Unique things to do in puerto rico: 10 Unique Activities in Puerto Rico

10 Unique Activities in Puerto Rico

From beaches to music to food, Puerto Rico is packed with things to do. But if you really want to have a one-of-a-kind trip, you need to experience one of these 10 unique activities. 

Looking for even more things to do in Puerto Rico? Work with a local to plan your trip. They’ll help with everything from safety rules to restaurant recommendations. Learn more.

#1: Escape to secluded Mona Island

Mona Island is the perfect getaway for those seeking adrenaline-filled fun in Puerto Rico.

The island, located off the western shore of Puerto Rico, is a natural playground with incredible scuba diving, caves, limestone cliffs, coral reefs, unique flora, stargazing, and beach camping.

You may want to reserve your spot in advance as the island only allows 100 visitors at a time to preserve the island’s ecosystem.

Pro tip: If you’re struggling to figure out how to get to Mona Island, a local can point you to the best, easiest, and cheapest routes to get there.

#2: Take a tour of Puerto Rico’s most haunted places

With so much history, Puerto Rico’s top vacation sites are bound to host some ghosts.

From the haunted del Morro ships to the eerie Teatro Tapia, there are countless spooky experiences for you to uncover.

While the spirit of the infamous White Lady is said to stroll around del Morro (along with the spirits of soldiers and prisoners who used to stay there), Teatro Tapia is supposedly haunted by a famous actress who died tragically on stage.

#3: Watch monkeys roam their own island

Only 1/2 mile off the eastern coast of Puerto Rico, Monkey Island is home to 1200 free-roaming Rhesus monkeys, a unique sight you can only see when traveling to Puerto Rico. The monkeys were brought over in 1938 for scientific research and have lived there ever since.

Although you can’t walk around the island, you can observe the monkeys by boat (or preferably kayak). If you need help booking a boat or kayak trip to Monkey Island, it’s best to ask a local for their advice.

#4: Recharge at one of Puerto Rico’s coffee farms

If you’re a caffeine addict, visiting Puerto Rico’s coffee farms will make your heart and tastebuds happy. Puerto Rico boasts its own “coffee zone” in the center of the island where you can explore the coffee production process from bean to cup.

Or, if you want all the charm without leaving the city, you can always visit Hacienda Buena Vista. One of the best things to do in Ponce, this fully-restored colonial coffee plantation will not disappoint.

#5: Chill like a local in La Parguera

The waterfront village of La Parguera (located on Puerto Rico’s southwestern shore) is perfect for anyone looking to avoid crowded areas or the more common Puerto Rico tourist attractions.

Although pretty lowkey, La Parguera is home to some of the coolest stuff to do in Puerto Rico, like food tasting, artisan craft shopping, swimming in bioluminescent bays, and snorkeling with sea turtles.

#6: Unwind at Isle de Cabras

Small and serene, Isle de Cabras is a great Puerto Rican vacation spot for those seeking a chill day in the sun.

Not often visited by travelers, the island in San Juan Bay offers some great Puerto Rico’s most underrated sightseeing, with unparalleled views of Castillo del Morro and the city of San Juan.

You can picnic at the beach gazebos, discover World War II remains, and walk around El Cañuelo fort while looking out onto the bay.

#7: Tan with tanks at Flamenco Beach

Regarded as one of the best beaches in Puerto Rico (and eighth in the entire world by TripAdvisor), Flamenco offers a lovely and unique beach experience.

The area was once a site for U.S. Navy testing and training until locals began to protest in the 1970s — so, you can still see tanks and other war relics on the beach (that residents have covered in graffiti).

Flamenco’s turquoise-blue waters and unique history make it one of the many things to do in Puerto Rico you won’t find anywhere else.

#8: Get rowdy at the San Sebastian Street Festival

Locally known as “San Se,” the San Sebastian Street Festival is one of the largest annual festivals in Puerto Rico.

The 4-day event takes place in Old San Juan toward the end of January and is packed with music, dancing, alcohol, food, and local vendors all dressed up like crazy.

San Se takes place during the tourism offseason (aka one of the best times to visit Puerto Rico), so if you’re traveling in January make sure to put the San Se festival on your Puerto Rico itinerary.  

#9: Get close to nature at La Marquesa Forest Park

While everyone loves going to El Yunque (and they should!), La Marquesa shouldn’t be ignored.

This 600-acre forest reserve includes beautiful birds, hiking trails, a butterfly house, and a trolly that takes you to and from a massive viewing tower. It’s so tall, you can even see San Juan and the northern shore!

For those of you looking for adventurous activities in Puerto Rico, La Marquesa also has a zip line that’ll send you soaring through the forest.

#10: Eat up at the Saborea Food Festival

If you’re looking for things to do in San Juan in the spring, the Saborea Food Festival is a must.

International chefs flock to the island in early April to cook up local cuisine and some of the best Caribbean traditional recipes.

You can chow down on drinks, pasteles, and mofongo to your heart’s content during this flavorful outdoor event.

Ready to explore the most unique stuff Puerto Rico has to offer? Then have a Puerto Rican local plan your trip! After all, there’s nothing worse than spending weeks planning only to find out you’re missing out on the *real* Puerto Rico. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to message us—and make sure to check out:

  • Connect With a Local to Plan Your Trip
  • 40 Incredible Things to Do in Puerto Rico
  • The Best Places to Visit in Puerto Rico 2023
  • Is Puerto Rico Safe?
  • Puerto Rico Tourism Update 2023
  • Traveling To San Juan: The Ultimate Guide
  • Contact Us

8 Cool and Unusual Things to Do in San Juan

/

All

United States

Puerto Rico

San Juan

8 Cool, Hidden,
and Unusual Things to Do in
San Juan, Puerto Rico

Updated June 10, 2022

Email

San Juan, Puerto Rico

Capilla del Santo Cristo de la Salud (Chapel of the Holy Christ of Health)

This chapel on a cliff is renowned for its healing powers and was founded on the site of a supposed divine intervention.

San Juan, Puerto Rico

Old San Juan Cemetery

This bleach-white graveyard overlooking the ocean is accessed through a tunnel.

San Juan, Puerto Rico

La Casa Estrecha (The Narrow House)

This tiny home was originally a narrow alleyway.

San Juan, Puerto Rico

Garita del Diablo

Legend tells how a Spanish soldier disappeared from this isolated sentry box without a trace.

Guaynabo, Puerto Rico

Caparra Archaeological Site

The ruins of the first Spanish settlement in Puerto Rico.

San Juan, Puerto Rico

El Batey

Everyone from Alan Ginsberg to The Rolling Stones has stopped by this classic dive bar.

San Juan, Puerto Rico

La Puerta de San Juan

This colorful gate stands as an entrance to the walled city of Old San Juan.

San Juan, Puerto Rico

San Juan Sound

At this studio, musicians, engineers, and quite possibly a music-loving ghost carry on Puerto Rico’s musical traditions.

San Juan, Puerto Rico

El Batey

Everyone from Alan Ginsberg to The Rolling Stones has stopped by this classic dive bar.

In partnership with KAYAK

In partnership with GetYourGuide

History
3

Architectural Oddities
2

Forts
2

Alleyways
1

Legends
1

Miracles
1

Health
1

Superstitions
1

Churches
1

Art Gallery
1

Houses
1

Mystery
1

  1. Luke J Spencer

    1

  2. bRoaming

    1

  3. CDVV86

    1

  4. Amber C Snider

    1

  5. marcusdgilmer

    1

Join the Ranks!

Add an unusual place to San Juan.

  1. Respectful Restoration

    4

  2. heidicbrown

    2

  3. The25th

    2

  4. CDVV86

    2

  5. Cheferoy

    2

Join the Ranks!

Improve the Atlas with edits and photos.

  1. alvarado678

    7

  2. heidicbrown

    6

  3. missmimiwashere

    6

  4. cj16

    6

  5. A Traveling Eye

    6

Join the Ranks!

Visit a place in San Juan.

  • rylcat

    wants to go to
    El Batey

  • rylcat

    wants to go to
    Capilla del Santo Cristo de la Salud (Chapel of the Holy Christ of Health)

  • AF

    wants to go to
    La Puerta de San Juan

  • AF

    wants to go to
    Capilla del Santo Cristo de la Salud (Chapel of the Holy Christ of Health)

  • AF

    wants to go to
    La Casa Estrecha (The Narrow House)

Become an Atlas Obscura member and experience far fewer ads and no pop-ups.

Learn More

Where can lovers of fishing and the sea go to relax? Puerto Rico

*****

Puerto Rico is a US overseas resort area in the Caribbean. In recent years, it has become the most popular year-round holiday region among tourists. It is especially attractive for fans of fishing and yachting. Getting to the resort is not difficult, since it has its own international airport. A special “yacht” charter will take tourists to the world of rocky mountains, unforgettable cuisine, unique culture and stunning natural sea beauties of the legendary Caribbean Sea – a haven for pirates. nine0003

Entertainment for all tastes

Puerto Rico has something for everyone. It is fun and comfortable for both young people and respectable couples. Numerous comfortable hotels have been built in the resort, sports and entertainment centers offer a wide variety of entertainment programs. Actively developed in this region of the Caribbean is such a service as renting yachts for traveling around the islands.

The resort has a fairly large yacht fleet. Vessels are specially equipped. On them you can make both sports walks along the coast, and fish on the islands. If you aim for fishing during your vacation, all fans of this sport – both professionals and beginners – can be sure of a rich catch. On the islands in the vicinity of Puerto Rico, marlin and tuna, medium-sized species of sea fish, are excellently caught. Fishing is not practiced from the shore, and yacht charter in Puerto Rico is great for this. In case you don’t have the opportunity to travel so far, but like fishing or traveling by sea, it may be suitable for you to buy a used yacht in Ukraine at a good price. nine0003

A unique ecosystem

Tourists are especially interested in the sightseeing natural places of the surrounding islands while sailing on a yacht. Three of them are especially attractive. These are Mona, as well as Vieques and Culebra. The last two are part of the archipelago of the Spanish Virgin Islands. Of particular interest is the opportunity to explore their unique ecosystem, especially Mona.

Mona Island

Mona is located between Puerto Rico and Haiti. This is a completely wild island. In order to go to it, you will have to obtain a special permit, which is issued by the local municipal authority. Do not give up traveling for fear of running into paper difficulties. In fact, permits are issued quite willingly. The authorities just need to ensure the safety of the ecosystem and keep records of tourists visiting the island. nine0003

Once you get permission, you won’t regret doing it. Mona can be compared to the Galapagos, with the only difference being that you will see the Galapagos flora and fauna while in the Caribbean. The island is home to huge sea turtles that lay their eggs right on the virgin beaches, and giant lizards. There are unique plant species and populations of rare birds. They all lived on other islands of the Caribbean until people came there.

Unique Caribbean cruise tours with a direct flight to Miami!

Combine a magnificent cruise on a fifteen-deck handsome Liberty of the Seas 5 * with a vacation in luxury hotels on the coast of Miami.

Cruise tour price includes: a/b + hotel stay in Miami, USA (1n) + cruise (7n) on a 5* Liberty of the Seas liner + hotel stay in Miami, USA (3n), 11n/12d
Cost of the Cruise tour from 2929 c.u. per person

Miami Beach is known for its luxurious beaches, first-class hotels, restaurants, numerous nightclubs and cafes in the historic Art Deco (Art Deco) district on the bohemian Ocean Drive (Ocean Drive) and on the pedestrian Lincoln Road. Luxury shops Bal Harbor (Bal Harbor) and snow-white yachts in the Bay of Biscay will not leave anyone indifferent.

During the cruise, the Liberty of the Seas 5 *, with a capacity of 3634 passengers, will offer passengers a lot of opportunities for recreation and entertainment. There is an ice skating rink, a climbing wall, and a golf course for 9holes. An entire deck is devoted to a real water park, where, in addition to numerous pools with water slides for children and adults, there is a surfing pool with an artificial wave. As well as equipped with the latest technology SPA-salon and fitness center. There is also a night club, a disco and much more on the liner! And of course Liberty of the Seas 5 * offers great opportunities for families with children on a cruise. For children of any age there is a children’s club – Adventure Ocean. This is a recreation program for children of all ages, offering a wide range of activities under the constant supervision of instructors, including special meals for children, discos and video games. On the liner, everyone will find entertainment for themselves. nine0003

Book a 11 night Liberty of the Seas 5* cruise with a direct flight to Miami!
Rides with a cruise on Western Caribbeks: 06.11, 20.11, 04.12, 18.12, 01/01/2011, 01/15/2011
Rails with a cruise on Eastern Caribbeans: 13.11, 12.12, 25.12, 01/08/2011 CRULE OF CRUZ -tour: 11 nights/12 days
Cruise tour program (11 nights): a/b + hotel stay in Miami, USA (1 night) + cruise (7 nights) on a 5* Liberty of the Seas liner + hotel stay in Miami, USA (3n)
Western Caribbean Cruise Itinerary: Miami, Florida – Costa Maya, Mexico – Belize – Cozumel, Mexico – George Town, Grand Cayman – Miami, Florida
Eastern Caribbean Cruise Itinerary: Miami, Florida – Philipsburg, Saint Martin – San Juan, Puerto Rico – Labadi, Haiti – Miami, Florida
Liner Liberty of the Seas 5*
The cost of the tour is:

  • with accommodation in the inner cabin from 5858 c. u. for two
  • with accommodation in a cabin with a window from 6357 c.u. for two
  • with accommodation in a cabin with a balcony from 6835 c.u. for two
  • with accommodation in the cabin suites from 7355 c.u. for two

INCLUDED IN THE COST OF THE CRUISE :

  • air flight a / c Transaero: Moscow – Miami – Moscow;
  • transfers along the route; nine0081

  • accommodation in a room of the selected category, in the selected Miami hotel – 1 night before the cruise, 3 nights after the cruise;
  • accommodation in a cabin of the selected category;
  • food on the liner according to the “All inclusive” system, with the exception of alcoholic beverages, bar products on the liner;
  • port fees, local taxes;
  • tips for staff;
  • all recreational activities on the liner; nine0081

  • medical insurance;
  • MANDATORY minimum travel insurance;

ADDITIONAL PAYMENT:

  • US visa;
  • additional expenses on the liner;
  • excursions in ports of call.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *