Jen There Done That

Living in Puerto Rico | 9 Year Update

Puerto Rico is a US Territory, the currency is United States Dollars (USD), there are no VISA requirements for US citizens, and you can keep your phone number, so moving is easy. Living in Puerto Rico should be just like moving to another State, right? As it turns out, Living in Puerto Rico is very different than living in mainland (upper 48) USA.

This is my 9 year update of living in Puerto Rico!

Scuba Dive Palmas del Mar, Puerto Rico | Lionfish Hunting

Palmas del Mar resort community in Humacao, Puerto Rico is known for golf, tennis, pickelball, hiking, Palmas Farmers Market, and activities year round.

There are also incredible scuba dive sites right outside the Palmas del Mar community in Humacao on the east coast of Puerto Rico! The reef off the coast of Humacao is not part of Protected marine areas (MPA) or Nature Researve, so it is popular with commercial fishermen and scuba divers for lobster and lionfish hunting.

Palmas del Mar Dive Sites

Cubera Reef at La Conga Dive Site – 80 foot bottom

Hansi Hub – 50 foot depth and a lionfish favorite hangout with the occasional nurse shark

Cayo Largo – reef wall at 60 feet surrounded by 140 foot drop

Udûn (dark pit) – sandy bottom reef 70+ depth with great visability, teeming with lobster, lionfish, crab, and reef fish

Exploring Castillo San Felipe del Morro Fort in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico

The first time I saw Castillo San Felipe del Morro Fort in Old San Juan was by cruise ship approaching the port of San Juan. The approaching view is spectacular by land or sea. Visiting El Morro Fort is my number one cannot miss recommendation for old San Juan, Puerto Rico!

Arrival by Sea in 2012 — View of El Morro by Sea in 2012

The perfect place to begin any walking tour of Old San Juan is along the North coast. With good sun protection and sturdy shoes, the walk between Castillo San Cristóbal and La Perla is stunning, if you have the time and energy. History buffs will want to visit both Castillo San Cristóbal and Castillo San Felipe del Morro forts in Old San Juan, but if you are not feeling that ambitious or tight on time then El Morro is the better tour.

Bio Bay Kayak Tour and Sunset Cruise in La Parguera Lajas, Puerto Rico

The La Parguera Bio Bay tour offers a unique and captivating experience in one of the world’s few bioluminescent bays, located in Lajas on the southwest corner of Puerto Rico. This tour allows participants to witness the natural wonder of bioluminescent dinoflagellates with both kayaking and swimming in the greenish-blue glittery glow!

Where are the Bioluminescent Bays?

There are only five bioluminescent bays in the world! You can find them in Halong Bay, Vietnam, and Luminous Lagoon, Jamaica. The remaining three, known as Bahía Bioluminiscente, are all located in Puerto Rico:

1. La Parguera in Lajas, on the southwest corner of the island offers a unique experience where you can kayak and swim in a bioluminescent bay.

2. Laguna Grande in Fajardo, on the northeast corner of the island, which is the closest to San Juan and the easiest to access.

3. Mosquito Bay in Vieques Island

Lajas Agriculture Festival & Safari | Feria Agrícola Nacional del Valle de Lajas, Puerto Rico

One of my favorite festivals in Puerto Rico is the Feria Agrícola Nacional del Valle de Lajas! This is no ordinary agriculture festival! What makes this festival so fantastic? It is agriculture education meets food festival with music & entertainment, helicopter rides, petting zoo, and mini safari!

Learn about agriculture in Puerto Rico, farm animals, meet local farmers, see the latest tractors and farm equipment, pony rides, mini petting zoo, food & drinks, and exotic animals on the drive through safari.