Puerto Rico’s boating capital, Fajardo, is known both for its variety of boating activities and as a gateway to Vieques and Culebra Islands, but this place is more than just the sum of its marinas.

A day trip to Fajardo will reveal a picturesque national park, a breathtaking beach, terrific local food, and a magical nighttime excursion into a glow-in-the-dark bio bay, all easily accessible from Puerto Rico’s capital of San Juan.

If you’re making a day trip from the city, try to leave in the morning to make the most of the daylight hours. It’s wise to account for at least an hour for traffic delays and food stops, even though Fajardo is only about 40 miles away from San Juan’s main airport.

A Day Spent Outdoors in Fajardo

Once you arrive in Fajardo, it’s best to start with the Cabezas de San Juan National Park, located on the eastern tip of the island and home to a 19th-century lighthouse. The park offers stunning views of the Caribbean, El Yunque, and diverse ecological environments, making it a great place to have a mid-morning snack before heading to the beach.

From Cabezas de San Juan National Park, you can travel along Route 987 until you reach Seven Seas Beach, a beautiful public beach featuring full amenities. This beach is named after the seven different shades of blue-green in the water. Here, you can swim in the warm Caribbean waters, lay out on the beach, or enjoy a delightful picnic.

If you want a change of pace from traditional Puerto Rican cuisine, consider trying Blue Iguana, widely regarded as one of the finest Mexican restaurants on the island. Alternatively, you could visit the local hotspot Pasión por el Fogón for some local fare.

As the sun begins to set, you can either stay on the beach to admire the view or head to the El Conquistador Resort and Golden Door Spa. This spot offers various activities, including gambling, spa treatments, and golf, providing a perfect way to cap off your afternoon.

A Night of Bioluminescence in Fajardo

You can’t leave Fajardo without visiting its natural gem: the bio bay. Although there are other bioluminescent bays on the island, including Vieques Biobay, Fajardo’s bay is worth the trip for the chance to glimpse these fluorescent single-cell organisms at night.

If possible, try to plan your visit around the new moon, when only stars and the bioluminescent organisms in the water will be visible. The best way to see them is by kayak; several companies, such as Yokahú Kayak Trips, offer tours or rental options for kayaking in the bay.

Visitors can no longer jump into the water and paddle around, but they can dip their hands in and enjoy the neon effect of their oars in the water. The glowing phenomenon is the result of millions of tiny single-celled organisms called dinoflagellates, which release energy in the form of light.

When you’re done, head back toward San Juan along Route 3, but be sure to stop by the Kiosks. This continuous string of roughly 75 stands sells a variety of crispy snacks, fritters, and turnovers, along with affordable drinks and other foods—making it a great late-night stop!