San Juan Water Activities: 7 Ways to Play in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico’s island location makes it a hot spot for tropical getaways. The area houses more than 200 beaches, all providing miles water recreation options. One popular place to start is San Juan, which offers proximity to beach locations and fun things to do. From remote beaches to diving under the surface, the family will enjoy exploring the area. Start planning an adventure, and check out these top San Juan water activities.

Top 7 San Juan Water Activities to Try on Vacation

san juan water activities beaches

Play at Beaches

With more than 270 miles of coastline, it’s almost impossible to not visit the beaches. The San Juan area houses several raved-about beaches. Ocean Park Beach is popular among locals, but the secret is getting out. This remote park features 1 mile of coast and room for walking, windsurfing, relaxing, and swimming.

For a more trendy location, head to Condado Beach, which often compares to Miami Beach’s vibe. At Condado Beach, visitors find large resorts and plenty of places to chill. Guests may try water sports or simply relax as waiters serve refreshing drinks. The most popular beach in the metro area is Isla Verde Beach, home to warm water ideal for swimming, jet skiing and parasailing.

Book a Boat Tour

While vacationing in Puerto Rico, sailing ranks as a must-do for all ages. Sailing Dreams Yacht Charters offers daily family tours in a sailboat. During the tour, sail Old San Juan and learn about history and legends while children steer the boat.

Looking for a romantic activity? Couples enjoy the daytime sailing tour, sunset tour or exploring the waters at night. Visitors are welcome to sit back and relax with a glass of wine or beer as they learn about the area and its rich culture.

san juan water activities fishing

Go Fishing in San Juan

Gear up for fishing fun with two top-rated charters in San Juan. Castillo Tours offers deep-sea fishing excursions that leave from San Juan Bay Marina and venture into waters as deep as 6,000 feet known as Blue Marlin Alley. Possible catches include wahoo, sailfish, tuna and blue marlin.

Families new to fishing should check out tours available by Puerto Rico Magic Tarpon. Visitors can go tarpon fishing with bait or lures, try fly fishing, and reef fish. Many families enjoy the reef fishing tour, which varies in depth and catches. While fishing, guests may catch tarpon, snook, snapper, tuna, yellow tail and the occasional shark.

Fly On the Water

Puerto Rico Tour Desk, one of the top-rated companies in the area, offers a different water adventure that allows guests to fly in and out of the water. Suitable for people over the age of 14, visitors wear a jet pack propelled by high-pressured water. The gear sends users as high as 30 feet in the air where they levitate and flip. Adventure lovers may go underwater as well, and test their skills above and below the water.

san juan water activities kayak

Kayak to Monkey Island

Go on a kayaking adventure to Monkey Island with Barefoot Travelers Kayak Tour. The company offers more intimate tours that explore Cayo Santiago – a.k.a. Monkey Island – home to a large population of Rhesus Macaque primates.

Those who want an extended water adventure can swim and snorkel while in the area. Barefoot Travelers provides the kayak, guide, safety gear and cold bottled water. Visitors who prefer to go on their own also have the option to rent kayaks by the day or hour.

san juan water activities scuba snorkel

Try Scuba or Snorkeling

Dive deep in Puerto Rico’s clear waters to see coral reefs and hundreds of species of marine life. Among the top San Juan water activities, scuba and snorkeling offers guests an exciting way to see what lies beneath.

One top-rated company is Aqua Adventure, which offers snorkeling in Culebra Island, snuba in San Juan Fajardo and diving trips in three different areas. For families new to snorkeling and with small children, try a San Juan snorkeling package, where guests walk directly from the beach instead of departing from a boat.

Visitors then walk into the ocean along the rock reef to look for octopus, squid and other marine life. Those familiar with scuba diving have the option to dive in Fajaro, Culebra and Vieques – which have 25 dive spots alone – and St. Thomas perfect for underwater photography.

Paddle Away

Considering standup paddleboarding? Check out VIP Adventures, which offers one- and two-hour lessons that begin at Condado Lagoon.

SUP ranks as a popular activity for all ages, and these SUP tours explore San Juan Bay. All tours include gear, an intro to SUP best practices and life vest, allowing visitors a safe and unforgettable experience.

Learn more about Old San Juan and how to see the area.