My trip to Puerto Rico was a delightful surprise; I found a tiny island bursting with bright colour and character. With its vibrant blend of culture, history, stunning natural beauty, and lively nightlife, not to mention the warmth of its people, it was hard not to fall for this exceptionally spirited country – especially with all the activities on offer. As much as I love lying on a white-sand beach with a cocktail (the piña colada, a Puerto Rican invention, is a must-try), I soon get itchy feet on holiday and the urge to explore beyond the hotel boundaries. Fortunately, Puerto Rico, with its enchanting bioluminescent bays and lush tropical rainforests, offers a wealth of experience for those seeking adventure. And the best part is, due to the Island’s manageable size of only 3,500 square miles, you can easily enjoy an endless variety of exhilarating adventures in just one trip.
Off the beaten Path in El Yunque National Forest
I recommend getting your hike on and spending a glorious half day exploring El Yunque National Forest, the only tropical rainforest in the United States. Located in Río Grande, experienced and knowledgeable guides will accompany you along El Yunque’s giant fern and bamboo tree-lined trails toward cascading waterfalls and natural water slides. The rainforest is also a sanctuary for diverse flora and fauna, offering honeymooners a chance to witness exotic wildlife and rare plants in their natural habitat. The trails vary in length and difficulty, providing options for both casual hikers and more experienced adventurers. It truly is a memorable place for couples to recalibrate and soak in Puerto Rico’s wild, tropical beauty.
Other-worldly bioluminescent bay boat tours
Puerto Rico is blessed with three of the world’s five bioluminescent bays, located in Mosquito Bay, La Parguera, and Laguna Grande. A visit to any of the three bays promises an ethereal experience. I visited La Parguera during my stay, a fishing village in the south coastal town of Lajas. This is the only tour that allows you to go swimming in this rare ecosystem of microscopic sea plankton, which produces fluorescent light when disturbed. These magical marine habitats are best enjoyed at night and under a new moon, so I set out on a sunset electric boat trip and, once dark enough, hopped into the moonlit water where I was immediately surrounded by subtle, glowing white sparkles as I swam… a truly magical experience.
Snorkel in turquoise waters
If you’re a water baby and love ocean adventures, Puerto Rico is a stellar place to visit, with its crystal-clear waters, pristine beaches, plethora of guided trips, and helpful equipment rentals dotted across the Island. In La Parguera Natural Reserve you can travel to nearby uninhabited cays by electric boat to snorkel amongst the coral reefs which are teeming with a rich variety of colourful tropical fish, sea turtles, and rays just offshore. The diversity of marine species in these waters makes for a thrilling and immersive snorkeling experience. Additionally, there’s the chance to navigate the mangrove channels by kayak or experience the wonders of the underwater world through a mesmerising scuba dive.
As always, it’s essential to always follow responsible snorkeling practices to preserve the reefs and marine life by avoiding touching corals and sea creatures to help protect this beautiful underwater ecosystem. Using Reef-Friendly SPF is also advised to prevent coral bleaching.
Cave dwelling
Situated on top of a limestone cliff, Cueva del Indio, ‘Cave of the Indian,’ offers tourists a fabulous opportunity to visit one of the most scenic and historically significant natural attractions in Puerto Rico – not to mention its starring role as a set location in the Pirates of the Caribbean. Located in the northside town of Arecibo, this day trip offers visitors a glimpse into the Island’s indigenous Taíno history, stunning coastal views, and intriguing geological formations. Upon reaching the cave, visitors can explore the awe-inspiring stalagmites and stalactites that span back millions of years, making it an unmissable stop for honeymooners interested in history, culture, and natural landscapes.
The surf capital of the Caribbean
With warm waters all year-round, and a wide variety of waves, Rincón is a world-renowned surfing destination that attracts surfers from across the globe, of all skill levels. Located on the westernmost point of the Island, this laid-back surfing haven offers adrenaline-pumping surf alongside guided adventures for novices to learn and progress quickly. The combination of fantastic waves, balmy waters, stunning scenery, and a welcoming community creates an atmosphere that keeps surfers coming back year after year to experience the thrill of riding the waves in this tropical paradise. Moreover, Rincón is celebrated for having some of the most spectacular sunsets, adding an extra layer of allure to this charming town.
Flying high on zipwires
Several locations across Puerto Rico offer exhilarating zipline experiences, allowing you to soar through lush forests and over breathtaking topography, with sky-high views of the Caribbean Sea. Toro Verde Adventure Park in Orocovis boasts one of the world’s longest ziplines, ‘The Monster,’ providing a serious adrenaline rush as couples glide through the treetops and mountains.
Horse Riding at Hacienda Campo Rico
Hacienda Campo Rico, located in Carolina, offers a fantastic horseback riding experience for honeymooners keen to shake up unhurried beachdays for the beautiful Puerto Rican countryside and natural surroundings of the Island. One of the highlights of my trip, experienced guides took me (upon my trusted steed, Hershey) around the hacienda’s picturesque and diverse equestrian trails whilst pointing out the native wildlife and teaching me about the plantation’s heritage. When the tour is over, a hilltop Mojito Bar awaits… Salud!
To learn more about Puerto Rico as a honeymoon destination, visit: discoverpuertorico.com
Related Article: Top Cultural Things To Do In Puerto Rico
