Come to Puerto Rico’s north region for a trip that combines athletic competition with endless opportunities for adventure off the field of play. Athletes and sports lovers alike will enjoy exploring the north’s beautiful natural landscapes, off-the-beaten-path beaches, and numerous activities to keep them busy between games. Plus, it’s conveniently located close to San Juan and the metro region.
The Honda Tennis Court houses 16 hard-surface courts.
Sports Venues in the North Region:
- Coliseo de Arecibo Manuel G "Petaca" Iguina Reyes, home court of Los Capitanes de Arecibo of Puerto Rico’s basketball league;
- TPC Dorado Beach has two championship golf courses that have played host to PGA TOUR events;
- Juan Aubin Cruz Coliseum, an 8,000-spectator venue that is equipped for multiple indoor sports;
- Complejo Deportivo Francisco "Pancho" Deida Méndez, a multi-sport venue that can host tennis, track and field, and baseball.
Nearby Bayamón (part of the metro region) boasts more excellent facilities, including the Honda Tennis Center, Bayamón Soccer Complex, and Rubén Rodríguez Coliseum.
Embassy Suites by Hilton Dorado del Mar Beach Resort is a large beachfront property that's ideal for sports groups.
Day 1: Welcome to Puerto Rico
Visitors to the north region have two great airport options: Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) or Rafael Hernández International Airport (BQN). SJU is closer to popular destinations such as Dorado, Manatí, and Vega Alta, whereas BQN is closer to Camuy, Hatillo, and Barceloneta. Charter buses or rental vans make group transportation easy to coordinate.
VIEW TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS IN PUERTO RICO
The north has a wide variety of accommodations well-suited for sports groups:
- Hyatt Place - Manatí’s central location allows guests to explore nearby attractions between sporting events, including the Casino Atlántico, natural caves, and turquoise beaches.
- Embassy Suites by Hilton Dorado del Mar Beach Resort offers spacious, two-room suites with stunning balcony views or villa-style living at its adjoining Aquarius Vacation Club at Dorado.
- In Vega Alta, Hyatt Hacienda del Mar is an oceanside oasis with sparkling waters offering windsurfing, jet skiing, deep-sea fishing, and snorkeling.
Enjoy a night of glow-in-the-dark bowling fun at Predator Gaming Center.
After checking in at your hotel, spend the day exploring the town of Dorado. Meander the historic town square before hitting one of Dorado’s beaches, such as Balneario El Ojo del Buey or Kikita, a popular surfing spot.
In the evening, have your welcome dinner right on the beach at Kikita Beach Bar & Grill. Guests can watch their first Island sunset as they sample fresh seafood and Puerto Rican mofongo, an Island staple. End the night with a round of bowling and drinks (for those over 18, which is Puerto Rico's drinking age) at Predator Gaming Center.
Puerto Rico's north region is surrounded by picture-perfect beaches, like Balneario de Puerto Nuevo.
Day 2: Beach-Hopping in Manatí & Beyond
Start your morning with breakfast at Atenas Bakery for donuts, turnovers, or sandwiches. Or, wake up with a cappuccino, an omelet, and an ocean view from the roofed balcony at K-feína Coffee Shop.
The north region of Puerto Rico offers a bounty of picture-perfect beaches — ideal for a day of swimming, surfing, sunning, and photo-snapping. Begin with the calm blue waters of Balneario de Puerto Nuevo in Vega Baja, followed by the palm-studded Balneario Cerro Gordo in Vega Alta.
Fried meat-and-potato turnovers called pastelillos are a specialty in Manatí.
In the afternoon, sample Manatí’s famed pastelillos (flaky pastries filled with ground beef and potatoes) at Pastelillos Lamboy. Head back out and catch some waves at the popular surfer beach Playa Los Tubos, or opt for a scuba-diving lesson with Neptune’s Divers near Mar Chiquita — one of the most picturesque beaches in Puerto Rico.
If you're still up for some sightseeing, visit Hacienda La Esperanza Nature Reserve, where you’ll find Cueva de la Golondrinas Beach, a secluded, sandy cove. Cap off your day with dinner at a Manatí restaurant such as Costa Azul Restaurant & Lounge, El Campito Restaurant, or Pizzería San Lazaro.
Tour the third-largest underground river in the world at Río Camuy Cave Park.
Day 3: Underground Caves in Camuy
You’ll want to rally the troops early to make the most of your adventure-filled day in Camuy. Fuel up on the healthy side with a fruit-filled bowl at Backyard Açai… or on the indulgent side with sweet treats at Supreme Donuts or Panadería y Repostería El Cafetal.
Next up: An unforgettable experience at Río Camuy Cave Park. Carved out by the third-largest underground river in the world, this complex of hundreds of natural limestone caves feels like a lost prehistoric world. Reservations are required.
Tainos Ice Cream serves homemade ice cream made with local, natural products.
After your caving adventure, stop for lunch at Tainos Ice Cream, Tacos and Café, a casual food stand just outside the park. From there, you can relax on the beaches of Camuy, including Playa Peñón Amador and Playa Peñón Brusi, until sundown.
In the evening, enjoy a sit-down dinner overlooking the ocean at El Fogón de Abuela. Or, if you haven't had your fill of pastelillos yet, head to Frituras Lole for a grab-and-go meal. Try some alcapurria (Puerto Rican fritters) while you're at it.
Puerto Rico Premium Outlets in Barceloneta.
Day 4: Play Day in Barceloneta
If your group needs to blow off some steam between competition, they'll love the entertainment options in bustling Barceloneta. Start with a local-style breakfast of strong coffee and pastries at Frances Marie Bakery.
Schedule a day of friendly battle at the Barceloneta Paintball Field, or keep the vibe chilled as you show off your bowling skills at Barceloneta Bowling Center. Take a break with some shopping at the Puerto Rico Premium Outlets or catch a movie at Caribbean Cinemas.
Enjoy beautiful scenery and calm beaches in Barceloneta.
In the afternoon, satisfy your sweet tooth with a chocolate tour and tasting at a historical cocoa farm, Semila PR. Then, visit one of Puerto Rico’s most unique beaches, Playa Arena Negra, where you can sink your toes into rare black sand.
End the day with a fried-seafood dinner on the beach at Pura Pesca, or continue west onto Coastal Road 681 for great scenery and more restaurants, like Arrecife 681 and Playa Brava Beach Bar and Restaurant.
Various local tour operators offer tours through Río Tanamá, including cave tubing, swimming, hiking, and more
Day 5: Arecibo by Air, River & Sea
The scenic town of Arecibo is your destination for a day of serious adventure, both above and below ground. Start with a filling breakfast at Panadería del Atlántico or Teefrans Bakery. Then, meet up with your guide from Caribe Adventures Puerto Rico for tubing along the Río Tanamá, trekking through forests and cave systems, taking a moto tour of Arecibo, or zooming to breathtaking locales on UTVs.
Groups looking for more extreme thrills can turn up the adrenaline with Skydive Puerto Rico. Skydiving can be very popular, so we highly recommend scheduling it ahead of time to secure your group’s spot. For lunch, fill up on Puerto Rican-style sandwiches and rice dishes at Gustitos Criollos.
Relax under the shinning sun at La Poza del Obispo in Arecibo.
Afterward, kick back at Poza del Obispo, a small beach with a shallow swimming area next to Arecibo’s picturesque lighthouse. For dinner, enjoy fresh seafood, tapas dishes, and views of the sparkling ocean at Salitre Mesón Costero.
Castillo San Felipe del Morro (aka El Morro) is one of Puerto Rico's most famous historic sites.
Day 6: Savor One Last Day in Puerto Rico
Make time for one last adventure before you head home. Get a little exercise before the flight with a round of golf at TPC Dorado Beach, or schedule some at Roca Norte Outdoor Climbing Gym in Vega Baja.
Only have a partial day? Go for an excursion close to the airport and spend a few hours exploring San Juan. Grab lunch to-go and visit one of the historic forts, like Castillo San Felipe del Morro or Castillo San Cristóbal. Then, end your trip with a rum send-off at the iconic Casa BACARDÍ.
We know each sports group’s agenda is unique, so feel free to customize this itinerary to fit your schedule. Squeeze in activities between practices or games, or add on a few days before or after your event to fully experience the beauty and culture of Puerto Rico!
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