These 43 Places in Puerto Rico Are Worth A Visit (By a Local)

I am a Puerto Rico local and I’ve put together this epic list of places to visit around the archipelago. This post covers all the best spots plus some hidden gems that only a Puerto Rican like myself would know. 

Whether you like the outdoors, history, or culture, you’ll find something worth adding to your trip! If you’re looking for even more trip-planning guidance after reading this article, check out my full Puerto Rico ebook guide!

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43 Best Places to Visit in Puerto Rico

Old San Juan

Walk through a historical city that combines ancient and modern times.

📍 Google Maps | 👉 My Guide to Staying in San Juan

Old San Juan has the best of both worlds: a historical landscape for history buffs and modern, energetic nightlife for party lovers. It offers some of the most popular things to do in Puerto Rico within a relatively small area.

Touring the cobblestone streets and admiring the colonial architecture is a whole experience itself, but I recommend you make time for the best activities in San Juan. Some of my favorite city landmarks include La Capilla del Cristo, El Paseo de la Princesa, La Fortaleza, and of course, El Morro.

Go bar hopping at night (Calle San Sebastián has some of the best!)  or catch a Puerto Rico festival like La Campechada and Fiestas de la Calle San Sebastián to immerse yourself in the local culture.

El Yunque National Forest

El Yunque is the only tropical rainforest in the US National Forest System.

📍 Google Maps | El Yunque National Forest Website

Known as the only tropical rainforest in the United States National Forest System, El Yunque National Forest is one of my most recommended Puerto Rico destinations for nature lovers.

You can explore dozens of hiking trails, rivers, and some of the best waterfalls in Puerto Rico, like Juan Diego Falls and La Coca Falls. 

The rainforest also has multiple masonry structures, most made by the Civilian Conservation Corps, including Baño de Oro and Baño Grande

Bookmark my full El Yunque rainforest guide for tips and practical info for your visit.

Vieques

A Caribbean paradise with breathtaking scenery, just off the coast of the main island.

📍 Google Maps | Vieques Website | 👉 Best Places to Stay in Vieques

Although small in comparison with the main island, there is so much stuff to do in Vieques, that a single day there won’t be enough.

Besides boasting a bioluminescent bay, Vieques has some of Puerto Rico’s top beautiful beaches including Playa Negra, one of the few black sand beaches in the archipelago, and other paradisiacal beaches like Navío Beach, Sun Bay, and La Chiva.

History enthusiasts can’t miss the Puerto Ferro Lighthouse and the Fortin Conde Mirasol Museum, the last Spanish fort built on the American continent.

Playa Flamenco, Culebra

Relax under the palm trees of a paradisiacal beach.

📍 Google Maps | My Guide to Staying in Culebra

Boasting white sand and turquoise waters, Playa Flamenco in Culebra is one of my favorite day trips from San Juan. Not only is it one of the most paradisiacal beaches in Puerto Rico, but it’s also one of the top beaches in the world.

Flamenco Beach is located northwest of Culebra and attracts visitors with its resortless picture-perfect natural landscape. Still, the beach has plenty of amenities, including bathrooms, lockers, showers, gear rental shops, and even food kiosks.

While you might be tempted to spend the day snorkeling and swimming, I recommend hiking west from the beach’s entrance to see the iconic military tank on the shore.

To get there, you’ll need to plan a visit to the offshore municipality of Culebra, which lies a 45-minute ferry right off the main island.

Castillo San Felipe del Morro

Discover a fortress with more than four centuries of history.

📍 Google Maps | El Morro Guide

Castillo San Felipe del Morro, also called El Morro, is a historical fortress built under the Spanish Empire to protect the capital city from incoming sea attacks.

El Morro is one of Puerto Rico’s iconic landmarks for its amazing architecture, which was built in phases between 1539 and 1780. Later on, the US government added a bunker and other structures during World War II.

The fortress was deemed as unconquerable (time did prove wrong!) and has seen its share of epic battles and sea attacks. You can even see a projectile fragment from the 1898 bombing during the Spanish-American War on the original tower in the lowest level!

You can visit on your own, but I always recommend taking a guided tour with a park ranger, which usually takes place in the early mornings.

Ponce

Immerse yourself in the history of the South Pearl city.

📍 Google Maps | Best Hotels to Stay in Ponce

Although partially similar to Old San Juan, Ponce has its unique charm and travelers will find many things to do in Ponce.

Some of the sites I love the most in the city are Parque de Bombas, the oldest firehouse in Puerto Rico, and Castillo Serrallés and Tibes Indigenous Ceremonial Center.

But, historical structures aside, Ponce also has a great coast to enjoy, and a visit to the city isn’t complete without strolling through La Guancha beach and eating at the local food kiosks.

And if you’re looking for great eats, you’ll find amazing restaurants in Ponce, with everything from international to local cuisine.

I suggest you visit late February to early March to catch the Ponce Carnival, one of the most colorful Puerto Rico festivals.

Cueva Arenales

Swim in a cave formed by Rio Morovis in Vega Baja.

📍 Google Maps

Increasing rapidly in popularity, Charco Azul and Cueva Arenales in Vega Baja are unmissable stops for outdoor lovers visiting Puerto Rico.

Formed by the Morovis River, Cueva Arenales is a partially open cave stretching over the river, with smooth curves and Star Wars-like rock formations. Locals often climb sections of the cave to jump into the water, while others explore the area in search of ancient petroglyphs left behind by the Taino.

But you don’t have to do either to enjoy yourself. You can float along the river, while gazing up at the cave’s ceiling, and let the current gently carry you.

A short hike downriver, you’ll find two other caves, known as Cueva Larga and Cueva Malanga. I recommend visiting early morning on weekdays. But make sure to check the weather first!

Mosquito Bay, Vieques

Kayak on the brightest bioluminescent bay in the world.

📍 Google Maps | 👉 Book a Mosquito Bio Bay Tour

Winner of the title for the brightest bioluminescent bay in the world, Mosquito Bay in Vieques is absolutely mesmerizing.

While this is not the only bio bay in Puerto Rico,  Mosquito Bay is the most stunning and the best-preserved. Make sure to visit on a night with a new moon to see the glow at its best!You can book a kayak tour to the bio bay, but I recommend taking an electric boat tour instead to enjoy the view without worrying about paddling.

👉 Pro Tip: Book this transfer from San Juan to the Ceiba ferry ahead of time if you don’t want to drive from San Juan to the ferry.

Cueva Ventana

Peek into the outside world from the “window” of this Arecibo cave.

📍 Google Maps

Cueva Ventana offers one of the best views you’ll find in Puerto Rico. 

Those brave enough to get through the cave’s darkest part (where there are hundreds of bats and quite a few roaches!) will reach a window-like opening, where a VIP view of the Rio Grande de Arecibo valley awaits.

It feels like you’re looking into another world and you get about ten minutes to soak in the view from 700 feet above the valley before moving on with the tour.

Cueva Ventana also has a few petroglyphs said to be from the indigenous inhabitants of Puerto Rico and dozens of swallows’ nests. Your guide will show you the baby swallows as well as the local population of bats.

Orocovis

Immerse yourself in this mountainous town’s food and outdoor experiences.

📍 Google Maps

Orocovis is one of those Puerto Rico towns that’s perfect for slowing down. Tucked in the island’s interior, it’s also home to Puerto Rico’s literal geographic center.

The town is filled with rivers and waterfalls where you can escape the heat of the metro area. One of my favorites is Doña Juana Waterfall, with a stunning drop of over 100 feet.

Foodies, don’t miss La Ruta de la Longaniza, a delicious food route featuring restaurants that specialize in longaniza, a flavorful Puerto Rican sausage.

Another route worth exploring is La Ruta Panorámica, which crosses the island from west to east, passing through Orocovis. Along the way, you’ll find Insta-worthy views at every turn.

For outdoor adventure, try hiking Cerro Mime or ziplining at Toro Verde Adventure Park, home to the second-longest zipline in the world.

Isla Verde

Stay in beachfront resorts a few minutes from the airport.

📍 Google Maps

Isla Verde is where to go in Puerto Rico if you want to stay close to the airport, but still get a taste of the beautiful beaches. This beachfront neighborhood has top-notch hotels and the best nightlife on the island.

You’ll also find some top-notch restaurants in Isla Verde, though you’ll be a short ride from Piñones, one of my most recommended destinations for foodies in Puerto Rico. 

Keep in mind that Isla Verde’s beaches aren’t considered safe for swimming because of their strong currents, so I suggest you visit the nearby Carolina Public Beach instead.

La Parguera

Swim or kayak in a glowing bioluminescent bay.

📍 Google Maps | La Parguera Lajas Website

La Parguera in Lajas is famous for having one of the bioluminescent bays on the island. You can visit on a kayak or boat tour (I always prefer the latter!).

But, make sure to arrive in town early morning so you can hop between offshore cays, go scuba diving in La Pared, and taste the local cuisine in El Malecón.

Fun fact? Lajas is also known for having a UFO route, said to be named after numerous UFO sightings in the area.

📆 When Should You Visit Puerto Rico? Check out my guide to the best time to visit Puerto Rico by month to learn the best seasons and times of year to vacation in Puerto Rico.

Piñones

Eat everything you can at Puerto Rico’s fritter capital.

📍 Google Maps

Piñones is Puerto Rico’s fritter capital. You’ll find dozens of Puerto Ricans in every kiosk enjoying traditional Puerto Rican foods like alcapurrias and bacalaítos.

Piñones is also famous for its beach boardwalk and La Pocita de Piñones, a family-friendly beach. Visiting during high season might be a hassle due to the heavy traffic, but the local vibe and turquoise beaches are worth the effort.

If you’re a pro surfer, don’t miss out on Aviones Beach right by the El Boricua food kiosk, where you’ll find some of the best waves for surfing in Puerto Rico.

The Pork Highway in Guavate

Taste the most popular Puerto Rican dishes in this gastronomic route.

📍 Google Maps

La Ruta del Lechón, also known as The Pork Highway, refers to a gastronomic route in Cayey with dozens of kiosks and restaurants.

These restaurants, known as lechoneras, specialize in preparing and selling one of the most popular Puerto Rican dishes, roasted pork. Foodies can indulge in an array of local delicacies, including arroz con gandules, guineitos en escabeche, tostones, and mofongo.

For the old classic roasted pork, stop at Lechonera El Rancho Original, but for roasted pork with a twist, check out Casita Guavate.

Once on this route in Guavate, don’t miss out on visiting La Loma de los Reyes to snap great pictures.

👉 Did You Know? There are three different Pork Highways in Puerto Rico. While the most popular is in Guavate (Cayey), you’ll also find one in Naranjito and one in Trujillo Alto.

Luquillo Beach

Sunbathe on the beach while eating a Puerto Rican snack.

📍 Google Maps

Luquillo Beach is awesome for multiple reasons, including its proximity to El Yunque, so you can definitely see them both on a day trip together (if you leave El Yunque early).

But, this beach is also famous for its turquoise shore, ideal for multiple watersports.

It also has facilities including bathrooms, showers, and lifeguards. Most importantly, Luquillo Beach is next to a line of food kiosks where you can get every traditional Puerto Rican dish. Put it all together, and you have one of the best beaches in Puerto Rico.

Manatí

Fall in love with this city’s natural beauty.

📍 Google Maps

Although most other travel guides won’t mention it frequently, you’ll find a lot of fun things to do in Manatí for outdoor enthusiasts, like water springs, natural pools, caves, biking trails, and beautiful beaches.

The city also has a historical downtown with structures from the Spanish colonization period and a beautiful plaza where you can catch festivals.

Some of my preferred spots in Manatí are Manantial Guayaney, Mar Chiquita, and Cueva las Golondrinas.

Los Morrillos Lighthouse

Admire the best view on the west coast.

📍 Google Maps

Although Los Morrillos Lighthouse itself holds historical value, the main draw of this popular attraction in Cabo Rojo is the surrounding scenery with cliffs and rock formations that seem like out of a movie.

The limestone cliffs drop over a hundred feet into the water and often look reddish in contrast with the ocean below.

It’s said the lighthouse, built in 1882, overlooks the union between the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea.

Mar Chiquita

Soak in the waters of a natural beach pool.

📍 Google Maps

Mar Chiquita is a cove formed by sandy rock formations in Manatí. A few years ago, it won the Travel Lemming Emerging Destination award as one of the top emerging destinations in North America. 

Besides swimming on the beach in Mar Chiquita, visitors can’t miss the view from the top of the rock formations. It’s also a great place for snorkeling beginners during the low tide season in summer.

My best tip? Walk all the way to the left end of the cove, where it’s easy to enter the beach, and it’s often less crowded.

👉 Local Tip: The rocks in front of the beach are slippery. Wear shoes with a grip, or enter the water through the sandy parts instead.

Culebrita

Snorkel with sea turtles in the Caribbean.

📍 Google Maps | 👉 Book a Culebrita Tour

Isla Culebrita, a small island that belongs to Culebra’s archipelago, hides one of the top beaches in Culebra, where you can swim with sea turtles and see the best coral reefs in the entire Caribbean.

You can only reach Culebrita by boat. There are lots of Culebra catamaran trips that depart from Fajardo and make a stop on the island.

But, if you’re already staying in Culebra, you can take a water taxi (often cheaper than catamaran tours) to Culebrita.

La Placita de Santurce

Mingle and party with the locals.

📍 Google Maps

La Placita de Santurce is a nightlife spot in San Juan that is surrounded by some of the best restaurants in San Juan.

If you’re looking to meet local Puerto Ricans or showcase your salsa moves, this is your go-to spot in the capital city, which has a great lively atmosphere even during weekdays.

Cueva del Indio

Explore a cave with Taino petroglyphs.

📍 Google Maps

History buffs! Don’t sleep on visiting Cueva del Indio. Located on the coast of Arecibo, Cueva del Indio is a huge oceanfront cave that offers beautiful coastal views.

But besides its natural beauty, the cave houses ancient Taino petroglyphs left behind hundreds of years ago by the indigenous inhabitants of Puerto Rico.

Getting into the cave itself is an adventure, as you have to climb through a small aperture in the wall, but you can also stay on the top and see some of the petroglyphs from the window-like opening on top of the cave.

👉 Read Next: Best Places to Visit in US Virgin Islands

Casa Bacardi

Tour the largest rum distillery in the world.

📍 Google Maps | Casa Bacardí Website

The Bacardí Rum Factory, also known as Casa Bacardí, is a must-visit for connoisseurs of the famous rum brand.

Known for its long history, you can take a tour to learn about the rum-making process, do tastings, or take mixology classes. You can also chill at the factory’s gardens and enjoy the view of San Juan Bay.

Rincón

Beach hop between the best beaches of this west coast town.

📍 Google Maps

With all the things to do in Rincón, you can experience your dream Caribbean island vacation. Besides having breathtaking sunsets, you’ll also find that many Rincón beaches are perfect for surfing and watching humpback whales (when in season).

Tres Palmas Beach in this town is one of my favorite beaches in Puerto Rico and is known as a popular destination for snorkeling.

Off the coast, you can enjoy the town center’s great restaurants, galleries, and souvenir shops. If you go, be sure to bookmark my guide to the best places to stay in Rincon.

San Germán

Stroll through the second-oldest city in Puerto Rico.

📍 Google Maps

San Germán is the second oldest city in Puerto Rico and it offers wanderers full insight into the past lifestyle of the Spaniards on the island.

The historic city center houses two churches from the 17th century, cobblestone streets, museums, and excellent restaurants.

I recommend touring on foot the historic district and stopping by the tourism office to get multiple themed-based town maps.

Guanica State Forest

Hike through the gorgeous scenery of a national forest.

📍 Google Maps

The Guanica State Forest is one of the largest natural coastal forest reserves in the world and a paradise for hikers and outdoor adventurers.

The forest’s ecosystem houses dozens of species and has even more biodiversity than El Yunque, but it’s a mystery how since it receives very little rain throughout the year.

A great alternative to El Yunque National Forest, the Guánica Dry Forest offers visitors miles of hiking trails, and some connect to the best beaches in town, which are popular activities in Guánica. Although hot, this is one of my favorite getaways on the island.

Castillo San Cristóbal

Roam through the hidden passages of a military fort.

📍 Google Maps | Castillo San Cristóbal Website

Even if El Morro is more popular, Castillo San Cristóbal also holds an important place in the military history of Puerto Rico.

While El Morro protected the island from sea attacks, the San Cristóbal Castle defended the territory from land attacks.

This historical fortress is the largest built by the Spanish Empire on the American continent, and it houses mysterious passages as well as a sentry box with a spooky legend behind it. One of my favorite things about this place? The beautiful view it offers of Old San Juan.

Carolina Beach

Kayak, paddleboard, or snorkel at a family-friendly beach.

📍 Google Maps

Carolina Beach is perhaps Puerto Rico’s most popular urban beach. Just a short drive from the airport, the beach offers tourists a water park for kids and watersports rentals for kayaking, paddleboarding, and jet skiing. 

It’s also near Puerto Rico’s most popular hotels. While there, check out my list of fun things to do in Carolina.

Gozalandia

Dip into a refreshing waterfall’s pool.

📍 Google Maps

Gozalandia is a natural water park in San Sebastian with a splendid waterfall that is both fascinating and easy to access. You’ll find a designated parking lot and stairs down to the waterfall.

Thrill seekers often like to cliff dive into the swimming hole, but you can just sit and enjoy the scenery. Make sure to visit early, as it’s one of the most popular waterfalls among locals and tourists.

👉 Safety Tip: Always check the weather before visiting, as the place is prone to flash floods.

Seven Seas Beach

Camp on a delightful beach.

📍 Google Maps

Seven Seas Beach is one of the top Fajardo attractions and a personal favorite beach on the east coast. The beach is known for its golden sand and often calm waters. It’s perfect for families and beginner snorkelers.

It has facilities like bathrooms, showers, and gazebos. Seven Seas Beach is also a popular Puerto Rico camping spot.

While visiting, I recommend hiking from this spot to Playa Colorá and Playa Escondida.

Aguada

Visit the Vatican City of Puerto Rico.

📍 Google Maps

Aguada is where it’s believed the Spaniards entered Puerto Rico (although there is a long debate about this!).

This city has charming beaches, which are often uncrowded in comparison with its neighbor, Aguadilla.

But if you’re looking to spend time away from the coast, I recommend checking out the historical buildings and fashion boutiques in the historical district.

You’ll also find the only Earthship on the island in this city, waterfalls, and multiple farms in the area.

Punta Tuna Wetlands Nature Reserve

Find the hidden beauties of a nature reserve.

📍 Google Maps

Puerto Rico’s outdoor parks are a great alternative to visit for budget-friendly and non-crowded activities. The Punta Tuna Reserve in Maunabo has a historical lighthouse and beachside hiking trails to enjoy a stress-free day.

You can bring your binoculars and camera to photograph the dozens of bird species and fauna in the reserve. Don’t forget to pack your snacks to enjoy them at one of the site’s gazebos.

La Piedra Escrita

Find the carved drawings left by the Taino.

📍 Google Maps

La Piedra Escrita (the written stone) is a huge boulder sitting in the middle of a river in Jayuya.

What makes it unique are the dozens of Taíno petroglyphs carved on its surface, which reflect the island’s ancestors’ lifestyle and beliefs. The surrounding recreational area has boardwalks, viewing towers, and a restaurant.

Bahía Viva Cataño

Hop between the picture-perfect spots of Cataño.

📍 Google Maps

Cataño’s beachfront, known both as El Malecón and Bahía Viva Cataño, offers entertainment for the whole family. 

Besides admiring one of the best views of San Juan there is, you’ll also find multiple picture-perfect spots, piers, food stalls, restaurants, bars, and a playground for kids in the area. 

You’ll often find a festivity in this promenade too, and on weekends, a few artisans sell toys, jewelry, and other keepsakes great for taking home as a souvenir. 

The restaurants surrounding el Malecón, such as El Kiki Ese, and Casilda offer a great nightlife atmosphere, even on weekdays.

San Cristóbal Canyon

Adventure into the deepest canyon of the Antilles.

📍 Google Maps

Located between Aibonito and Barranquitas, this 500-foot-deep trench hides the Usabón River, dozens of waterfalls, impressive cliffs, and a beautiful forest. You should only visit the San Cristóbal Canyon with guided tours, as it’s more challenging than El Yunque National Forest.

Jobos Bay Reserve

Kayak in the Black Sea of Puerto Rico.

📍 Google Maps | Jobos Bay Reserve Website

The second-largest estuary in Puerto Rico, the Jobos Bay Reserve extends between the town of Salinas and Guayama.

The reserve offers nature lovers options for hiking, kayaking in the “Black Sea” lagoon, or swimming on the beach.

This is also a great spot for birdwatching, so make sure to bring along your binoculars and camera. Keep in mind that some trails are outgrown after Hurricane Maria.

Hacienda Tres Angeles

Drink a cup of freshly brewed coffee.

📍 Google Maps | Hacienda Tres Angeles Website

Besides drinking a cup of fresh coffee at Hacienda Tres Angeles in Adjuntas, coffee lovers can take a coffee-making tour every Saturday at 10:00 am with a prior reservation. It’s one of the top coffee farms in Puerto Rico and an ideal day trip from San Juan for families.

Cayo Santiago

Travel to a cay with a peculiar population.

📍 Google Maps

Cayo Santiago is a small island that is famous for its unusual population: Monkeys! Also called Monkey Island, the cay is home to hundreds of monkeys that tourists can see on a boat tour. You can also kayak to the island.

But I personally love looking at it during the sunsets from the coast of Humacao.

Vaca Negra

Learn about cheese making and craft your own cheese at Vaca Negra.

📍 Google Maps

Vaca Negra in Hatillo offers a great cheese-making experience for foodies visiting Puerto Rico. You’ll learn how different cheeses are made, see the coagulation and curd separation process for yourself, and then prepare your own cheese. Personally, I got to make Ausubal, a Swiss alpine-style cheese. 

After you’re done making cheese, you’ll finish your session by tasting and pairing Vaca Negra’s cheeses. Stop at their coffee shop to buy more cheese and a coffee mug before heading out.

Utuado

Jump from beautiful caves to indigenous archeological sites in this mountainous town. 

📍 Google Maps | My Guide to Where to Stay

Utuado is an outdoor haven for adventure travelers. This mountainous town hosts impressive caves, canyons, and rivers, offering numerous outdoor experiences from hiking to rappelling.

History fans should visit the Caguana Ceremonial Indigenous Heritage Center to appreciate the most important and best-preserved Taino archeological site in the Caribbean. 

If you’d like to stay overnight, then I recommend camping at any of the town’s farms to get the best stargazing in Puerto Rico. Although the mountainous roads are somewhat challenging to navigate, Utuado’s attractions will not disappoint.

Cabo Rojo

Jump between turquoise beaches and mesmerizing reserves.

📍 Google Maps

While some consider it too far to visit from San Juan, Cabo Rojo is one of the best towns to visit in Puerto Rico if you’re into the outdoors.

Sitting on the southwest peak of Puerto Rico, this town hides some of my favorite reserves and beaches in Puerto Rico, like Buyé Beach.

Not only that, but Cabo Rojo also has numerous restaurants specializing in local seafood. Biking enthusiasts should check out the Pink Salt Lakes trails and the Guaniquilla Nature Reserve.

While birdwatchers can stop at the Boquerón State Forest and the Cabo Rojo National Wildlife Refuge. Another great thing about Cabo Rojo? It offers some of the best stargazing spots in Puerto Rico.

Santurce

Embrace the rich culture of the artsy neighborhood of San Juan.

📍 Google Maps

Santurce is San Juan’s modern cultural center where young travelers and culture enthusiasts can enjoy art, performances, and shows in theaters, music halls, and even the streets of the city.

This San Juan neighborhood also houses multiple of Puerto Rico’s most well-known museums and some top-notch restaurants.

I recommend visiting Calle Cerra in this neighborhood to admire street art (including the Caribbean’s tallest mural!) and grab a drink.

Condado

Brand stores, fine dining restaurants, and the beach all in one place.

📍 Google Maps

If you’re looking for brand stores, luxury hotels, and fancy restaurants without missing out on the beach view, then Condado is for you.

This district is home to some of the best hotels and restaurants on the island archipelago, with a view of the Atlantic Ocean. It’s also pedestrian-friendly and easy to tour on a bike, so you can ditch the rental car.

You’ll catch frequent festivals and activities in Ventana al Mar, one of the outdoor parks in the area. And if you’re looking for something fun to do with your family, take a kayaking tour in the Condado Lagoon.

🧳 Always Forget to Pack Something? Just use my Puerto Rico Packing List to check off everything you need to bring!

Desecheo Island

Dive into a world of colorful reefs and underwater caves.

📍 Google Maps | 👉 Book a Tour to Desecheo Island

Desecheo Island is one of the least-known Puerto Rico attractions, but it should definitely be on the list of every experienced diver looking for adventures in the Caribbean.

Desecheo is an uninhabited island off-limits to visitors due to the presence of live munitions from its time as a former bombing range

Although you can’t visit the island itself, the surrounding coral reefs and underwater caves are open for exploration.

The lack of boat traffic in this marine reserve allows it to have preserved coral reefs so colorful that one of the sites is known as Candyland.

Find more great diving sites in my guide to diving in Puerto Rico.

🚗 How to Get There: You won’t find ferries to Desecheo. If you don’t want to miss, you can book a charter to Desecheo.

Rio Camuy Caves Park

Discover a unique underground world in the Rio Camuy Caves System.

📍 Google Maps

Located between three towns, the Rio Camuy Cave system is the most important and largest cave system in Puerto Rico, with over 220 caves and caverns created by the Camuy River, the third-longest underground river in the world.

Something of such size has multiple entrances, but, the most popular and beginner-friendly is through the Río Camuy Cave Park in the town of Camuy, where you’ll tour caves with massive stalactites and stalagmites.

This is a must-visit in Puerto Rico as it’s a pretty unique sight, but the reservation system for the park works on a first-come-first-served basis, so I recommend you have a plan B in the area in case you can’t get in.

You can check out other of the best caves in Puerto Rico, a few of them like Cueva del Indio are located nearby.

👉 Closure Notice: As of May 2025, the Camuy Caves are temporarily closed after Tropical Storm Ernesto.

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From white sand beaches to historical fortresses, Puerto Rico offers something to every visitor. Up next, check out my list of the best things to do in Puerto Rico!