Things to Do in San Juan This Winter

Spend an adventurous day exploring two of Puerto’s most incredible natural wonders on this full-day excursion to hike in the El Yunque Rainforest and kayak at the island’s famed Bioluminescent Bay. Start your morning with a hike in the only tropical rain forest in the United States National Forest system, enjoying incredible mountain views and an optional waterfall swim to cool off. Then continue with a nighttime kayaking trip to the magical Bioluminescent Bay, which features a unique variety of plankton that glow when the water is touched or moved. Your Puerto Rico outdoor adventure also includes round-trip hotel transport, professional guide, and national park fees.

Explore the colorful buildings and charming streets of Old San Juan in a small group with the help of writer David Rodriguez, author of ‘The Rise and Fall of the Great Barbate.’ During the course of your day, the knowledgeable author helps you discover the area’s key historic sites and gain new insight into Puerto Rican culture. It’s a great opportunity to learn about the many stories of the people who helped to define this unique neighborhood. Your walking trip’s length is flexible based on your needs, and also includes bottled water.

Enjoy a taste of the Caribbean during a cocktail-making master-class at Casa Bacardí in Cataño, the Puerto Rican home of Bacardí rum. Discover the secrets of the world-famous rum as you peek behind-the-scenes on a distillery tour, sip a complimentary welcome cocktail, then learn to make classic cocktails like Cuba Libre, Mojito, and Daiquiri with a demonstration from an expert mixologist.

Get to know the rain forest around Arecibo on this adventure tour through the Taino Indians' ancient homeland. With a guide in the lead to ensure your comfort and safety, float down the river through canyons while body rafting. Explore the river caves and hike through the tropical forest with a small group of 10 people or fewer, learning about the biodiversity and geology of the private nature reserve as you travel. All equipment and instruction included, as well as round-trip transportation from San Juan.

Kayak through the waters of Laguna Grande, a stunning bioluminescent lagoon, during this half-day tour from San Juan. Watch the glowing organisms in the water light up as your kayak slides through the water. Paddle through stands of mangrove trees and watch small fish dart through the water underneath your boat like shooting stars. Stop for a break with snacks and refreshments before heading back to your starting point. Use of all kayaking equipment and round-trip hotel transfers are included.

Sail the calm, azure waters of San Juan Bay at sunset during a cocktail cruise. Enjoy a warm welcome aboard from your friendly captain and crew, then settle in for a scenic ride. Watch the island coastline glide by as the sun sinks toward the horizon. Sip a complimentary rum punch or sparkling wine with your family and friends and listen as your captain points out landmarks like El Morro Fort and San Juan Gate. Arrive back at the dock in time to continue your evening in San Juan.

Hang ten and catch a few waves during this surfing lesson in Luquillo taught by Pro Surfer and Former National Surf Champion Brian Ramos. If you’ve ever thought about learning to surf, this is a great opportunity to start, with a world-champion instructor to top it all off. Head to the city’s La Pared Beach, a great surfing spot for beginners with easy waves and a sandy bottom, as you enjoy a fun-filled lesson that will give you all the skills you need to catch a wave and ride with confidence. Your surfing lesson also includes local snacks and refreshments, and a state-of-the-art soft-top surfboard.

Zoom through the forest canopy on safe, secured ziplines during this 2-hour activity outside San Juan. With an experienced guide in the lead, zip from platform to platform in the forest, stopping for incredible views along the way. No experience necessary, all equipment provided.

Discover one of San Juan’s hidden waterfalls on this full-day adventure. Hike through the mountains and countryside of Puerto Rico until you reach this beautiful waterfall. Swim at the base in deep, natural pools to refresh before heading to a local establishment for a delicious Puerto Rican meal—at your own expense.