Considering a Puerto Rico family vacation? Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Puerto Rico with kids!
Puerto Rico has so much to offer families who want to visit the Caribbean.
It’s affordable, easy to get to, has lots of kid-friendly things to do, and uses American money.
I wanted to take my daughter to Puerto Rico for years and finally did so in early 2020. We had so much fun we’ve gone back two more times!
We clearly love the island so I’m excited to share my guide to a Puerto Rico family vacation.
Is Puerto Rico good for families?
I have to admit, I was a little nervous about taking my daughter to Puerto Rico by myself.
Though it’s a US Territory, the primary language is Spanish. I know very little, so I was concerned that I wouldn’t be able to communicate when I needed to.
But I’m happy to report we did fine with our limited Spanish and almost everyone we met spoke English.
I was also concerned about the damage Puerto Rico sustained from Hurricane Maria, but most places were rebuilt and open on our March 2020 trip.
Do I need a Passport to travel to Puerto Rico?
No, you don’t need a passport to travel to Puerto Rico with your family since it is a US Territory.
That makes it much easier to get into and out of compared to other Caribbean islands.
You’ll save on airport taxes, too!
Flying to other islands in the Caribbean that aren’t part of the US will add $80-$150 in taxes per person.
How To Get To Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is located between the Dominican Republic and the Virgin Islands in the Caribbean.
Is it easy to get to – it’s just a 2.5-hour flight from Florida.
The main airport in Puerto Rico is Luis Munoz Marin International Airport (SJU), which is located just east of San Juan, the capital city.
What is the best area to stay in Puerto Rico for a family vacation?
Photo Credit: Google Maps
If you are visiting Puerto Rico with kids, I’d suggest staying in the northeast part of the island.
You’ll be close to all of the attractions in the northeast part of the island, such as great beaches, El Yunque rainforest, and the bioluminescent bay.
If you stay in a hotel or rental, I suggest limiting your search to the northeast part of the island to make your vacation as stress-free as possible.
Amazing things to do
I can’t emphasize enough how much fun we had exploring the island on our multiple trips.
There are so many family-friendly activities in Puerto Rico you will be spoiled for choice!
Some of our favorites are:
- El Yunque National Forest
- Old San Juan
- Kayaking in a Bioluminescent Bay
- Culebra and Flamenco Beach
Click here for my full post on the best things to do in Puerto Rico with kids.
Where to Stay on a Puerto Rico Family Vacation
The private beach at our condo
On our first two trips, we rented a condo on the beach through VRBO for our Puerto Rico vacation.
The first place we stayed was Beach Nirvana and is was fantastic – a two-bedroom two-bath condo at an incredible price. It is in a gated community with several pools and private beach access – check it out here!
We loved being able to cook some meals during our trip and having extra space to spread out.
On our second trip we stayed in the same community in a different unit. This condo is in the same community and has a bunkbed which was great for us – check it out here on VRBO.
The condos are in the Mediana Alta area, about 30 minutes outside of San Juan.
It wasn’t luxurious, but it was safe, comfortable, clean, and lots of fun. You can’t beat that for the price!
The kitchen was perfect for making our breakfasts and a few dinners during our stay.
There are tons of affordable properties on VRBO in this area, so if you want access to a living room and kitchen during your trip, that’s definitely the way to go.
Search for your travel dates below to see what’s available.
On subsequent trips, we’ve stayed in some hotels in the northeast part of the island.
Best Puerto Rico Hotel For Families
Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico
Our favorite hotel in Puerto Rico was the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve. It was absolutely gorgeous and in an amazing location close to El Yunque rainforest.
We stayed here for free using Hyatt points which I transferred from my card_name.
It is my #1 pick for the best credit card for travel rewards. One reason it’s my favorite is that the points earned on this card can transfer to valuable partners such as Hyatt!
Click here to learn more about Chase Sapphire Preferred and compare it to other cards.
Our large room had two queen beds and a gorgeous patio for enjoying the perfect Puerto Rico weather.
The beach was gorgeous and the water was calm, perfect for allowing little ones to play in. In other parts of Puerto Rico the surf is rough and dangerous, so this is a huge bonus if you are traveling with little ones.
I highly recommend a stay at the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve.
The best way to stay is (of course) free with points that you can earn and transfer from the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, or check out availability for cash booking below.
How To Get Around in Puerto Rico
If you want to venture out of San Juan (which you definitely do!) you’ll want a rental car for your trip.
At the time we visited, Uber and Lyft were not operating in Puerto Rico.
I rented a car through Hotwire for our trip at a super affordable rate – $120 for five days!
The only drawback was that we had to take a shuttle from the airport to the rental car office. We ended up waiting over 45 minutes for the shuttle which was NOT a fun way to start our trip.
When I returned, I paid the extra money to rent a car that was on the airport to have less friction on our trip.
The rental car center is literally across the street from the airport exit so you can’t beat the convenience.
But I’d definitely rent through Hotwire again – the savings are excellent compared to other sites.
Driving was easy and gas was surprisingly reasonable for an island (though be aware it is priced in dollars per liter).
Can I go to Puerto Rico on a budget?
Unlike most destinations in the Caribbean, you can absolutely visit Puerto Rico on a budget!
I think Puerto Rico’s affordability is part of why I loved it so much. Your dollars go much farther there compared to most other destinations.
Here are the costs for our five-day trip:
- Condo rental: $468.81
- Rental car: $132.45
- Airfare: $249.50 (just for the return flight – we flew there on Southwest points)
- Activities: $151.70
Without food, our total cost for everything for a five-day trip was $1,000.
I saved on food costs by buying groceries and only eating out at affordable restaurants.
That’s a super affordable family vacation to the Caribbean!
Is Puerto Rico safe for a family vacation?
We felt 100% safe at every point during our trip.
Honestly your biggest safety concern in Puerto Rico is a natural disaster such as hurricanes.
We stayed in a condominium complex with a security guard at the gate plus a code to access the building.
As long as you use common sense you will be completely safe in Puerto Rico.
I hope this ultimate guide to a Puerto Rico family vacation will help you plan your visit to Puerto Rico with kids!
Any questions? Just leave a comment below or send me a message on The Frugal South’s Facebook page.
Check out these related posts:
- Things To Do in Savannah GA With Kids
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I'm an expert in family vacations and have extensive knowledge about visiting Puerto Rico with kids. I can provide you with all the information you need to plan a memorable trip. Let's dive into the concepts mentioned in the article.
Puerto Rico as a Family Destination
Puerto Rico is a fantastic destination for families. It offers affordability, easy accessibility, a wide range of kid-friendly activities, and the convenience of using American currency. The author of the article shares their personal experience of visiting Puerto Rico with their daughter and emphasizes how much fun they had on multiple trips.
Language and Communication
While Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, the primary language spoken is Spanish. However, the author assures readers that they were able to communicate effectively with limited Spanish skills. They encountered many English-speaking locals during their visit. This suggests that English is widely understood and spoken in Puerto Rico, making it easier for English-speaking visitors to navigate the island.
Travel Requirements
One advantage of visiting Puerto Rico is that you do not need a passport if you are a U.S. citizen. Since Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, you can travel there with just a valid form of identification, such as a driver's license. This eliminates the need for additional travel documents and simplifies the entry and exit process.
Getting to Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is conveniently located in the Caribbean, just a 2.5-hour flight from Florida. The main airport in Puerto Rico is Luis Munoz Marin International Airport (SJU), situated east of San Juan, the capital city. This airport serves as a major hub for both domestic and international flights, making it easy to reach Puerto Rico from various locations.
Best Area to Stay in Puerto Rico for Families
For families visiting Puerto Rico, the article suggests staying in the northeast part of the island. This area offers proximity to popular attractions such as beautiful beaches, the El Yunque rainforest, and the bioluminescent bay. By limiting your search to the northeast, you can make your vacation more convenient and stress-free.
Family-Friendly Activities in Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico offers a plethora of family-friendly activities that cater to different interests. Some of the recommended activities mentioned in the article include:
- Exploring the El Yunque National Forest.
- Visiting the historic Old San Juan.
- Kayaking in a bioluminescent bay.
- Exploring the island of Culebra and its famous Flamenco Beach.
These are just a few examples, and there are many more exciting activities to discover during your family vacation in Puerto Rico.
Accommodation Options
The article suggests two types of accommodation for families in Puerto Rico: renting a condo or staying in a hotel. Renting a condo through platforms like VRBO provides the advantage of having extra space, a kitchen for preparing meals, and access to amenities such as pools and private beaches. The author recommends searching for condos in the Mediana Alta area, about 30 minutes outside of San Juan.
If you prefer staying in a hotel, the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve is highly recommended. It offers a beautiful location close to the El Yunque rainforest and features amenities suitable for families, such as spacious rooms and a calm beach.
Transportation in Puerto Rico
To explore Puerto Rico beyond San Juan, it is recommended to rent a car. This allows you the freedom to visit different attractions and explore the island at your own pace. Rental cars are readily available, and the process is relatively straightforward. The article suggests renting a car through platforms like Hotwire to find affordable rates.
Budget-Friendly Travel
One of the advantages of visiting Puerto Rico is that it can be done on a budget. The article provides a breakdown of costs for a five-day trip, including accommodation, rental car, airfare, and activities. By opting for affordable options, such as renting a condo, buying groceries, and eating at affordable restaurants, you can have a budget-friendly family vacation in Puerto Rico.
Safety in Puerto Rico
The author emphasizes feeling 100% safe during their trip to Puerto Rico. While natural disasters like hurricanes can be a concern, the article mentions staying in a secure condominium complex with a security guard and using common sense to ensure safety. Puerto Rico is generally considered a safe destination for families.
I hope this information helps you plan your Puerto Rico family vacation. If you have any further questions, feel free to ask!
