Fajardo’s most secluded beaches are Playa Escondida and Playa Colorá.
Fajardo
A great home base for exploring nearby islands and cays, as well as some of Puerto Rico's best beaches.
Fajardo is on the far eastern tip of Puerto Rico and is only about 45 minutes away from Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU). Known for its breathtaking views, beautiful natural reserves, outstanding marinas, and stunning hotels, this town is perfect as a home base for day trips to nearby islands and other laid-back getaways.
Fajardo is home to more than five marinas, including Puerto del Rey, which is the largest marina in the Caribbean. You’ll also find the Laguna Grande Bioluminescent Bay, one of only five in the world; the Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve; and many other alluring places and attractions.
Stunning aerial view of Playa Escondida in Fajardo.
Things to Do in Fajardo
Beaches and Cays
Fajardo has a variety of beaches and cays that are ready to be explored. The clear water along its shores is calm and ideal for snorkeling, kayaking, and more. One of the most popular beaches, Balneario Seven Seas, is a crescent-shaped beach lined with palm and almond trees. This beach is surrounded by little food kiosks and restaurants right at the entrance of the Cabezas de San Juan Reserve. There is also a campground nearby.
Fajardo’s most secluded beaches are Playa Escondida and Playa Colorá. These two off-the-beaten-path leisure beaches present a perfect hideout from the crowds of Seven Seas. It takes a 20 to 30-minute hike to reach the golden sands and crystal-clear waters.
Cordillera Nature Reserve
Cayo Icacos (Icacos Island) is one of the biggest in a chain of cays and coral reefs known as the Cordillera Nature Reserve. These clear waters and the long strips of reef are home to schools of fish and other marine creatures that you’ll get to observe while you snorkel or dive. Whether you arrive by water taxi or private charter, don’t miss the chance to spend a day in the sun here.
Other nearby cays that make up the Cordillera Natural Reserve are Cayo Lobos, Cayo Ratones, Cayo Diablo, and Cayo Cucarachas.
The water will sparkle as you explore the uniqueness of Puerto Rico's bioluminescence.
Outdoor Activities
When you’re done visiting Fajardo’s beaches, hop over to the Cabezas de San Juan Natural Reserve or Parque Pasivo Las Croabas. You’ll find a park that emphasizes open space and preserving the natural surroundings where you can fly kites, rent bicycles, picnic, or walk around. At Las Croabas, there are also several trails, boardwalks, and ecological systems ready to be explored.
Part of the Cabezas de San Juan is the Laguna Grande Bioluminescent Bay. Out of the three bio bays in Puerto Rico, Laguna Grande is the only one that’s not technically a bay. You can kayak or cruise in a small boat through the long, narrow canal that leads to the dazzling “glow-in-the-dark” water. Nearby is Fajardo Lighthouse, which was built in 1882 and played a major role during the Puerto Rican campaign of the Spanish-American War.
El Conquistador Resort and golf course in Fajardo.
Resorts and Inns
El Conquistador Resort and Las Casitas Village offer a variety of accommodations and deluxe amenities, like a top-of-the-line spa, a water park, private charters to Palomino Island, and a championship golf course.
You can also find more intimate lodging throughout Fajardo, such as the Fajardo Inn, with its peaceful hillside setting. Surrounded by vegetation, this property offers two pools, mini-golf, a tennis court, and a gym. The beautiful gardens and quiet setting make it the perfect place for relaxation.
La Estación, an old gas station turned restaurant in Fajardo.
Dining
Fresh seafood served in a variety of styles is Fajardo’s most popular offering. One of the best places for fine dining is the iconic Pasión por el Fogón, a mesón gastronómico (a special distinction of high-quality among Puerto Rican restaurants) that’s been around for more than 15 years. Its menu focuses on creole and seafood dishes like shrimp-stuffed lobsters, stuffed mofongo, mamposteao and skirt steak, red snapper, and other delicacies.
Another eatery that has earned the distinction of being called a mesón gastronómico is Star Fish Restaurant at the Fajardo Inn. This elegant establishment presents local cuisine in an elevated way, such as seafood risotto, lobster tails, octopus salad, and seafood or meat paella.
Another Fajardo option is La Estación, an old gas station turned restaurant that merges traditional American barbecue techniques with bold Caribbean flavor. Near the Marina Puerto Chico, you can experience a tropical atmosphere and delicious creole foods at Cinco Nudos.
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