Puerto Rico Island offers plenty of activities that will make active baby boomers have fun on their tropical vacation. The options are very exciting and adventurous like water sports, skydiving, rappelling, rock climbing, surfing, para sailing, diving, and a lot of activities. The only thing that you need is enough time to have fun, because the adventure is always included.
Puerto Rico has several private services that offer adventure packages that include rappelling, hiking, cave exploration, free jumps, camping, and more. There are also caves and caverns for spelunking and exploring, located in the town of Camuy. After your trek in the underground world, you will be glad to breathe the fresh (above ground!) air in the forest and conservations in the island, especially in the Yunque rainforest in Luquillo.
For some time off your feet, try some saddle-time. Horses are very common in almost every area of Puerto Rico, and horseback services are offered in most of the island resorts and hotels. There are also private services that offer a great horseback riding experience.
After you ride along the beach, why not check out what is underneath the sparkling blue waters? The beauty of the reefs and diversity of species under the sea offers a great adventure for those who love scuba diving. Some great places for this activity are in the towns of Culebra Island, Cabo Rojo, and la Parguera in Lajas. Never tried scuba before? Start with a snorkeling lesson and get used to the underwater experience. There are lessons, rentlas, and full excursions available just about everywhere along the beach. Still not ready to put your head under? You can still view the ocean life from above--the island offers great world class fishing sites that can be found in the coastal towns of Cabo Rojo, Fajardo, Salinas, Palmas del Mar in Humacao, and la Parguera in Lajas. Depending on the time of the year you are assured of reeling at least one blackfin tuna, sailfish, wahoo, or a bonito.
Other water options are plentiful in Puerto Rico. The Isla Verde area (near the airport in San Juan) has tons of opportunities for Jet Skiing, para sail rides, banana boating, hobie cat rides, and kayak rentals. (The parasail rides are extremely great. Extremely.) For those who love the sea, the sailing options are among the best that can be found. Daily tours are available in various places of the island to practice snorkeling. If you want to sail go to La Parguera in Lajas, Salinas, Ponce, Cabo Rojo, Rincon, Fajardo, Humacao, and San Juan.
Exhausted yet? How about a relaxing day of sightseeing? As worldwide tourist destination, Puerto Rico has some world class tours. There are tons of options: Old San Juan with more than 500 year old fortifications; the famous Bacardi Rum plant; the beautiful southern city of Ponce; the el Yunque rain forest; the Arecibo Radio Telescope; and the western city of Mayaguez, home of the only zoo of the Caribbean are only a few of the things you can do at the island. For something less structured, you can hit the museums and monuments and take some great vacation pictures.
A special note for those cruisers who plan to spend a day or two on the island--if you arrive by cruise and have not made plans for all these adventures get information at the little yellow house called "La Casita" near Pier 1 to get all the information of all the mentioned great adventures. If you arrive at the airport you can ask for information there or just wait to arrive at the hotel and get the information there. Plan ahead and get a jump on the activities!
This guide to Puerto Rico fun has been brought to you by Josue.
No matter what you choose to do on your vacation, ensure that there is a cozy bed waiting for you on your corner of the island. Rent a condo, villa, or resort home near the action (or away from it in a quaint and quiet corner) and realize that retirement doesn't mean slowing down!