This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Fajardo.
Located on the east side of the island of Puerto Rico, Fajardo is a small city that boasts the biggest marina in the Caribbean, Puerto del Rey – as well as a wide range of recreational activities that take advantage of this town’s spot off the Atlantic Ocean. Tourists come here year round to enjoy Fajardo’s seafood, hostels and hotels, and proximity to other nearby islands.
The city is nearly surrounded by beautiful, clear water – perfect for snorkeling, both day and night. Evening tours take divers to one of the world’s only bioluminescent lagoons, and a guide is available to provide information throughout the excursion. These waters aren’t just ideal for snorkeling, though. Fajardo is considered the hub of recreational boating in Puerto Rico, a well-used launching port for travelers looking to get to nearby Culebra, Vieques, and the American and British Virgin Islands.
Watersports are very popular in Fajardo, and visitors staying at a local hostel or hotel can spend their days enjoying the ocean a number of ways – sailing, surfing, waterboarding, swimming, boogie boarding, diving, and kayaking. Just off shore, adventurous travelers can visit the islets of Icacos, Diablo, Palominos, and Palominito, as well as several uninhabited coral islands.
There are a number of landmarks to visit in Fajardo, and venturing from your hotel or hostel offers plenty of opportunities to explore these places of interest. The Las Cabezas de San Juan Light House is one of Puerto Rico’s oldest lighthouses, and the only one used for nautical reasons. The charming town square and Santiago Apostol Cathedral provide a chance to see some of the antique architecture of the area, and the Las Croabas reserve park is a perfect spot to see some of the ecological diversity in Fajardo.
Fajardo is a short bus or taxi ride away from the airport in San Juan, approximately 60km. Car rentals are also available.
Written by local enthusiast for Fajardo hostels
Jakob Lombardi