San Juan: Day Trips

Culebra Natural Wildlife Refuge Visit Culebra Island, off Puerto Rico’s western coast, for its pristine beaches (make Flamenco Beach a must), coral reefs and wildlife (spot endangered species like Hawksbill turtles and Brown Pelicans). 10-minute flight from Miramar, Air Flamenco; 787-724-1818; www.islaculebra.com
beach | family | diving | wildlife | outdoors

El Yunque Delve into Puerto Rico’s 28,000-acre rainforest to see wildlife (tree frogs, endangered parrots) against a natural backdrop of waterfalls, ponds and 240+ species of tropical trees. 25 miles southeast of San Juan, Road 191 from Rio Grande Rd; 787-888-1880
family | wildlife | outdoors | rainforest

Hacienda Buena Vista See how coffee plantations operated in the 19th century at this 87-acre hacienda. Tour the coffee mill as well as the manor, carriage and caretaker’s houses. 76 miles southeast of San Juan, State Rd. 10; 787-722-5882; www.nps.gov
architecture | culture | culinary | history

Río Camuy Cave Park Ramps, bridges and trams allow visitors to explore these spectacular, illuminated underground caves, including 170-foot high Cueva Clara and the 400-foot-deep Tres Pueblos Sinkhole. 60 miles northwest of San Juan, Countryside Tours; 787-593-9014
history | cave

Vieques Two words: Mosquito Bay. The bay’s waters are filled with microscopic organisms (dinoflagellates) that light up like fireflies when agitated. Swimming through the phosphorescent waters after dark is sublimely surreal. 30-minute flight from Miramar, San Juan (Vieques Air Link); 787-741-8331; www.isla-vieques.com
family | smart splurge | outdoors