20 Best Things To Do In Fajardo, Puerto Rico (2024)

Fajardo is an area of Puerto Rico located in the far north-eastern tip of the main island.  

Fajardo is known for its stunning cays and Laguna Grande Bioluminescent Bay.

I was born and raised in Puerto Rico, and I know all the best things to do in this area.

In this article, I will cover the 20 best things to do in Fajardo, Puerto Rico:

 

1. Bioluminescent Bay tour

Fajardo is home to a bioluminescent bay.

There are only a few bio bays in the world, so this is a must-do activity. 

image of 2 girls swimming in La Parguera Bioluminescence Bay
Image of two women swimming in a bioluminescent bay in Puerto Rico.

The bio bay in Fajardo is called “Laguna Grande Bio Bay“.

Below is a video that shows a bioluminescent bay in Puerto Rico:

Puerto Rico has three different bio bays.

Check out our article to learn more – Bioluminescent Bays Puerto Rico – All You Need To Know.

 

2. Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve 

Here, you can experience many ecosystems in one place.

Visit Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve (The Headlands of San Juan Nature Reserve) and enjoy coral reefs, mangroves, the bioluminescent lagoon, and more.

image of Cabezas de San Juan's aerial view
Outdoor enthusiasts will love Cabezas de San Juan’s Nature Reserve.

Take a kayak tour to better appreciate these natural wonders.

Read more in our article 13 Best Tours and Excursions In Fajardo.

 

3. Visit Parque Las Croabas

Parque Las Croabas is a seaside passive park surrounded by seafood restaurants.

This arc-shaped park is also known for being the departure point for many kayaking tours and water taxis. Perfect for the whole family! 

image of Las Croabas Park's aerial view
Las Croabas Park offers stunning views of the northeastern coastline.

Bring or rent a bike and take a ride while admiring the amazing view.

Our article 15 Best Outdoor Activities In Puerto Rico provides more inspiration for having adventures in nature.

 

4. Kayaking

Kayaking is one of the most popular activities in Fajardo.

Besides kayaking in the bio bay, you can kayak on most of Fajardo’s beaches like Seven Seas Beach and Playa Ensenada Yegua.

Bring your family or your significant other and enjoy the amazing views, reefs, and marine life that Fajardo has to offer.

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by 🥥Flota chupa limbel🍓 (@flotachupalimbel)

Photo credit: @flotachupalimbel

Read more in our article 12 Best Kayak Tours in Puerto Rico.

 

5. Catamaran Tours

Whether it is for sailing, chartering, or fishing — catamaran is the way to see this coast!

There are many catamaran tours in Fajardo to choose from.

Below is a video showing the Catamaran Tour in Fajardo:

 

6. Sail to Culebra

Fajardo has a marina where you can organize a private sailing trip to take you to Culebra, one of the offshore islands of Puerto Rico.

image of Culebra Island
Take a private boat to Culebra from Fajardo and experience Flamenco Beach.

Be sure to check out Flamenco Beach once you are there, which is considered one of the world’s most beautiful beaches.

 

7. Enjoy Cayos de la Cordillera Nature Reserve

Visit this small group of islands and cays just a few miles off the coast of Fajardo.

Full of marine life and impressive beaches, Cayos de la Cordillera is one of Puerto Rico’s natural wonders. 

image of Cayos de la Cordillera Nature Reserve
Just off the coast of Fajardo, Cayos de la Cordillera awaits, only accessible by boat.

This Nature Reserve is also home to sea turtles, dolphins, and manatees.

One of the small islands of this Nature Reserve is Palomino, a great spot for snorkeling!

This Nature Reserve can only be reached by boat, so make sure to book a catamaran, boat, or water taxi ahead of time.

 

8. Visit Icacos Cay

The biggest key of Cayos de la Cordillera Nature Reserve.

image of Cayo Icacos Island
Icacos is a small paradise just off the coast of Fajardo.

Icacos is a popular vacation spot, not only for its sparkling sand and turquoise waters, but also because this cay is perfect for snorkeling, diving, and swimming.

Check out Cayo Icacos in the following video:

You can also book a snorkeling tour to enhance your experience in this area.

 

9. Dine in a fine restaurant 

When it comes to restaurants, Fajardo specializes in seafood.  

There are many kinds of restaurants and kiosks to choose from in Fajardo — all of them with fresh seafood available.

Pasión por el Fogón is one of the locals’ favorites.

Take the gastronomic route and try Puerto Rican seafood cuisine.

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Pasion Por El Fogon (@pasionporelfogonrest)

Photo Credit: @pasionporelfogonrest

 

10. Parasailing over the bay

Glide over the ocean around the bay of Fajardo.

Parasailing has become one of the favorite water sports of tourists and locals alike!

Book this guided parasailing tour and find yourself hanging from a parachute wing while enjoying the beautiful view. 

Below is a video showing parasailing in Fajardo:

 

11. Snorkeling

Snorkeling is one of the main activities in Fajardo. 

There are many sites on Seven Seas Beach that are perfect for snorkeling, including Icacos Cay and Palomino Island on the Cordillera Nature Reserve.

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Pirate Snorkeling Shack (@piratesnorkelingshack)

Photo Credit: @piratesnorkelingshack

Check out our article that covers the Best Snorkeling Spots in Puerto Rico for more details.

 

12. Beach Camping in Balneario Seven Seas

Have you ever camped on the beach?

Bring your camping gear and make Balneario Seven Seas campground your vacation destination.

image of Seven Seas Beach
Seven Seas Beach in Fajardo is a beautiful spot for beach camping.

I have camped in this campground, and there is nothing better than falling asleep with the sound of the waves.

This campground is fully equipped with showers, bathrooms, and gazebos!

Call 787-622-5200 for more information.

 

13. Fajardo Lighthouse Cabo San Juan

Visit this 140-year-old lighthouse!

image of Fajardo Lighthouse
Fajardo lighthouse is considered a historical site and landmark in Puerto Rico.

Built in the 19th century to mark the Puerto Rican coast, the Fajardo Lighthouse is one of Puerto Rico’s landmarks, located within the Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve.

Once there, be sure to enjoy the amazing view from the observation deck.

 

14. Experience La Zanja (The Trench)

If hiking is your thing and you like to explore, this hidden treasure is for you!

La Zanja is a natural swimming pool within the Nature Reserve. Even though it is not accessible by car, it’s totally worth the hike.

This is the ideal place for taking pictures!

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Jean Carlo Rivera (@jeancarlo_o)

Photo Credit: @jeancarlo_o

Check out La Zanja in the following video:

 

15. Cathedral of St. James the Apostle

This historic landmark is located on the town plaza of Fajardo.

Visit the town plaza of Fajardo and learn the history behind this almost 200-year-old stunning cathedral.

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by David Melendez (@darksniper1)

Photo Credit: @darksniper1

 

16. Shopping

Visit Plaza Fajardo Shopping Center.

You can take a break from the sun at Plaza Fajardo Shopping Center.

With over 25 stores, markets, and shops – in Plaza Fajardo, you can find what you are looking for. 

Complete with sports shops, clothes and shoe stores, fast food, and more.

 

17. Fishing 

Fajardo hosts the best fishing charters on the island.

If you are a fishing enthusiast then you know the thrill of spending time on the water, catching something, and then working your fish in the boat. 

Take your family on a fishing charter tour and experience offshore and inshore fishing. You will enjoy tarpon, bonefish, snook fishing, and more!

Below is a video showing fishing in Fajardo:

 

18. Scuba Dive Cayo Lobos and Cayo Diablo

You will love Scuba Diving in Fajardo!

It doesn’t matter if you’re an expert or a beginner diver you will surely have an amazing experience diving in Fajardo’s stunning cays.

For certified divers, Cayo el Diablo is the best choice for diving at 50 feet deep. 

For beginner diving, the reef of Cayo Lobos will be 15-30 feet deep.

Check out scuba diving in Fajardo in the following video:

For more great dive sites, check out our article Best Dive Sites In Puerto Rico.

 

19. Sunbathing in Ensenada Yegua Beach 

Ensenada Yegua Beach is perfect for relaxing in the sun.

This beach is known for its easy access, calm waters, and lots of bushes that offer shade.

image of Ensenada Yegua Beach
Ensenada Yegua Beach is perfect for a family beach day.

You can also snorkel and kayak here.

Bring your family and spend a relaxing day in Ensenada Yegua Beach!

Check out Playa Ensenada Yegua in the following video:

 

20. Visit Marina Puerto del Rey

The largest marina in the Caribbean, and every boater’s dream!

Home port of over 1,200 sailboats and yachts.

image of Marina Puerto del Rey
Marina Puerto del Rey is the largest marina in the Caribbean.

Marina Puerto del Rey also has many amenities like shops, restaurants, gyms, and golf cart services among others. 

Check out Marina Puerto del Rey in the following video:

 

FAQ section

What are some things to do in Fajardo at night?

Visiting Laguna Grande bio bay at night is a must when visiting Fajardo! Also, Fajardo is a lively town that has several pubs where you can have a good time dancing and drinking.

What are some free things to do in Fajardo?

Most of the beaches of Fajardo are public, you only need to bring your beach chair and cooler and you’re set!

 

Final thoughts

Fajardo is a beautiful area of Puerto Rico that you should visit.

My favorite things to do in Fajardo are kayaking in the bioluminescent bay and visiting Parque Las Croabas.

Check out our article where we discuss whether Fajardo is safe for tourists – Is Fajardo Safe For Tourists? – All You Need To Know.

20 Best Things To Do In Fajardo, Puerto Rico (2024)
Article by

Dimary Hernández Soto

Writer at PuertoRico.com. I have lived in Puerto Rico my entire life. When I’m not writing, I work in the healthcare industry as a Quality Control Specialist. After Hurricane Maria, my teammates and I were responsible for ensuring that life support equipment reached patients in need around the island.

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