Yo! I was recently asked for advice on what to do in Fajardo by a friend. I figured I would share it with you as well! Read my response below:
Where to start?!
Fajardo is AMAZING - about 45 minutes from San Juan on one highway so it is an easy drive.
First thing: On a clear night, check out the biobay tours, it is in Fajardo and BEAUTIFUL! You HAVE to reserve in advance, it is a hot tourist attraction and fills up quickly.
That's the link to the electric boat tour. There are only two companies that offer electric boats otherwise you're kayaking through the 1/2 mile of mangroves until you reach the bay.
Second: El Yunque. It is about 25 minute drive from Fajardo. Do it. The main trail is about 7.3 miles going and coming up the mountain. So worth it when you reach the top. If there is a clear day without plans - that's your day for El Yunque. When you get to the top, that view!!! UGH! I am in awe each time I go and I've been doing that trail since I was 17. Pack a backpack with water, granola, and wear comfy sneakers for sure! The rainforest opens at 6:30am which is when we like to go. Two hours up the trail, eat breakfast with a view. Two hours down the trail. Grab lunch. Hit the Beach. Grab Dinner. Get drinks and chill on the beach at night. That is usually how our day goes when we have a rainforest day.
Third: Luquillo Beach (Balneario Luquillo). It is about 15 minute drive from Fajardo. The beach is situated behind "El Kioskos" which is a row of about 60 storefronts that act as bars, restaurants, clothing shops, ice cream parlos, pizza shops, etc. In PR they call all their beaches Balnearios which means spa. Luquillo is a crescent shaped beach with tons of jet ski, kayaking, parasailing activities for tourists and has been ranked as one the top 10 beaches to visit in the world. When you go to the kioskos, visit kiosko #2 at night for your group dinner at least one evening. Their food is fantastic!!! A bit pricey but so worth it. We make it our "Fancy night out" restaurant each time we go. Then we hang out on the beach at night because, well, you can do that in PR.
Fourth: Balneario Escambron near Old San Juan. About a 50 minute drive from Fajardo. This beach is PERFECT for snorkeling. You can get gear cheap at the WalMart near Fajardo and take a day trip with some bread to this beach. There are some sand fleas so bring a large sheet. There are picnic tables to set up your stuff. The water is clear clear clear and the fish are unafraid.
Fifth: Viejo San Juan. After Escambron shower change and visit Old San Juan. El Morro (The fort) is about six levels deep - if you're going to visit the fort, wear sneakers and bring water. The entry fee is about $5 and grants you all access. The lowest level is the first ever brick and mortar laid on that bedrock and still stands today literally right above the ocean; it is majestic. Old San Juan comes alive at night as well. You can go bar hopping where the cruise ships line up for the night or just walk around in the day time and enjoy the beautiful architecture from colonial era Puerto Rico.
Sixth: The Bacardi Factory. About a 90 minute drive from Fajardo. Buy these tickets in advance as well. http://www.
Seventh: Culebra Island. The ferry is 15 minutes from Fajardo. Something important to mention about Culebra, it will be an overnight trip so book a motel or hotel or AirBNB prior to your arrival. Get there early!!!! The line for the 9am ferry starts at about 6am. Pack food for the beach, and clothes for your overnight stay of course. They have a colony of feral cats on the island to keep the beach clean from crabs and rats and they are lovely and super social. Go to Flamenco Beach. Revel in its beauty and awe. Snorkel. Take pics. Enjoy life.
Eight: Rio Mar. About 30 minutes from Fajardo. There is a hotel resort on the beach that you can chill out on and at night they have a beach bar you can buy drinks and dance.
Ninth: Hotel Conquistador. About 5 minutes from Fajardo. When you get to the main gate, tell them you are going to the casino and they will let you in. The casino is super fun and open to the public.
Tenth: If you're up for an early early morning and want to take a full day trip. Visit Gilligan's Island. There is ONE ferry that goes there from a restaurant that can also bring your lunch if you don't want to pack a cooler. You can also kayak over from Guanica, PR from MaryLee's by the Sea rental shop. "There is an hourly ferry that departs from San Jacinto Restaurant (located just after turn onto rt 333) for about $8/person round trip (additional $$ for cooler/chairs etc). This restaurant will deliver a lunch to you on the island if you want. Their phone number is 787-821-4941. There are also a few other places in that area that offer boat trips during busier periods — just look for their signs." It is a drive from Fajardo, I'm talking like 90minutes to 2 hours if traffic is bad so you need to leave your place by like 6am to get to the 8am ferry line for the 9am departure so you can get a good spot on the little islands.
This website has a ton of information for day trips if you need more information:
Fajardo is one of the rainiest cities on the island. The northeast coast gets all the rain making it the most lush part of the island. It will rain everyday but for like 15 minutes spurts. Afterwards it will be HOT HOT HOT. Protect your skin and hair and hydrate. Most of all HAVE FUN! I hope you love my island.
XO,
Nadia
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