New! Weekly Stand-up Paddleboard Rentals

While on vacation or at home!

A convenient & safe way to explore, exercise, and relax

Over the past several years stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) has experienced a surge in popularity. In Puerto Rico, there’s only one place to get your water sport rentals and that’s Pirate Snorkeling. They’ve just added weekly stand-up paddleboard rentals and they’re going fast. Here’s why:

Benefits of weekly paddleboard rentals

Exercise

Paddleboarding is a great exercise! The combination of paddling while balancing on the board (which is harder than it looks!) is good for your core strength, your leg and arm muscles, and its low impact, too.

Eco-Friendly Exploration

Stand-up paddleboarding is an eco-friendly way to enjoy the water. There’s no harmful damage to the shore, ecosystem, or aquatic life and it lets you get close to all the incredible sea-life and natural beauty in and around the beautiful Seven Seas Bay in Fajardo.

Relaxation 

There’s nothing more relaxing than paddling out on the calm, clear waters of Seven Seas Bay in Fajardo. Paddleboarding provides many stress-relieving benefits for the mind and body and that’s something we can all benefit from these days!

Enjoy Nature 

Connecting with nature by paddleboard is the perfect way to connect with nature. Paddle along the verdant coast of the Las Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve, past unspoiled beaches, and over coral reefs teaming with fish. The sights you’ll experience while paddling are simply breathtaking.

Renting a paddleboard weekly is an incredibly convenient & safe way to explore, exercise, and relax. Renting for a week while on vacation or while at home is more popular than ever, especially now, during COVID-19.

When you rent with Pirate Snorkeling you have a safe and clean stand-up paddleboard to make your rental experience more enjoyable. They take pride in their equipment and their service is outstanding!

Contact Pirate Snorkeling for more information and to reserve your weekly stand-up paddleboard rental today! 

3-day $100  *  7-day $150  *  Equipped with paddleboard, life jacket, and paddles.

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When a traveler mentions Puerto Rico, most people think of Old San Juan. However, Puerto Rico’s capital is not the only city worth exploring when visiting this beautiful island. Take a few days to discover the municipality of Fajardo. With its deep connection to nature and marine life, the area provides an abundance of eco-friendly things to see and to do.

Fajardo Puerto Rico, for those who don’t know it, is where you can night kayak with glowing organisms, explore remote islands, snorkel marine abundant reefs, and hike to hidden beaches.

The remarkable nature of this area and the nearby smaller islands and cays make it a top eco-friendly destination for travelers. Here are the best things to do in Fajardo, both the highlights and hidden secrets.

Kayak the Bio Bay

There are only five places in the world to do this and one of them is in Fajardo!

Joining a kayaking tour group is the only way to experience the unique eco-system of the bioluminescent bay. The dinoflagellates, or phytoplankton, which are in the Laguna Grande bio bay, glow when subjected to vibration, producing light in response to stress.

Two of my favorite tour operators are:

Kayaking Puerto Rico Snorkeling & Adventure Tours

Yokahu Kayak Trips

Visit Las Cabezas Nature Reserve

Las Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve, located on the eastern tip of the island is home to a 19th-century lighthouse built in 1882. From trails and boardwalks, visitors have the opportunity to explore sensitive eco-systems with trained guides from Para La Naturaleza, the nonprofit group that runs Las Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve.

The tour includes a boardwalk hike to the mangrove forest surrounding the bio bay and a beach visit to examine fossilized coral. Climb the iron staircase to the top of the lighthouse. It’s where visitors take in stunning views of the preserve, bio bay, and El Yunque on one side, and the islands of Vieques, Icacos, and  St. Thomas on the other.  Downstairs, enter a darkened room and hold bioluminescent dinoflagellates that glow in the dark.

Travel Tip: It gets hot on the tour.  Bring water, a hat, suntan lotion, and of course don’t forget your camera.

Explore Seven Seas Beach

The public beach of Seven Seas is dotted with clear, calm blue water, beautiful coconut palms, and provides full amenities and facilities. Named after the seven different shades of blue-green in the water, it’s teeming with vibrant tropical fish and coral reefs, perfect for exploring and snorkeling.

Found at the entrance of Seven Seas Beach, Pirate Snorkeling Shack offers highly personalized service for incredible snorkeling and kayaking tours of Seven Seas Bay. In addition, they offer full rentals should you choose to explore on your own. Kayaks, snorkeling equipment, and stand up paddleboards are always available.

When you come back from your adventure, make sure you rent one of Pirate Snorkeling Shack’s fun and colorful swan or unicorn floats and spend your afternoon floating on the bay and enjoying the beautiful vista.
Night snorkeling and yoga on stand-up paddleboards are also offered. Tell Hector, “Sandy from Boulevards and Byways sent you.”

Hike to Hidden & Secret Beaches

Playa Colora

Playa Colora named for the orangy tan sand is a 10-minute walk from Seven Seas Beach. When you are facing Seven Seas beach, walk to the left of the beach through the opening in the path. Continue the walk for about 10 minutes through the mangrove forest and go right at the sign that says Playa Colora. Secluded and private, it’s flanked by large boulders. The waves can be quite large so swimming is not recommended. Across the bay, you get a stunning view of the lighthouse that sits at the top of Las Cabezas Nature Preserve.

Playa Escondida

Playa Escondida means hidden beach in Spanish and that’s for a good reason. It’s about a 25-minute walk through the mangrove forest after you see the sign for Playa Colora. Continue on the path and you will be rewarded with an expansive stretch of white sand beach and gorgeous vistas. Keep in mind that there are no facilities here. Bring water for your return trip.

Drive a Mini Boat to the Cordillera Nature Reserve & Icacos Island

There’s a unique adventure located in Fajardo. Kayaking Puerto Rico provides mini boat tours for travelers to the Cordillera Nature Reserve. You’re the captain of this drive-it-yourself mini speed boat tour that combines a beach stop on the island of Icacos, snorkeling, and a high-speed drive past the remote islands of the Cordillera.

The mini speed boat tour provides a fun, unique way to explore this vast protected area, a critical habitat for seabirds, turtles, and manatees.

Spend the day on Icacos Island

This stunning white sand beach with clear turquoise water can only be accessed by the mini boat tour, a catamaran tour, or arranging transportation with a water taxi. Most tours provide food and drink, but if you go on your own via a water taxi you must bring everything; food, drink, chairs, towels, snorkeling equipment and of course, don’t forget the suntan lotion. The coral reefs here are home to tropical fish and stingrays.

Visit the neighboring islands of Vieques and Culebra

Vieques and Culebra offer incredible opportunities to explore two unique islands. Both can both be reached by ferry or small plane from the nearby town of Ceiba. Tour operators out of Fajardo also offer day trips to Culebra and Vieques.

Vieques

Vieques has over 40 stunning beaches to explore and each one is highly unique and worth a visit. This eco-friendly island is special. There are no high-rise hotels and horses roam freely in the streets. It’s all about nature.

Day trips from Fajardo to Vieques

Culebra

Culebra’s white-sand beaches, snorkeling, scuba diving, and swimming with turtles can’t be beaten, not to mention its great fun driving around the island on a golf cart. On Flamenco Beach, one of the top ten in the world, you’ll see an unusual site, old U.S. Army tanks. You’ll be hard-pressed to believe it when you see the gorgeous area, but it was used for military exercises until 1975.

Day trips from Fajardo to Culebra

Where to Eat in Fajardo

Las Vistas Cafe

This beautiful rooftop café with a 360-degree view specializes in breakfast and brunch. The owner Gladys spoils visitors with fresh fruit from her garden, homemade arepas, fluffy coconut pancakes, and tasty pasta dishes.

El Varadero Seaside Grill

In the Villa Marina Harbor, El Varadero is known for its authentic Caribbean menu with unique “Criollo” flavor fused into their dishes. Be sure to try their frozen mojitos as you relax on their outdoor deck overlooking the marina.

The House of Pastelillos

This beach shack on Seven Seas Beach specializes in over 20 varieties of Puerto Rican pastelillos. These flaky, hot turnovers are stuffed with everything from mofongo to seafood and are quite delicious.

La Estacion

 A converted gas station with an open-air dining room and inviting bar, this restaurant has a worthy menu of grilled and smoked specialties including snapper, ribs, and pork.

Rustica Pizza

This might just be the best pizza I have ever had, and I’m from New York. Made with all fresh ingredients, there’s a variety of pizzas for every taste. Great $5 drink and appetizer specials during happy hour from 4-7 every day!

Dulce Aroma

Serving delicious coffee and sandwiches it’s a great place for a tasty snack or meal.

DownTown Creamery

What sets this place apart is the assortment of unusual and delicious ice cream flavors. Try the almond or cornbread. You won’t be disappointed.

Cremaldi Ice Cream

Sit on a swing while you eat your ice cream. This cute ice cream shop offers an assortment of yummy flavors, and something unusual, fried ice cream.

Things to do in Neighboring Luquillo

Luquillo, only ten minutes away, provides an array of activities to do and places to explore including El Yunque Rain Forest, the famous Luquillo Kiosks, surfing lessons, horseback riding, jet skiing, and expansive beaches.

Things to do in Old San Juan

Only 40 minutes from Fajardo, the city of Old San Juan is filled with colorful architecture, first-rate restaurants, museums, and old forts to explore. Use the handy guide below for a walking tour of all of the incredible sites!

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Northeast Puerto Rico’s Top 12 Adventures

There’s so much to love about Puerto Rico, so I picked my favorite 12 awesome adventures in Northeast Puerto Rico. Towns like Rio Grande, Palmer, Luquillo, Fajardo, and Ceiba are all found in the northeast corridor and are all approximately 35-45 minutes from San Juan airport. They just keep getting better and better with awesome things to do, see, and eat.

1) ENCOUNTER Turtles, Sting Rays, and Lobsters

Come face-to-face with turtles and hover past sting rays as blue tang, and colorful snapper swim by. In Las Croabas or Marina Del Rey in Fajardo tour operators will take you out on a catamaran or you can rent a “mini boat” to the best snorkeling spots, some near deserted islands. It’s one of my favorite ways to spend the day on and under the water. The tour operators supply everything you need for a fun day.

2) WITNESS a Glowing Blue Bay at Night

Learn the science as to why this is one of the most unique experiences in Puerto Rico. In Las Croabas Fajardo and Vieques there are numerous tour operators who guide you via kayak through the mangrove forest into a vast bio bay. Here you will witness bioluminescent plankton glowing blue. It’s a very unique tour everyone should experience.

3) PADDLE to Underwater Sea Life

Near Seven Seas Beach in Fajardo is where you’ll find vendors who will set you up with stand up paddle boards or kayaks.  If you’ve never done it before, don’t worry, they’ll give you a lesson. Pirate Snorkeling Shack is one of my favorite. They give you a map to the reefs or they’ll give you a private tour. The water is calm and clear.  You can hop off your kayak or paddle board and spend time snorkeling. You’ll be amazed at what you’ll see underwater very close to shore.

4) COOL YOUR JETS from the Summer Heat

On Luquillo and Seven Seas Beaches you can rent jet skis. They’re a great way to experience the beach from another perspective while getting your adrenaline rush.

5) TAKE A DIP

In the heat of the Puerto Rican sun, you need to cool yourself off!  After a hike to La Mina Falls enjoy a cold dip in the water while the waterfall cascades down the rocks and over your head. El Yunque National Forest in Rio Grande, the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System, is where you’ll find great hiking trails, refreshing waterfalls, and breathtaking views.

6) INDULGE YOUR INNER FOODIE

You’ll truly be entertained at the Kiosks in Luquillo.  Over 70 beach front vendors offer local Puerto Rican food such as mofongo, tostones, and pinchos. You can also find that hamburger or pizza, but why?  When in Puerto Rico eat like a local.  The food is delicious. In the evening, many venues have entertainment such as Charlie Sepuvelda, a famous Puerto Rican Jazz artist.

7) EARN BRAGGING RIGHTS

You’ve always wanted to surf, now’s the time. Catch a wave at La Pared in Luquillo. There are  several surf schools who would be happy to give you a lesson. With a sandy bottom it’s a perfect place to learn to surf.  You’ll never forget catching your first wave.

8) ZIP THROUGH THE AIR

Your friends will be jealous when you tell them about the incredible adventures you had in Puerto Rico.  Zip line tours are available at the base of El Yunque Rain Forest in Rio Grande. You’ll be outfitted with everything you need to fly over the treetops.

9) GO ON A WILD RIDE

ATV adventures, Horseback Riding, and Go Carts are available at the foothills of El Yunque National Rainforest, Rio Grande.  This area is surrounded by mountains, rivers, and trails which make it perfect terrain for these activities. Puerto Rico’s spectacular scenery will amaze you.

10) SPEND TIME SHOPPING

The little town of Palmer, which you go through to get to El Yunque, is a quaint place to stop for a cool drink or a tasty lunch. The town also offers shops featuring hand-made products, artisanal goods, t-shirts, and specialty foods such as hot sauces. Caribbean Trading is my favorite.

11)  GET HANDS ON with Nature

Get hands-on and hold phytoplankton or stroke a sea cucumber. Find out which mango trees make the water red and climb to the top of a 19^th century lighthouse for spectacular views of the surrounding islands. La Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve in Fajardo will provide you with an interesting and informative tour as you explore the sensitive eco-systems with trained guides. Tours can be booked through the nonprofit organization Para La Naturaleza.

12) FLY OR FERRY to the Spanish Virgin Islands

Take a short flight from Ceiba or a ferry from Fajardo to the islands of Culebra or Vieques.  Both islands have beautiful beaches, but Culebra has one of the world’s famous – Flamenco Beach. Soft sand and crystal clear water make it a favorite for many. Tamarindo beach is the best for snorkeling with turtles.  On the island of Vieques is where you’ll find one of the two bio bays located on the northeast. Exploring either island is a great way to spend an action packed day of snorkeling, swimming, and exploring.

There’s no denying Puerto Rico has plenty things to do and see. The island has numerous coconut trees, too.  If you need a break from snorkeling or zip lining, crack open a coconut and sit on one of the many beautiful beaches with the warm crystal blue water lapping at your feet.

Sandy Ruyack is the owner and writer of the popular and award-winning adventure travel blog, Boulevards and Byways. Her stories and photographs reflect her love of travel to Puerto Rico and the Caribbean – providing travel guides, destination tips, and vacation inspiration. Through transformative travel experiences, she encourages readers to step out of their comfort zones and take the road less traveled. Boulevards and Byways has provided content for an array of hotels, tour companies, and travel publications. A native New Yorker, she and her husband split their time between Brewster, NY and Luquillo, Puerto Rico

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You’ll find the beach front sign in front of Seven Seas Beach

Where to Snorkel, Kayak, and Stand-Up Paddle Board in Puerto Rico. When spending time in Puerto Rico, many people who decide to visit this amazing island will spend their time lounging on the picturesque white sand beaches, playing in the clear blue water, and soaking up the sunshine.  However, renting a paddle board or a kayak and snorkeling the crystal clear water should be on your list! Where to Snorkel, Kayak, and Stand-Up Paddle Board in Puerto Rico.

Where Should You Go for the Best Snorkeling and Rentals?

Pirate Snorkeling Shack in Fajardo, on the northeast coast of Puerto Rico at Seven Seas Bay is the best for many reasons.

Visit Pirate Snorkeling Shack For Snorkeling Tours, Kayak and Stand-Up Paddle Board Rentals, and More!

The area is filled with many varieties of fish and sea life.

Along with an awesome equipment, Pirate Snorkeling Shack offers great value, and the owners Hector and Coralis are passionate about their job.  They will set you up with a stand-up paddle board or a kayak, life jacket, water, a bag to hold your stuff, snorkel equipment, and an anchor.

They Provide Excellent Service

They’ll make sure you’re steady on your feet and holding the paddle correctly before you go off on your own.  In addition, they will give you a handy water proof card with a map to the snorkeling areas and a chart of the different types of fish you will most likely see.  When you get tired of paddle boarding or kayaking you just jump in the water, cool off, and snorkel over the reefs, and get back on your board or kayak and snorkel in another spot.   It was one of the best days I had snorkeling in Puerto Rico.

A fish identification card is displayed so you can name the fish you’ve seen.

They give you everything you need

Pirate Snorkeling Shack also provides guided kayaking & snorkeling tours.  They’ll take you out to the best snorkeling destinations in Seven Seas Bay and provide you with an informative tour both above and below the water. The tours have an ecological focus and their enthusiasm for sharing their knowledge about the environment and undersea life is key of every Pirate Snorkeling shack experience.   You will be guided through the coral reef and will learn about all the different types of marine life you see below the surface. All the equipment is included as you explore the magnificent Seven Seas Bay.

There’s abundant sea life in Seven Seas Bay

The Best Snorkel, Kayak, and Stand-Up Paddle Board in Puerto Rico

This was definitely the highlight of my trip to Puerto Rico and I would do it again in a heartbeat. Pirate snorkeling provides you with great value and gives you everything you need when booking a kayak or paddle board tour; mask lesson, water, lunch, and informative eco tour.

Pirate Snorkeling Shack is my top choice for personalized attention, for receiving the best service, and for getting an  awesome  experience  in ways they never thought possible.

Pirate Snorkeling Shack offers:

• Kayak and Stand Up Paddle Board Rental
• Snorkeling Gear rentals, including Full Face Snorkeling gear.
• Snorkeling Lessons
• Day and Night Snorkeling & Kayak tours
• Go Pro Rentals – with FREE SD Card

Contact:

• Address: Cabezas de San Juan Fajardo Puerto Rico
• Phone: 787-556-0104
• Website: Piratesnorkelingshack.com
• Email: Piratesnorkelingshack@gmail.com

I am in no way affiliated with Pirate Snorkeling Shack. This rental was paid for by my family and I had such a great time I wanted to share it with you all!

Travel Tip: I recommend purchasing this snorkel mask.  It’s the only mask I use and it’s the best purchase I’ve ever made.  There are no leaks, no fogging, and it’s easy to use.  You can buy it here:

We are a participant in the Amazon Associates, LLC program, an advertising program allowing us to receive fees when you purchase the product above. It does not in anyway add to your cost but it helps support our blog costs.

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Where to go for the Best Snorkeling in Puerto Rico.

Many visitors flock to Puerto Rico’s beaches but never explore the vibrant undersea life. Colorful snapper, angel-like palometa, and blue tang swim in abundance around bright yellow coral and purple fans. Turtles pop their heads above water and then gracefully float back down to eat their dinner among the sea grass. There are many tour operators who offer an assortment of excursions to various snorkeling sites providing an educational and safe experience.  Come on, step out of your comfort zone and into an underwater adventure.  Here are two best snorkeling trips in Puerto Rico which will take you to some of the area’s best spots to see a myriad of fish and turtles. By the way, I tried out my NEW full face snorkel mask and loved it. See below for where you can get one too!

Tobias Tours via a High Speed Power Boat

Why is this the Best Snorkeling Tour in Puerto Rico?

Tobias Tours does everything possible to make your snorkeling adventure safe and comfortable. Upon departing Villa Marina in Fajardo, on their comfortable 46 foot power boat, we head out to the island of  Culebra. After about a 45 minute ride, we first arrive at a secluded cove in the Luis Pena Channel and anchor while we snorkel the crystal clear warm waters.  We were not disappointed.  Schools of brightly colored fish, sea turtles, and stingrays were seen. Snorkeling is incredibly fun, relaxing, and a wonderful way to explore the ocean.  You can just drift through the water, relax, and enjoy the underwater scenery.

We then headed over to another snorkeling spot. Different snorkeling sites have vastly different marine life to see and experience. Some shallow areas can be filled with incredible life forms such as sponges, corals, and fish. Other spots, such as coral reefs, can be very rich with colorful and vibrant sea life.

Because of weather conditions we were not able to snorkel off of Flamenco Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, but  the captains always have a few other places on hand.  Carlos Rosario, Tamarindo, and Punta Soldado were some of the options, they however took us to Playa Tortuga off of Culebrita island.  We were able to easily snorkel off shore, explore the beach for a bit, and return to the boat for lunch.  After enjoying a tasty lunch of  tuna and chicken salads, pasta, bread, local fruits, snacks, and unlimited refreshments, we still had time to head back out for another round of snorkeling.  We returned to the marina at around 3:45- 4:00pm.

Prices are $95 per person plus tax, children 6-12 are $73, children under 6 are not permitted.  This is a day trip lasting from around 9:30-4. Included is all snorkeling gear, flotation devices, snorkeling instruction, and sea ladders for easy water access.The price also includes lunch and unlimited beverages.

Address: Villa Marina, Fajardo

Phone: +1 787-567-4495

Web: Tobias Snorkel and Beach Tours

Kayaking Puerto Rico Snorkeling & Adventure Tours

Try a Mini Boat Adventure – Where you’re the Captain

Why is this the Best Snorkeling Tour in Puerto Rico?

What a blast we had piloting our own 13′ inflatable mini boat through the uninhabited cays and to the stunning beach of the cay of Icacos!  After a thorough lesson by a certified instructor on piloting the boat, we began our adventure.  The seas were a bit rough that morning, and even though I was hanging on the side handles of the boat, I was still bouncing up and out of my seat. It was all good fun and added to the many great experiences we had throughout the day. The guides lead the way as each of the mini boats in the tour followed one another through the crystal clear waters toward the crystal clear waters of  Icacos. As the waves splashed up onto our boat, they provided a cool and refreshing reprise from the sun.

The first snorkeling destination was quite a ways off-shore and as as we disembarked from our boats the eco-guide lead the way through spectacular coral reef formations as we swam among schools of colorful tropical fish, and learned about the wonders of the underwater world.  We even saw a lobster and a puffer fish! I was impressed that the guide took the time to interpret the natural history of the reserve as he guided us through an amazing snorkeling trail.

We then headed to Icacos Cay. Icacos is one of a string of cays which form the Cordillera Cays Nature Reserve.  The beach here was amazingly beautiful but we didn’t see much as we snorkeled around the crystal clear waters. The water, beach, and view were amazingly beautiful and we were content to take a short hike on the beach and relax in the warm water.  After a swim, snacks, and refreshments, which are in the coolers provided in each Mini Boat, we headed back to Fajardo.

Depending on the weather, the guides will lead you where conditions and snorkeling are best at the time.  We were supposed to go to Palominito Island, which is surrounded by coral reefs and was seen in the movie Pirates of the Caribbean 4, but the water was a bit too choppy for a visit.

Overall, driving in the mini boat was a unique way to visit the snorkeling sites of this area.  It added another dimension to the overall  snorkeling adventure and the guides did an excellent job leading our group both over and under the water.  It was an excellent half day trip and can’t wait to do it again.

Life jackets, snorkeling equipment and snacks and refreshments are all included.

Check the website for prices.

Address: Carr 987, Km 5.4, Las Croabas, Fajardo 00738

Phone: 787.245-4545

Web: Miniboat Adventures

Here’s where you can get your Full Face Snorkel Mask:

I bought this Full Face Snorkel Mask from Amazon and loved it!  Finally a mask that does not leak.  I have always had a problem with water getting into my mask because of my hair bunching up and compromising the seal.   I did not have this problem at all with this mask. It also doesn’t fog (no more spitting in your mask).  It’s been the best mask I’ve had for snorkeling, which I do quite often. You can purchase from the link below:

We are a participant in the Amazon Associates, LLC program, an advertising program allowing us to receive fees when you purchase the product above. It does not in any way add to your cost. 

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Las Vistas Cafe

Located high on a hill in the midst of an unassuming residential neighborhood in Fajardo Puerto Rico, sits Las Vistas Cafe. Noted as having the best brunch on the island of Puerto Rico, it’s not on a main road and you won’t pass it on your way to something else. Las Vistas Cafe is a destination all its own.

A rooster crows, multi-color umbrellas quiver in the breeze, and the inviting white staircase leads to a view unlike any other.  360 degrees of verdant countryside and the Atlantic Ocean. But it’s not just the spectacular view which makes this café special.

“Welcome baby,” the owner Gladys croons, giving warm hugs to all customers as they arrive. It’s the same loving greeting your favorite tia (aunt) gives you back home. “I’m so glad you’re able to join us.” Gladys is passionate about what she does and communicates that passion by feeding people from her heart.

Las Vistas Cafe Fresh Local Ingredients

The coffee is freshly ground, my favorite on the island. The generous fresh fruit bowl is a masterpiece of color, flavor, and freshness. Local-bananas, mangos, and pineapple, picked from the garden behind the restaurant are the stars. A drizzle of ginger honey sauce on top compliments the fruit perfectly.

The service and presentation are impeccable and Gladys reminds us, “Everything is freshly prepared at the time of your order. Please be patient,” she tells us… “and enjoy the view.”

It’s not hard to sit back, relax, and let your mind wander.

The sky, the color of a robbins-egg, meets the sparkling turquoise ocean. The panorama, speckled with the Cape San Juan Lighthouse, built in 1880, a bio bay where the water glows when stirred, and the Cordillera Nature Reserve, a string of cays and small islands with pristine white sand beaches and nesting sites for turtles, lets you know this restaurant is not only in a special place but reminds you that Puerto Rico is truly a natural treasure.

What to Eat in Las Vistas Cafe

My savory eggs benedict florentine and my husband’s coconut pancakes arrive. Here, the eggs benedict get a makeover. Instead of the traditional English muffin, it’s on a decadent arepa, a puffy fried bread made with wheat flour that’s crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Perfectly crispy potatoes and bacon accompany my meal. A staple in many of the top restaurants in the world and prepared by the most accomplished chefs, Gladys’ eggs benedict rises to the top with the best of them.

Delightfully tender, the fluffy banana coconut pancakes are naturally sweet and incredibly light. Our meals are as perfect as the view.  Gladys tells us, “I’m blessed to be able to serve good food in a beautiful setting such as this,” outstretching her arms along with the panorama.

Once you eat at Las Vistas you’re family.

It’s not uncommon for every table to be filled on the weekend. Delicious locally sourced cuisine, a one of a kind location, and Glady’s passion for her customers make Las Vistas Cafe the best brunch in Puerto Rico. Las Vistas Cafe is a destination in itself as much as it a restaurant. I should also mention the café is rated #1 on Trip Advisor.

83 #2 Street, Las Croabas, Fajardo, Puerto Rico 00738

787-655-7053

lasvistascafepr.com

Siete Mares Bay Inn, A Comfortable base to Explore Puerto Rico

Downstairs from Las Vistas Cafe is Siete Mares Bay Inn. Also owned and managed by Gladys, three tastefully decorated units, each with private entrance, queen size bed, air conditioning, bathroom, and cable TV, provide all you need to make this your comfortable base to explore Puerto Rico.

787-655-7053

gladys@lasvistascafepr.com

Things to do in Fajardo

We are a participant in the Amazon Associates, LLC program, an advertising program allowing us to receive fees when you purchase the product above. It does not in any way add to your cost. 

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Visiting Puerto Rico has the benefit of many activities in close proximity. Often times, my biggest decision of the day is what to do. Here are my top 3 three things to do in Puerto Rico with teens.

1. Hiking in El Yunque National Rain Forest.

El Yunque, in the north east corridor of Puerto Rico, is the only tropical rain forest in the United States National Forest System and consists of 29,000 biologically diverse acres. Over 200 inches of rain in some areas is responsible for it’s lush foliage and abundant waterfalls. The nature and beauty makes hiking in the rain forest one of my top 3 things to do in Puerto Rico.

The Stunning El Portal Visitors Center

Enter off Route 3 in the town of Palmer a municipality of Rio Grande. This little town boasts two fun gift shops, a smoothie bar and a few small eateries all in walking distance of one another.  It’s a great place to grab a snack, down a cool drink and buy a trinket to commemorate your visit. As you head  up the hill, twisting and turning with the road, make a stop at the beautiful El Portal Visitors Center for exhibits and educational information about the rain forest.

La Coca Falls

As you continue heading up the road, you’ll  first encounter a  handful of parking spaces before La Coca falls on the right.  Park and take a few photos of  the rushing mountain water overflowing on the rock beds and take the time to really feel the falling dew and inhale the soft, steamy mist of the rain forest.  Continue to drive up the hill to

Yokahu Observation Tower.

A short climb to the top  rewards you with stunning panoramic views of Luquillo and the Atlantic Ocean. The pictures here don’t do the view justice.  It’s something you just have to see for yourself.

View from La Yokahu Tower

.

Big Tree Trail

Continue to drive up the mountain side and park  at the next lot and hike Big Tree Trail which leads to La Mina Falls.  It’s about a half hour hike in,  and another half hour out. Don’t enter the water at the base of the falls during an especially rainy period.  The waters are swift and powerful and if you slip and fall it will be difficult to get out. Other times they are calm and tranquil and taking a dip at the base oftentimes becomes a popular activity.

La Mina Falls

Be prepared.  Wear sneakers and bring water and a rain jacket.  It’s hot, humid and  It often rains here when it’s sunny everywhere else.  The path can be slippery so take it slow and always stick to the trails.

There are other trails offering longer hikes to which I haven’t yet explored.  Perhaps that’ll be next on my to do list and provide you with another story to share. El Yunque offers a one of a kind opportunity for adventure while connecting with nature. It has been a favorite of activity of mine, time and time again.
Address: Río Grande 00745, Puerto Rico
Phone: +1 787-888-1880
Web: El Yunque National Forest

2. Kayaking in the Bioluminescent Bay

Kayaking through the mangroves to the bioluminescent bay in Las Croabas, Fajardo is one of my top 3 things to do in Puerto Rico with teens. They will absolutely love this tour.  There are only four places in the world to do this! One of them is in the northeast corridor of Puerto Rico!

Joining a kayaking tour group is the only way to experience the unique eco-system of the bioluminescent bay. The dinoflagellates, or phytoplankton which are in the water, glow when subjected to vibration. They sense they are being pushed and pulled and respond by producing light in response to stress.

The Mangrove Forest

The tour leader will review safety procedures and paddling techniques and your group will enter a hidden opening in the mangroves by kayak off the end of the beach.  For the one mile trip through the dark and ominous mangrove forest, the parade of kayakers follow one another, guided only by the lights on the front and back of the boat.  An iridescent blue glow will surround the paddle as you  gently move it through the water.  We got to see the outline of a large manta ray as it floated below, as if it were a cloud casting a shadow.

The Dinoflagellates

The group leader leads you out of the pitch blackness of the mangrove canal to the Laguna Grande (big lagoon) which is part of Las Cabezas de San Juan Nature Preserve.  When emerging from the channel and entering the wide expanse of the calm lagoon, the open sky above with millions of twinkling stars shimmer like lightning bugs on a summer night. The silence surrounding all the kayakers like a warm blanket, exudes a peaceful calm and all are in awe of what they see.  As we gently moved our paddle through the open lagoon, the blue glo of the dinoflagellates illuminate the water below. It’s a trip not to be missed.

Two of my favorite tour operators are:

Web:http://www.yokahukayaks.com/tours_Bio.html

Web: kayakingpuertorico.com

3. Touring the Fajardo Lighthouse in Las Cabezas Nature Preserve

Visit Las Cabezas de San Juan Nature Preserve also on the northeast corridor of Puerto Rico in Fajardo. From trails and boardwalks you will explore sensitive eco-systems with trained guides. What makes it one of the top 3 things to do in Puerto Rico with teens?  They get to hold bio-luminescent dinoflageliates in their hand, hike through a red mango forest, and view fossilized coral on the beach.

The red mango trees turn the water an interesting color.

Via a tram, you are given an educational experience about the surrounding mangrove swamps as you hike over and through them by boardwalk. You come face-to-face with fossilized coral on a breath-taking rocky beach, and you get to hold biolumenescent dinoflageliates which glow and turn blue in the dark.

Views from the Top of the Lighthouse

Climb the iron staircase to the observation deck of the lighthouse and take in stunning views of the preserve, bio bay and El Yunque on one side, and the islands of Vieques, Icacos and even St. Thomas islands on the other. Visit their website: Para La Naturaleza.com and book your tour online.

I have yet to get tired of the exquisite beauty and natural resources on this island. That’s what makes Puerto Rico so special. Adventure and beauty are everywhere!

I hope you enjoyed reading about my top 3 things to do in north east Puerto Rico.  Send me a note and let me know which ones you’ve visited.

Para la Naturaleza

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