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Curator’s statement
I was born and raised in Puerto Rico and one of my favorite adventures is the bio bay in Fajardo.
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Insider knowledge
Expert advice from people who’ve actually been there
Where to stay in Puerto Rico
Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico
The resort on Coco Beach offers spacious suites with stunning views and a lagoon-style pool.
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Hotel / resort credit.
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Fairmont El San Juan Hotel
Set on idyllic Isla Verde Beach, the Fairmont El San Juan boasts modern rooms and resort amenities including a casino, nine restaurants, multiple bars and a nightclub.
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$100 hotel / resort credit.
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Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Puerto Rico Golf & Beach Resort
Family-friendly resort in Puerto Rico with exciting activities and access to golf.
The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort, Puerto Rico
A sparkling beach resort on a two-mile stretch of sand, with sea and rainforest views and a selection nature and watersports adventures.
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Things to do in Puerto Rico
Here are 10 things to do in East Puerto Rico, specifically in Fajardo:
Visit El Yunque National Forest for hiking and exploring waterfall pools.
Relax and swim at the picturesque Luquillo Beach.
Enjoy authentic Puerto Rican street food at Los Kioskos de Luquillo.
Take a nighttime kayak tour of the Las Cabezas de San Juan Bioluminescent Bay.
Join a bomba music dance class in Loíza to experience Afro-Puerto Rican culture.
Explore the Las Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve and its lighthouse.
Snorkel or dive in the clear waters around the Fajardo Cays.
Take a ferry to Culebra or Vieques for more pristine beaches and snorkeling spots.
Embark on a catamaran day trip to Icacos Island for beach-combing and snorkeling.
Visit the historic Fajardo Lighthouse for stunning coastal views.
Places to eat & drink in Puerto Rico
Here are 8 great places to eat on the East Coast of Puerto Rico:
La Estación (Fajardo) - A popular spot for barbecue and Puerto Rican fusion dishes in a unique outdoor setting.
Luquillo Kiosks (Luquillo) - A row of beachside kiosks offering a variety of traditional Puerto Rican street food, from seafood to fried delights.
La Parrilla (Luquillo) - Known for its fresh seafood and oceanfront views, a great spot for a leisurely meal.
Las Vistas Café (Fajardo) - A rooftop restaurant with stunning views, offering a delicious breakfast and brunch menu.
Don Pepe (El Yunque area) - A classic spot near the rainforest, known for its hearty Puerto Rican cuisine, including mofongo.
Boardriders Surf Bar & Grill (Luquillo) - A laid-back beach bar with tasty burgers, seafood, and a great spot to enjoy the sunset.
Need to know
Tips for exploring Puerto Rico's east coast Bioluminescent Bay in Las Cabezas de San Juan:
As a proud, fun-loving Puerto Rican woman born and raised on the island, I have a deep connection to every corner of Puerto Rico. Even though my hometown is Ponce in the south, the East Coast is where my heart truly feels at home. The mix of the Caribbean and Atlantic waters is absolutely stunning, and the East is where you’ll find some of my favorite memories. Imagine this: a warm tropical night, my best friend and I (plus a few other adventurous souls) paddling through the bioluminescent bay in Las Cabezas de San Juan. I’ll never forget one of her friends trying to recreate the glowing Avatar moment by tossing water over me! And guess what? The glow is real — you can even see it on your skin! Just a tip, though: swimming is a no-go to protect delicate organisms, and trust me, you don’t want to mess with that magic.
Now, before you get too excited about capturing the perfect glow for your Instagram feed, here’s the real deal: bioluminescence is tough to photograph. Unless you’re a pro photographer (or know one), your phone may not catch the glowing magic of the dinoflagellates. I’ve seen it firsthand — sometimes the organisms don’t light up as brightly, especially when they’re affected by things like construction projects (like that one time back in 2013, the glow just… disappeared!). But let me tell you, the experience is so mesmerizing that you’ll want to put the phone away and just enjoy the luminous wonder. No photo can do it justice!
And here’s a little insider tip: You don’t have to stay on the East Coast to explore its beauty! Puerto Rico is so small that you can base yourself anywhere on the island and road trip your way to Fajardo, El Yunque, or even hop on a ferry to Vieques and Culebra. Every corner of the East Coast has something exciting to offer, so get ready to fall in love with the vibrant energy, tropical vibes and natural wonders that make this side of Puerto Rico a must-visit!
Travel Advisor
Melissa Marlette
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This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Puerto Rico. In need of further inspiration? Check out Michael Cole-Schwartz's guide, 4 Gays with 8 Days in Morocco.