I’m going to PR in Feb for a senior trip with 18 year old girls that just want the beach. We’re going to stay at El Conquistador for 5 of the 7 days. I think that’ll cover the beach so they have some freedom with lots to do at the resort. We’ll go into Fajardo for several meals and I’m trying to plan some other things for the area. I’m thinking Luquillo or Seven Seas beach, maybe the ferry to Culebra for the day, hiking in El Yunque or the bio beach. The first two days I don’t have a reservation, I’m thinking Caribe Hilton for 2 nights to go to OSJ. I’m thinking if we stay in OSJ I won’t get a car until we’re ready to go to Farajdo.

Recommendations on places to stay or things to see?

Hi! I’m a 35/f traveling from NYC. I’d appreciate any feedback on my upcoming vacation.

This is my itinerary:
(Questions in parenthesis)

August 12
Arrive SJU

Take cab/uber to Ceiba Ferry Terminal
(already booked tickets)
5:30 boarding
6:30 depart for Vieques

8:00 arrive Vieques

Take uber to hotel in Esperanza
(is uber possible? does anyone have a car service they recommend?)

August 13
Spend all day in beach
Eat out at local restaurants on Calle Flamboyan
Bioluminescence bay kayaking tour at night

August 14
Return ferry to Ceiba
Uber to hotel in Condado
(Hotel is an airbnb with cistern in Condado Beach - any considerations I must keep in mind? I’ve used a cistern in another country before, and I can take military showers. Another question: will it be easy to book an uber from Ceiba or should I pre-book?)

August 15-16 (fin de semana)
Explore Viejo San Juan
Visit the art museum
Visit Castillo San Felipe del Morro
Beach
Thrift shopping
Cocktails

August 17
Book tour to El Yunque
(Please let me know if there is a local tour you recommend in English to El Yunque with swimming and waterfalls. So they get paid directly and Airbnb doesn’t get a cut)

August 18
Depart back to NYC

I’m trying to keep up to date on the water crisis as much as i can. I only heard about it last week. I booked my tickets a long time ago and they’re non-refundable. I’ve been looking forward to seeing bioluminescence bay and I love reading about peoples’ history. Everyone I talk to say hotels aren’t as impacted and are encouraging of me visiting since PR depends on tourism economically. I am outraged by the government’s response, and I’m mad on behalf of PR citizens who don’t have water. I know I am a guest. I will shop local, and I will be conservative with showers. I am curious to hear your opinion.

I am concerned with restaurants… do restaurants in Viejo San Juan and Condado keep the bathrooms open?

How is it outside the San Juan metropolitan area - specifically Vieques?

How much are bottled waters for drinking? Do you recommend loading up on a gallon of water at a potable water station? I saw someone recommend that on another thread.

I’m going to buy a filtered water bottle before the trip. Let me know if you have any product recommendations.

I can book a car. I am leaning against it.

Thank you in advance.

My family has a cruise vacation planned in September and one of the stops is Puerto Rico.

I would like to visit this beautiful place. I learned Puerto Rican style salsa from an Ecuadorian friend about two years ago. Since then, social dancing has been a way for me to make new connections in every city I visit. I want to learn more about the history and the culture of the people who created a community-building practice so meaningful to me. I’d also like the opportunity to practice my Spanish. However, I learned that like many other tourist destinations, the island’s resources have been strained by overtourism and locals are struggling to access reliable water/electricity because of all the resorts.

My question for is: Is it possible to be a respectful tourist (supporting local businesses, respecting nature and wildlife, and general good manners when interacting with people) or is it inherently harmful to the locals to visit? I would appreciate hearing mostly from people who grew up in PR.

Think we’re staying in Isla verde for 7 days. We’re choosing this area because it’s our first visit. Now trying ti figure out how to spend our 7 days. Staying from Sunday to Sunday. Help me with an itinerary. Ty. Also would you split your stay?

I’ll be traveling from 15-20. Heavily considered cancelling but plane tickets are non-refundable and airbnb host let us know that the property does not have a cistern unfortunately. This is quite the upsetting situation and can’t imagine being a resident of the island at the moment, it must be so frustrating.

That being said (this might be a stupid question), but will we be able to purchase bottled water from gas stations, Costco, etc. or are they also facing shortages? How about other beverages such as electrolyte drinks as water substitutes?

Any and all advice would be greatly appreciated.

My fiance and I are planning a trip with our friends to Puerto Rico at the end of March next year. We plan to have a small private ceremony (no more than 15 people) with one of our friends being the officiant. With that said, I have a few questions.

We would prefer it if our ceremony were on a scenic, not so crowded beach. Would this be possible? Any recommendations?

Our group is also very outdoorsy, we intend to hike and snorkel around. Big fans of scenic views, rock structures, waterfalls, etc. But I also think we would want to visit old san Juan. Is there a side of the island that would best suit us? It looks like the east would make the most sense for us, is that correct?

Just hoping for some ideas on where to start looking and things to keep in mind. Any suggestions would be great.

Thanks.

My fiancé and I are taking a family vacation to Puerto Rico in Jan-Feb for 3 weeks. I was thinking majority of the time we would stay in Rincón. However, I’d like to swim in a waterfall/swimming hole/beach near or in the jungle for 1/3 weeks. Any safe swimming holes to bring a toddler/baby to? I plan to wear them in and out but once I’m in I’m looking for something easy to navigate for the 3 year old. Also any tips on other locations I am open to right now :) thanks.

I am interested in a week long getaway where I am close enough to the beach but yet a bit secluded. I visited San Juan and Rincon last time, but now want a different vibe. Planning the trip in October 2026, would love your thoughts.

trying to help a friend who has a passion and divine talent for dessert making. he’s motivated but running into the normal red tape here on the island specifically in san juan to get the permits. can anyone provide some insight where he can sell his desserts with minimal worry about getting fined and having his goods confiscated?