Looking for a bit of excitement on your Puerto Rico vacation? Enter our guide to the most adventurous things to do in Puerto Rico.
Below, you’ll find out what makes Puerto Rico awesome for outdoors enthusiasts – along with 10 of the most adventurous things to do on the island.
If you're ready to get your trip started, chat with a Fora Advisor to begin planning with expert recommendations today. And remember, booking with an advisor means VIP hotel perks and free upgrades (so you can splurge elsewhere).
Where to go for an adventure in Puerto Rico
The best places to visit in Puerto Rico are filled with adventure. From ziplining through the jungle to scuba diving along coral reefs, every corner of the island has something to get your blood flowing and adrenaline pumping.
Oh, and there’s no best time to visit Puerto Rico for adventure, because each season offers something different. In “winter” (it doesn’t really get cold in Puerto Rico) you have surfing; in summer, snorkeling. And exploring the jungles and caves is a year-round experience.
The 10 most adventurous things to do in Puerto Rico
1. Zipline through the rainforest
A hilly and jungle-filled landscape makes Puerto Rico a prime spot for ziplining. While traversing the forest canopy, you’ll get a bird’s (well, monkey’s) eye-view of gorgeous parks like El Yunque National Forest.
Rainforest Zipline Park is the largest option (and a fun day trip from San Juan), but there are plenty of zipline parks scattered about the island.
2. Explore underground caves
Hiking through an underground cave might not be the first thing you think of when you hear “Caribbean vacation” (if that's where you're headed, check out our Caribbean vacation guide). But exploring caves like the Camuy Caverns or Cueva Ventana is definitely among the more adventurous things to do in Puerto Rico.
The caves are home to an abundance of rare wildlife (and way too many spiders and bats) with some stretching for miles. How many people can say they went exploring in Puerto Rico underground?
3. Snorkel or scuba dive off the coast
Speaking of wildlife, you’ll find plenty beneath the surface of Puerto Rico’s waves. Snorkeling just offshore is easily one of the most exciting things to do in Puerto Rico with kids, but if you’re looking for something slightly more exhilarating, you can scuba dive further out. Shipwrecks, coral reefs and schools of tropical fish are just a glimmer of what you might find.
Not sure where to start? A Fora Advisor can help you decide which places to visit and which to skip.
4. Ride a flyboard at the beach
If you’ve never heard of it, flyboarding (sort of) lets you leave your Earthly bounds Iron Man-style using waterjets attached to your feet for propulsion. It’s ridiculously fun once you get the hang of it, but best of all, many of Puerto Rico’s beaches let you rent flyboards. Talk about adventurous things to do in Puerto Rico!
5. Kayak through a bioluminescent (or any) bay
Kayaking over a bioluminescent algae bloom might seem low-key compared to ziplining or flyboarding, but we’re still including it among the most adventurous things to do in Puerto Rico, because truly magical (romantic Puerto Rico getaway, anyone?).
Of course, kayaking isn’t limited to the bioluminescent bays (as cool as they are). You can rent kayaks and explore Puerto Rico’s waterways – like the San Juan Bay – until your heart’s content.
And remember: your Fora Advisor can personalize your trip to level up your vacation even more.
6. Ride ATVs through the parks (or on tours)
If you want a (literally) grounded adventure, one of the best things to do in San Juan is to take an ATV tour through the city. Or, if you want a more off-the-rails experience, many of Puerto Rico’s state parks (like Carabali Rainforest Adventure Park) offer ATV rentals too.
Sidenote: if you’re looking for adventurous things to do in Puerto Rico at night, San Juan has an incredible nightlife to explore (check out our guide).
7. Surf at Puerto Rico’s top beaches
Puerto Rico is one of the top surfing destinations in the world because of its warm waters and generous waves. Rincón is the best-known spot (and one of the best places to stay in Puerto Rico) but virtually all the main island beaches offer surfing opportunities catering to different skill levels.
And don’t forget: Fora Advisors have the inside scoop when it comes to the most adventurous things to do in Puerto Rico (like finding the best surfing spots).
8. Mountain bike through the jungle
Whether you’re looking for a high-speed, zero-margin-for-error trail or something laidback and easy, Puerto Rico trip planners have a ton of mountain bike trails to choose from.
Biking along Puerto Rico’s park and beach paths is a breezy way to see the sights. And cities like San Juan and Vieques offer bike tours too.
9. Go horseback riding
Horseback riding is another great way to indulge in some adventure while exploring San Juan and the whole of Puerto Rico.
There aren’t as many opportunities as mountain biking but many of the bigger cities still have horseback tours. Psst: a Fora Advisor can help you find the best tours through areas you’re interested in!
10. Hike Puerto Rico’s trails
From the El Yunque in the northeast to Guanica State Forest in the southwest, Puerto Rico has hiking trails everywhere (our Puerto Rico nature guide has more). You’re not just limited to the island’s natural landscapes either (as beautiful as they are) – pathways like the seaside walk around El Morro let you admire Puerto Rico’s rich architecture as well.
Looking for exciting outdoor activities? A Fora Advisor can help you find the most adventurous things to do in Puerto Rico
Let a Fora Advisor handle the heavy lifting so you can focus on enjoying all of Puerto Rico’s most adventurous things to do. Plus, you’ll get free hotel perks and upgrades, all without spending more than you would if you booked alone.
Connect with a Fora Advisor to customize & book your trip to Puerto Rico today.