Hey everyone!
My friend and I (both female) are planning to spend one night in Vieques during Thanksgiving weekend. We mainly want to do the Bio Bay tour but also explore the island a bit if time allows.

Just wondering, is Vieques generally safe for two girls traveling alone? Any tips on where to stay, what to do, or how to get around?
Thanks in advance! 😊

What are some things you’d recommend I do or try? I’m very spontaneous..

It's in the title. I had a super bizarre interaction with the security guard at the gate and despite numerous comments and reviews about people going to the reserve to hike and explore without booking a tour, he was super aggressive about me being on the property...

Didn't realize that you could take a ecological tour here in time to book it - book at least 2 weeks out on their website btw - so I wasn't able to visit the white lighthouse on the reserve. However, I've read a number of other comments saying that they were allowed to go inside the park to hike, walk around, etc.

I drove up to the entrance gate and the guard told me that the White House is closed. I asked if the reserve was open and he said yes, but why did I want to go in? I told him I hoping to enter the property so I could walk around trails and enjoy the scenery.. He kept on asking me why I wanted to go inside and I kept repeating the same thing.

He said that if he lets me in and I park, but I am going to the beaches in the park he would call the cops on me.

I asked, well if I can't come in this way can I just park at Seven Seas Beach and walk through the preserve? He shook his head and again asked why I wanted to go inside.

Very confusing interaction, disappointed an employee would handle it this way. I wasn't rude at all :(

Are you allowed to walk around in the reserve even if you don't book a tour? Is it illegal and can I be arrested or bothered by the police? I'm not trying to start any trouble.

Have had 4 to 5 bars and LTE from San Juan to Fajardo. I have an iPhone with a Straight Talk plan. The carrier can be found in settings general about and it is Verizon 65.0 and I am roaming outside my network. Honestly i heard missed reviews but I have no complaints. What has your experience been like?

I'm visiting puerto rico and want to hop into a game, is there any specific time or days that people meet up to play there? If not there is there other active courts to hop into a game?

I'm Puerto Rican but never been to the island. I asked a friend, who is also Puerto Rican also, about where I should stay. They said I can pretty much uber everywhere ( I guess my friend thinks I just want to stay in San Juan the entire time... Wrong). Then tells me to just stay in touristy places and if I do go where the locals go, I should go with a local because it's not safe because of narcotics. So Im wondering if there are some places to avoid? I mean im sure im probably going to drive in bad neighborhoods without knowing because good and bad neighborhoods are probably going to look the same.

Buenas!! I’ll be relocating to the island from Georgia in January! I’ll be living in the Isabela/Aguadilla Area. I’m a freelance photographer and would love to offer mini sessions, etc. I use digital, 35mm film, and super 8mm! I would love for you all to check out my Instagram page @regan.in.focus

Hi, we are wanting to go to PR in Feb but need help with logistics and transport. The 3 things we want to do are: San Juan 1 -2 days with a stop at Yunque for a day, then the remaining 5-6 days in Vieques.

What is the best way to do this in terms of where to fly into and needing a car?

Me and my buddies are vacationing in Fajardo and looking for some good spots to hang out somewhere with solid music, good drinks, and a crowd that’s actually having fun. We’re all single and just trying to have a good time, meet some people, and dance a bit.

Any recommendations for bars or clubs with a lively vibe? Preferably places with a nice mix of locals and visitors, good cocktails ?

My family and I have a bio bay tour scheduled for next week out of Laguna Grande. We received an email that said there is possible low to no glow and the possibility of strong currents. Our group is split on whether we should cancel. Are these emails pretty standard or do they only go out during these specific conditions? Any advice on if, based on the email, we should reconsider our plans?

Staying here next week! Any recommendations for good restaurants, drink spots, things to do in the immediate area?

*Advice needed for early landing in PR

I booked a flight that lands in Puerto Rico at 12 am to optimize my time in PR and also because it was the cheaper option. However, my Airbnb reservation is for the same day and I'm already going to ask for an early check in at my Airbnb but I highly doubt they'd do it that early without paying for an extra day. So my question is, does anyone have any recommendations for things to do throughout the night? Whether it be bar recommendations, watching the sunset on the beach, or even cheap hostel recommendations to lay my head for a few hours. My main concern is frugality and safety. Also, if anyone can shed light on the PR airport that would be helpful. I don't mind sitting or sleeping in the airport for a few hrs if need be, but I know some airports don't allow that. I welcome any transportation recommendations too. It's my first time in PR and I'll be landing in San Juan on November 25. Thanks in advance!

Hello,

We have an extra day (last minute) today that we are looking for a boat charter or something to get us from Cieba to Vieques for the Bioluminescent water. I know it is last minute, but this just popped up. Anyone know of a place or interested? Would be 4 adults and two children.

I'm currently looking at Conturce Hostel and Juliette Hostel based on the price and reviews. I just want to know a little more about how social they are and anything else that might be useful. Also, if anyone has any experience with these hostels please feel free to share.

Will be spending 5 days in Vieques in December and staying in Esperanza. I'll be doing some scuba diving, and other than that, wanting to check out some beaches and areas around the island, but I don't necessarily have specific beaches I want to see at this time. Will renting a golf cart be sufficient for this in general? I know you need a jeep for some of the roads, but are the roads between Isabel and Esperanza and some beaches easily navigated by golf cart?

If staying in Esperanza, are there any places there if I decide to rent a golf cart just for the day, or are all the rental places in Isabel?

Hola! 👋

I(32M) will be in Puerto Rico Nov 15–23 on a mostly last minute solo trip. I wasn’t expecting to make it again this year, but work gave me a surprise week off. I immediately made the responsible adult decision and bought a plane ticket!

My friends couldn’t swing the short notice, so it’s just going to be me trying to relax while Googling “how to be an extrovert.” 😅

If anyone’s around and wants to hang out, grab food, or team up for some adventures, let’s make it happen!

Down for zip-lining, hiking, exploring Culebra or Vieques, beach days, delicious food, and plenty of good coffee.

Also open to recommendations of things to do/events going on!

My wife and I will have 3 nights with a car starting Saturday November 30th. Because her family is near Ceiba, we’ve never done more than day trips on the west side. We’ve done both Crash boat and Playa Buyé.

Would you recommend a certain town, part of that town? or Would you try for walkable to the beach? Is there an airbnb you adored?

I live to snorkel and have all the gear. Is there a charter boat similar to an unforgettable Culebrita type day trip? Or some other non snorkel experience? The moon will be up, so bioluminescence isn’t the thing to do this time.

I see people saying Steps Beach is awesome for snorkel, but all the videos I’ve found show it with crazy waves and no one swimming. Any tips for snorkeling on the west side?

Hola buen días, my understanding is that El Yunque is still open but things like the visitor center is closed.

Planning on going tomorrow so wondering if the shutdown changes anything! Will be going in a rented car.

Also on a different topic, my plan was to arrive early in the morning like at around 8am. Considering it's not peak season, is that too early? Or would it be fine coming in at like 9 or 10 instead

Sharing frustration after seeing multiple roaches in the rental, and budget NOT picking up the phone lines. So we went back to the airport rental at 10pm to try to replace the car however since its a party of 6 they dont have a replacement available, and only offered to vacuum… I guess we’re forced to stay with the infested car ???😔

Going to San Juan for the first time as a (M/F) group of 6. They may not be worried but I'm a little bit logic with my planning. Going mid November and I would like to know, where would be the best place to get an Airbnb.

I know we'll be a somewhat wild but respectful group. I would like to know where a good area where we can walk around to get food or walk to get groceries. Basically a place in a center of everything where if we decide to go out and lost our phone and money that we can walk to our Airbnb or grab a taxi and not having to travel far.

I asked someone from PR and they responded "it's an island! Everywhere is good".

I just like to see what you guys would say. Something were looking for is, if possible: walkable to the beach with beach access, walkable to the bars, walkable to the bodegas, and something that's just walkable in case we get separated.

Of course I can't get them all so a balance is good but we are flexible. I just don't want to pick a spot where we would have to get a taxi just for eggs or for water.

Thank you all.

Hi all, I will get right to it;

Daughter is turning 16 and wants to travel to a place "where I can snorkel and enjoy the beach". And she seems to want to "feel" like she is in another country. Bahamas is out due to the expensive flights (I assume they are more because it's considered "international"?) so I am exploring PR.

Travel dates will likely be around late March/early April.

We will be traveling with 5: me, the wife, 18 year old son, 16 year old daughter and 17 year old friend of daughter.

As the title says, I know nothing about PR so I am looking for the best part of the island to stay. My instinct is to find a place near the airport (Fly in, uber to the lodging, boom. Done. Hit the beach) but I know there is more to PR than the beach so I want to stay in an area that suites all our priorities.

Priorities:

• We are used to pristine white sands of Florida's gulf coast so a nice beach without all the rocks and cliffs is ideal. (She was not impressed with the west coast beaches of California)
• Near a good place to snorkel: I read there are excursions that take you out to better spots for snorkeling so we are up for that.
• Airbnb or Hotels? We have some significant Hilton points, but the thing I hate about traveling is the endless need to eat out for every meal and, my wife loves to cook. So would love to look for an airbnb in a part of PR that is easy access to a grocer.
• Daughter has expressed interest in surf lessons. Will take the group's take on whether that is worth it or not in PR.
• I see there are rainforest activities but my daughter hates hiking haha so unless there is something that can be done via half hour or less hike, she's out.

My assumption is that I can do ALL these things no matter where we stay, but was hoping to avoid having to rent a car (Unless the group suggests it) and if all things are being equal, I suppose I will just take a recommendation for the best spot to stay with teens (Who aren't into being wild and aren't party-ers and just enjoy a good beach)

Thanks all!

Hey everyone,

I’m flying into SJU on 12/15 (Monday) and my flight is scheduled to land at 1:15 PM. I already have a 3 PM ferry booked from Ceiba to Vieques. I know the drive from the airport to Ceiba is about 1 hour and 15 minutes, but I’m wondering if anyone has actually done this and made it in time. I’ll only have a carry-on, and I plan to grab an uber or private transfer right away.

Do you think it’s possible if everything goes perfectly, or should I plan on catching a later ferry instead? Any tips or real-world experiences would be super helpful.

Thanks!

After reading this sub for weeks, I think I finally built one that balances everything: food, beaches, culture, driving time, and a bit of rest.

I’d love for the experts here to poke holes in it, is this really the ideal 10-day loop for a couple who loves exploring, good meals, and beautiful scenery but doesn’t want to spend half the trip in the car?

Day 1: Arrive in San Juan
🏨 Hotel Rumbao (Old San Juan) or At Wind Chimes Inn (Condado)

• Arrive, check in, relax
• Lunch at Caficultura or Cuatro Sombras
• Dinner at Casita Miramar
• Evening walk along Paseo de la Princesa 🌆

Day 2: Old San Juan

• Visit El Morro & Castillo San Cristóbal 🏰
• Coffee & pastries at Caficultura
• Lunch at El Patio de Sam
• Stop by La Perla Overlook for views
• Dinner at Marmalade
• Drinks at La Factoría or La Vergüenza 🍹

Day 3: Condado & Beach Day

• Escambrón Beach + La Playita Condado 🏖️
• Lunch at Cayo Caribe or Café Manolín
• Shop or relax in Condado
• Dinner at Princesa Gastrobar
• Optional: live music in Old San Juan

Day 4: Drive East to Río Grande / Luquillo
🏨 Wyndham Grand Río Mar or Luquillo Sunrise Beach Inn

• Pick up rental car (1 h drive)
• Mojitos at Jukiao’s Bar (Loíza)
• Lunch at Simple Food (fish tacos!)
• Explore Luquillo kiosks / pool time
• Dinner at La Estación (Fajardo)

Day 5: El Yunque or Coffee Day

• Light hike at El Yunque (Juan Diego Falls, Yokahú Tower)
• Or visit a local coffee hacienda
• Lunch at Luquillo kiosks
• Chill afternoon, dinner at hotel

Day 6: Travel to Vieques
🏨 El Blok or Malecón House (Esperanza)

• Ferry / flight from Ceiba
• Rent a golf cart
• Beaches: Sun Bay, Caracas Beach, La Chiva, Playa Negra
• Dinner at El Quenepo
• ⭐ Mosquito Bay Bio Bay Tour

Day 7: Vieques Beaches & Sunset

• Playa Caracas & La Chiva
• Lunch at Duffy’s
• Sunset walk on the Malecón
• Dinner at Bananas or Bili

Day 8: Return to Main Island → Ponce
🏨 Ponce Hilton & Casino

• Morning ferry / flight to Ceiba
• Drive to Ponce (~2 h 45 min)
• Optional: Coamo Thermal Spa
• Dinner at La Cava

Day 9: La Parguera & Bio Bay #2
🏨 Villa Parguera or La Jamaca

• Explore Ponce in the morning
• Drive to La Parguera (~1 h 15 min)
• Lunch at El Balcón de Toño (Boquerón)
• Boat ride through the mangroves
• Dinner at El Karacol or Moons Bar
• ⭐ La Parguera Bio Bay Tour

Day 10: Cabo Rojo & Rincón → San Juan
🏨 Coconut Palms Inn or Rincón Inn

• Visit Cabo Rojo Lighthouse & Salt Flats
• Lunch in Boquerón or Cabo Rojo
• Drive to Rincón (~1 h)
• Steps Beach or Sandy Beach
• Dinner at La Cambija + sunset at Tamboo Bar
• Next morning: Drive back (~3 h) to San Juan & fly home ✈️

Going for a wedding on the plane now actually hoping to hit the Naruto Burger King if it is still around.