Get Started Planning Your Perfect Puerto Rico Honeymoon

Choosing to have a Puerto Rico honeymoon comes with a bevy of benefits. The US territory is easily accessible and offers you the beautiful beaches and lush rainforests typical of many Caribbean destinations, but without the need for a passport.

Affordable flights to the island's international airport are plentiful, as are reasonably priced accommodation options (and, no, you won't be sacrificing quality or experience in order to get a good deal). Plus, Puerto Rico is a destination with a range of activities beyond the beaches, from rainforest hikes to cultural, historical and delicious foodie experiences that abound in San Juan.

Ready to start planning your Puerto Rican honeymoon? We're here to help you get started.

Is Puerto Rico Good for a Honeymoon?

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Pros of a Puerto Rico Honeymoon

There are quite a few upsides that come with planning a Puerto Rico honeymoon. The island is easily accessible, budget-friendly and offers a great array of activities, with plenty to fill your itinerary, no matter what you and your honey are into. Plus, there's no need for a passport or any other currency beyond the US dollar.

Cons of a Puerto Rico Honeymoon

The potential cons of a Puerto Rico honeymoon are minimal and can likely be avoided with proper planning.

Puerto Rico has been hit by many major hurricanes in the past, a fact that can wreak havoc on your honeymoon plans. For this reason, you may want to avoid planning a Puerto Rico honeymoon from August–October, when hurricanes are most likely to hit the island (but keep in mind that hurricanes can occur anytime between June 1 and November 30). Additionally, some parts of Puerto Rico can be unsafe for tourists (as is the case with many honeymoon destinations), so you'll want to do your research and follow safe travel best practices while on the island.

The Best Times of Year to Go on a Puerto Rico Honeymoon for Good Weather

Avoid hurricane season and potentially devastating weather events like Hurricane Maria by traveling to Puerto Rico from December 1 through May 31. Newlyweds can expect temperatures ranging from the low 60s to the upper 90s, depending on where you're staying (lower elevations on the island come with higher temperatures, and vice versa). High humidity is the norm.

Things to Do During a Puerto Rico Honeymoon

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Experience San Juan

San Juan is Puerto Rico's hub for culture, history and the arts. Infused with some serious Latin flair, San Juan is not to be missed, especially Old San Juan, the city's historic area. Make reservations at one of the neighborhood's restaurants for a bit of dinner and dancing (salsa is the name of the game at many of the neighborhood bars), stroll the colorful streets with your sweetie and take in the architecture, and maybe even spend a night in the neighborhood. You'll have plenty of charming historic properties to choose from.

Head to the Water

One of the great things about staying in or around San Juan? You're always just a short trek from some of the island's best beaches.

You can choose to lounge about on San Juan's beaches for a few days (the views certainly won't get old), but also consider booking a memorable water sport experience for your honeymoon. Kayaking on one of the island's bioluminescent bays is certainly a remarkable option, as you take to the waters at night, surrounded by breathtaking glow-in-the-dark organisms. You can also go horseback riding in the waves (how romantic is that?) or take snorkeling or surfing lessons in Rincón.

Explore El Yunque Rainforest

El Yunque National Forest is a lush, tropical paradise that's actually the US National Forest System's only tropical rainforest. Hike, swim beneath waterfalls, take in the sights and sounds of the forest—however you and your partner experience this can't-miss spot in Puerto Rico, you won't regret adding a day here to your honeymoon itinerary.

Get Your Drink On

If you and your partner are always up for enjoying a cocktail (or two), make tracks for Casa Bacardi, where you can enjoy a rum tasting or mixology experience. For a more in-depth look at Puerto Rican rum culture, book tours at multiple rum distilleries. Other options include Hacienda Santa Ana and PitoRico.

Best Hotels and Resorts in Puerto Rico for a Honeymoon

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Condado Vanderbilt Hotel

One of San Juan's most iconic luxury properties and honeymoon resorts, the Condado Vanderbilt Hotel is the epitome of lavish living in the Caribbean. The property's staff pays fine attention to every detail of honeymooners' stays, ensuring that each moment is rave-worthy. The location gives you ocean views, as well as excellent access to both Old San Juan and the beach. At the property, you'll enjoy a world-class spa (maybe a couples massage is in order?) and multiple fine-dining options.

Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve

You likely know the Ritz-Carlton brand, but are you familiar with the Ritz-Carlton Reserve subset of properties? These resorts and hotels are always located in somewhat remote locations that truly take you away from the hustle and bustle while immersing you in a gorgeous natural habitat.

At the Dorado Beach resort, you'll find yourself tucked away on a 50-acre estate that, while not necessarily remote (a golf course is nearby), does thoroughly make you feel like you're enjoying your own little slice of paradise. The beachfront property was originally built by the Rockefellers in the 1950s.

Hotel El Convento

If you and your sweetheart love a boutique hotel with a bit of history, there's no better honeymoon hotel in Puerto Rico than Hotel El Convento. This Old San Juan hotel was a Carmelite convent founded more than three centuries ago. Boasting beautiful Spanish Colonial style that's been lovingly restored over the years, the property is small and intimate, with fewer than 60 guest rooms. Book the Gloria Vanderbilt suite for a truly unique space, with its Juliet balcony overlooking the plaza and cobblestone streets below.

What to Pack for a Puerto Rico Honeymoon

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While you may not need your passport for your Puerto Rico honeymoon, there are a few other items you'll want to make sure you pack.

In addition to all of your beachwear and swimming gear, bring a few outfits suitable for going out and dining at nicer restaurants. San Juan offers plenty of opportunities for amazing culinary experiences, as well as dancing and other nightlife, so you want to be prepared with the right clothing options.

Additionally, if you plan on visiting El Yunque National Forest during your romantic getaway, bring hiking attire, including proper hiking boots and bug spray. For a more complete packing list, check out our full guide of what to pack for a tropical honeymoon.