Travel guide to planning a vacation in Fajardo, Puerto Rico, including top tourist attractions.
Fajardo, Puerto Rico is located on the northeastern tip of the island, just one hour east of San Juan. Founded in 1772, nearly 47,000 people call the city of Fajardo home. Located on the Atlantic Ocean, it is a point of origin for sailing, boating, snorkeling, and scuba charters, and for the ferries and air shuttle to Vieques and Culebra, Puerto Rico's two major offshore islands.
Fajardo boasts the largest marina on the island and is also the location of one of Puerto Rico's most luxurious resorts, El Conquistador. Tourists visit Fajardo to enjoy the Puerto Rico's beautiful natural environment. Here are some attractions you won't want to miss!
1. Las Cabezas de San Juan
Las Cabezas, which means the headlands in English, is a pristine nature reserve located on three headlands that jut out into the sea. Several trails offer a glimpse of some of the habitats that showcase the island's natural beauty, including a boardwalk through an extensive mangrove system. There is also a research center and a nature center. Managed by the Conservation Trust of Puerto Rico, visitors are strictly regulated and reservations are required.
2. El Faro (Lighthouse)
El Faro or the lighthouse is located on one of the headlands in Las Cabezas Nature Reserve. Built in 1880, it is a working lighthouse and one of the oldest on the island of Puerto Rico. An observation deck offers a magnificent view out over the Atlantic Ocean.
3. Ceiba State Forest
Just south of Fajardo and adjacent to El Yunque, Puerto Rico's and the United States' only tropical rain forest, is the Ceiba State Forest. Most of the forest is a dry subtropical forest, although the reserve extends to the Atlantic Ocean, protecting the habitat of manatees and sea turtles. There are a few hiking trails within the forest.
4. Snorkel, Scuba, and Sailing Charters
Many charter companies offer day trips to scuba dive, snorkel, or sail around the small cays that lie offshore. Inquire at a hotel or ask at one of the marinas, where the charters usually leave from.
5. Visit the Islands of Vieques or Culebra
Ferries depart daily from Fajardo to both islands and there is also an air shuttle. Both Culebra and Vieques have beautiful pristine beaches, a relaxed atmosphere, and are perfect for day trips. Just be sure to bring food and drink, if you are planning on leaving town to visit other areas of the island.
Vieques is the more relaxed of the two islands, with only a few shops and restaurants in the main town of Esperanza. Take a short cab ride to the Balneario (Public) Sun Beach where you can collect sand dollars in the clear blue waters, and will most likely have the beach to yourself. If you do spend the night, visit the bioluminescent Mosquito Bay, which glows blue in the dark from the plankton that live in the water there.
Culebra, which means snake in English, offers more in the way of accommodations, as well as restaurants and shops, although it is still very low-key when compared to the San Juan metropolitan area. Rent a bike to tour the island, visit one of the beautiful beaches or rent a sea kayak and explore the Culebra National Wildlife Refuge. People on the island are very friendly and will have plenty of suggestions for sights to see if you ask.
6. Seven Seas Beach
Located adjacent to Las Cabezas Nature Reserve, Seven Seas Beach is worth a visit. Take a dip in the turquoise blue waters of the warm Atlantic or relax on the white sand beach. Beginning snorkelers can perfect their techniques here as well.
