Things to see and do East Coast

For many people, Coca is not a trail but a waterfall, the most famous of the park. 26 m high, it is located on the edge of Highway 191, 4 km after the park entrance. You can approach it, but the space that is forming at the final point of fall is too small to be able to swim. 400 m later (at km 8,5), the entrance to the Coca trail, which stretches over almost 3 km, is located before joining the Mina.

The most beautiful beach is the one in front of the Luquillo Sunrise Beach Inn, called La Pared. This is where the surfers come, because the waves are there more than elsewhere. If you continue to the west of the city, you will find Playa Azul, the most suitable for swimming. Finally, Luquillo Monserrate Balneario is the most popular beach, and has the advantage of being supervised. You can get there by road 3 (km 35,4). It is best to arrive before 11am on weekends to get the best spots. Beach chairs can be rented on site.

For 2 years, the lighthouse is impeccable from the outside… A little patience and it will be that. From the foot of the lighthouse, the sight on the coast is breathtaking. A small path starts from the lighthouse to reach the very beautiful beach below.

Lined with coconut trees, this beach is one of the most pleasant in the area, even if it is not breathtakingly beautiful. Little frequented, it is a guarantee of tranquility, especially during the week. However, it is not a beach where you can swim easily, be careful, the swell is often very strong. We prefer without any hesitation the beach of Guayanés, a little more to the north-east of Yabucoa. It is a large beach, more isolated, clean and often deserted. The waters are also calmer for swimming.

The most famous beach in Fajardo is called Seven Seas. There is a balneario (beach resort) along it, on Route 195, at km 4. Less than a kilometer from Seven Seas Beach, heading north, you will find Playa Escondida ("hidden beach"), but beware that the waves are often violent there. The destination is favored by surfers. It is part of the territory of the National Reserve of Las Cabezas de San Juan. Finally, Playa Colorá, less known and less frequented, is a 15-20 minute walk from Seven Seas.

The bioluminescent bay of Fajardo is the one that attracts the most people in Puerto Rico. Its proximity to San Juan alone explains its great popularity. The phenomenon of bioluminescent bays is not very common: there are 5 in the world, including 3 in Puerto Rico. At night, a luminosity is perceived in the water as soon as a body is in motion. It is caused by micro-organisms called dinoflagellates that react with a small neon light as soon as the water is agitated. There is no point in simply looking at the water from the shore. No agitation, no reaction. In terms of dinoflagellate concentration, Vieques Bay is now far superior. Pollution and climate change have affected the biological environment of these very fragile microorganisms. Many conditions are necessary to ensure their survival, such as the presence of mangroves that allow them to feed on dead leaves. The water temperature must be maintained around a stable value. The human pollution around, such as artificial lights or the discharge of products, should not change the quality of the water. Anyone who cares about the survival of this biological treasure will be content to visit it by canoe. Swimming causes pollution of the water by perfume, sun protection creams or mosquito repellent, which visitors often carry with them when entering the water.

This small museum in the heart of the forest allows you to deepen your knowledge not only of El Yunque, but also of the tropical forests of the world, their particularities and their lifestyles. A documentary on El Yunque is distributed to the public.

The islets of La Cordillera are located just off the coast of Fajardo, 4 km from the embarkation point of Las Croabas. These small islands are known for their pristine beaches and rich underwater life. Several companies offer day trips to the small islands of Icacos, Palomino, Barranquillas, Lobos and others from the beach in Las Croabas. Among them, East Island Excursions (www.eastislandpr.com) offers day trips by catamaran to the island of Icacos, departing from the Marina Puerto del Rey.