.   Culebra is home to Flamenco Beach, always included on the list of “Best Beaches in the World & The Caribbean”. From Isla Verde, you can book a tour on a catamaran where you’ll cruise on the gorgeous Caribbean Sea and head to the best snorkeling beaches with crystal clear water where you can swim with sea turtles.

+ Flamenco Beach – Culebra, Puerto Rico ​

Top Rated Catamaran tours to Flamenco Beach

+ Flamenco Beach – Culebra Puerto Rico

Go Golfing

Schedule a tee time for an unforgettable golf experience at one of the luxurious golf resorts along the east coast of Puerto Rico.  West of Isla Verde is the town of Dorado, known for luxury world-class golf courses along the golden coast.  See golf resorts near Isla Verde / San Juan.

La Posita Beach

You may feel quite happy lounging at the beach just steps from your hotel or resort in Isla Verde, but just a few minutes east of the neighboring town of Loiza, you’ll find a great beach which most likely you’ll have to yourself.   La Posita means “The Little Pool”, although the beach is along the Atlantic Ocean, the beach area feels more like a natural pool.  The natural wall created a protected area that keeps the strong surf from coming in, waters constantly flow through the rock wall, depending on the tide, the beach can be shallow or deeper, the water is crystal clear.  During weekends, local families with children head to La Posita for a relaxed fun day with family and friends where children can swim and play on the water.  You’ll have to bring everything to this beach, there are no beach rentals or restrooms in the area.  Just pack your sunblock, beach towel, snorkel gear, and a few snacks, from Isla Verde it makes a nice morning trip.

+  La Posita Beach – Loiza, Puerto Rico

Paseo Loiza

Head towards Piñones, a short drive or scenic bike ride east of Isla Verde.   Nature lovers will enjoy the simplicity of the boardwalk along miles of beaches with few crowds.   When hungry, Piñones is a popular place for locals that prefer good and cheap traditional Puerto Rican food without all the frills, simple food kiosks, many built with recycled mismatched materials called “Chinchorros”.  The beaches are not raked or cleaned as often as in Isla Verde, they have a very rugged feel, and although not perfectly manicured, the quiet more natural setting makes up for it.

+ Shopping

Pack light and bring extra luggage, the capital city of San Juan offers the best shopping in the Caribbean.  Old San Juan has a wonderful variety of locally-owned shops offering one of a kind clothing, jewelry, and gifts; you’ll also find famous US Retail Brands in the colorful historic streets.  San Juan offers Plaza de las Americas, the largest shopping mall in the Caribbean, you can easily spend two days choosing from over 300 stores.  The Mall of San Juan is the newest mall, housing luxury shops, fine excellent dining options, and free live music shows.

+ Aquasol

A great beach and a children’s water park…you can enjoy both at Balneario de Carolina.  Aquasol is a small water park for children up to age 12.  The waterpark is located on the east side of Carolina Beach, offers a 13,500-foot shallow pool with 30 fun interactive playgrounds, tanks, pirate ship, slides, and more.  The park is open during summer and school holiday breaks. See brochure (Spanish).

+ Museo del Niño

Museo del Niño is a museum in Carolina offering residents and visitors 103 educational fun and educational exhibits.  Exhibits cover the arts, sciences, and technology.  Visit official site for more info (Spanish). 

• Location: Isla Verde is located on the north coast of Puerto Rico.   Most people think of Isla Verde being in the capital city of San Juan; Isla Verde is actually a district of the municipality of Carolina.
• Isla Verde is home to Luis Muñoz Marin International Airport (SJU).
• Tourism Information Office:  Luis Muñoz Marin Airport  Tel: 787-791-1014

Travel to Isla Verde – Carolina, Puerto Rico

The short distance and convenient access to the airport is one of the top reasons to vacation in Isla Verde.   For those planning a weekend escape, time is really valuable, after arriving to Luis Munoz Rivera Airport (best known as the San Juan International), within minutes you could be sipping on a sumptuous Piña Colada at your hotel overlooking the turquoise colors of Isla Verde Beach.

Getting Around Isla Verde, Puerto Rico

Isla Verde is an easy vacation destination from the moment you arrive at SJU Airport; in just a 10 minute taxi ride, you’ll find yourself checking into your hotel or beachfront resort.  Most of the hotels, beaches, best restaurants, lounges, casinos and entertainment are located along Isla Verde Avenue, everything is within walking distance if you don’t mind taking a little stroll.We encourage you to explore beyond Isla Verde Beach, so you can get to know Puerto Rico.  For some attractions and activities, a taxi ride is more convenient.   Some of the top attractions of the island are best explored with a car rental or by booking a tour.

Do you need a car rental to get around Isla Verde? 

A car is not necessary to have a good time in Isla Verde, as you can easily get a taxi to Old San Juan, shopping malls, and nearby attractions.   But for those that love to explore, a car rental is highly recommended at least for a few days.  More about car rentals in the greater San Juan tourism area.

Taxis in Isla Verde, Puerto Rico

Isla Verde is a tourist-friendly destination.  Guests staying at hotels, resorts and vacation rentals in tourist areas will enjoy easy access to taxis.  You will see taxis driving along Isla Verde Avenue, near the beach, restaurant areas and hotel entrances.  Feel free to ask your hotel receptionist for assistance with a taxi.  Taxi rates are regulated and reasonable.

Bicycling in Isla Verde, Puerto Rico

Isla Verde is a bike-friendly place.  Along Isla Verde Avenue there are designated bike lanes, and locals are pretty good about sharing the road.  From Isla Verde, you can ride east to the Piñones area, and west all the way to Old San Juan.

Public Transportation in Isla Verde, Puerto Rico

Bus routes run through Isla Verde to and from the airport and San Juan.   Riding the bus may not be the most convenient method to get around, but it is by far the cheapest.  It just may be a viable option for travelers wanting to minimize costs.

Tours Visitors Love in Puerto Rico

Apartment-hotels in the city Hall Carolina

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LOOK AT A NEW LONG STAY AT OUR HOTEL SAN JUAN ISLA VERDE

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Restaurant Service

Delivery of lunch from a local restaurant to number

Shop-kiosk

breakfast

Complete American breakfast, free

hot breakfast, free

store

Sobao Sobao by Los Cidrines

Inviting local restaurant with breakfast, lunch and dinner options.

Open for lunch and dinner Dress code: Casual

Tapas

Soga

Gather for a drink with colleagues. Enjoy handcrafted cocktails, beer and wine in our brand new bar with outdoor or indoor seating.

Open for lunch and dinner Dress code: Casual Phone: +1 787-961-1155

Other

The Market

Hotel Store with grab and go food items, microwavables, beverage selection and other items.

Dress Code: Casual

Other options nearby

Tex-Mex 0.2 KM

Chili’s Grill & Bar Isla Verde

Open for lunch and dinner Dress code: Casual

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Fitness Center

Equipment and services

9000 00PM
• Outdoor
• Towels available

Kids pool

• Opening hours: Mon-Sun: 08:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Outdoor
• Towels available
• Kids pool available

• Attractions

  Isla Verde Beach

  Isla Verde

  0. 2 km N from the hotel

  Old San Juan

  12.9 km W from the hotel

  Hacienda Campo Rico

  Ave. Roberto Sanchez Vilella (Final)

  14.5 km E from the hotel

  El Yunque Rainforest

  38.1 km from the hotel

  Piñones

  8.9 km from the hotel

  .3 km) Kayaking (0.8 km) Sailing (1.0 km) Scuba diving (1.0 km) Snorkeling (1.0 km) Surfing (0.3 km)

  About the airport

  Luis Munoz Marin International Airport (SJU)

  SJU

  Hotel location: 3.7 km N

  We do not have a shuttle service.

  Go to the website of the airport SJU

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  Oh San Juan
  

  San Juan (Spanish: San Juan Bautista, John the Baptist) is the largest city in Puerto Rico. As of the 2000 census, it has a population of 433,373, making it the 42nd largest US-administered city. San Juan was founded by Spanish colonists in 1508 as a town called Caparra. In 1521, the settlement became known as Ciudad de Puerto Rico (City of Puerto Rico). It is not only the oldest city in Puerto Rico, but also the oldest European-founded city in the United States, even older than St. Augustine in Florida. The capital of Puerto Rico is almost the oldest city (in 2nd place after Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic) of European colonists in the Americas. San Juan is home to several historic structures; the most notable include Fort San Felipe del Morro (Spanish: Fort San Felipe del Morro) and Fort San Cristobal (Spanish: Fort San Cristobal), as well as La Fortaleza (Spanish: La Fortaleza) – the oldest administrative building in the Americas , which continues to be used.

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  Accommodation in San Juan

  • Hyatt House San Juan

    €143 per night

    8. 8

  • Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel & Casino

    €159 per night

    8.2

  • Hyatt Place San Juan

    €135 per night

    8. 8

  • CasaBlanca Hotel

    €109 per night

    8.5

  Frequently Asked Questions

  Interested in traveling to Isla Verde Mall, Puerto Rico? We have compiled a list of frequently asked questions from our users, such as: What is the cheapest mode of transport?, What is the fastest option?, How much do tickets usually cost? and many more.