Day 1: Arrival — Cueva del Indio Rocks & Luquillo Beach

Arrival & Cliff Walk

Arrive as early as possible and pick up your rental car from ACE Rent A Car (Isla Verde). There is a shuttle to the car rental. Book car in advance.
Drive northwest (~1 hour) toward Arecibo to visit Cueva del Indio rocks.
Parking: a local sometimes offers yard parking (tip recommended). We didn’t find safe roadside parking and have heard break‑ins happen when cars are left on the shoulder.
From the driveway, cross the road to the trail to the water and explore the jagged coastal cliffs overlooking the ocean swells— wear sturdy shoes.
Look for petroglyphs tucked inside the rock formations — they’re small and weathered; check our photos for reference.

Afternoon: Luquillo Beach

Drive (~1.5 hours) to Luquillo Beach (Balneario Monserrate) for calm emerald waters, beach kiosks, and relaxed swimming.
There are drink stands and snack vendors; enjoy sunset and then return to your Airbnb in Fajardo (1 night).

Day 2: Vieques

Morning: SCUBA/Snorkel

Drive to the Ceiba ferry terminal and take the ferry to Vieques (30–45 min).
Book in advance the Ferry Schedule for the next month is released at varying times. We suggest checking daily starting the month prior to your trip (example: on October 1 for any date in November). There are limited non-resident sales available online so it is important to check back daily. Book a round trip ticket, returning the following morning.
You also are allowed one carry on item (we brought our backpack luggage since we stayed the night on this island) you can leave the rest of your luggage in your rental car.
Extra items like chairs, coolers, etc. are an extra charge. Make sure to review ticket allowance and book anything additional when purchasing.
Book your scuba/snorkel excursion with Blackbeard Sports ahead of time.
This scuba excursion was done from the shore and most of what we saw were smaller fish and nudibranch.
Walk from the scuba shop to your Airbnb to pick up your rental jeep (we rented through our host). Getting around Vieques without a vehicle is hard.
Stop at a grocery to pack a picnic for your beach lunch.

Afternoon: Sun Bay Beach

Sun Bay Beach — picnic tables under palm shade and wild horses often nearby.
Bring snorkel gear; we saw spotted eagle rays in shallow water, though there was not very much coral.
If you are interested you can drive to the Black Sand Beach. Take a short hike through woods from the road and you can visit the Black Sand Beach — it’s not great for lounging but great for photos.

Evening: Bioluminescent Bay Kayaking (Mosquito Bay)

Book a guided kayak tour for Mosquito Bay in advance — this is the island’s signature experience and truly otherworldly.
This is not one you will want to miss. Whenever the water is disturbed, either by you, your clear kayak, your paddles, the fish/rays/turtles, or the waves, the water will light up bright blue. This is from the bioluminescent microorganisms in the water lighting up when touched.
After the tour, have dinner and drinks at Lazy Jack’s and spend the night in your Airbnb in Vieques (1 night).

Day 3: El Yunque & Natural Slides

Waterfalls & Las Paylas

Take the early ferry back to Ceiba (we took a 6:00 AM option) and retrieve your rental car.
Drive to El Yunque National Forest — stop at scenic lookouts along the single main road: La Coca Falls, Yokahú Tower, and Baño de Oro, Juan Diego Falls.
Hike the Mount Britton trail (0.8 mi one way) and climb the tower for an amazing view.
Lunch suggestion: El Yunque Rainforest Café.
After the park, drive to Las Paylas natural waterslides (small parking fee and a couple of dollars per person). Locals are great to watch for tips — it’s a blast!
If daylight remains, return to Luquillo Beach for a relaxing evening.
Have dinner at Boardriders Surf Bar & Grill before you call it a day and return to your accommodation (2 nights).

Day 4: Culebra Day Trip

Tamarindo snorkeling & Flamenco Beach

Take the early ferry from Ceiba to Culebra — book round trip tickets in advance via the official ferry site. Puerto Rico Ferry (Culebra).
On arrival, take a golf cart taxi to Tamarindo Beach to snorkel with green sea turtles — go early for fewer crowds.
Tips for turtle spotting: stand at the shore and watch for turtle heads popping up for a quick breath. Once you spot one, put on your snorkel gear and swim toward that location.
Spend the afternoon at Flamenco Beach — snorkel, visit the old army tanks, and relax on soft white sand.
Return on the 5:30 PM ferry and grab your rental car and then have dinner at Edelweiss before you return to your accommodation.

Day 5: Old San Juan & Departure

Historic Forts

Start at Paseo de la Princesa and walk the seaside path toward Castillo San Felipe del Morro — arrive early to beat crowds.
Visit Castillo San Cristóbal and keep an eye out for the many cats cared for by Save a Gato (local adoption group).
Stop by the Carmelo Anthony Basketball Court and browse nearby souvenir shops.
If time permits, relax at Condado Beach before returning your rental to ACE and taking their shuttle to the airport.

Puerto Rico

Passports and PTO