Fajardo is one of the most beautiful regions in Puerto Rico, located on the island’s northeastern coast. It is renowned for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear blue waters, and access to nearby islands, like Vieques, Culebra, and Icacos. The best way to experience Fajardo is by driving. Since public transport in Puerto Rico is limited, it is more convenient to rent a car. This allows you to explore beaches, marinas, and nature reserves at your own pace. This Fajardo travel guide will show you everything you need to know, from top attractions to travel tips.
Before you start exploring Fajardo, here’s what makes this coastal town special.
Fajardo is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and is home to some of Puerto Rico’s most beautiful natural attractions. You’ll find clear waters perfect for kayaking, mangrove forests, coral reefs, and a glowing bioluminescent bay. The town also carries centuries of history, from its 18th-century founding to landmarks like El Faro de las Cabezas de San Juan, a restored 19th-century lighthouse. Modern marinas, small-town squares, and friendly locals make it a destination that blends the old and the new.
Fajardo is on Puerto Rico’s far northeastern coast, bordered by Luquillo to the west and Ceiba to the south. It’s about 56 kilometres (35 miles) from San Juan, which takes about 1 hour by car through highways PR-66 and PR-3. Because of its position, Fajardo is also the gateway to Vieques and Culebra, two nearby islands famous for their beaches and marine life. You can find ferry terminals and private boat charters here, as well as Puerto del Rey Marina — the largest marina in the Caribbean. The area’s coastal access and warm weather make it ideal for short day trips or longer beach holidays.
Fajardo has warm weather throughout the year, with temperatures averaging between 21°C and 29°C (70°F–85°F). The dry season from December to April is ideal for beach trips, sailing, and hiking. The months of May and November have fewer tourists and comfortable weather. If you want to experience the bioluminescent bay at its brightest, plan your visit during a new moon night when the sky is darkest. Although June to November is hurricane season, conditions are usually calm outside of storm periods, and you can still enjoy most outdoor activities.
Fajardo is one of the top coastal destinations in Puerto Rico. This section lists the best ways to enjoy the area’s beaches, marine life, and nature reserves.
One of the most magical things to do in Fajardo is to visit the Laguna Grande Bioluminescent Bay. This lagoon glows at night because of microorganisms called dinoflagellates that release light when touched. You can join a guided kayaking tour through the narrow mangrove canal that leads to the glowing lagoon. The best time to visit is on a moonless night, when the sky is dark enough to see the water sparkle around your kayak. It’s a rare sight since only a few bioluminescent bays exist worldwide, and Fajardo has one of the brightest.
Las Cabezas de San Juan is one of Puerto Rico’s most important nature reserves. It protects several ecosystems, including coral reefs, mangroves, dry forests, and lagoons. Within this reserve stands El Faro de Fajardo, a 19th-century Spanish-stle lighthouse that overlooks the Atlantic Ocean. You can walk along wooden boardwalks, spot native birds, and learn about the island’s environment at the visitor centre. Guided tours are available through the Puerto Rico Conservation Trust. Visiting this area to see how Fajardo protects its natural heritage.
If you’re looking for the best beaches in Fajardo, start with Seven Seas Beach. It’s a Blue Flag-certified public beach with calm waters, lifeguards, restrooms, and picnic areas. The beach is great for families who plan to go swimming, snorkelling, and camping. From here, you can hike to Playa Escondida and Playa Colorá, two hidden coves about 20 to 30 minutes away on foot. Playa Escondida is renowned for its untouched beauty, whereas Playa Colorá is famous for its reddish sand and stronger waves.
Fajardo is famous for its island-hopping tours, which depart from Puerto del Rey Marina and Las Croabas. A short boat ride takes you to Cayo Icacos, an uninhabited island in the Cordillera Nature Reserve. Its white sand and turquoise waters are perfect for snorkelling and spotting marine life, such as reef fish and rays. You can also visit Isla Palomino, an island offering swimming, kayaking, and jet skiing. For a longer trip, take the ferry to Culebra Island, home to world-class beaches and coral reefs.
Just a 25-minute drive from Fajardo, El Yunque National Forest is the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System. It’s known for its lush vegetation, rivers, and waterfalls. You can hike scenic trails that lead to mountain viewpoints or zipline through the canopy for an adrenaline-filled experience. You can also combine a morning hike in El Yunque with an evening kayak tour at Laguna Grande. The area’s constant mist and rich biodiversity make it one of Puerto Rico’s most impressive natural attractions.
One of the best places for families to relax is Las Croabas Park. This open park offers ample space for outdoor activities, including picnicking, biking, skateboarding, and kite flying. The park also has a playground where children can play safely while you enjoy the cool ocean breeze.
For a bit of adventure, try hiking to La Zanja, a natural pool surrounded by rocks and ocean views. You will walk across sandy paths and uneven terrain, but it’s worth it once you arrive. The water is calm and clear, making it ideal for a short swim or taking photos of the coastline.
Before enjoying the beaches and islands, it’s worth learning about Fajardo’s rich culture and history. This coastal city has been an important part of Puerto Rico’s story for centuries, from its early Spanish settlements to its preserved landmarks that still stand today.
The El Faro de las Cabezas de San Juan lighthouse is one of the oldest in Puerto Rico. Built in the late 1800s, it sits on a high point overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. This lighthouse once guided ships travelling between the Caribbean and Atlantic routes and now serves as an educational centre within the Las Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve. You can visit to see the restored structure and climb to its observation deck. The area also functions as a research site, helping protect endangered plants and animals that thrive in the reserve’s seven ecosystems.
Fajardo’s cultural charm continues in the town centre. The Catedral Santiago Apóstol, located in Plaza Pública de Fajardo, is one of its main landmarks. The nearby main town square is another place where you can observe daily life, surrounded by colourful buildings and small local shops. For history lovers, the U.S. Customs House, built in 1930, continues to serve its original purpose and showcases Fajardo’s rich maritime heritage.
There is a cacao farm that celebrates Puerto Rico’s traditional chocolate-making methods. Here, you can learn about the process of turning locally grown cocoa beans into artisanal chocolate. This site represents the island’s agricultural heritage and the effort to preserve traditional practices. The hacienda offers guided tours and tastings.
Fajardo’s culture shines through its festivals, music, and local celebrations held throughout the year.
The biggest annual celebration in Fajardo is the Fiestas Patronales de Santiago Apóstol, held every July. This festival honours the town’s patron saint and includes parades, games, crafts, food stalls, and live performances. Well-known artists such as Tito Nieves and Johnny Ventura have performed here, making it one of the most exciting cultural events in eastern Puerto Rico.
The Bicycletada Fajardeña and Kite Festival, both held in April, fill the streets and parks with families enjoying outdoor activities. May brings the Bomba & Plena Festival, which celebrates Puerto Rican traditions of drumming and dance. In August, the Paradise Fiesta offers live music and entertainment near the coast, while November’s Cocolía Festival highlights local seafood, especially small crabs known as cocolías. Fajardo also has a strong sports culture. The Fajardo Soccer Stadium is the home field of the Puerto Rico Sol football team. The city’s basketball team, Los Cariduros de Fajardo, has been part of the island’s national league, and its baseball club has won several national championships.
The town is spread out, with beaches, marinas, and reserves located several kilometres apart. While some areas are walkable, most travellers prefer to drive to reach the region’s main attractions easily and comfortably.
The most practical way to start your Fajardo journey is by landing at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) in San Juan, which is about an hour’s drive from Fajardo through highways PR-66 and PR-3. You can also arrive through Rafael Hernández Airport (BQN) in Aguadilla if you’re exploring Puerto Rico’s western coast before heading east. Renting a car gives you the freedom to plan your route, stop at scenic viewpoints, and visit hidden beaches like Playa Escondida or La Zanja. Keep some cash for toll roads, carry your driver’s license, and drive carefully along narrow coastal roads.
Local drivers in Puerto Rico are generally polite; however, traffic signs are in Spanish, so take note of the translations before your trip. Seatbelts are required, and speed limits are displayed in miles per hour. Gas stations are common around Fajardo, and most accept credit cards. When parking near beaches or marinas, avoid leaving valuables in plain sight. You can easily reach nearby attractions such as El Yunque National Forest, Luquillo Beach, and ferry terminals to Vieques and Culebra by car.
Fajardo is a place perfect for travellers who enjoy nature, history, and adventure. You can spend your mornings exploring the glowing bioluminescent bay, your afternoons relaxing on Seven Seas Beach, and your evenings enjoying local festivals or food by the coast. The nearby islands, clear blue waters, and the charm of the Las Cabezas de San Juan lighthouse make every visit memorable. With your own car, you can move freely between hidden coves and cultural sites without rushing.
To make your trip easier, rent a car in Puerto Rico with Final Rentals and pick up your vehicle at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport upon arrival. Choose from compact cars, SUVs, or family vans, all at affordable rates with no hidden fees and free cancellations. For extra convenience, you can also download the Final Rentals app on Google Play and the App Store.
