Quick Facts: USD • No passport for U.S. citizens (REAL ID or other TSA-accepted ID) • Peak Dec–Apr • Shoulder Apr–Jun/Oct–Nov • Hurricane season Jun–Nov • Tap water generally meets U.S. standards • Dengue precautions advised in 2025
Best Time to Visit — At a Glance
- Peak (Dec–Apr): Drier, pricier, busiest.
- Shoulder (mid-Apr–Jun, late Oct–Nov): Better value, fewer crowds.
- Hurricane Season (Jun–Nov): Watch forecasts; consider travel insurance and flexible bookings.
Top 10 Can't-Miss Experiences
- Old San Juan forts & blue-cobble streets
- El Yunque rainforest hikes
- Flamenco Beach (Culebra)
- Mosquito Bay (Vieques) on a moonless night
- Cabo Rojo cliffs & lighthouse
- Toro Verde zipline park
- Escambrón snorkel in San Juan
- Piñones food kiosks + coastal trail
- La Parguera biobay (swim-allowed)
- Sunset at Rincón
Table of Contents
- Entry & Identification
- Best Time, Weather & Events
- Safety, Health & Emergencies
- Top Things to Do & Where to Go
- Transportation & Ferries
- Accommodations & Areas
- Food & Dining
- Culture, Etiquette & Practicalities
- Money, Costs & Budget Tips
- Outdoor & Adventure
- Family, Solo & Accessibility
- Sustainability & Nature
Entry & Identification
1. Do U.S. citizens need a passport to visit Puerto Rico? No. Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory; U.S. citizens can fly with a TSA-accepted ID (REAL ID-compliant license, passport, etc.). Always verify your ID is acceptable before travel.
2. What are the visa rules for non-U.S. citizens? The same as entering the United States. If you require a U.S. visa or are eligible for ESTA under the Visa Waiver Program, those rules apply. Check country-specific requirements in advance.
3. Is there customs when flying to/from the mainland U.S.? No standard U.S. customs for domestic flights, but your bags pass a USDA agriculture inspection when departing Puerto Rico. Arrive a bit early to clear USDA before TSA.
4. Can I bring fruits, plants, or pork products back? Many are restricted due to pest/disease controls. Declare all agriculture items at USDA; expect some items to be confiscated if not permitted.
5. What ID do kids need to fly? Children under 18 usually don't need ID when traveling with an adult on domestic flights, but airlines may ask for proof of age for lap infants. Carry a birth certificate copy just in case.
6. Are there COVID-19 entry rules in 2025? There are no special COVID entry rules for domestic travel as of late 2025. Health policies can change; check official guidance shortly before your trip.
7. Do I need travel insurance? Optional but wise—especially during hurricane season. Look for policies covering medical care, trip interruption, and car rentals; verify storm-related exclusions.
8. Can I drive with a U.S. license? Yes. Road rules mirror the mainland; observe seat belts and child-seat laws, and know that major highways use cashless tolls.
9. What power outlets & voltage does Puerto Rico use? Standard U.S. 110V with Type A/B plugs. U.S. devices work without adapters.
10. What about time zone and mail? Puerto Rico is on Atlantic Standard Time year-round (no Daylight Saving). USPS services and domestic shipping rates apply.
Best Time, Weather & Events
11. When is hurricane season? June 1–Nov 30, peaking Aug–Oct. Track forecasts, consider flexible bookings, and keep devices charged during storms.
12. When's the best mix of weather and price? Shoulder months—late Apr–Jun and late Oct–Nov—balance fewer crowds, decent weather, and better rates versus peak winter.
13. How hot does it get? Coasts sit in the mid-80s °F (≈29–31°C) most of the year with warm nights; mountains are cooler. Pack breathable layers and strong sun protection.
14. Is sargassum seaweed an issue? It can be, especially spring–summer on eastern/southern shores. Conditions vary with winds/currents; check local beach updates close to your visit.
15. When is surf season? North and west coasts see the most consistent swells in winter. Beginners should choose protected coves or book lessons.
16. What big festivals should I know? San Sebastián Street Festival (SanSe) in mid-January, Carnaval Ponceño (usually Feb), and Noche de San Juan on June 23 are island standouts. Confirm exact dates annually.
17. Are there notable food events? Culinary festivals (e.g., Saborea Puerto Rico) occur through the year with ticketed tastings and chef events. Book early—they sell out.
18. Any recurring free concerts? Look for Ventana al Jazz and municipal cultural nights on select weekends. Schedules vary month to month.
19. How many days do I need in San Juan? 2–3 days cover the forts, old town, beaches, and some dining. Add a day trip (El Yunque or Fajardo) if time allows.
20. Is El Yunque a day trip? Yes—plan half to full day for trails and waterfalls. Check official pages for any reservations, closures, or roadworks before you go.
Safety, Health & Emergencies
21. Is Puerto Rico safe for tourists? Generally yes—use normal city smarts: keep valuables out of sight, avoid isolated areas late, and lock vehicles. Stick to well-lit, busy streets at night.
22. Any areas to avoid at night? As anywhere, avoid poorly lit or isolated blocks. If visiting neighborhoods outside main tourist zones, go with a local guide or during the day.
23. What's the emergency number? Dial 911 for police, fire, and medical services. Save your hotel's number and any tour operator contacts.
24. What health issues should I know in 2025? Dengue activity is elevated in 2025. Use EPA-registered repellent, wear long sleeves/pants at dusk/dawn, and seek care for high fever or severe symptoms.
25. Is Zika a current concern? Local transmission has been minimal in recent years, but mosquito precautions remain sensible, especially for pregnant travelers—consult your clinician.
26. Do I need special vaccines? No special shots for domestic travel; ensure routine vaccines are current. Seasonal flu/COVID boosters are a personal choice—ask your provider.
27. Is tap water safe? Municipal systems generally meet U.S. standards. In rural areas after storms/outages, choose bottled/filtered water until service normalizes.
28. How do I prepare for hurricanes/tropical storms? Monitor official forecasts, enable wireless emergency alerts, keep cash and water on hand, and follow local instructions. Consider trip insurance during season.
29. Are beaches always safe to swim? No—rip currents and high surf can be dangerous, especially on the north/west coasts. Prefer lifeguarded balnearios, heed flags/signs, and ask locals.
30. Any sunscreen or reef rules? Many operators and protected areas encourage mineral "reef-safe" sunscreen. Follow local guidance to protect corals and seagrass.
Top Things to Do & Where to Go
31. What are the must-see historical sites in San Juan? Castillo San Felipe del Morro, Castillo San Cristóbal, city walls, and Paseo del Morro. Wear a hat, bring water, and allow a half-day.
32. What makes El Yunque special? It's the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System—lush trails, waterfalls, and scenic drives. Check weather/road advisories before you go.
33. Where are Puerto Rico's bioluminescent bays? Three: Mosquito Bay (Vieques), Laguna Grande (Fajardo), and La Parguera (Lajas). Choose a moonless night for the brightest glow.
34. Can I swim in the biobays? Swimming is typically permitted only at La Parguera. In Vieques and Fajardo, tours protect the ecosystem by not allowing swimming—confirm rules when booking.
35. Why is Mosquito Bay famous? It's often called the brightest biobay due to very high dinoflagellate concentration. Book early and avoid full-moon nights.
36. What's special about Flamenco Beach (Culebra)? White sand, turquoise water, and excellent snorkeling in marked areas. Facilities are limited—pack water/shade and leave no trace.
37. Are Cabo Rojo's cliffs worth it? Yes—dramatic views at Los Morrillos lighthouse, saline flats, and photo-worthy coastline. Stay well back from cliff edges, especially on windy days.
38. Where can I zipline? Toro Verde (Orocovis) is famous for long lines and suspension bridges; other parks offer canopy tours closer to San Juan. Check height/weight limits.
39. Best beaches near San Juan? Condado, Ocean Park, Escambrón, and Isla Verde/Carolina. For families, Balneario de Carolina often has facilities and calm areas when flags permit.
40. Is Vieques worth an overnight? Yes—quiet beaches, wild horses, and better odds for a great Mosquito Bay tour. Reach the island by ferry (Ceiba) or small plane.
Transportation & Ferries
41. Best way to get from San Juan to Rincón? Drive (≈2.5–3.5 hours) via PR-22/PR-2 depending on traffic. There's no island-wide intercity rail/bus network.
42. How do I visit Culebra for a day? Take the Ceiba→Culebra ferry and rent a jeep/golf cart on arrival to reach beaches. Weekends/holidays sell out—book in advance.
43. How reliable are the ferries? Service runs multiple crossings daily; weather and high demand can affect schedules. Arrive early and secure round-trip tickets.
44. Do I need a car on Vieques/Culebra? Usually yes. Distances and limited transit make car/golf cart rentals or taxis the best bet—reserve ahead.
45. Is Uber available? Common around San Juan metro; coverage thins in rural towns and on the islands. Always check the app where you're staying.
46. How do taxis work at SJU airport? Licensed taxis operate with posted zone rates. Confirm the fare (and card acceptance) with the dispatcher/driver before departing.
47. How do highway tolls work? Major expressways are cashless. Rentals provide an AutoExpreso transponder and bill you after; ask your agency about admin fees.
48. Is public transit useful for tourists? Tren Urbano and AMA buses serve the metro, but routes/hours aren't ideal for most visitors. Combine walking with Uber/taxis.
49. Any scenic road trips? West coast beach-hop (Isabela→Aguadilla→Rincón), south to Cabo Rojo, or mountain routes like Ruta Panorámica (allow extra time for curves/stops).
50. Can I bike or e-scooter around? Short urban segments (Condado/Ocean Park) work, but roads can be narrow and busy. Wear a helmet, use lights, and ride defensively.
Accommodations & Areas
51. What types of stays are available? From luxury resorts and boutique hotels to paradores (family-run inns), eco-lodges, and licensed short-term rentals.
52. How much is hotel/room tax? Expect an occupancy tax (commonly ~7–9% depending on property type) plus any resort/parking fees. Totals should be itemized at checkout.
53. Are vacation rentals regulated? Hosts should be registered and collect room tax. Choose places with visible license numbers and strong reviews.
54. Where should first-timers stay? Old San Juan (history/ambience), Condado/Isla Verde (beach+dining), Río Grande (El Yunque access), Rincón (surf sunsets), Vieques/Culebra (quiet beaches).
55. Do hotels offer accessible rooms? Many mid-range and upscale properties provide ADA-style rooms and ramps; confirm specifics like roll-in showers and pool lifts before booking.
56. What's an eco-lodge experience like? Rustic stays close to nature—sometimes limited A/C and stronger sustainability practices. Expect quiet nights and dark skies.
57. How early should I book in peak season? For Dec–Apr, book flights, hotels, and cars several months out—especially holidays and SanSe week.
58. Are resort fees common? Some properties add daily resort or parking fees. Scan the final price breakdown before you confirm.
59. Which areas are best for nightlife? Condado and Santurce/La Placita in San Juan offer clustered bars, lounges, and clubs. Weekends get lively—use ride-hailing.
60. Quiet spots for relaxation? Consider Dorado, Río Grande/Luquillo (resorts near nature), Vieques, and beaches on the southwest coast.
Food & Dining
61. Signature dishes to try? Mofongo, lechón, arroz con gandules, pasteles, alcapurrias, tostones—plus great coffee, piña coladas, and island rums.
62. Is street food safe? Choose busy kiosks with high turnover and clean prep. Avoid undercooked items; bring hand sanitizer and stay hydrated.
63. Vegetarian/vegan options? Increasingly common in San Juan and larger towns; many menus mark plant-based dishes. Ask about lard (manteca) in traditional fritters.
64. Do I need reservations? For popular restaurants in Old San Juan and Condado, especially on weekends, reservations help. Walk-ins are easier at casual spots.
65. What's the tipping etiquette? Similar to the mainland U.S.—15–20% in restaurants if service isn't included. Tip bartenders and guides for good service.
66. Where to find budget eats? Panaderías (bakeries), food courts, and kiosks in Piñones and beach towns. Daily lunch specials (almuerzos) are good value.
67. Can I drink tap water in restaurants? Generally yes in cities. After severe storms or outages, restaurants may switch to bottled—follow posted guidance.
68. Any can't-miss food neighborhoods? Santurce for trendy spots, Old San Juan for classics, Calle Loíza for modern eateries, and Piñones for fritters and roadside seafood.
69. Rum distillery tours? Yes—several distilleries offer tastings/tours near San Juan and on the west coast. Book in advance; plan a sober ride.
70. Kid-friendly dining tips? Go early, pick places with outdoor seating, and bring a small activity. Many venues welcome families, especially daytime.
Culture, Etiquette & Practicalities
71. Languages spoken? Spanish and English are official; English is common in tourism zones. Basic Spanish greetings go a long way.
72. Legal drinking age? 18 to purchase alcohol (venues may enforce 21+ entry). Carry valid photo ID.
73. Smoking on beaches? Smoking is prohibited on public beaches and many parks. Look for designated areas if any; fines may apply.
74. What's the currency? U.S. Dollar (USD). Cards are widely accepted; carry small bills for kiosks and rural vendors.
75. Typical business hours? Chains/malls keep longer hours; small businesses may close earlier on Sundays or certain weekdays. Outer islands can have shorter hours—call ahead.
76. Tipping & bargaining norms? Tip like the U.S.; bargaining isn't typical except in informal markets. Ask politely about cash discounts.
77. LGBTQ+ traveler info? Puerto Rico is among the Caribbean's more LGBTQ-friendly destinations, especially in San Juan (Condado/Santurce). Pride events run seasonally.
78. Cultural etiquette basics? Greet with buenos días/tardes/noches, be patient with "island time," and dress modestly away from beaches. Ask before photographing people.
79. Drone rules? Follow FAA guidelines; avoid flying over crowds or sensitive wildlife areas without permits. Many parks have restrictions—check before launching.
80. Can I take shells/sand home? Removing natural materials from protected areas is prohibited. Buy local artisan souvenirs instead.
Money, Costs & Budget Tips
81. What's the sales tax (IVU)? 11.5% on most goods/services, with some local variations. Expect it on dining and shopping.
82. Daily budget ranges? Backpacker: $75–$125/day (hostels/shared rooms). Mid-range: $150–$250. Luxury: $300+ depending on dining and activities.
83. ATM availability? Common in cities and tourist areas. Check bank fees and consider cash-back at supermarkets.
84. Money-saving tips? Travel in shoulder season, use public beaches, book ferries early, and consider paradores or rentals outside hot zones. Panaderías are great value.
85. Car rental costs & tips? Prices surge in peak weeks; book early. Factor tolls, insurance, and parking into your budget; photograph the car at pickup/return.
86. Tour costs to expect? Biobay tours commonly run ~$50–$120 pp depending on location and whether swimming is allowed (La Parguera). Zipline/cave tours vary—reserve ahead.
87. Taxi from SJU—what will it cost? Airport taxis use flat-rate zones by destination. Confirm the zone fare before departing; some drivers accept cards.
88. Are tolls expensive? Individual gantries are modest but add up on long drives. Consider routing on non-toll roads if time permits.
89. Do restaurants include service charges? Some do, especially large parties or resort areas. Check the bill before adding a tip.
90. How to avoid roaming fees? Most U.S. plans treat Puerto Rico as domestic. Confirm with your carrier; download offline maps for mountain pockets.
Outdoor & Adventure
91. Great hikes with ocean views? Cabo Rojo lighthouse area, Guánica Dry Forest, and coastal trails around Fajardo/Humacao. Start early and bring plenty of water.
92. Best beginner snorkel spots? Escambrón (San Juan), Flamenco/Carlos Rosario (Culebra), and some Rincón beaches on calmer days. Never stand on coral.
93. Cave or river adventures? Guided trips in Río Camuy and Cañón de Tanamá are popular. Wear proper footwear and check weather/flow.
94. Whale-watching season? Winter (roughly Jan–Mar) along the north/west coasts. Check for seasonal charters out of Rincón/Aguadilla.
95. Kayaking in Condado Lagoon? Calm waters suit beginners and families. Keep your distance from manatees and follow operator guidance.
Family, Solo & Accessibility
96. Is Puerto Rico good for families? Yes—choose calmer balnearios (e.g., Balneario de Carolina), children's museums, and easy nature walks. Early dinners help with kids.
97. Are child car seats required? Yes—use age/size-appropriate restraints, with children under 12 in the back seat when available. Bring your own seat or rent one.
98. Tips for solo travelers (esp. women)? Book central lodging, keep nights in busy areas, and use rideshare after dark. Share your itinerary with a friend and trust your instincts.
99. Accessible beach programs? Some balnearios run "Mar Sin Barreras" services with beach wheelchairs on select days. Call ahead to confirm availability and hours.
100. Good rainy-day options? Children's museums, science parks, indoor food halls, galleries, and coffee tastings. Many attractions offer timed tickets—reserve early.
Sustainability & Nature
Biobay Rules & Preservation:
- Swimming: Generally only allowed at La Parguera; not allowed at Mosquito Bay (Vieques) or Laguna Grande (Fajardo).
- Best practice: Book small-group, non-motorized tours when possible; avoid lotions/bug sprays before entry unless operator-approved; choose moonless nights.
Protected Areas 101:
- Check DRNA/park pages for opening hours, permitted activities, and permits. Stay on marked trails; pack out all trash.
Wildlife Respect:
- Keep distance from sea turtles and manatees; no feeding/touching. Avoid lights on nesting beaches at night and report injured wildlife to authorities.
Reef-Safe Habits:
- Wear sun shirts/hats and use mineral sunscreens to reduce chemical impact on corals and seagrass.
Ferry Primer (Vieques/Culebra)
- Routes: Passenger ferries run from Ceiba to Vieques and Culebra.
- Booking: Reserve round-trip tickets early—especially weekends/holidays.
- Timing: Arrive at least 45–60 minutes before departure; weather can affect schedules.
- On arrival: Rent a jeep/golf cart or arrange taxis; outer-island transit is limited.
Driving & Tolls (AutoExpreso)
- Cashless tolls: PR-22, PR-52 and other expressways use AutoExpreso.
- Rentals: Most agencies provide a transponder and bill tolls + admin fees post-trip—ask about fees/rates.
- Save: Use non-toll routes when time allows; download offline maps for mountain areas.
Events (Plan Around These)
- San Sebastián Street Festival (SanSe): Mid-January in Old San Juan.
- Carnaval Ponceño: Typically February (dates vary).
- Noche de San Juan: June 23 night—beach celebrations island-wide.
Check each year's official announcements before booking.
Last Updated & Disclaimers
Last updated: September 26, 2025.
Conditions (ferries, health advisories, park rules, event dates, and pricing) can change. Verify time-sensitive details with official sources (tour operators, government sites, CDC/NOAA, ferry portals) within a week of travel.