Budget Bucket List: Puerto Rico

We typically travel on a budget and have had much success enjoying our low cost adventures. Here is a list of our favorite budget friendly activities from our five day vacation in Puerto Rico. We spent time around Rincon and Luquillo and included activities around both areas.

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Swim in the Bioluminescent Bay, La Parguera:

Swim in the bay at night to experience the magical glowing water. We booked with Paradise Scuba and Snorkel. Not only do you get a boat ride to the bio bay but you get to swim in the bio bay for an extended period of time! They also prepare empanadillas and offer soda and beer during the tour. It cost $35 per person when we visited and we thought the tour price was worth every penny. Check out this post for more information about the bio bay tour.

Recommendation:This activity is recommended for those who want to get in the water and can swim. They do offer light flotation devices, however if I did not know how to swim I would have been hesitant getting in the water at night. The water was calm but the bay is very dark. For those who remain in the boat this experience may not be worth it. Experiencing the glow in the water is why you would book this tour. For those who do not want an immersive experience but want to see a bio bay, kayaking at Fajardo or visiting Mosquito Bay may be preferable.

Tips:

• bring a towel and warm dry clothes for the ride back to the marina, it was a little chilly after being in the water at night.
• use the snorkel gear provided and experience the glow under the water.
• try out different movements in the water, raise your arms out of the water, flick water on the boat, follow someone swimming under the water and watch the glow trail.

Hike to Survival Beach, Aguadilla:

Hike to a secluded beach where you can explore beach caves. We made this hike around high tide and enjoyed every part of it. It was peaceful and adventurous. Check out this post for more specific information about hike to Survival Beach.

Recommendation: This hike is recommended for those who can hike for 20 minutes on very uneven surfaces. One must be comfortable hiking on rocks. The trail starts out very easy but eventually leads down to the beach where one has to hike over large rocks. The trail leading down to Survival Beach is narrow with loose rocks. Video footage of the hike is located on our Channel Explorcation.

Tips:

• park at Surfer’s Beach – parking is free and the trail starts near the end of the parking lot.
• check the tide schedule when you are planning your visit. During high tide one can not avoid hiking over rocks and the waves will reach the inside of the caves. The waves can be very strong. During low tide one can walk more of the trail along the beach.
• closed toed shoes would be preferable for this hike.
• bring a cooler bag w/ water and pack a lunch – once you reach Survival Beach you won’t want to leave.

Eat at a Local Bakery:

Support local businesses by eating at local bakeries. During our trip we ate at a local bakery for lunch or breakfast on three different occasions. The prices are very reasonable and the food was delicious. We tried pastries, coffee and pressed sandwiches at Cielo Mar in Aguada. We tried breakfast sandwiches, pastries and coffee at Pan Mas Rico in Luquillo.

Recommendation: The local bakeries are recommended for anyone visiting Puerto Rico. Those traveling on a budget would especially enjoy trying the local flavor at the bakeries. One can take some time and eat at the bakeries or you can order to go and be on your way to your next adventure.

Tips:

• for lunch try a chicken pressed sandwich with mayo.
• for breakfast try a café con leche and a fruit pastry.

Rent a Surf Board at Jobos Beach, Isabela

This was one activity we planned on doing during our trip but when we were around Jobos it was raining. One can rent a surf or paddle board for $20 for a half day. One surf lesson with a 4 hr rental was $45.

Recommendations: Jobos is a great surf spot for surfers of all levels. It is also a great spot for those who want to lounge on the beach or dine beach side.

Tips:

• whether you try surfing, stop through Sonido del Mar for a drink. It is along the beach with a great view.

Jump off a Waterfall at Gozalandia, San Sebastian:

Visit two beautiful waterfalls in San Sebastian. One can rope swing into a pool, climb on and behind waterfalls or jump off a waterfall. Parking is $5 for the day. Check out this post for more information about visiting Gozalandia.

Recommendations: Gozalandia is recommended for those looking for a peaceful waterfall view or for an exciting waterfall adventure. One must be able to climb many steep steps. There is a concrete path to the upper waterfalls with a few steps, but accessing the lower, larger waterfalls requires descending several steep steps. There are rails along the steep steps for stability. Video footage of the paths and the waterfalls is located on our Channel Explorcation.

Tips:

• try the rope swing at the upper waterfall and climb behind the waterfall.
• bring water shoes to climb on and around the waterfalls.
• if Richard “Jungleman” is around ask him to show you the underwater cave (it is small).
• have a drink at the bar at the top of the waterfall when you are done exploring.

Slide Down a Natural Waterslide at Las Paylas, Luquillo:

Slide down a natural waterfall slide in Luquillo. If one is not up for the plunge Las Paylas is still a beautiful place to visit. One can also explore around Las Paylas by climbing downstream on the rocks. There is a larger pool one can swim in downstream. Check out this post for more information about visiting Las Paylas.

Recommendations: Las Paylas is recommended for those who can hike for a few minutes on uneven surfaces. There are a few steps and part of the trail can be muddy and slippery. There are no railings along this trail. For those who want to explore down stream one must be comfortable navigating on large rocks. There may be another trail that leads down stream but we did not locate it during our visit and preferred the rock scramble. Video footage of the path and waterfall slide is located on our Channel Explorcation. h

Tips:

• the entrance is at a private residence, look for a sign on the side of the road. We took video footage of the entrance that can be found here.
• park in the private lot and pay the $5 for parking – you can park along the road and just pay an entry fee to use the trail to Las Paylas, but the road is narrow.
• before deciding to take the plunge down the slide assess the waterflow situation. During our visit it rained every day and the water flow was intense. I ended up injuring my tailbone.
• if you are comfortable with the rock scramble climb downstream to find some peace and quiet.

Relax at Luquillo Beach:

Luquillo Beach is easily accessible with something for everyone. The beach is wide with a nice swimming area. You can enjoy your time here just relaxing on your towel or various rentals are available. Parking is $5.50. Access to restrooms is $1 for the day. It is located across the street from the kiosks so there are plenty of food and drink options within walking distance.

Recommendations: Luquillo Beach is recommended for anyone looking for beach time at a location with facilities and restaurants/bars near by. Those who are interested in beach walking would also enjoy this beach as one can walk from Luquillo Beach to Playa Fortuna.

Tips:

• if you enjoy walking along the beach one can park at Playa Fortuna and walk down to Luquillo Beach and the kiosks.
• grab a pina colada in a pineapple to drink on the beach from one of the kiosks.
• stop by one of the restaurants once you’ve had enough sun, many have an open concept and a beach view.

For video footage of all of the bucket list recommendations check out our YouTube Channel Explorcation. Subscribe and turn the notifications on if you enjoy our content.

Now this list is only a few recommendations that we were able to check out. We left Puerto Rico with a longer list of things we wanted to come back to try. One must visit to truly discover Puerto Rico.