Puerto Rico is the ultimate playground for sports enthusiasts. Whether you long for the rush of adrenaline that comes with kitesurfing, off-road mountain biking or spelunking or you crave the simple pleasure of an energizing hike, game of tennis, or snorkel, you're sure to find it here—and better than you ever imagined.
On the Water
Kayaking
With hundreds of miles of tropical coastline, dozens of rivers and man-made lakes and countless coastal inlets, coves and bays, Puerto Rico is a paddler's utopia—and that's without even mentioning the fact that it's home to three of the world's most brilliantly concentrated phosphorescent bays, all easily accessible and best experienced by kayak.
Kite Surfing
Any day of the week you'll find the sky over Ocean Park Beach filled with colorful kites, and enthusiasts of the extreme water sport gathering along the shoreline from Punta Las Marías to Condado. There are also several kitesurfing operations on the west side of the island.
Windsurfing
There are plenty of great spots to launch from, including the Condado Lagoon, an ideal place for beginners since there are few waves and steady winds. Other suitable places for those just starting out are the protected waters off the shores of the Palmas del Mar Resort and El Conquistador Resort. More savvy windsurfers head for the beaches of Isla Verde and Punta las Marias, as well as the waters surrounding the town of Isabela, and Crash Boat beach in Aguadilla.
Surfing
Waves are exceptionally good along the island's northwest coast during the winter months, with prime locations being Jobos Beach near Isabela, as well as Punta Borinquen and Wilderness Beach in Aguadilla, and Punta Higüero in Rincón. In the northeast, the surfing crowd frequents La Pared in Luquillo, with Pine Grove a popular site near Isla Verde in Carolina.
Diving and Snorkeling
Popular spots around the island for beach and boat dives include Aguadilla, Cabo Rojo, La Parguera, Guánica, Rincón, Desecheo Isle, Salinas, Humacao, Ponce, Fajardo, Luquillo, Cerro Gordo Beach, Mona, Condado and Shacks Beach, as well as the islands of Vieques and Culebra. You can find some excellent snorkeling reefs off the coasts of Fajardo, Vieques and Culebra. The cays of the southeast coast are also prime snorkeling territory, including Isla Caja de Muerto, Cayo Cardona and Cayo Santiago.
Deep Sea Fishing
A trip to Puerto Rico isn't complete until you've fished the island's world-renowned waters, where sailfish, tuna, marlin, dorado and wahoo abound. A number of deep-sea charter boats run out of the San Juan Bay Marina and others can be found in the dock areas of Fajardo, Palmas del Mar, La Parguera and Puerto Real.
On Land
Hiking
Nature lovers and bird watchers never tire of the flora and fauna of El Yunque rainforest, where 13 lush, well-maintained trails beckon serious and casual hikers alike. All of the island's forest reserves offer unique hiking opportunities. Many seasoned hikers look for a challenge in the Cordillera Central (Central Mountain Range), where trekkers can reach the highest point on the island at Cerro de Punta (4,389 feet). The Guanica State Forest in the southern region is another popular hiking venue.
Cycling
The Paseo Piñones Recreational Trail is a popular scenic six-and-a-half-mile bike trail and boardwalk combination that slaloms along the northern coastline of Carolina, just east of Isla Verde. Other favorites of cyclists are the secondary roads on the south coast of the island going through Guanica, Cabo Rojo and Sabana Grande, which is the site of the annual International Cycling Competition. There are miles of roads in the Karst Country and off-road trails in the tropical forest setting of Cambalache that are popular among bikers, as well as shorter, less scenic bike routes that wind through the picturesque San Juan tourist districts.
Tennis
While most of the larger hotels and resorts feature top-notch tennis facilities and resident pros, you can also visit San Juan's Parque Central (Central Park), which is open to the public and has more than a dozen courts. There are also public courts in Old San Juan, Ocean Park, Hato Rey, Ponce and Mayagüez, among others.
Spelunking and Rappelling
For those who yearn for a little more challenge and excitement, there are canyoning and caving adventures that take you rappelling and spelunking through cave formations and over waterfalls and cliffs.
Horseback Riding
There are dozens of horseback riding establishments throughout the island, particularly in areas such as Luquillo, Dorado, Humacao, Isabela and Yauco.
View a complete list of activities, tours and attractions.
Puerto Rico is the ultimate playground for sports enthusiasts. Whether you long for the rush of adrenaline that comes with kitesurfing, off-road mountain biking or spelunking or you crave the simple pleasure of an energizing hike, game of tennis, or snorkel, you're sure to find it here—and better than you ever imagined.
Diving and Snorkeling
Tennis