Puerto Rico  ⎜ Puerto Rico Destinations  ⎜ Best Things to Do in Isla Verde

Best things to do in Isla Verde, Puerto Rico

Many travelers today are familiar with the idea of an “all-inclusive” resort, designed to make guests stay within the resort boundaries to consume all meals and enjoy entertainment.   

For those wanting a central location from which they can explore the highlights of an exciting vacation destination, Isla Verde is pretty hard to match.  Isla Verde offers exciting nightlife, great hotels for every budget, a beautiful lively beach.

Nearby you can explore UNESCO sites, quiet beaches, great shopping, world-class natural attractions, exhilarating activities, and much more.  Within a half-hour of arriving at the airport, you could be checking into your hotel, no precious vacation time is wasted on travel when you choose Isla Verde.

Relax & Play at Isla Verde Beach

Isla Verde Beach - Isla Verde, Puerto Rico

Isla Verde has the best beaches in the Metro Region of Puerto Rico.   Light golden sand, tall palm trees framing the shore, and warm turquoise water for refreshing and playing after basking under the Puerto Rican sun.  Isla Verde has some of the best and trendiest beachfront resorts in Puerto Rico so guests can jump right in, just a few steps away.  Unlike most city Caribbean City destinations, Isla Verde beach is long and wide so they rarely feel crowded, there’s plenty of sand for visitors to find an open relaxing spot.

+ Isla Verde Puerto Rico Beach

Have an Adventure at Hacienda Campo Rico

Hacienda Campo Rico - Isla Verde, Puerto Rico - Best Things to Do

Just minutes from the resorts in Isla Verde, couples, families, and groups can enjoy a fun and relaxing adventure in the elegant and verdant 2200 acre Hacienda Campo Rico.  Activities include ATV rides, ziplining and horseback riding.

Tours you may enjoy at nearby Campo Rico in Carolina

Have Fun on the Water

No vacation destination is complete without offerings of fun adventures and experiences on the water.  Visitors to the beaches of Isla Verde can choose from a variety of water sports for the entire family to enjoy.  Always wanted to learn how to surf?  Pine Grove is a popular beach for surfers in Isla Verde, surfing lessons are available.  Choose from flyboarding, parasailing, banana boat rides, catamaran rides, boat tours, jet ski rentals, paddle boarding, and more.  Ask your hotel concierge for information or just go to the beach and choose from the watersports available, you’ll find a variety of watersports and equipment rentals.

Top-Rated Water Activities in Isla Verde Beach & San Juan

Best Things to Do & Places to Visit near Isla Verde

Carolina, Puerto Rico

Visit Old San Juan

Old San Juan - Best Tours from Isla Verde, Puerto Rico

Just a short taxi ride from Isla Verde, you can walk the streets of Old San Juan, the most vibrant and interesting historic city in the Caribbean.  Don’t miss the forts of Castillo San Felipe del Morro and Castillo San Cristobal, dine at exquisite restaurants and relaxed cafes, walk-on scenic promenades, visit a historic church, eat a Piragua at one of the squares, shop for unique gifts and clothing pieces…and so much more.  Experience the warmth and vibrancy uniquely found on the streets of Old San Juan.

+ Old San Juan Puerto Rico

Take a day trip to Icacos Cay

Isla Verde Top Things to Do - Icacos Cay

If you dreamed of experiencing a secluded island, swimming, and snorkeling in crystal clear waters, be sure to book a trip to Cayo Icacos / Icacos Cay.  Trips to Icacos leave from the marinas in Fajardo, a coastal town southeast of Isla Verde.  Most tour operators offer transportation. 

+ Icacos Cay aka Icacos Island – Puerto Rico 

Top Rated Tours to Cayo Icacos 

El Yunque Rainforest & Luquillo Beach

Best Tours from Isla Verde - El Yunque & Luquillo Beach

Just a short half-hour drive from Isla Verde you can be hiking at El Yunque National Rainforest, one of the top natural attractions in Puerto Rico.  Hike through the enchanting rainforest under cool green canopies leading to refreshing romantic waterfalls. Some of the favorite tours include a nice stop at Luquillo Beach for some beach time and great food at the famous Luquillo Kiosks. 

+ El Yunque National Rainforest  ⎜ + Luquillo Beach

Laguna Grande Bioluminescent Bay

Bioluminescent Bay - Top Things to Do near Isla Verde, Puerto Rico

About 45 minutes from Isla Verde, a magical experience awaits at Laguna Grande, one of the bioluminescent bays in Puerto Rico.  Don’t miss this unforgettable experience.  Book your space ahead to secure it, it is one of the most popular and must-see natural attractions in Puerto Rico.

Please Note: For the best experience and brightest bioluminescence, plan on visiting on a moonless night.  The fuller the moon, the less brightness you’ll see on the lagoon.

+ Puerto Rico Bioluminescent Bays & Top Tours

Cruise to Amazing Culebra Island– Home to the Amazing Flamenco Beach

Top Things to Do - Isla Verde, Puerto Rico

Culebra is one of the islands of Puerto Rico, like visiting the Caribbean of the past where the rhythm is calmer and nature reigns free of heavy development and crowded beaches.  Culebra is home to Flamenco Beach, always included on the list of “Best Beaches in the World & The Caribbean”. From Isla Verde, you can book a tour on a catamaran where you’ll cruise on the gorgeous Caribbean Sea and head to the best snorkeling beaches with crystal clear water where you can swim with sea turtles.

+ Flamenco Beach Guide & Top Tours - Culebra, Puerto Rico ​

Top Rated Flamenco Beach Tours

Visit a Rum Distillery in Puerto Rico

Casa Bacardi Distillery Tours - Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is known around the world for manufacturing and creating some of the best rums.  There are various rum distilleries a short drive from Isla Verde such perfect for couples and a favorite activity for special events and business groups.

Among the most popular rum distilleries are:

  • Ron del Barrilito, the oldest Puerto Rican rum offers excellent tours with rum tasting.
  • Ron Pepon – Visitors will visit the sugar plantation and learn about the rum creation process, complete with tastings of artisanal rums.
  • Casa Bacardi Distillery, the largest premium rum distiller in the world, manufacturing producing more than 80% of the Bacardi consumed worldwide. The Bacardi Distillery is located in the municipality of Catano, you can get there by taking a short ferry ride from the pier in Old San Juan or booking a tour taking care of all the details.

See top-rated tours below.

Top Rated Tours to Distilleries in Puerto Rico

Best Resorts in Isla Verde, Puerto Rico

Fairmont El San Juan Hotel

From $175 - Beachfront Resort

2020 Awards
  • Traveler's Choice 2020 by TripAdvisor
+ Fairmont El San Juan

Fairmont El San Juan, one of the most well-known hotels in Puerto Rico was recently renovated.  Enjoy upscale accommodations, various dining options from casual by the pool to fine dining.  Fairmont El San Juan Hotel offers one of the most elegant lounges in the San Juan / Metro Tourist District and one of the most popular nightclubs.  Travelers seeking relaxation will find it at the cabanas by the pool, the famous Isla Verde beach just steps away, and the pampering spa.

  • Highlights:  Luxurious spa, lounge/bars, beachfront location, lively entertainment, four pools, on-site restaurants, nightclub, full-service salon, wedding venue, meetings space, full-service spa, business center, fitness center, family services, shops, water-sports.  Fully accessible accommodations, restaurants, and public areas.
  • Rates:  from $210
  • Location:  Isla Verde Beach  ⎜ 6063 Av. Isla Verde, Carolina, PR 00979  ⎜ Tel: 787-791-1000

Royal Sonesta San Juan

From $150 - Family Resort, Beachfront

2020 Awards

#19 – Best Hotels in Puerto Rico by US News

+ Royal Sonesta San Juan

InterContinental San Juan, given the coveted AAA Four Diamond Award, offers leisure and business travelers 398 luxury guest rooms including 22 suites.  The InterContinental San Juan has five restaurants, a wine bar, a lobby bar, and a cafe.  The Akua Spa invites guests to experience pampering and relaxation.

Highlights:  Free Wi-Fi, on-site restaurants, bars/lounges, full-service spa, outdoor pool, free children's club, 24-hour fitness center, business center, smoke-free rooms.
Rates:  from $150
Location:  Isla Verde Beach  ⎜ 5961 Av. Isla Verde, Carolina, Puerto Rico 00979  ⎜ Tel: 787-791-6100

More to Do & See in Isla Verde & Nearby

Try your Luck at the Casinos

Casinos in Isla Verde, Puerto Rico

+ Casinos in Isla Verde, Puerto Rico

Ask locals and most of them will agree that Isla Verde is the place to go for casino action with an exciting nightlife.  You enjoy a variety of popular table games and slot machines.   Casinos Hotels & Resorts in Isla Verde stand out for their attractive lounges, live entertainment, and fantastic dining experiences.  Isla Verde has a casino for every traveler from sophisticated and glamorous to the more casual ambiance.   Along Ave. Isla Verde you’ll find the most popular casino resorts within walking distance of each other.

Hop the Trendy Lounges of Isla Verde

Lounge at El San Juan

+ Lounges in Isla Verde, Puerto Rico
Isla Verde is a popular vacation destination in the metro area offering loungers and bars from trendy rooftops overlooking the water to casual open-air to luxurious classy lounges at the hottest resorts along Isla Verde Avenue.  Enjoy traditional drinks, Puerto Rican mixology, sports bars to watch the game, many with live music to dance the night away.

La Posita Beach

La Posita Beach - Loiza, Puerto Rico - Best Beaches near Isla Verde & San Juan, Puerto Rico

+ La Posita Beach

You may feel quite happy lounging at the beach just steps from your hotel or resort in Isla Verde, but just a few minutes east of the neighboring town of Loiza, you’ll find a great beach which most likely you’ll have to yourself.  La Posita means “The Little Pool”, although the beach is along the Atlantic Ocean, the beach area feels more like a natural pool.  The natural wall created a protected area that keeps the strong surf from coming in, waters constantly flow through the rock wall, depending on the tide, the beach can be shallow or deeper, the water is crystal clear.  During weekends, local families with children head to La Posita for a relaxed fun day with family and friends where children can swim and play on the water.  You’ll have to bring everything to this beach, there are no beach rentals or restrooms in the area.  Just pack your sunblock, beach towel, snorkel gear, and a few snacks, from Isla Verde it makes a nice morning trip.

+ La Posita Beach – Puerto Rico

Go Golfing

Golf in Isla Verde, Puerto Rico

+ Golf near Isla Verde

Schedule a tee time for an unforgettable golf experience at one of the luxurious golf resorts along the east coast of Puerto Rico.  West of Isla Verde is the town of Dorado, known for luxury world-class golf courses along the golden coast.  See golf resorts near Isla Verde / San Juan.

Paseo Loiza

Paseo Loiza, Piñones - Loiza

+ Piñones, Loiza
Head towards Piñones, a short drive or scenic bike ride east of Isla Verde.   Nature lovers will enjoy the simplicity of the boardwalk along miles of beaches with few crowds.  When hungry, Piñones is a popular place for locals that prefer good and cheap traditional Puerto Rican food without all the frills, simple food kiosks, many built with recycled mismatched materials called “Chinchorros”.  The beaches are not raked or cleaned as often as in Isla Verde, they have a very rugged feel, although not perfectly manicured, the quiet more natural setting makes up for it.
+ Shopping
Pack light and bring extra luggage, the capital city of San Juan offers the best shopping in the Caribbean.  Old San Juan has a wonderful variety of locally-owned shops offering one of a kind clothing, jewelry, and gifts; you’ll also find famous US Retail Brands in the colorful historic streets.  San Juan offers Plaza de las Americas, the largest shopping mall in the Caribbean, you can easily spend two days choosing from over 300 stores.  The Mall of San Juan is the newest mall, housing luxury shops, fine excellent dining options, and free live music shows.
+ Aquasol
A great beach and a children’s water park…you can enjoy both at Balneario de Carolina.  Aquasol is a small water park for children up to age 12.  The waterpark is located on the east side of Carolina Beach, offers a 13,500-foot shallow pool with 30 fun interactive playgrounds, tanks, pirate ship, slides, and more.  The park is open during summer and school holiday breaks. See brochure (Spanish).
+ Museo del Niño
Museo del Niño is a museum in Carolina offering residents and visitors 103 educational fun and educational exhibits.  Exhibits cover the arts, sciences, and technology.  Visit official site for more info (Spanish). 

Travel Guide - Isla Verde, Puerto Rico

Best Airport near Isla Verde
The short distance and convenient access to the airport is one of the top reasons to vacation in Isla Verde.  For those planning a weekend escape, time is really valuable, after arriving to Luis Munoz Rivera Airport (best known as the San Juan International), within minutes you could be sipping on a sumptuous Piña Colada at your hotel overlooking the turquoise colors of Isla Verde Beach.
Do you need a car to get around?
A car is not necessary to have a good time in Isla Verde, as you can easily get a taxi to Old San Juan, shopping malls and nearby attractions.  But for those that love to explore, a car rental is highly recommended at least for a few days.  More about car rentals in the greater San Juan tourism area.
Bicycling in Isla Verde, Puerto Rico
Isla Verde is tourist destination for those that enjoy bicycling. Along Isla Verde Avenue there are designated bike lanes, locals are pretty good about sharing the road, it is a popular hobby by locals in the area.  From Isla Verde you can ride east to Piñones area, and west all the way to Old San Juan.
Tourist Information
Isla Verde is a tourist friendly destination where visitors can have easy access to pharmacies, hospitals and the safety of a nearby police station just in case you may need those services during your stay.  The map below includes locations, addresses and phone numbers for your convenience.
Getting Around Isla Verde
Isla Verde is an easy vacation destination from the moment you arrive at SJU Airport; in just a 10 minute taxi ride, you’ll find yourself checking into your hotel or beachfront resort.  Most of the hotels, beaches, best restaurants, lounges, casinos and entertainment are located along Isla Verde Avenue, everything is within walking distance if you don’t mind taking a little stroll.We encourage you to explore beyond Isla Verde Beach, so you can get to know Puerto Rico.  For some attractions and activities, a taxi ride is more convenient.   Some of the top attractions of the island are best explored with a car rental or by booking a tour.
Public Transportation
Bus routes run through Isla Verde to and from the airport and San Juan.  Riding the bus may not be the most convenient method to get around, but it is by far the cheapest.  It just may be a viable option for travelers wanting to minimize costs.
Taxis in Isla Verde
Isla Verde is a tourist friendly destination.  Guests staying at hotels, resorts and vacation rentals in tourist areas will enjoy easy access to taxis.  You will see taxis driving along Isla Verde Avenue, near the beach, restaurant areas and hotel entrances.  Feel free to ask your hotel receptionist for assistance with a taxi.  Taxi rates are regulated and reasonable.

Basic Facts - Isla Verde - Carolina, Puerto Rico

  • Location: Isla Verde is located on the north coast of Puerto Rico.   Most people think of Isla Verde being in the capital city of San Juan; Isla Verde is actually a district of the municipality of Carolina.
  • Isla Verde is home to Luis Muñoz Marin International Airport (SJU).
  • Tourism Information Office:  Luis Muñoz Marin Airport  Tel: 787-791-1014

Map - Top Attractions & Things to Do in Isla Verde

Carolina, Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico  ⎜ Puerto Rico Destinations  ⎜ Best Things to Do in Isla Verde