Water sports are a popular daytime diversion in the bays and beaches of Puerto Rico, but for something a little different, try kayaking at night in one of the island's protected bays. There, warm waters harbor microscopic organisms that light up the night with phosphorescent light. La Parguera (in the southwest part of the island), Mosquito Bay in Vieques and Laguna Grande in the Cabezas Nature Reserve of Fajardo (located in the eastern part of the island) are the three places where visitors are guaranteed to experience this unusual tropical phenomenon. A variety of kayak tour groups go out on the bays and lagoons.
La Parguera
787-899-1660
Mosquito Bioluminescent Vieques
787-741-8683
Laguna Grande
787-722-5882
Rum aficionados will appreciate a tour of the purported "Cathedral of Rum"--the Bacardi Rum Distillery. The tour allows visitors to witness the full fermentation, distillation and bottling process, and ends with a visit to the pavilion gift shop for a taste of rum and a chance to purchase souvenirs while admiring the view.
Casa Bacardi Visitor Center
Catano, Puerto Rico 00962
787-788-1500
casabacardi.com
Spend an afternoon on a true desert island at Guanica, a sparkling white sand beach accessible by ferry and known for its clear, shallow waters that are ideal for snorkeling and admiring sea life. While Gilligan's Island is popular with tourists, it is also remote enough to ensure some privacy, making it a destination suited to families, friends or lovers looking for a beach to call their own for the day.
Gilligan's Island
787-821-4941
El Yunque, the Caribbean National Forest, is the only rainforest among the U.S. National Forests, complete with signature lush foliage, waterfalls and tropical wildlife. Visitors can swim in the forest's pools, wander the forest on foot alone or via guided tour, and learn more about the history and ecosystem of the forest at the El Portal Rain Forest Center. A visit to the forest alone is free; access to the visitors center is $3 and guided tours cost $5 as of 2010.
El Yunque National Forest
787-888-1810
elyunque.com
