How to Experience Ecotourism in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is known for its tropical climate, beautiful beaches and vibrant culture, but it’s also an incredible destination for ecotourism. The island has all kinds of ecosystems, ranging from the lush rainforests of El Yunque to the arid landscapes of the Guánica Dry Forest. It is a destination where you can explore coastal mangroves, snorkel among coral reefs, hike through cloud forests, chase waterfalls and witness the glow of bioluminescent bays. Puerto Rico is the perfect backdrop for eco-adventures.

As more travelers aim to reduce their impact on the environment, ecotourism in Puerto Rico is gaining popularity. Activities like hiking, kayaking, agritourism, and staying in eco-friendly lodging allow visitors to connect with nature while minimizing their environmental impact. 

Here are my tips on how to experience ecotourism in Puerto Rico.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. That means that if you purchase through a link, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. For more info, visit this page.

Disclaimer: Several of these experiences were hosted by Discover Puerto Rico, including Caribbean Chilliboats, Hacienda Jacana, Hacienda Tahiti Verde, and Casa Pueblo. My opinions, however, are my own. I am under no obligation to write a positive review.

What is Ecotourism and Why Does it Matter?

Ecotourism is a form of sustainable travel that focuses on exploring natural environments in a way that minimizes impact on the ecosystem and promotes conservation. It encourages responsible tourism practices that prioritize the protection of wildlife, habitats, and local cultures while providing educational experiences for visitors.

Ecotourism also emphasizes the importance of supporting local communities, ensuring that the economic benefits of tourism contribute to the preservation of natural resources and cultural heritage. By fostering a deeper connection between travelers and the environment, ecotourism inspires greater respect for nature and a commitment to sustainable practices.

Best Times to Visit Puerto Rico

Observe wildlife and swim in La Parguera Nature Preserve
Swimming on the sand bar in La Parguera Nature Preserve in July.

The best time of year for ecotourism in Puerto Rico is between mid-April and June. The temperature will be warm during this time of year but there will be much fewer crowds compared to peak season. Spring is a great time to hike in El Yunque Rainforest, kayak the bioluminescent bays, and explore the coastal ecosystems. Beginning in June, brief rain showers are common which means you can expect lush greenery. 

Hurricane season in Puerto Rico is roughly from July to November, which can impact availability of outdoor activities and the clarity of the water for kayaking and snorkeling.

Peak tourism occurs from mid-December to mid-April because the island has the driest and most comfortable weather while many people aim to escape the cold of winter. However, visiting during this time leads to more crowds, higher prices and a greater impact on the environment and local communities. 

Pro Tip: While visible year-round, the best time to visit Puerto Rico’s bioluminescent bays (bio bays) is during a new moon phase because there is less light pollution from the moon. In warmer months, the bio bays may be brighter, but can be impacted by a higher chance of rain, which makes them less visible.

Must-Visit Ecotourism Destinations in Puerto Rico

El Yunque National Forest

Waterfall in the rainforest at El Yunque National Forest
El Yunque National Forest is the place to chase waterfalls in Puerto Rico!

Best for: hiking, waterfalls, wildlife viewing 

El Yunque is the only tropical rainforest in the US National Forest System and happens to be one of the best places in Puerto Rico for hiking, waterfalls and wildlife viewing. The unique ecosystem is home to wildlife and plant species that can’t be found anywhere else in the world, including the endangered Puerto Rican parrot. It also serves as a critical source of water, providing nearly one fifth of Puerto Rico’s fresh water.

As one of my guides told me, the largest mammals found in the park are the mongoose! So, there’s no bears or other large animals to be concerned with while hiking in El Yunque. But, be sure to bring plenty of water, snacks and rain gear. 

Hikers can choose from a variety of trails, just be prepared to get muddy. Here are a few highlights:

  • El Yunque Trail: Hike to an incredible view from one of the highest points in the rainforest, El Yunque Peak. (5.4 miles round trip, out-and-back, ~1400 feet elevation gain)
  • El Toro Wilderness Trail: Hike to the highest point in the rainforest on this challenging trail. (4.9 miles round trip, out-and-back, ~1325 feet elevation gain) 
  • Los Picachos: This moderate trail is on a spur of the El Yunque Trail with 360-degree views. (0.2 miles on the spur trail or 1.5 miles out-and-back, ~600 feet elevation gain)
  • Caimitillo Trail: This short hike goes through giant tree ferns and sierra palm trees with minimal elevation change. (1.1 miles round trip, loop, ~175 feet elevation gain)
  • La Coco Trail: This challenging trail  leads to the Rio Mameyes river. (3.6 miles round trip, out-and-back, ~650 feet elevation gain) 

Pro Tip: Always check the US Forest Service website for updates on trail conditions and closures. Trails are sometimes closed for maintenance and other issues.

Bioluminescent Bays

Best for: nighttime kayaking

One of the coolest ways to experience ecotourism in Puerto Rico is by visiting one of the bioluminescent bays! These bays have a high concentration of bioluminescent microscopic organisms that, when disturbed, emit a bluish green light making the water seemingly glow in the dark. While they can be seen in many places round the world, Puerto Rico is home to the brightest bioluminescent bay in the world, Mosquito Bay on Vieques Island.

Here are the best bioluminescent bays to visit in Puerto Rico:

  • Mosquito Bay in Vieques: The brightest bioluminescent bay in the world. Take a ferry or short flight to get to Vieques.
  • Laguna Grande in Fajardo: This adventure involves paddling a long and narrow channel lined with mangroves in the dark. This is just over one hour by car or bus from San Juan.
  • La Parguera in Lajas: Located on the opposite end of the island from San Juan, La Parguera has a beautiful nature preserve. While the glow is less intense here, it’s a beautiful setting and motorized boats are more available as an alternative to paddling. 

Pro Tip: Bioluminescent bays in Puerto Rico are most visible during the new moon when the sky is darkest and on cloudy nights. Avoid visiting a bioluminescent bay during a full moon or shortly after a heavy rainfall or storm as those impact visibility.

Culebra Island

Best for: snorkeling, scuba diving, beaches

If you want to get into the water in Puerto Rico, Culebra is for you! The crystal clear water is excellent for underwater wildlife viewing including sea turtles, manta rays, tropical fish and more on the coral reefs.

Here you’ll find Flamenco Beach, considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, as well as Taramindo and Carlos Rosario beaches. 

Find more beaches and snorkeling on the nearby islands, such as Isla Culebrita, which is just a short water taxi ride from the mainland.

La Parguera

Mangrove islands protect La Parguera Nature Preserve from the Caribbean Sea
Ride a chilliboat and search for wildlife among the mangroves in La Parguera.

Best for: kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkeling, scuba diving

Located on the southwestern corner of the island, La Parguera is known for its mangrove forest, coral reefs, and wildlife. While exploring La Parguera Nature Reserve, watch for sea turtles, manatees, stingrays, pelicans, iguanas and more! 

La Parguera’s mangrove forests are crucial for preventing erosion and creating a habitat for its wildlife. The nature preserve leads critical conservation efforts to protect the mangrove forests and restore the coral reefs. 

Exploring La Parguera on chilliboats
Chilliboats can seat one or two people and are like bicycles on two chilli-shaped floating devices.

To practice responsible ecotourism in La Parguera, I recommend trying one of many non-motorized ways to explore the area including kayaking, paddling boarding, and chilliboats! I had an awesome time renting from Caribbean Chilliboats. The guides helped me spot wildlife on the way out to one of the many small islands in the nature preserve where you can swim in the crystal blue water.

Pro Tip: There are many boat rentals available in La Parguera, however many are not properly registered and may not be insured. Not being registered means they are profiting from tourism in La Parguera but not paying the fees to those who maintain and manage the nature preserve. Please do adequate research before renting a boat. 

La Parguera is a great destination for snorkeling and scuba diving as well due to the coral reefs and wall dives. The Parguera Wall is a dramatic dropoff in the Caribbean Sea popular with divers. 

Guánica Dry Forest

Best for: hiking, birdwatching, wildlife watching, mountain biking.

Located on the southwestern coast of Puerto Rico, this 10,000 acres UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is home to one of the largest subtropical dry forests in the world. A stark contrast to the tropical rainforest on the eastern end of the island, Guánica Dry Forest has excellent hiking, views of the Caribbean Sea, and rare plants and wildlife all in an arid environment.

There are twelve hiking trails in Guanica Dry Forest with varying levels of difficulty. Popular trails are:

  • Cueva Trail: A beautiful trail that leads to caves (1 mile round trip, out-and-back, ~100 feet elevation gain)
  • Ballena Trail: Offers breathtaking photo opportunities, coastal views and a remote beach. (2.4 miles round trip, out-and-back, ~550 feet elevation gain)
  • Fuerte Caprón Trail: Enjoy stunning views of the Caribbean Sea and surrounding dry forest which lead to a historic fort. (6.3 miles round trip, out-and-back, ~1000 feet elevation gain)

Birdwatchers visit the dry forest to catch a glimpse of the over 130 bird species, including several endangered and endemic species like the Puerto Rican Nightjar, the Puerto Rican Woodpecker, and the Adelaide’s Warbler. Early morning is the best time for birdwatching.

Other wildlife includes several species of bats, endemic and non-venomous snakes, Coquí Llanero frogs, butterflies and more.

Cabo Rojo National Wildlife Refuge

Best for: bird watching, wildlife watching

Also located on the southwestern coast of Puerto Rico, Cabo Rojo National Wildlife Refuge is an ideal destination for bird watching, hiking, and wildlife watching. The refuge includes a wide range of habitats, including salt flats, lagoons, and mangrove forests. Be sure to stop in to the Visitor Center or Salt Flats Interpretive Center to learn about the guided tours and environmental education programs.

Cabo Rojo is recognized by both the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network and BirdLife International as critically important. Bird watchers can see a variety of migratory and resident species, including the endangered yellow-shouldered blackbird, piping plover, herons, egrets, and greater flamingos! In addition, iguanas, lizards, and crabs are commonly seen here.

Pro Tip: Migratory birds can be seen in Cabo Rojo during the cooler months.

Hikers can explore the coastal and wetland areas. Find details about the trails in Cabo Rojo here. While in Cabo Rojo, don’t miss nearby Los Morrillos Lighthouse! This historic lighthouse rests on top of limestone cliffs and offers incredible views of the coastline from above. 

Adjuntas

Coffee beans at different stages of production at Latitude 18 in Adjuntas Puerto Rico
Comparison of coffee beans at various stages of production at Hacienda Jacana.

Love coffee, hiking and waterfalls? Adjuntas is for you! Located in Puerto Rico’s central mountainous region, Adjuntas is known for lush green forests, cooler temperatures and coffee farming.

Plan a visit to one of the many coffee farms to learn about sustainable coffee production. I visited Hacienda Jacana, which produces Latitude 18 coffee. The owner walked me through the coffee-making process from planting to roasting, including how they have incorporated solar energy and other sustainable practices. 

Coffee growing in Puerto Rico
Coffee beans growing on a branch at Hacienda Jacana.

On a hot day, take the very short (0.2 mile) hike to Charco El Ataúd, which is a natural swimming hole with crystal clear water and a waterfall. 

Pro Tip: Casa Pueblo is a community-led organization that came together to fight against mining in the Adjuntas region decades ago. They were successful in protecting the land and today Casa Pueblo is a solar-powered community gathering and education center. Stop in to learn more about their conservation efforts.

Near Adjuntas, visit Toro Negro State Forest to chase waterfalls, like Doña Juana, and hike the Cerro de Punta trail up to Puerto Rico’s highest peak.

Casa Pueblo solar farm
The solar farm at Casa Pueblo in Adjuntas.

Camuy River Cave Park

Best for: cave tours

Home to one of the largest cave systems in the world and the third largest underground river system, Camuy River Cave Park is a must stop for ecotourism in Puerto Rico. The park is massive with at least 220 caves that have been mapped, though only a small portion of those are open to the public. 

Pro Tip: Reservations for cave tours are strongly recommended. Call 787-898-3100 or 787-999-2200 ext 3474 for reservations and information.

Vieques National Wildlife Refuge

Best for: wildlife watching, beaches, bird watching, hiking, biking, snorkeling

On the island of Vieques, this refuge includes a number of different types of habitats including beaches, lagoons and subtropical forests. Wild horses, sea turtles, the endangered Puerto Rican boa, octopus, dolphins, and even humpback whales during migration.

Pro Tip: While there is no camping inside the refuge, camping is available nearby at Sun Bay.

San Juan

Kayaking in San Juan Puerto Rico
Kayaking in San Juan on Laguna del Condado

Best for: kayaking, paddling boarding, chilliboats

San Juan might be a city, but there are also a number of ways to enjoy the outdoors! Catch a glimpse of sea turtles and manatees while paddleboarding or kayaking in San Juan Puerto Rico. The calm water of Laguna de Condado offers a view of the city skyline as a backdrop. 

Pro Tip: I had an Uber drop me off at Laguna del Condado Profesor Jaime Benitez Rexach National Park on the east end of the lagoon, where Laguna del Condado San Juan Paddleboarding is located. I rented a kayak with no reservation for a reasonable price.

Caribbean Chilliboats also operates tours in Old San Juan Bay with views of iconic attractions like San Felipe del Morro Fort, La Fortaleza, San Juan Gate and more. This is a unique and fun way to explore San Juan. 

Eco-Friendly Accommodations in Puerto Rico

Private ecolodge at Hacienda Tahiti Verde
Private ecolodging at Hacienda Tahiti Verde, a dragonfruit farm, includes a pool and hamock.

Ecotourism in Puerto Rico isn’t just about the activities you do while exploring the island, it’s also about where you stay. There are so many eco-lodges and sustainable lodging options, I am going to write an entirely separate post about just that.

In the meantime, here are some of the best eco-friendly accommodations in Puerto Rico:

Plan Your Ecotourism in Puerto Rico Experience

There are so many great ways for any traveler looking to be more environmentally responsible to experience ecotourism in Puerto Rico. Enjoy your time exploring the island!

Related content to read next:

Hiking Volcano Maderas in Ometepe, Nicaragua

Prepared Girl’s Guide: Day Hike Packing List

Did you find this article helpful? Save it for later or share it on social media!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.