Fajardo, Puerto Rico: Where to Stay, Eat and Fall in Love
By Harris
Wake up near the marina, spend the day on turquoise water and paddle through glowing water after dark.
Fajardo is where Puerto Rico starts pulling you toward the sea. Boats leave the marinas in the morning for tiny islands and reefs; El Yunque rises green in the distance; and after sunset you can climb into a kayak and watch the water of Laguna Grande sparkle with bioluminescence.
This is the Puerto Rico trip where I would intentionally leave the nice clothes in the suitcase. Spend the day on a catamaran to Icacos. Swim. Snorkel. Have a rum punch. Come back sun-tired and happy, eat fresh seafood and then go back out after dark for the bio bay.
If I were staying here, El Conquistador would be the splurge. The views alone give the trip a sense of occasion. But smaller places around Las Croabas make enormous sense if your priority is being close to the boats and the nighttime kayak tours.
Where I Would Stay
I like having choices: somewhere with character, something comfortable in the middle, and a splurge when the destination deserves it.
Fajardo Inn
Fajardo · about $110–$180 a night
Not bookable through our partners right now; book directly with the hotel.
El Conquistador Resort
Las Croabas · about $280–$500 a night
Book it: El Conquistador Resort
Las Casitas Village
Las Croabas · about $400–$700+ a night
Book it: Las Casitas Village
Las Croabas rentals
Las Croabas · about $100–$220 a night
Book it: Las Croabas rentals
Luquillo guesthouses
Luquillo · about $90–$180 a night
Book it: Luquillo guesthouses
Ceiba rentals
Ceiba · about $90–$180 a night
Book it: Ceiba rentals
What I Would Eat
- La Estación — wood fire, Puerto Rican ingredients and one of the east coast's memorable meals.
- Pasión por el Fogón — seafood and Puerto Rican cooking worth dressing up for.
- El Yate — relaxed seafood near the water.
- Luquillo Kiosks — drive over hungry and wander until something smells too good to pass.
Experiences Worth Booking
Icacos Catamaran / Snorkel Day
Clear water, reefs, music and the kind of boat day you will remember when you get home.
Book it: Icacos Catamaran / Snorkel Day
Laguna Grande Bio Bay Kayak
Paddle after dark and watch the water glow around the kayak.
Book it: Laguna Grande Bio Bay Kayak
Culebra Snorkeling Day
Use Fajardo as your jumping-off point for Culebra.
Book it: Culebra Snorkeling Day
El Yunque Rainforest Adventure
Rainforest, rivers and swimming holes make the perfect contrast to a boat day.
Book it: El Yunque Rainforest Adventure
Hotel prices are approximate planning ranges in U.S. dollars and can vary substantially by season, room type, holidays and availability.