Updated September 11, 2023

Don’t feel like taking the same clichéd vacation as everyone else on your Instagram? Want to do something awesome and different? Then you need to travel somewhere extraordinary and do something incredible—and there’s nowhere better for it than Puerto Rico. Check out these 5 amazing ways to travel to Puerto Rico.

#1: Do some amazing volunteer work

There’s no better gift to give than your time—and what better way to spend your time than volunteering in Puerto Rico’s must-go spots? Not only is Puerto Rico home to some of the Caribbean’s best beaches and stunning views; it’s also the perfect place to lend a helping hand. From rebuilding homes after Hurricane Maria to tagging sea turtles for wildlife conservation, these opportunities are ideal for adventuring and helping out at the same time!

• All Hands and Hearts: Home repair in rural areas after Hurricanes Irma and Maria
• Amigos de los Animales: Rescue and rehab for abandoned dogs in Piñones
• Para la Naturaleza: Nature conservation in Puerto Rico’s natural parks

#2: Hop the Caribbean islands by ferry

Ready to unlock Puerto Rico’s secrets and island-hop in style? Puerto Rico insiders will tell you that taking a ferry is the name of the game. It’s a short ferry ride from the main island to Isla Culebra—one of the best spots to visit in Puerto Rico for its insane beaches—nd don’t forget to boat down to Vieques, home to the world’s brightest bioluminescent bay!

Pro tip: If you’re feeling really adventurous, you can take the Ferries del Caribe, a 13-hour ferry ride from San Juan to Santo Domingo, capital of the Dominican Republic.

#3: Teach English to kids

Have teaching skills, will travel! Teaching English to kids (also known as TESOL) is super rewarding whether you do it for 2 days or a year. While many people in Puerto Rico speak English, there are still many who don’t (or only speak it a bit)—so this is a really cool way to immerse yourself in the island’s vibrant culture and meet locals. Just another awesome reason to visit Puerto Rico!

#4: Do some learning at PR’s top universities

Whether you want to knock out a few college credits or just spend a day learning some local history, why not do it island-style? Far from your typical college experience, on-site learning is an amazing way to authentically experience Puerto Rico. Here are some of the amazing schools that offer classes and 1-day seminars in English:

• San Juan Polytechnic
• San Juan’s Universidad del Sagrado Corazon
• SUNY Oswego Rio Piedras
• Alliance Theological Seminary—Puerto Rico

#5: Adventure during off-peak seasons

If you travel during Puerto Rico’s off-peak season (September to November), you’ll not only skip the crowds and big travel fees, but you’ll get the essentially unlimited beach access and the same gorgeous weather. Locals say that Puerto Rico’s top attractions are substantially less crowded during off-peak, so it pays off to plan accordingly. This is the way to travel if you want to have a unique experience all your own!