{"id":5224,"date":"2022-02-14T09:06:15","date_gmt":"2022-02-14T14:06:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.plateapr.com\/en\/?p=5224"},"modified":"2022-02-14T09:06:18","modified_gmt":"2022-02-14T14:06:18","slug":"top-10-outdoor-activities-in-puerto-rico","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.plateapr.com\/en\/things-to-do\/top-10-outdoor-activities-in-puerto-rico\/","title":{"rendered":"Top 10 Outdoor Activities in Puerto Rico"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Opportunities to explore nature in Puerto Rico are numerous. The island boasts 300 miles (483 km) of coastline and is home to 36 nature reserves, 19 state forests and five wildlife refuges. Outdoor activities are a natural socially distant and COVID-friendly way to explore Puerto Rico. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s your guide to water activities, rainforest hikes, biking excursions and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Water activities<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

1. Kayak and paddleboarding<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Source: Paddleboarding, Puerto Rico \/ Chase Walker \/ Discover Puerto Rico <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

San Juan<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re staying in Puerto Rico\u2019s Metro area, you\u2019ll have easy access to kayaking and paddleboarding options in Condado Lagoon. This calm estuary divides the Condado and Miramar districts, emptying into the Atlantic Ocean. You might even spy the group of manatees that often make their way into the lagoon. A selection of outfitters offer varied guided kayak and paddleboarding tours, as well basic rentals if you want to go it alone. Condado Kayak Rental<\/a>, VIP Adventures<\/a> and San Juan Paddleboarding<\/a> are a few to consider.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bioluminescent bays<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There are only five bioluminescent bays<\/a> in the world and Puerto Rico is home to three. This natural phenomenon is the work of phosphorescent microscopic organisms present in the water that glow when disturbed. Nighttime kayak tours in these glistening waters offer an other-worldly experience you won\u2019t soon forget.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Perhaps the best known is Mosquito Bay. Located on Puerto Rico\u2019s east coast island of Vieques, it\u2019s the world\u2019s brightest bioluminescent bay (the Guinness Book of World Records confirmed it in 2006). Laguna Grande in Fajardo is convenient to San Juan based visitors, as it\u2019s just about 45 minutes east of the capital city. In the southwestern portion of the island, La Parguera Nature Reserve contains the only bioluminescent bay you can swim in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Culebra<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Situated off Puerto Rico\u2019s East Coast, Culebra<\/a>\u00a0is a small, sparsely populated island known for its idyllic beaches and ample snorkeling opportunities. Kayaking along the calm waters may reveal colorful fish, large sea turtles and graceful manta rays. Join a guided kayak tour along the island\u2019s marine sanctuary, the Luis Pe\u00f1a Channel Marine Reserve, as well as in other areas that surround the island. Kayaking Puerto Rico<\/a><\/strong> and Culebra Island Adventure<\/a><\/strong> offer them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Snorkeling<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Kayaking Puerto Rico<\/a> also offers a snorkeling and beach excursion to Icacos Island. Located on Puerto Rico\u2019s northeastern coast, the island is part of La Cordillera Nature Reserve. Healthy coral reefs offshore are home to thriving marine life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vieques also boasts excellent snorkeling opportunities. It\u2019s home to Vieques National Wildlife Refuge. Families will enjoy snorkeling at Blue Beach thanks to its shallow waters. Sea turtles, stingrays and schools of colorful fish appear off another popular spot, Mosquito Pier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Situated within the impressive Tres Palmas Marine Reserve in Rinc\u00f3n<\/a>, Steps Beach is a must for snorkelers. The reserve was established to protect the rich marine biodiversity, including the healthy population of elkhorn coral located there.<\/p>\n\n\n

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