10 Things to Do in Fajardo, Puerto Rico (from a Local)
Updated: 4 days ago
Updated November 2026
Fajardo sits on the northeast corner of Puerto Rico, about an hour from San Juan's airport. It's where the island meets the cays: glowing water at night, turquoise water by day, and fresh seafood in between. Here are the 10 things we tell every friend who visits.
1. Kayak the bioluminescent bay
At night, the water in Laguna Grande lights up every time your paddle moves it. A guide leads you through a mangrove channel into the lagoon. Go on a dark night close to the new moon for the brightest glow. Swimming isn't allowed, to protect the bay.
2. Sail a catamaran to Icacos Cay
Cayo Icacos is an uninhabited nature reserve with white sand and clear water, a short boat ride from Fajardo. Catamaran day trips include snorkeling, and many include lunch and drinks.
3. Or take a water taxi to Icacos
Want more time on the sand and less of a tour? Water taxis leave from Las Croabas and bring you back in the afternoon. Mandibula charges $50 per person round trip and Captain Mingo $60, weather permitting.
4. Spend a beach day at Seven Seas
Seven Seas is Fajardo's public beach, run by the municipality, and the only beach in Fajardo with lifeguards (8 AM to 5 PM). Parking is $5 for the whole day, and there are restrooms and gazebos for rent. Grab a pastelillo at The House of Pastelillos inside the beach.
5. Hike to Playa Escondida
From the far end of Seven Seas, an easy 15 to 20 minute forest trail takes you to Playa Escondida, the "hidden beach," with views toward El Yunque. Wear real shoes and bring water. There are no lifeguards here, so swim with caution and stay near shore.
6. Visit Las Cabezas de San Juan and El Faro
This nature reserve, run by Para la Naturaleza, protects forest, mangroves and lagoons on Fajardo's northern tip, with the historic El Faro lighthouse on top. Visits are by guided tour, so book ahead.
7. Spend a day in El Yunque
The only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System is right next door. Hike to waterfalls and enjoy the cool mountain air, then visit Hacienda Chocolat, a cacao farm nearby, to see how chocolate is made.
8. Eat seafood in Las Croabas
Las Croabas is a fishing village, and the food shows it: whole fried snapper, seafood and alcapurrias at the roadside chinchorros. Start your morning with breakfast and a view at Las Vistas Café.
9. Take a boat to Culebra
Private boats and catamarans from Fajardo go to Culebra and its famous Flamenco Beach. Good to know: the public ferry to Culebra and Vieques leaves from Ceiba, not Fajardo.
10. Watch the boats at the marinas
Fajardo is the boating capital of Puerto Rico, with 8 marinas, including Puerto del Rey, the largest marina in the Caribbean. Have dinner by the docks and watch the sailboats come in at sunset.
Swim safe in Fajardo
Seven Seas is the only beach in Fajardo with lifeguards.
Follow the beach flags and check Swim Safe PR before you go.
Never swim alone, and if the water looks rough, enjoy it from the sand.
Where to stay in Fajardo, by travel style
Resort: El Conquistador and its Las Casitas Village villas, on the cliffs above the marina.
Hotels: Anchors Hotel, a boutique hotel, and Fajardo Inn.
Guesthouses: Sueños del Mar and Calizo VIP, small local places on PR-987, close to Seven Seas and the bio bay.
Vacation rentals: condos near the marinas and villas near Seven Seas beach, great for families and groups.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Fajardo from San Juan? About 35 miles, roughly an hour by car from the airport depending on traffic.
Do I need a car? It helps. Uber works inside Fajardo, but a ride from San Juan costs around $120 to $140 each way. Car rental for Fajardo
Can I take the ferry to Culebra or Vieques from Fajardo? No. The public ferry leaves from Ceiba, next to Fajardo. From Fajardo you can go by private boat or catamaran.
When is the best time to visit? Fajardo is warm all year. High season runs from November to March, so book tours and stays early. Hurricane season ends November 30.
Where should I stay? Fajardo has hotels, El Conquistador and plenty of vacation rentals. Find your stay in Fajardo
Plan your trip: Catamaran tours · Bio bay kayaking · Where to stay · Car rental
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About this guide: Enjoy Fajardo is a local guide made by people who live in Fajardo. Our founder is a Level 7 Google Local Guide whose photos of Fajardo have more than 27 million views on Google Maps. Learn more about us
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