5 Day Fajardo Vacation Ideas
Coming to Puerto Rico on vacation, or anywhere for that matter can be over whelming. There are so many cities to go to, so many things to do, so many vacation rentals in Fajardo to choose from and so many restaurants to try. Not to mention the fact that there are so many opinions online and it’s hard to know who to trust! Let’s assume that you’ve decided to vacation in Puerto Rico and you’re considering Fajardo for your destination, let me give you my 5 day vacation in Fajardo, Puerto Rico.
Day 1: Relax on Seven Seas beach
Whether you arrive in the morning or evening, your first FULL day should be spent on Seven Seas beach in Fajardo. Traveling is never fun and if you’ve spent the previous day rushing through security, dodging sneezes, and fending off crying babies your first vacation day should be spent relaxing. You know, to put you in the mood! Seven Seas beach has variety, it’s not hard to get to, and it’s beautiful. The left side of Seven Seas beach is typically more touristy and has more shade. To get there, many people park along the street or there is paid parking available for like $5. Once you park, you’ll notice that there are 2 sides to the beach separated by what look like mobile homes….mobile homes with the best view ever! I have no idea how long those things have been there but those people are lucky! Anyway, to get to the more touristy section, go left. Find some shade, relax on the beach, play in the water, it’s all there. The more “local” side of Seven Seas beach is the right side. Here you’ll find more people from Puerto Rico and the water is usually clearer on this side. The further you walk the better it gets! If you look out on the bay, you’ll notice that there are waves breaking from one point of the bay to the other. That’s because there is a reef that spans that entire distance! On a calm day, it’s beautiful :)
Restaurant ideas for the day:
La Estacion
Costa Mia
Restaurant ideas for the day:
La Estacion
Costa Mia
Day 2: Snorkel around Icacos Island
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Icacos Island near Fajardo Puerto Rico is a small little island off the North Eastern coast of Fajardo. It’s a quick 20 minute boat ride from Las Croabas marina, a bit longer from more Southern marinas. Icacos is a public island which means that anyone can go ashore and enjoy the beach or hike around the interior portion (most people just stay on the beach or in the ocean). The best reefs around Icacos island are found about 200 yards off of the North Western part of the island. The easiest way to find the spots is to keep an eye out for the numerous floating buoys by the reef. To get to these snorkeling spots you have two options:
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1. Take a water taxi
2. Take a catamaran snorkeling trip
The water taxi option is less expensive and gives you a little more autonomy. You can take a boat ride to the island, bring some food, relax on the beach, do a little snorkeling, and make a day of it. If you choose this option then you have to find the snorkeling spots yourself or ask your boat captain…they’ll know! Take a water taxi to Icacos for about $25 per person. They are usually very flexible with trip times. Stay all day if you like.
You can also take a catamaran tour to Icacos island and the surrounding snorkeling spots for about $70 per person you can snorkel around Icacos, relax on the beach, and lunch and unlimited drinks are included! This option is less private but it’s still beautiful nonetheless. These trips go from about 10am to 3pm so you’ll fill up most of your day with this activity.
Restaurant ideas for the day:
If you do the water taxi: Pinchos
If you take the snorkeling tour: La Ola
2. Take a catamaran snorkeling trip
The water taxi option is less expensive and gives you a little more autonomy. You can take a boat ride to the island, bring some food, relax on the beach, do a little snorkeling, and make a day of it. If you choose this option then you have to find the snorkeling spots yourself or ask your boat captain…they’ll know! Take a water taxi to Icacos for about $25 per person. They are usually very flexible with trip times. Stay all day if you like.
You can also take a catamaran tour to Icacos island and the surrounding snorkeling spots for about $70 per person you can snorkel around Icacos, relax on the beach, and lunch and unlimited drinks are included! This option is less private but it’s still beautiful nonetheless. These trips go from about 10am to 3pm so you’ll fill up most of your day with this activity.
Restaurant ideas for the day:
If you do the water taxi: Pinchos
If you take the snorkeling tour: La Ola
Day 3: El Yunque Tour in the rainforest
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Now that you’ve had a couple days around the water, I think it’s time you venture into the rainforest. Like anything, there are many ways to do anything and the same is true for El Yunque. In my opinion, the best way to experience El Yunque is to go to the spots where the locals visit instead of where the tourists go. There is a spot called Charco Frio which is way off the beaten path and worth every second spent trying to find it! It has a bit of hiking, warm sun, cool water, and a bit more privacy than the more touristy filled spots. Charco Frio is actually located on the property of a very nice man who maintains the spot, cleans up trash, and provides parking. This place has it all :) There is even a rope swing and a natural waterside which is too perfect to believe. After the hike, you will undoubtedly be hungry.
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Fortunately for you, the owner of the property will make you and your crew a home cooked meal from fresh ingredients on his farm. Listen to me…..do this….seriously. The food is so good and I think it makes it better because you’ll be so hungry after the hike. Do it. Really.
Restaurant ideas for the day:
If you take the more touristy trip (this is one of my favorite restaurants): El Verde
If you take the more private El Yunque tour: Get the home cooked meal!
Restaurant ideas for the day:
If you take the more touristy trip (this is one of my favorite restaurants): El Verde
If you take the more private El Yunque tour: Get the home cooked meal!
Day 4: Spearfishing in Puerto Rico
Back to the water! You’ve had a sample of what the waters of Puerto Rico have to offer and now it’s time to have a taste. If you can snorkel then you can spearfish. Spearfishing is snorkeling with a chance at dinner! The spots are dependent on the weather and groups as small as two can go out on a trip so if you’re looking for more of a private adventure this is a great option. Spearfishing can also be a very relaxing trip. If the water is calm and the sun is shining you can have a relaxing day in the water floating above the coral as your lunch swims by!
Restaurant ideas for the day: Take your catch here: El Racar
Restaurant ideas for the day: Take your catch here: El Racar
Day 5: Fajardo bio bay and beach day
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Spend the day at Playa Colora and then do the Fajardo bio bay at night. Playa Colora is a bit more difficult to get to than the more typical beaches. It’s worth it though. Secluded, scenic, and memorable. Reefs to snorkel, plenty of sand to make your own, and privacy. This beach is a “hidden beach” but it is not impossible to find. Find it’s location: Here
The Fajardo bio bay is an amazing natural phenomenon that brings people from around the world. Laguna Grande in Fajardo contains bioluminescent organisms that glow when the water is disturbed. Yes, that’s right. The water glows! Put your hand in the bay, swish it around and see the water sparkle with a bluish hue. Restaurant ideas for the day: Pinchos |
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