The Puerto Rico Palace Guidebook
Sightseeing
This is one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. The silica beach abuts several pristine reefs. The water can get rough, so the best time to go is when there is an east wind and low swells (2-4 feet max). Avoid going into the water at the beach as there is a strong shorebreak. Instead, approach on the boat ramp. Swim about 30 yards north and just to the right of the boat ramp there is magnificent coral. For those who are more adventurous, swim about 400 yards straight out past the sandy bottom (you may see turtles) and there's more coral. Surfing is to the right of the boat ramp, but during low tide you could get chewed up by the rocks.
45 locals recommend
Playa Los Tubos
This is one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. The silica beach abuts several pristine reefs. The water can get rough, so the best time to go is when there is an east wind and low swells (2-4 feet max). Avoid going into the water at the beach as there is a strong shorebreak. Instead, approach on the boat ramp. Swim about 30 yards north and just to the right of the boat ramp there is magnificent coral. For those who are more adventurous, swim about 400 yards straight out past the sandy bottom (you may see turtles) and there's more coral. Surfing is to the right of the boat ramp, but during low tide you could get chewed up by the rocks.
This hidden gem is a blue Caribbean lagoon where the waves diffuse into the shoreline. Avoid swimming here when there are small craft advisories, but on a calm day you can safely climb the rocks to view the ocean.
44 locals recommend
Mar Chiquita
This hidden gem is a blue Caribbean lagoon where the waves diffuse into the shoreline. Avoid swimming here when there are small craft advisories, but on a calm day you can safely climb the rocks to view the ocean.
A spring-fed fresh water oasis about 15 minutes from the condo. There are silica walking trails and tropical plants. Cayman alligators populate these waters, but are tough to spot among the plants. Feel free to use our kayak to navigate the lake or fish off the dock.
25 locals recommend
Laguna Tortuguero
Puerto Rico 687A spring-fed fresh water oasis about 15 minutes from the condo. There are silica walking trails and tropical plants. Cayman alligators populate these waters, but are tough to spot among the plants. Feel free to use our kayak to navigate the lake or fish off the dock.
This is about 2 hours from the condo. The calm Carribean keys are ideal for a day trip by boat rental, where you can swim up and drift down mangroves and fish nurseries. One of my favorite spots!
347 locals recommend
La Parguera
This is about 2 hours from the condo. The calm Carribean keys are ideal for a day trip by boat rental, where you can swim up and drift down mangroves and fish nurseries. One of my favorite spots!
It's like Arizona in Puerto Rico! A dry forest with cacti and beautiful plants, there are about 20+ miles of trails if you're an ultra runner.
26 locals recommend
Bosque Estatal de Pinones
It's like Arizona in Puerto Rico! A dry forest with cacti and beautiful plants, there are about 20+ miles of trails if you're an ultra runner.
A secluded and beautiful beach - make sure to pay the local guy $5 to $10 - he will keep your car safe from smash/grab but just in case, bring your valuables with you or leave them at home.
69 locals recommend
La Poza de las Mujeres
A secluded and beautiful beach - make sure to pay the local guy $5 to $10 - he will keep your car safe from smash/grab but just in case, bring your valuables with you or leave them at home.
Cueva del Indio
A sea cave with Taino writings - this is truly a special place.
Stay in the protected inlet - the waves smash up very high but you should be save if you stay in this area. There's a strong current and undertow to the right of the area, but if you're a surfer, you'll have a great time!
91 locals recommend
La Poza del Obispo Beach
Stay in the protected inlet - the waves smash up very high but you should be save if you stay in this area. There's a strong current and undertow to the right of the area, but if you're a surfer, you'll have a great time!
This is Puerto Rico's tropical rainforest. Great place to run uphill for 9 miles, but do it in the morning before the tourists arrive. There are some beautiful hiking trails here.
395 locals recommend
El Yunque
This is Puerto Rico's tropical rainforest. Great place to run uphill for 9 miles, but do it in the morning before the tourists arrive. There are some beautiful hiking trails here.
Food scene
My favorite upscale restaurant nearby - about 15 minutes from the condo. Delicious food - check out the plantain soup!
32 locals recommend
UP Restaurant & Bar
Carretera Puerto Rico 2My favorite upscale restaurant nearby - about 15 minutes from the condo. Delicious food - check out the plantain soup!
Traveler advice
Getting around
Make sure you rent a car
While you can certainly walk to a few places, most stores are 5+ minutes away. Restaurants are much further.
Customs and culture
Driving right of way
It's not whoever arrived first in time, but whoever decides it's their time to go, so watch out at 4 way stops.
Customs and culture
Don't leave valuables in your car at the beach!
Car break-ins are sadly common at our pristine beaches so bring them with you or better yet, leave them at the condo.
What to pack
Sunscreen, snorkel and mask, sunglasses, beach towel.
You may also want to purchase flippers.
Book before you go
Book your rental car in advance!
They fill up quickly.