Hi there-
We're thinking of going to Puerto Rico for spring break... with 2 6 YO children. I know NOTHING about the Island and was wondering:
What part of the island is most tourist friendly?
Where would you stay?
We love to swim and hike - options for that with 2 small children?
Do you typically stay on site while in PR or is it safe to venture out into the local cities for dinner, etc.
Is it easy to get around or are you pretty much 'stuck where your hotel is'?
Is it super expensive off property like other islands?
We'd be going at the end of March and I will need to book soon. Any insight is very much appreciated. We've traveled a lot as adults, but our children have only traveled state side. Thanks!
It's nice and safe enough to travel around. Old San Juan and El Yunque are great places to walk around. Go to Vieques for the bioluminescent bay - fun trip.
San Juan is less safe than it was but stuck to the tourist areas at night because they have stepped up police presence there. If you want to see La Perla, take the bus tour during daytime.
We went horseback riding (not my favorite) at a beach and then visited a nature reserve.
Everyone spoke English but tolerated my broken Spanish. We had fabulous meals for $10 and under, but the prices for basics like bandaids for blisters at the CVS were alarming.
Been to PR over 3x as an adult. It is largely safe, and pretty child friendly. You would do well to choose a place in San Juan, and be on or near the beach. You can tour the forts and streets of old San Juan, go to restaurants, museums, and other attractions. El Yunque, the rainforest is a short drive away, and short hikes are very easily done by the kids. Rincon has some good whale watching. There is also the island of the monkeys, and phosphorescent mangrove forests near the island of culebra should you choose to go.
English is spoken widely. Everyone we encountered was very friendly and accommodating to tourists. Things are not cheap, nor are they expensive off site, comparable to the prices I see in NYC where I am from.
Enjoy,
F. B.
I don't know about staying on the island because we had that as a stop on our cruise - so it was a day trip for us. Our kids were 5, 7, and 9. We took the tour to El Yunque, the old fort, and old San Juan. It was gorgeous and safe - per the tour guide.
However, after stopping at other islands, Puerto Rico has rougher, darker water. This compared to Nassau, St. Thomas, and Grand Turk. Still though - it's a great island and we'd love to go back - nice choice!
I personally prefer U.S Virgin Islands. St. Thomas, St. John.
St. Maarten is really nice too.
You should look at the all inclusive resorts especially because you are taking kids.
