The 9 Best Boating Tours You Can’t Miss in Puerto Rico
To truly experience the gorgeous beaches and bays around Puerto Rico, you need to book a boat tour!
These are the best way to enjoy the seemingly endless sunshine and warm weather in this Caribbean island, and there are many different tours you can take depending on what you want to see and do.
From sunset tours to day along private cruises, these are some of the best boating tours in Puerto Rico, perfect for relaxing your days away.
There’s never a bad view when you’re on a boat in Puerto Rico!
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Why Should You Book a Boat Tour in Puerto Rico?
While I'm the ultimate history and book lover, even I can't resist a boat ride on turquoise water. You'd have to be crazy to stay inside museums or the hotel the entire time you're in PR!
We balanced our visits to El Yunque Rainforest, historic San Juan, and the Bacardi Factory with several days of relaxation on the island’s incredible beaches.
One of the best days we had on our visit to Puerto Rico was the San Juan Bay Day Sail that cruised around the shores in that area of the island. (More information on that specific tour below.)
The cost of the cruise included unlimited rum punch, so, even though it was 10 in the morning and our parents were hanging out with us, my sister and I proceeded to sample the wares.
We were on vacation, so the usual rules didn't apply.
No one was worried about the time or work or when we needed to be back at the hotel. It was as if, for a few hours, the world just slowed down and we were able to relish in the most basic of things.
We weren't the only ones with the same idea, as there were boats all over the place.
The vast majority of the boats weren't filled with visitors, though. They were locals just enjoying their insanely gorgeous home.
So, do as the locals do, and book one of these fantastic boat tours when you’re on your Puerto Rican vacation!
Boat Tour Departure Areas Compared
Where you stay during your visit to Puerto Rico is just as important as what you decide to see, do, and eat.
Depending on where you situate yourself on the island, you’ll have easy access to different elements of the island’s history and culture—and different boat tour options.
San Juan
The beautiful water and hotels near the Caribe Hilton in San Juan
San Juan is the island’s capital city, and home to the largest airport on the island.
You’re likely flying into this area of the island, so I recommend spending at least a day or two here before heading to other areas of Puerto Rico.
San Juan is located on the northern side of the island between Dorado and Loquilla.
Fajardo
Boats and hillside homes in Fajardo
This smaller, but still beatuiful, area of the island is quieter than San Juan, and is a 1 hour drive from the main city.
It’s located on the northeastern tip of the island with easy access to Cayo Icacos and Isla Palominos, two small islands off of the coast here.
The Cayos de la Cordillera Beach Nature Preserve is also off the coast, so you’re spoiled for choice if you’re looking for beaches, sparkling blue water, and pristine bays.
Fajardo is probably best known for its proximity to the incredible El Yunque National Forest, which contains the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System!
Vieques
The sandy beaches of Vieques
While Puerto Rico has many small islands ringing its shores, there are 2 main ones, Vieques and Culebra, both of which require an additional ferry or plane ride from San Juan.
Vieques is the larger of the two, and it’s where you’ll find the most hotels, tours, and amenities. It still feels remote, and it’s well worth the extra effort of getting here.
La Parguera
Mangroves meet the sea in La Parguera
La Parguera is located on the island’s southwestern corner between Cabo Rojo and Ponce.
It’s just under 2 hours from San Juan by car, and it’s a great way to see the quieter side of the island.
Here, you’re close to gorgeous, uncrowded beaches, the Guánica State Forest, and the Parque Nacional Balneario Boquerón.
Best Boat Tours in Puerto Rico
These are in no specific order, so choose the ones that fit with your location on the island, time outlay, and activity level.
I’ve made sure to include the location from which each tour departs, as well as the minimum ages required to participate.
You’ll find a wide variety of fun options that will fit every visitor from the thrill seeker to the laid back family!
San Juan Bay Day Sail
Leaves from: San Juan
When people talk about taking a boat tour in Puerto Rico, this day sail is probably what pops into your mind!
This classic day sailing experience takes place on a boat large enough for several families, but remains small enough for you to get to know your crew and fellow guests.
You’re not sailing to anywhere in particular, but rather, you’re soaking up the experience of lazing a day away on one of the most beautiful places in America.
The price does include drinks: rum punch, beer, mimosa, and rum and Coke for the adults, and a variety of soft drinks and water for the kids.
You can bring in your own food and snacks for a truly laid back day on the water.
The exact cruising schedule is flexible, and the captain and crew tend to take suggestions from the passengers if there’s something they really want to see or do.
We stopped at several tiny and uninhabited islands on our cruise, and we were able to see sea turtles, dolphins, litte crabs, and even a sea snake in the process!
Cayo Icacos Boat Tour with Snorkeling and Slide
Leaves from: Fajardo
Explore one of the pristine islands off of the coast of Fajardo with this fun day cruise!
Cayo Icacos, or Icacos Island, has powdery white sand and crystal clear blue water surrounding it.
On this family friendly cruise, you’ll be shuttled to the marina, passing parts of the El Yunque Rainforest in the process, and then board the double decker boat for your day in the sun.
Once the captain finds a good spot to anchor, the boat’s inflatable slide is set up by the crew for some incredible fun.
You’ll also have the opportunity to snorkel, which was a highlight of our time in Puerto Rico. Because the water is so clear, you can easy see brilliantly colored fish, corals, turtles, and more.
I like this tour since it has a little bit of everything: a water slide, snorkeling time, and included lunch and drinks.
Bioluminescent Boat Tour
Leaves from: La Parguera
It’s hard to get a photo of the bioluminescence, and it’s something you have to see to believe! | source
If you want to see science that looks like magic, book a boat tour of one of Puerto Ricos’s bioluminescent bays!
Tiny organisms in the water light up when they’re touched or otherwise disturbed, so when you boat or swim through the water at night, it looks like you’re moving through a river of bright blue lights.
This natural phenomenon is best seen on night with as little moonlight as possible, so keep that in mind when you’re booking.
Making this experience even more special is that fact that La Parguera is the only biolumenescent bay in the world that allows for swimming.
This tour is great for a variety of travelers, depending on your comfort level, so that you have options on how you want to experience this once-in-a-lifetime nighttime spectacular!
You can stay on the boat, or jump right in for a magical swimming experience.
This boat and swimming tour is a better choice for families with younger kids than the kayaking tour below, as you don’t need to fuss with speciality equipment of any kind. Kids 2 and up can go on this tour.
Bioluminescent Kayaking Tour
Leaves from: Fajardo, Vieques, or San Juan
While the bio bay lights are the main draw, you’ll also see the island’s mangrove trees from your kayak.
Another excellent way to experience the bioluminescent bays of Puerto Rico is via kayak tour, which allows you an up-close experience without needing to dive all of the way in.
Neither of these locations allows for swimming, so choose the boat tour (above) if you’d rather do that.
The tour starts in the late afternoon, allowing you time to experience the unique mangrove ecosystem before you head over to the bay.
Once the sun goes down, you’ll be able to see the bright blue bioluminescence every time your paddles touch the water!
Plus, there are 2 different areas of the island that you can start your tour from, making this experience even more flexible for visitors.
Book Fajardo departure tour here.
Full Day Catamaran Tour of Culebra Islands
Leaves from: Fajardo
Have a luxurious day on a catamaran tour. | source
This full day tour takes you to Cordillera Islands Nature Preserve, so that you can relax and soak in the sun on one of Puerto Rico’s best beaches.
If you only want to sunbathe, you’ll have plenty of time to do so, but if you want a little more adventure in your day, you’ll also have the option to snorkel and swim in the clear waters around the island.
Families with kids 4 and up will have an amazing day on the high speed catamarans, at the beaches, and in the water.
The tour price includes a make-your-own-sandwich buffet, chips, and unlimited drinks, including beer, piña coladas, and rum punch for the 21 and older crowd.
This tour is a great choice for visitors who want something easy, fun, and low key.
Power Boat Snorkeling and Beach Tour
Leaves from: Fajardo
This all-in-one boating tour has everything you could want while out on the water in Puerto Rico: snorkeling opportunities, walking along one of the island’s most famous beaches, wildlife spotting, unlimited drinks, and a buffet lunch.
This tour is similar to the San Juan Day Bay Sail in that you’ll board a similar style and size boat, but the offerings on this Power Boat Snorkeling Tour include multiple stops, including Culebra’s famous Flamenco Beach.
Culebra, if you remember, is one of the 2 major islands off the coast of Puerto Rico near Fajardo. Culebra is the smaller of the 2 (Vieques is the larger), and Flamenco Beach on its northwestern point is one of the most highly regarded beaches in the world.
While you’re at Flamenco Beach, don’t forget to get a photo with the iconic, and now brightly spray painted, tank that once belonged to the U.S. Army.
When you’re not strolling the white sands of Flamenco Beach, you’ll have the chance to see sea turtles and sting rays with the provided snorkeling gear.
Due to the tour’s many active points of interest, it’s great for kids 6 and up.
Water Jet Car Experience
Leaves from: San Juan
The McLaren themed water jet cars in front of the Puerto Rico skyline | photo via Ocean Motion
If the idea of an amphibious vehicle has always intrigued you, give this quirky twist on a boat tour a try!
Take the wheel of these fun water jet cars that look just like a smaller version of a luxury vehicle, but can easily maneuver on the water.
It’s as easy to drive as a Jet Ski, but it’s way more eye-catching!
Each of the water cars can hold up to 2 passengers. You’ll get your orientation at the San Juan Bay Marina before you start cruising around the bay and past Viejo San Juan and the iconic Castillo San Felipe del Morro.
Hook up your phone to the car’s Bluetooth speakers for even more vibes as you drive!
To drive, you’ll need a valid driver’s license and be 21 or older, while passengers can be as young as 12 years old.
Mini Boat Adventure
Leaves from: San Juan
Mini boats at Castillo San Felipe del Morro | photo via East Island Excursions
Don’t just take a boat tour. Be the captain of it!
In this self-guided boat tour, you’ll learn the ins and outs of driving your own mini boat before heading out of the San Juan Bay Marina to see the sights.
Your guide will stop the fleet of mini boats from time to time to tell the group about interesting points along the way, including the historic Castillo San Felipe del Morro which sits at the mouth of the bay.
You’ll get beautiful views of Old San Juan, the Condado district, and the San Juan skyline.
You can have up to 3 people in each mini boat, and kids as young as 4 years old can join in the fun!
Waterbike Tour of Condado Lagoon
Leaves from: San Juan
This is possibly the most fun you’ll ever have on a bike.
These water bikes are very stable and easy to pedal, making it an awesome option for families with older kids and visitors who don’t want to work too hard on vacation!
The tour meanders by many of the popular hotels and sites in Condado, including Castillo San Jerónimo del Boquerón and the Caribe Hilton (which claims that one of its bartenders invented the piña colado back in the 1960s!).
Each team of two will pedal their individual bikes on the tour, which is narrated by the knowledgeable local guide.
Kids 10 and up can go on the tour, but they must be at least 48 inches in order to properly reach the pedals.
If you’re interested in trying out the water bikes, but aren’t staying in San Juan, there is a similar (and just as fun tour) that leaves from La Parguera.
