Fajardo puerto rico: 17 Best Things to Do in Fajardo (Fun Activities & Sites)

Posted by alexxlab
June 1, 2022
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17 Best Things to Do in Fajardo (Fun Activities & Sites)

Spending part of your vacation in Fajardo is a decision you won’t regret. Fajardo is a diverse city that sports an attraction for beach lovers, nature lovers, and even for sailing enthusiasts.

But, how do you know where to go and what to do?

I’m here to tell you all about the best places locals like myself love, so don’t miss a single one of these top things to do in Fajardo.

Table of Contents

17 Best Things to Do in Fajardo
- Swim in Seven Seas Beach
- Explore El Yunque National Rainforest
- Take a Catamaran to Icacos Island
- Kayak in Laguna Grande Bioluminescent Bay
- Hike to La Zanja
- Cool Off in Las Tinajas Waterfall
- Have a Blast in Coqui Water Park
- Hang Out a Marina Puerto del Rey
- Stroll in Las Croabas Park
- Visit Las Cabezas de San Juan Lighthouse
- Snorkel Around Palomino
- Walk in Las Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve
- Go Diving
- Sunbath in Playa Colora
- Eat Local Food at Las Croabas
- Take the Ferry to Flamenco Beach
- Get Lost in Vieques Wildlife Refuge
FAQ’s About Fajardo
- Is Fajardo worth visiting?
- Is Fajardo Puerto Rico safe?
- What is Fajardo known for?
- How much is a taxi from San Juan to Fajardo?

Disclosure: Travel Lemming is an independent reader-supported blog. You can support us by purchasing via the affiliate links on this page, which may earn us commissions. Thank you!

17 Best Things to Do in Fajardo

Swim in Seven Seas Beach

📍 Map It: Fajardo 00738 | Entrance: $5 parking | Hours: 8:30 am – 5 pm October-April, 8:30 am – 6 pm May-September

Awarded with a Blue Flag, Seven Seas in Fajardo is one of the most beautiful beaches in Puerto Rico. This popular beach sports brilliant turquoise waters plus facilities like gazebos, lifeguards, and bathrooms, although you have to pay $1 to use them. You can also camp on this beach just for $10 a night.

⛱️ Read Next: Best Beaches in Fajardo

Explore El Yunque National Rainforest

El Yunque National Rainforest extends all through Luquillo, Rio Grande and Fajardo. This national landmark is home to an impressive biodiverse ecosystem, multiple waterfalls, a rainforest zip line park, and thrilling hiking routes.

Note that you have to book your ticket ahead of time. Alternatively, if you prefer someone else to handle the logistics and transportation, check out my guide to the best tours to El Yunque National Rainforest.

👉 Want More Things to Do? Check out my guide to the top activities you can do in Puerto Rico!

Take a Catamaran to Icacos Island

📍 Map It: Cayo Icacos, 00738 | 👉 Browse Viator’s Top Icacos Tours

Icacos Island belongs to Fajardo and is easily one of the top beaches in Puerto Rico. It’s most definitely one of the things to do in Fajardo. You can reach Icacos Island by water taxi, or by catamaran from the main island.

East Island Excursions is one of the companies that offer a catamaran sailing cruise with music, lunch, drinks, and snorkeling equipment included to admire the abundant coral reefs in the area.

Kayak in Laguna Grande Bioluminescent Bay

📍 Map It: Fajardo 00738 | 👉 Browse Viator’s Top Laguna Grande Tours

Puerto Rico is home to three bioluminescent bays and you can find one of them in Fajardo. Laguna Grande Bioluminescent Bay, as it’s known, is one of the top things to do in Fajardo.

You will find multiple companies that offer kayaking tours and will take you through the narrow and long canal to the bioluminescent bay. Just make sure to book your tour during a night with a new moon to better appreciate the glow!

Hike to La Zanja

📍 Map It: Puerto Rico Puerto Rico, Fajardo, 00738

If you love finding hidden gems, then pay a visit to La Zanja, a natural pool created by the open sea waters in a ditch in Fajardo. To get to La Zanja, you have to hike around 30 minutes from Playa La Matita.

At some point, you will have to get your feet wet crossing the water to get there and the five last minutes are the most challenging, but being able to swim in this natural beauty is worth the effort.

📚 Bookmark for later: Top Destinations to Visit in Puerto Rico

Cool Off in Las Tinajas Waterfall

📍 Map It: Las Tinajas | Entrance: Free | 👉 Book a Tour to Las Tinajas

If you rather spend your days swimming in the river rather than the beach, then set Las Tinajas Waterfall as your destination.

Las Tinajas is one of the top waterfalls in Puerto Rico. Spend a day relaxing or experiencing the thrill of jumping from a rope swing. Just make sure to ask the locals how to do it safely.

Have a Blast in Coqui Water Park

📍 Map It: Fajardo, 00738, Puerto Rico | Phone: (787) 863-1000 | Hours: 9 am – 12 am daily | Entrance: $20, adults, $15 under 12

Coqui Water Park is inside El Conquistador Resort in Fajardo. It sports pools and water slides for a family fun day. You don’t have to stay in the resort to enter the park, but it would certainly add to the whole experience!

El Conquistador Resort sports a prime location from where you can see the beach, plus it offers boat tours to Palomino Island, where you can practice snorkeling with your kids.

Hang Out a Marina Puerto del Rey

(photo: Malachi Jacobs / Shutterstock)

📍 Map It: 4900 State Road 3 Km. 51.4, Fajardo, 00738 | Phone: (787) 680-1000 | Website | Hours: 8 am – 5 pm Mon-Thurs, 8 am – 7 pm Fri-Sun

Las Croabas Park is one of the best places to visit in Fajardo with your kids. It offers playgrounds and food kiosks right by the waterfront where you can see boats navigating the sea. You can also ride a bike, skate, and take a picture with the giant mural of Puerto Rico’s flag, one of the many painted around the island by artist Hector Collazo.

Stroll in Las Croabas Park

📍 Map It: Fajardo, 00738 | Entrance: free

Las Croabas Park is one of the best places to visit in Fajardo with your kids. It sports playgrounds, and food kiosks all right by a waterfront where you can see boats navigating the sea. Once you’re visiting this recreation park, don’t miss the chance to take a picture with the giant mural of Puerto Rico’s flag, one of the many painted around the island by artist Hector Collazo!

Visit Las Cabezas de San Juan Lighthouse

📍 Map It: Carr. 987 Km 5.9, Las Croabas, 00738 | Phone: (787) 722-5882 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 5 pm Wed-Sun, Closed Monday to Tuesday | Entrance: $12, adults, $9 minors

Las Cabezas de San Juan Lighthouse, also Cape San Juan Light, is one of the 15 lighthouses around Puerto Rico and it’s located inside a Nature Reserve in Fajardo. This lighthouse sports a neoclassical style and from its observation deck, you can appreciate great views of the coast.

👉 Local Tip: As to fall 2021, the lighthouse is temporarily closed due to renovations, but visitors can still explore other areas of the Nature Reserve. Just remember to make a reservation ahead through the Para La Naturaleza website.

Snorkel Around Palomino

📍 Map It: Fajardo 00740

Palomino is a private island next to Fajardo. This island is almost exclusive to the guest’s activities of El Conquistador Hotel in Fajardo. But, if you’re not staying in El Conquistador, you can visit the island on a private tour or through a water taxi. Besides Palomino you can go island hopping and visit Cayo Icacos, Cayo Largo and Cayo Diablo.

👉Local Tip: Nature and beach lovers should consider staying in Fajardo since they’ll have more activities to do close to them. Check out my guide to learn about the other places to stay on the island.

Walk in Las Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve

📍 Map It: Carr. 987 Km 5.9, Las Croabas, 00738 | Phone: (787) 722-5882 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 5 pm Wed-Sun, Closed Monday to Tuesday | Entrance: $12, adults, $9 minors

I already said you should visit the lighthouse but you absolutely need to explore the rest of this lovely green space if you’re a nature lover.

Las Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve is home to Laguna Grande Bio Bay, mangroves, coral reefs, a dry forest, and beaches. There are even records of sightings of whales from here.

Go Diving

👉 Browse Viator’s Top Diving Tours

Whether you’re an experienced diver or you just want to know what it feels like to be underwater at least once, you’ll get to live the experience in Fajardo. With crystal clear waters, beautiful coral reefs, and diverse marine life, diving in Fajardo makes the perfect adult half day tour.

Sunbath in Playa Colora

📍 Map It: Puerto Rico, Fajardo, 00738 | Entrance: $5 parking in Seven Seas

Just a 20-minute hike from Seven Seas Beach, you’ll find a beautiful hidden beach to take a romantic walk. Playa Colorá is a small beach with scenic views, clear waters, and distinctive red-ish sand.

The beach is never crowded as you have to hike to get there, so it’s perfect to enjoy your own paradise for a few hours while enjoying the ocean breeze.

👉 Local Tip: Playa Colorá is not a beach for swimming. It’s home to strong rip currents that are dangerous even to the most experienced swimmer. There aren’t any facilities nor any lifeguards on this beach so if you do go into the water, it’s at your own risk.

Eat Local Food at Las Croabas

📍 Map It: Fajardo, 00738

Las Croabas is one of the top areas to eat in Fajardo. You can find multiple restaurants and bars aligned in front of the sea, where you can eat local food. Some of the most popular restaurants in Las Croabas are Las Vistas Cafe, La Estación, and Restaurante El Pescador.

Take the Ferry to Flamenco Beach

📍 Map It: Flamenco, Culebra, Puerto Rico, Culebra 00775 | 👉 Browse Viator’s Top Culebra Tours

While not exactly in Fajardo, the ferry terminal to go to Vieques and Culebra is just 20 minutes away by car, and with half an hour more by ferry, you can reach the municipality with the top beaches on the island, Culebra. If you’re a beach lover, then you can’t miss the opportunity to swim in Flamenco Beach or Tamarindo Beach.

👉Local Tip: If you also love snorkeling, make sure to hike from Flamenco Beach to Playa Carlos Rosario too. Check out my list of the other top beaches in Puerto Rico to find other great beaches to visit.

Get Lost in Vieques Wildlife Refuge

📍 Map It: Vieques Wildlife Refuge | 👉 Browse Viator’s Top Vieques Tours

While Flamenco Beach is undoubtedly popular, the Vieques Wildlife Refuge is also worth a spot on your list of what to do in Vieques. This refugee sports stunning beaches, bays, flora, and lovely wild horses.

A whole day wouldn’t be enough to explore this refuge, and during the low season, you will have the beaches mostly for yourself. Like Culebra, Vieques is only a 30-minute ferry away.

👉Did you Know?: Vieques is home to one of the three bioluminescent bays in Puerto Rico, and the one that holds the Guinness record for the brightest bioluminescent bay in the world. Multiple companies offer a bio bay kayak tour, and you can book a tour through Viator.

FAQ’s About Fajardo

Is Fajardo worth visiting?

Tourists that travel to Puerto Rico should visit Fajardo at least for a day during their vacation. There are many things to do in Fajardo like bathing on Seven Seas, kayaking in a bioluminescent bay, visiting Icacos Island, eating in Las Croabas, or exploring Las Cabeza de San Juan Nature Reserve.

Is Fajardo Puerto Rico safe?

Fajardo is a safe city for visitors as it is one of the top tourist destinations in Puerto Rico. Visitors should take common safety precautions like avoiding dark and isolated areas, not leaving objects of value in a car, and not leaving belongings unattended. Read our full Puerto Rico safety guide for more information.

What is Fajardo known for?

Fajardo is best known for its Marina, the biggest one in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean, where both locals and international yacht owners dock, and for being home to one of the three bioluminescent bays in Puerto Rico.

How much is a taxi from San Juan to Fajardo?

Taxi rides from San Juan to Fajardo get charged according to the meter, but the visitors can expect to pay anything between $125 to $150. Some taxis also charge an extra fee for a piece of luggage or riding groups of over 5 persons.

***

Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach, kayak in a bio bay, or hike inside the forest, you’ll find the perfect choice between all the things to do in Fajardo.

👉 If you’re looking for more adventure, don’t miss my list of the top activities to do in Puerto Rico.

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Best of Fajardo, Puerto Rico Tourism 2022 Guide

Island hopping, hiking, nature reserve, bioluminescent bay, secluded beaches, and the gateway to Vieques & Culebra

Fajardo is a municipality on the east coast of Puerto Rico just 45 minutes from the capital city of San Juan and the main airport. Fajardo can be a home base for those wishing to go island hopping to the cays and offshore islands of Vieques & Culebra. One of the most popular attractions is Laguna Grande, a bright bioluminescent bay, one of the few in the world.

Although the coastline is really beautiful, sadly you may find the town of Fajardo in need of TLC, you will not find much to see and do in the town. If you are a traveler who likes to spend most of the day exploring the coastline and beach hopping, you can find many affordable vacation rentals in Fajardo and spend the rest of your vacation budget on great tours (see below).

Icacos Cay / Cordillera Reserve

Cordillera Nature Reserve is among the most popular natural attractions in Fajardo. Icacos Cay (Cayo Icacos) is the prettiest and one of the most booked tours/charters on the island by tourists. Sunseekers can enjoy swimming, snorkeling in clear water, and vistas. Cordillera Nature Reserve also includes Cayo Ratones, Cayo Diablo, Cayo Lobos and Cayo Cucarachas.

+ Cayo Icacos, Puerto Rico

Top Rated Laguna Grande Bioluminescent Bay Tours

Las Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve & Lighthouse – Fajardo, Puerto Rico

+ Cabezas de San Juan

A wonderful family and educational activity is a tour of the Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve & Lighthouse. Take a walk along the mangrove forest, visit the gorgeous Rocosa Beach, and enjoy the stunning views of the offshore islands and Fajardo coastline from the platform of the oldest lighthouse in Puerto Rico.

+ Las Cabezas de San Juan – Fajardo, Puerto Rico

For those that prefer natural settings and love to hike, Fajardo offers a few gems. Bring a backpack with drinks, sunblock, and some snacks, and get ready for a nice hike leading to quiet beaches where you’ll find few crowds and unspoiled undeveloped beaches. Please keep in mind that there are no lifeguards, you swim at your own risk and if you need medical assistance it will take a while for help to arrive due to the access. The hike begins at Seven Seas Beach where you may park, at a comfortable walking pace, it takes about 25 minutes to arrive at the beaches. Playa Escondida has some shallow areas safe for swimming. Playa Colora is a beach to be visually enjoyed, NOT safe for swimming.

Seven Seas Beach

The most popular beach in Fajardo, offering calm water, easy access, nearby food, and beautiful vistas.

+ Seven Seas Beach – Fajardo, Puerto Rico

Top Rated Tours at Seven Seas – Fajardo, Puerto Rico

Flamenco Beach, Culebra

+ Flamenco Beach – Culebra, Puerto Rico 

Tours Visitors Love in Puerto Rico

The 10 Best Self Catering Accommodations in Fajardo Puerto Rico

Review Score

Excellent: 9+
Very good: 8+
Good: 7+
Fairly good: 6+

Our recommendations
Lowest price at the beginning
Number of stars and price
Rating + number of reviews

Waterfront studio at Fajardo, Puerto Rico

Fajardo

Set in Fajardo, 2.8 km from Seven Seas Beach and 31 km from El Yunque Rainforest, Waterfront Studio at Fajardo, Puerto Rico offers a garden and air conditioning.
The place was amazing, super clean, beautiful and the location great. The owner is super nice and available for anything. Love my stay there – I would recommend it 200% !! She did an amazing job with this place!!! So much better then any hotel I went during my week in Puerto Rico!

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9.6

Superb

146 reviews

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Cozy Apartment, Ocean Front

Fajardo

Cozy Apartment, Ocean Front is located just 1.6 km from Seven Seas Beach in Fajardo. It features a restaurant, outdoor pool, free Wi-Fi and room service.
Gaby is a great host. He proactively contacted us the day prior to our stay to assure all was ready for our our arrival. The apartment is as described, nicely decorated, stunning ocean views, comfy and clean. The location is within walking distance to many restaurants and beach area. We are very satisfied with our stay and highly recommend!!! Thank you Gaby for being so attentive and responsive to all of our needs, we really enjoyed our stay!

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9. 4

Excellent

102 reviews

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PARADISO

Fajardo

Located in Fajardo, just 2.3 km from Seven Seas Beach, PARADISO features beachfront accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, a terrace and free WiFi.
Everything, it was amazing. Sylvett (the owner) was very helpful. Definitely come back…

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9.7

Excellent

15 reviews

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Sunny Moon Vacation, Private Island in Fajado,PR.

Fajardo

Sunny Moon Vacation Apartments is located in Fajardo, Sun Moon Moon Island, Montana. It offers free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, a restaurant and a garden with an outdoor pool.

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Excellent

10 reviews

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Oasis Luxury Penthouse with Ocean and Marina Views

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Fajardo

Offering pool views, Oasis Luxury Penthouse with Ocean and Marina Views is set in Fajardo. It features an outdoor pool, fitness center and free Wi-Fi.
What a great place… enjoy your stay here.

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9.8

Superb

11 reviews

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La Casona Beach House

Fajardo

La Casona Beach House is located 2.8 km from El Convento Beach. It offers a garden, barbecue facilities and air-conditioned apartments with a balcony and free Wi-Fi.
Size and comfort of the house was off the scale amazing as was the friendliness of the hosts. However, don’t expect to get much sleep on the weekends -as the Puerto Ricans love to party hearty with loud music from the nearby bar all through the night. When they finish at about 4 AM the Roosters chime in.

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9.3

Excellent

43 reviews

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Luxury Ocean View Apartment

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Fajardo

Luxury Ocean View is located in Fajardo. It offers free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, a restaurant and a garden with an outdoor pool.
close to restaurants, bars and 20 minutes from the ferry terminal. Great view of the ocean, woke up to see the sunrise every morning!

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9.7

Superb

41 reviews

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Luxury Apartment with Ocean Views

3 stars

Fajardo

Luxury Apartment with Ocean Views is located in Fajardo, just 2.9 km from El Convento Beach. It features an outdoor pool, fitness center, garden and free Wi-Fi.
property was great! easy access, 3 pools! gated community. great view!

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9.8

Superb

13 reviews

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cond. Marina Lanais

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Fajardo

Apartment Cond. Featuring a restaurant and an outdoor pool, Marina Lanais is located in Fajardo, a 40-minute drive from El Yunque National Park. The air-conditioned apartments have a balcony and a DVD player.
location
Security team a must

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8.8

Amazing

111 reviews

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Suenos del Mar

Fajardo

Sueños del Mar is within walking distance of the Biobay Tourist Office and local restaurants, and a 1-minute drive from Seven Seas Beach and Las Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve.
Beautiful location, beautiful property inside & out.

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8.8

Fantastic

274 reviews

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All self catering accommodation in Fajardo

Looking for accommodation with a kitchen?

Do you dream of a secluded vacation without too much fuss? Choose from a variety of self catering accommodation options, ranging from modern apartments and luxury villas to beach houses and eco-lodges. You will be able to cook for yourself, read in the garden or watch a movie while lying on the sofa – in general, you will feel just like at home.

Search self catering accommodation in Fajardo

Popular with guests booking self catering accommodation in Fajardo

8.8
amazing
274 self catering accommodation reviews

Popular with guests booking self catering accommodation in Fajardo

9.6
Fabulous
146 self catering accommodation reviews

Popular with guests booking self catering accommodation in Fajardo

8.8
amazing
111 self catering accommodation reviews

Popular with guests booking self catering accommodation in Fajardo

8.2
Very well
76 self catering accommodation reviews

Popular with guests booking self catering accommodation in Fajardo

9.4
Perfect
102 self catering accommodation reviews

Popular with guests booking self catering accommodation in Fajardo

8. 8
amazing
60 self catering accommodation reviews

Breakfast offered

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From € 169 per night

9.4
Perfect
102 reviews

Breakfast offered

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From € 183 per night

9.7
Fabulous
15 reviews

Breakfast offered

Sunny Moon Vacation Apartments is located in Fajardo, Sun Moon Moon Island, Montana. It offers free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, a restaurant and a garden with an outdoor pool.

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10
Fabulous
10 reviews

Breakfast offered

Offering pool views, Oasis Luxury Penthouse with Ocean and Marina Views is set in Fajardo. It features an outdoor pool, fitness center and free Wi-Fi.
What a great place… enjoy your stay here.

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From € 251 per night

9.8
Fabulous
11 reviews

Breakfast offered

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From € 156 per night

9.3
Perfect
43 reviews

Breakfast offered

Luxury Ocean View is located in Fajardo. It offers free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, a restaurant and a garden with an outdoor pool.
close to restaurants, bars and 20 minutes from the ferry terminal.

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From € 379 per night

9.7
Fabulous
41 reviews

Breakfast offered

Luxury Apartment with Ocean Views is located in Fajardo, only 2.9km from El Convento beach. It features an outdoor pool, fitness center, garden and free Wi-Fi.
property was great! easy access, 3 pools! gated community. great view!

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From € 237 per night

9.8
Fabulous
13 reviews

Breakfast offered

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From € 183 per night

8.8
amazing
111 reviews