Fajardo, Puerto Rico (2024 Guide) – All You Need To Know

Fajardo is an area in Puerto Rico, situated on the north-east side of the main island.

This is a popular vacation destination for locals and tourists alike — but why?

Maybe it’s because you can kayak in a bioluminescent bay and see a colonial lighthouse on the same trip!

I’ve been traveling to the island every summer for my entire life, so I know how much there is to experience in Fajardo. 

In this article, I will cover:

What is Fajardo?
Where is Fajardo located?
What is the best way to get to Fajardo from San Juan?
How much is a taxi from San Juan to Fajardo?
How do you get around Fajardo?
What is Fajardo, Puerto Rico known for?
Does Fajardo have good beaches?
Is Fajardo worth visiting?
When is the best time to go to Fajardo?
Other frequently asked questions

 

What is Fajardo?

Fajardo is a municipality on the northeast coast of Puerto Rico that was founded between 1760 and 1774. 

image of icacos Island
Icacos Island, located off the coast of Fajardo, is a very popular destination for beach enthusiasts and boaters.

Fajardo includes attractions like Puerto del Rey marina, Seven Seas Beach, Laguna Grande bioluminescent bay, and more. 

Off the coast of Fajardo, there are a few islets, or cays — most notably Icacos and Isla Palomino. 

image of Palomino Island
Palomino Island, is a private island located off Fajardo’s coast. It is known for its beautiful teal water and white sands.

Icacos is a popular sailing destination, and catamaran chargers are available to visit the cay. 

Below is a video showing Fajardo’s restaurants and island hopping:

 

Where is Fajardo located?

Fajardo is located about an hour’s drive to the east of San Juan, on the northeastern coast of Puerto Rico’s main island. 

Map showing Fajardo’s location in Puerto Rico. Fajardo is a short drive from El Yunque National Forest.

Below is a Google Map that shows the location of Fajardo:

 

What is the best way to get to Fajardo from San Juan?

The best way to get to Fajardo from San Juan is to rent a car outside of the San Juan airport.

From there you’ll take Route 66 east, meet with Route 3, and Route 3 will take you all the way to Fajardo. 

Since Fajardo is relatively close to San Juan and is a more urban area, taxis and Ubers will most likely be available to and from your destination.

image of the highway in San Juan
This is the highway you will take from San Juan to get to Fajardo.

 

How much is a taxi from San Juan to Fajardo?

A standard taxi from the San Juan airport to Fajardo would cost you somewhere in the $75-$100 price range.

An Uber for the same distance, from the San Juan airport to Fajardo, would cost about $60 for up to four people. 

seven-seas-beach-fajardo
Seven Seas Beach. Waters here are clear and calm, making it the perfect place for snorkeling.

 

How do you get around Fajardo?

The best way to get around on your own schedule would be to rent a car. 

image of Catedral Santiago Apóstol in Fajardo
Catedral Santiago Apóstol in Fajardo is located in the town square. Construction dates back to 1776.

There are parts of Fajardo that you can walk to, like parks, beaches, and the Fajardo town square, but for the most part, it is difficult to get around without a car.

 

What is Fajardo, Puerto Rico known for?

There are a few things that Fajardo is well known for, but its most popular attraction is the Laguna Grande bioluminescent bay.

image of two people in a kayak in the water with bioluminescence glowing around them
Kayaking through bioluminescence.

Laguna Grande is one of only three bioluminescent bays in Puerto Rico, and one of only five total in the world. 

Laguna Grande is the only bioluminescent bay to technically not be a bay, but a lake.

The Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve is found in Fajardo, which is where you can find Laguna Grande, as well as hiking trails and tours of the many ecosystems located here. 

Lifeguards and showers are available at Seven Seas Beach in Fajardo.

One of Puerto Rico’s Blue Flag beaches, Seven Seas Beach, is in Fajardo as well, just outside of the lagoon and nature reserve.

Fajardo is known as a great destination for watersports and recreational boating, like sailing, parasailing, kayaking, snorkeling, chartering catamarans, and many more. 

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Turisteando en Puerto Rico (@turisteandoenpr)

Photo Credit: @turisteandoenpr

Being a popular hub for water sports, Fajardo is also fittingly home to the largest marina in the Caribbean, Puerto del Rey, which can hold over 2,000 boats at one time.

Because Fajardo is home to Puerto del Rey, it is a popular launching port to Culebra, Vieques, and the US and British Virgin Islands. 

The video below shows Laguna Grande Bio Bay in Fajardo:

 

Does Fajardo have good beaches?

Yes, Fajardo has 46 beaches but is most notably home to Seven Seas Beach. 

image of Seven Seas Beach
Seven Seas Beach in the sunset hour. This is a great beach for families with small children because of the calm waters.

Seven Seas Beach is a Blue Flag beach, which is an award only given to beaches for excellence in environmental education and management, water quality, and safety. 

Seven Seas Beach is a great family destination, with showers, lockers, lifeguards, food kiosks, and plenty for all to experience on your vacation. 

Nearby Seven Seas and its kiosks are the Cabezas de San Juan Reserve, where you can visit the Laguna Grande bioluminescent bay, and a campground.

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Enjoy Fajardo (@enjoyfajardo)

Photo credit: @enjoyfajardo

Two very quiet beaches in Fajardo, for those who like a less busy day out, are Playa Escondida and Playa Colorá. 

Playa Escondida and Playa Colorá are located about a 20 to 30-minute hike away from Seven Seas Beach.

 

Is Fajardo worth visiting?

Yes! Fajardo is a great place to visit during your vacation to Puerto Rico. 

image of El Conquistador Resort
El Conquistador Resort, located in Fajardo, is home to one of Puerto Rico’s top water parks.

There are tons of activities for you and the family to enjoy, whether it be kayaking in Laguna Grande, spending a day at Seven Seas, or splashing at Coqui Water Park during your stay at El Conquistador Resort. 

 

When is the best time to go to Fajardo?

The best time to go to Fajardo is during the winter months, from November to March. 

The weather is cool at night, in the ’70s, and comfortable heat at about 85 degrees during the day. 

image of the lighthouse in Cabezas de San Juan, Fajardo
The historic lighthouse in Cabezas de San Juan, Fajardo.

From November to March, Puerto Rico sees the most foreign travel, but locals on the island aren’t traveling, so you’re not fighting two crowds. 

It’s also worth noting that flights in the winter months tend to be less expensive, especially around the holidays. 

When planning your next trip to Puerto Rico, have a look at our article How Much Does It Cost to Go to Puerto Rico for Vacation for all you need to know.

 

FAQ section

Can you walk around Fajardo?

Not very well, no. There are parts of Fajardo that you can walk to and from, but for the most part, you will be better off in a car. 

Can you surf in Fajardo?

Yes, in fact, you can pay to take surfing lessons at La Pared Beach in Fajardo.

Does Fajardo have a bioluminescent bay?

Yes! Fajardo is home to the Laguna Grande bioluminescent bay in the Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve. 

Do you have to pay to go to Seven Seas Beach?

Yes and no. Entrance to Seven Seas Beach is free, however, you do have to pay for parking, lockers, showers, and food. 

 

Final thoughts

Fajardo is full of natural beauty and is definitely worth visiting.

While you are in Fajardo, make sure to visit the Laguna Grande Bio Bay; this is the most unique experience in the area.

If you are looking for other fun activities, then check out our article about the 45 best things to do in Puerto Rico.

Fajardo, Puerto Rico (2024 Guide) – All You Need To Know
Article by

Jenny Diaz

Writer at PuertoRico.com. Growing up in New York and spending my summers in Puerto Rico, I have always loved writing, travel, and animals. I began my career as a travel writer, and after many different jobs in media, I have settled back into what I love most. I enjoy the beach, exploring the island with my family, and coffee!

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