While many people think of Puerto Rico as a single island in the Caribbean, it is actually part of a string of islands, known as an archipelago. More than 100 small islands and islets (small sand islands) surround the mainland of Puerto Rico. Travelers will find many ways to explore these islands, including by boat, kayak, plane, or ferry. Discover how you can go island hopping in Puerto Rico with our guide below.
Kayaking
Exploring Puerto Rico’s coastline and the area islands by kayak is a popular activity for many. While kayaking Fajardo’s bioluminescent bay is probably the most popular, other island-hopping excursions are only accessible by kayak. On the opposite side of the island from Fajardo, Cayo Aurora, better known as Gilligan’s Island, is only accessible by kayaking. The relaxing island is the perfect spot to pack a picnic lunch, grab beach chairs, and spend the day kayaking through the mangroves.
Sailboat or catamaran
Many travelers enjoy island hopping in Puerto Rico by booking a sailboat or catamaran charter. Many companies in Fajardo offer sailing excursions as well. Some tours will take you out for a day of sailing and visiting nearby islands, while others will extend overnight with stops at multiple islands.
Some marinas in Fajardo also offer luxury yacht excursions complete with your drink of choice, such as a day at one of Fajardo’s lovely beaches, where you can relax or enjoy snorkeling and fishing activities. There are three marinas in San Juan and seven in Fajardo, including the largest marina in the Caribbean, called Puerto del Rey.
Ferry
An easy and more economical route is to take a ferry from the mainland to one of Puerto Rico’s many islands. The two most popular islands to visit by ferry are Vieques and Culebra. On Vieques, you can discover Puerto Rico’s most famous attraction, the bioluminescent bay at Mosquito Bay. And on the island of Culebra, spend the day relaxing at the beautiful Flamenco beach.
You can catch the ferry at the Fajardo Ferry Terminal or the Cieba Ferry Terminal, just 20 minutes south of Fajardo Inn. If you have rented a car, you can park at the ferry terminal or take public transportation from the hotel to the ferry terminal. The ride takes a little over 30 minutes to the islands with round-trip departures every two hours.
If you are short on time or don’t like ferries, you can always access Vieques and Culebra by plane. Three airlines offer short 15-minute flights from Cieba, just south of Fajardo.
Stay at Fajardo Inn
After discovering how far Fajardo is from San Juan, consider a stay at the Fajardo Inn. Our island hotel features 125 rooms, a fitness center, two full-service restaurants, and beautiful ocean views. It is also home to Coco’s Park, which features two beautiful swimming pools with a swim-up bar and waterslide, tropical gardens, tennis courts, mini-golf, a 1/2 basketball court, and more.
Enjoy top-quality lodging with bright, spacious rooms with Puerto Rican and Spanish flare décor. You can choose from various rooms, sleeping anywhere from one to eight people, depending on the room selected! Book your stay today!
