Puerto Rico is one of numerous islands in the Caribbean, as convenient as any for those wishing to take a break from the stresses of daily life and particularly from cold winters up north. As such islands go, it also is fairly large, at 3,435 square miles, which translates into plenty of space for exploration and some variety in the terrain, from coastal plains to mountains in the interior. It is not much, however, for lakes — they are small and few — or rivers — only one is navigable — and this means those who love water sports turn their attention to a long shoreline, the Caribbean on the south and the Atlantic Ocean on the north.

That said, Puerto Rico is distinct from all other Caribbean islands (along with the U.S. Virgin Islands) in that it is American. As a result, U.S. travelers don’t have to carry a passport to return home from Puerto Rico as they now have to do when returning by air from other Caribbean destinations. This is a convenience that Puerto Rico, precisely described as a self-governing commonwealth in union with the United States, is pleased to point out. (Fairly soon, travelers returning from non-U.S. islands by cruise ship also will have to be carrying a passport.)

Because Puerto Rico was first a Spanish colony, Spanish is the first language of most residents. Puerto Rico was ceded to the United States in 1898 in the wake of the Spanish-American War. Now, after an association of more than 100 years, plenty of English can be heard, especially as many residents have lived in the continental United States. The frequent movement of Puerto Ricans themselves between Puerto Rico and the U.S. mainland is one reason that air service to the island is good and frequent. The other reason, of course, is the demands of tourism.

All personality types visit and appreciate Puerto Rico, with true venturers, as usual, ready to take greatest advantage of the most adventurous options. With pricing policies, airlines and resorts lure tourists to the island year round, but the cold winter months always remain peak season for this Caribbean destination.

Run the rapids on Tanama River in a kayak, or glide along Puerto Rico’s only navigable river, the Espiritu Santo. Or, kayak on the ocean.

Go sailing.

Take the 200-foot rappel into the mouth of the Angeles Sinkhole, your entry into Angels Cave and only the beginning of an explorer’s adventure. Or, descend by trolley into one of the sinkholes in the Rio Camuy Cave Park as part of a guided tour of the interior. At the park, you also can walk into the Spiral Sinkhole and Cave (205 steps) but must be an experienced spelunker to explore further.

Go surfing in Rincon, site of numerous surfing competitions, including the world championships in 1968 and 1988.

Take a nighttime boat ride to see the lighted waters at La Parguera, between Mayagüez and Ponce in the southwest of the island, or in the bay at Vieques, the island municipality off the main island’s northeastern shore. The light is generated by microscopic sea organisms called dinoflagellates. If you want a closer look, take this outing in a kayak.

Try windsurfing or parasailing.

Go scuba diving. If you need lessons, they are available.

Go deep-sea fishing for billfish. Boat charters are available in Fajardo, Humacao, Mayaguez and San Juan. Take note: At the island’s annual International Billfish Tournament, competitors have reeled in specimens of more than 1,000 pounds.

Go bird-watching in the Caribbean National Forest, known as El Yunque, or in the Cabo Rojo National Wildlife Refuge.

Go snorkeling in the shallow reefs near Dorado, Humacao, Mayaguez or San Juan.

Visit Mona Island about 50 miles offshore. Accessible only by boat or private aircraft, it is called the Galapagos of the Caribbean because of the animal life found there: giant lizards, sea turtles and red-footed boobies.

Fish in Puerto Rico’s lakes or cast from the shore along the island’s coast.

Go horseback riding along a beach, in a tropical rain forest or on a coffee plantation in the mountains. The most spectacular routes are around Cerro de Punta near Jayuya, the island’s tallest mountain.
If you are a serious equestrian, attend one or more of the island’s horse shows.

Hike in El Yunque or in the Gunica Dry Forest, following marked trails and roads in each.

See thoroughbred horses racing at El Comandante in Canovanas.

Go whale watching at Rincon Lighthouse Observation Park.

Stay in one or more of the island’s 23 paradores, or country inns, noted for affordable rates and picturesque locations.

Sample fresh shellfish and oysters, from the island’s southwest, plus a full range of tropical fruit, including guavas, papayas, pineapples, starfruit and 14 kinds of bananas. The northeast region is noted for local artisan cheeses and citrus fruit.

Attend the world-renowned Casals Festival, held in San Juan in June.

Explore San Juan’s fortresses that recall the days when Puerto Rico was a Spanish colony, in particular, El Morro Fortress and San Cristobal Fort.

Play golf in the self-described golf capital of the Caribbean.

Visit the Hacienda Buena Vista, a coffee plantation restored by the Conservation Trust. Original machinery is operational again, and you’ll find plenty of freshly roasted coffee on hand.

See the Le Lo Lai Festival, offered at varying locations throughout the year. It was created by the Puerto Rico Tourism Company to give visitors a taste of the island’s blend of African, Indian and Spanish traditions as seen in cultural presentations.

Treat yourself to luxurious spa treatments at any of 17 spas on the island.

Gamble in one of Puerto Rico’s casinos.

Buy distinctive souvenirs: island masks made of papier mache or coconut; handmade lace, and small wooden figures of saints and religious scenes.

For more information, consult the Puerto Rico Tourism Company at www.gotopuertorico.com

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