10 Unique Activities in Puerto Rico

From beaches to music to food, Puerto Rico is packed with things to do. But if you really want to have a one-of-a-kind trip, you need to experience one of these 10 unique activities. 

#1: Escape to secluded Mona Island

Mona Island is the perfect getaway for those seeking adrenaline-filled fun in Puerto Rico.

The island, located off the western shore of Puerto Rico, is a natural playground with incredible scuba diving, caves, limestone cliffs, coral reefs, unique flora, stargazing, and beach camping.

You may want to reserve your spot in advance as the island only allows 100 visitors at a time to preserve the island’s ecosystem.

Pro tip: If you’re struggling to figure out how to get to Mona Island, a local can point you to the best, easiest, and cheapest routes to get there.

#2: Take a tour of Puerto Rico’s most haunted places

With so much history, Puerto Rico’s top vacation sites are bound to host some ghosts.

From the haunted del Morro ships to the eerie Teatro Tapia, there are countless spooky experiences for you to uncover.

While the spirit of the infamous White Lady is said to stroll around del Morro (along with the spirits of soldiers and prisoners who used to stay there), Teatro Tapia is supposedly haunted by a famous actress who died tragically on stage.

#3: Watch monkeys roam their own island

Only 1/2 mile off the eastern coast of Puerto Rico, Monkey Island is home to 1200 free-roaming Rhesus monkeys, a unique sight you can only see when traveling to Puerto Rico. The monkeys were brought over in 1938 for scientific research and have lived there ever since.

Although you can’t walk around the island, you can observe the monkeys by boat (or preferably kayak). If you need help booking a boat or kayak trip to Monkey Island, it’s best to ask a local for their advice.

#4: Recharge at one of Puerto Rico’s coffee farms

If you’re a caffeine addict, visiting Puerto Rico’s coffee farms will make your heart and tastebuds happy. Puerto Rico boasts its own “coffee zone” in the center of the island where you can explore the coffee production process from bean to cup.

Or, if you want all the charm without leaving the city, you can always visit Hacienda Buena Vista. One of the best things to do in Ponce, this fully-restored colonial coffee plantation will not disappoint.

#5: Chill like a local in La Parguera

The waterfront village of La Parguera (located on Puerto Rico's southwestern shore) is perfect for anyone looking to avoid crowded areas or the more common Puerto Rico tourist attractions.

Although pretty lowkey, La Parguera is home to some of the coolest stuff to do in Puerto Rico, like food tasting, artisan craft shopping, swimming in bioluminescent bays, and snorkeling with sea turtles.

#6: Unwind at Isle de Cabras

Small and serene, Isle de Cabras is a great Puerto Rican vacation spot for those seeking a chill day in the sun.

Not often visited by travelers, the island in San Juan Bay offers some great Puerto Rico's most underrated sightseeing, with unparalleled views of Castillo del Morro and the city of San Juan.

You can picnic at the beach gazebos, discover World War II remains, and walk around El Cañuelo fort while looking out onto the bay.

#7: Tan with tanks at Flamenco Beach

Regarded as one of the best beaches in Puerto Rico (and eighth in the entire world by TripAdvisor), Flamenco offers a lovely and unique beach experience.

The area was once a site for U.S. Navy testing and training until locals began to protest in the 1970s — so, you can still see tanks and other war relics on the beach (that residents have covered in graffiti).

Flamenco’s turquoise-blue waters and unique history make it one of the many things to do in Puerto Rico you won’t find anywhere else.

#8: Get rowdy at the San Sebastian Street Festival

Locally known as “San Se,” the San Sebastian Street Festival is one of the largest annual festivals in Puerto Rico.

The 4-day event takes place in Old San Juan toward the end of January and is packed with music, dancing, alcohol, food, and local vendors all dressed up like crazy.

San Se takes place during the tourism offseason (aka one of the best times to visit Puerto Rico), so if you’re traveling in January make sure to put the San Se festival on your Puerto Rico itinerary.  

#9: Get close to nature at La Marquesa Forest Park

While everyone loves going to El Yunque (and they should!), La Marquesa shouldn’t be ignored.

This 600-acre forest reserve includes beautiful birds, hiking trails, a butterfly house, and a trolly that takes you to and from a massive viewing tower. It’s so tall, you can even see San Juan and the northern shore!

For those of you looking for adventurous activities in Puerto Rico, La Marquesa also has a zip line that’ll send you soaring through the forest.

#10: Eat up at the Saborea Food Festival

If you’re looking for things to do in San Juan in the spring, the Saborea Food Festival is a must.

International chefs flock to the island in early April to cook up local cuisine and some of the best Caribbean traditional recipes.

You can chow down on drinks, pasteles, and mofongo to your heart's content during this flavorful outdoor event.

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Ready to explore the most unique stuff Puerto Rico has to offer? Then have a Puerto Rican local plan your trip! After all, there’s nothing worse than spending weeks planning only to find out you’re missing out on the *real* Puerto Rico. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to message us—and make sure to check out:

• Connect With a Local to Plan Your Trip
• 40 Incredible Things to Do in Puerto Rico
• The Best Places to Visit in Puerto Rico 2024
• Is Puerto Rico Safe?
• Puerto Rico Tourism Update 2024
• Traveling To San Juan: The Ultimate Guide
• Contact Us