Family-Friendly Outdoor Adventures in Puerto Rico

Explore the Rainforest by Horseback or ATV

Near El Yunque National Forest, where you can spend the day hiking and basking under waterfalls, is Carabalí Rainforest Adventure Park: A 600-acre ranch perfect for an action-packed day with the family. Discover endemic flora and fauna as you set out on a horseback-riding tour in the foothills, take a swimming break at the Mameyes River, or ride along the beach with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.

If the family is looking for something a little faster-paced, you can race through lush vegetation, splash through rivers, and take in the rainforest scenery on an exhilarating ATV or UTV ride. Go-karts may be better-suited for the kiddies, while open-wagon hayrides are available for those seeking a more peaceful way to enjoy the rainforest.

Bonus: Carabalí has an on-site restaurant where you can enjoy a traditional Puerto Rican meal or feast on Southern-style BBQ. 

Soar Like a Bird

One of the most popular outdoor activities for families in Puerto Rico is ziplining. With steep mountains and verdant scenery, you can practice the high-flying trend in different locations across the Island, from the second-longest zipline in the world at Toro Verde Nature Adventure Park (which Jimmy Fallon conquered) to the highest rainforest in Puerto Rico at Toro Negro. There are also shorter rails at El Yunque National Forest, where you'll find ziplines for all types of travelers. 

Staying in San Juan? Toro Verde has its own urban zipline park at Distrito T-Mobile. Once you've come back down to earth, enjoy dining, movies, concerts, and other family-friendly offerings in this popular entertainment district.

Sail & Snorkel on a Boat Tour

Surrounded by many cays and islets, Puerto Rico is full of unique locales to explore on a boat, catamaran, or yacht tour.

Charter companies like East Island Excursions, Traveler Catamaran, Salty Dog, and Sail Getaways will take you to Icacos Island on the east side of Puerto Rico. 

Not only will you relish views of the stunning coastline, you can discover Puerto Rico's diverse marine life while snorkeling around some of the most colorful coral reefs in the Caribbean. Many providers offer snorkeling packages that include gear, lunch, and refreshments. If diving in the water is not for you, simply kick back, relax, and enjoy the ocean breeze.

Explore the Puerto Rico boating directory

Paddle Away!

Puerto Rico's nearly 300 miles of coastline boasts many calm beaches that are ideal for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP).

If you'll be staying in San Juan, your family can take advantage of several guided tours — including sunset and night paddles — to enjoy the city's skyline. Castillo Tours and San Juan Paddleboarding offer city-side bay kayaking and SUP around the lagoon and clear-water beaches, while Night Kayak Tours' illuminated paddleboards and kayaks cast a halo of light beneath your vessel. You can book a lesson for your group or rent out the equipment from these companies. 

For more glow-in-the-dark fun, head to Laguna Grande in Fajardo, La Parguera in Lajas, or Mosquito Bay on the nearby island of Vieques for guided aquatic tours of these amazing bioluminescent bays.

Check out more great places to go kayaking and paddleboarding

Bike Rentals 

Puerto Rico has hundreds of miles of trails and streets to be explored on a family biking trip. There are many bicycle rentals around the Island, so you can enjoy a morning, afternoon, or full day of cruising. 

From leisurely city roads like the ones you'll find in the Ocean Park and Condado neighborhoods of San Juan to more advanced wildlife trails in Guánica State Forest, Corredor Ecológico del Noreste, and Aguadilla Coast Trail (the longest route on the Island), renting a bike is a great way to take in the scenery while getting some exercise as a family.

Explore Biking Routes in Puerto Rico