Fallcation in Fajardo: Your Fall Escape to Puerto Rico's East Coast
Fall is the new summer in Puerto Rico. Travelers are discovering the "fallcation": a getaway between the end of summer and the start of high season, when the water is still warm, the beaches are quieter and rates haven't jumped yet. Puerto Rico's local press reports the trend is growing, especially in vacation rentals.
Fajardo, on the northeast corner of the island, is made for it. Here's how to spend a fall long weekend like a local.
Why fall works in Fajardo
Warm water, warm days. While the East Coast turns cold, the sea here averages about 84 °F in October.
Fewer crowds. Tours, beaches and restaurants are calmer than in winter.
Better rates. Book before high season (mid-December to March) and your money goes further.
No passport needed for U.S. citizens. It's a domestic flight.
1. Kayak the bioluminescent bay at Laguna Grande
Paddle through a mangrove channel at night into a lagoon that glows when you move the water. It's Fajardo's most famous experience. Tip: go on a night close to the new moon, when the glow is brightest. See bio bay tours
2. Sail to Icacos Cay or Culebra on a catamaran
Full-day catamaran trips leave from Fajardo's marinas to Icacos Cay, a white-sand island with clear water for snorkeling, and to Culebra. Lunch and snorkel gear are usually included. These are the top-selling tours in town, so book ahead even in fall. See catamaran tours
Note: the public ferry to Culebra and Vieques now leaves from Ceiba, not Fajardo. The catamaran tours above leave from Fajardo.
3. Hike from Seven Seas to the hidden beaches
Seven Seas is Fajardo's calm family beach, run by the Municipality of Fajardo, and the only beach in town with lifeguards. From its far end, a trail through the woods leads to quieter beaches like Playa Escondida. Bring water, good shoes and go in the morning. Heads up: the trail goes the opposite way from the lighthouse, so you won't reach El Faro on foot from here.
To see the lighthouse, visit the Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve, which offers guided tours with an environmental interpreter. Reservations are recommended: call 787-860-2560 or visit mascerca.paralanaturaleza.org.
Just want a photo of the lighthouse? You can see El Faro in the distance from La Matita and from El Farito beach (no lifeguards).
Swim safe
Seven Seas is the only beach in Fajardo with lifeguards. Playa Escondida and the other beaches along the trail have none, so if you swim there, stay close to shore and never swim alone.
Follow the flags at Seven Seas and ask the lifeguards about conditions.
Check the sea before you go with the Swim Safe PR app (swimsafepr.com) for rip currents and surf.
Book bio bay and catamaran trips with licensed operators, wear the life jacket they give you, and use reef-safe sunscreen.
4. Eat where the locals eat
Have breakfast at Las Vistas Café (TripAdvisor's #1 in Fajardo), then stop at a roadside chinchorro like Margis Pincho for alcapurrias. End the day with fresh seafood in Las Croabas, the fishing village, and take your postcard selfie at the Enjoy Fajardo mural. See where to eat
5. Add a morning in El Yunque
The only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System is a short drive away. See El Yunque
Where to stay
Fajardo has hotels and hundreds of vacation rentals, from ocean-view apartments to houses near the marinas. Find your stay on Expedia (booking through our link supports Enjoy Fajardo, a non-profit that promotes the town, at no extra cost to you).
Getting there
Fajardo is about 35 miles from San Juan's airport, roughly an hour's drive depending on traffic. Rent a car: an Uber from San Juan costs around $120 to $140 each way. See car rental
A smart fall tip
Fall is still hurricane season (it ends November 30). Check the forecast before you go and choose bookings with free cancellation. Most fall days are simply sunny, warm and quiet.
Plan your fallcation in Fajardo. Bio bay at night, a catamaran day, a beach hike and great local food: that's a long weekend you won't forget.
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