Plan a Perfect Puerto Rico Honeymoon

From rum distillery tours to nighttime kayaking, your amazing Caribbean honeymoon awaits.
Old San Juan, Puerto Rico
Photo: Dennis van de Water | Shutterstock)
Holly Riddle - The Knot Contributor.
by
Holly Riddle
Holly Riddle - The Knot Contributor.
Holly Riddle
The Knot Contributor
  • Holly is a freelance contributor for The Knot Worldwide, with a focus on travel, honeymooning and wedding planning.
  • Holly has been a travel, food and lifestyle freelancer for her entire career.
  • Holly also works for a range of publications and brands as a ghostwriter and marketing copywriter.
Updated Apr 05, 2024
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Choosing to have a Puerto Rico honeymoon comes with a bevy of benefits. This US territory may be one of the best honeymoon destinations for those who appreciate easy travel and accessibility; it'll offer 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 romantic honeymoon getaway in Puerto Rico? We're here to help you get started.

Puerto Rico Honeymoon Tips in this Article:

    A beautiful Puerto Rico beach fit for honeymooners
    Photo: Maridav | Shutterstock

    Best Time to Honeymoon in Puerto Rico

    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 the best weather during these months, with 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.

    Best weather: December to May.
    Festival highlights: The San Sebastian Street Festival in January, featuring parades, music and dance; the Ponce Carnival with vibrant costumes and parades; the Puerto Rico Salsa Congress in July, celebrating salsa music and dance with workshops and performances.

    Puerto Rico Honeymoon Planning Tips

    There are quite a few upsides that come with planning a honeymoon in Puerto Rico. This US honeymoon destination 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.

    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.

    Before you book your planet tickets, here are a few things to keep in mind:

    Entry requirements: Puerto Rico is a US territory, so US citizens won't need a passport or visa. You might, however, want to carry a government-issued photo ID. Starting in May 2025, you may be required to have a REAL ID.
    Language:
    Spanish, but English is common.
    Location:
    Puerto Rico is an island located east of the Dominican Republic and west of the Virgin Islands.
    Currency: USD.
    Flight time to Destination: From Miami, flights are only 2.5 hours.
    Getting around: Renting a car is the easiest way to explore the island on your Puerto Rican honeymoon, especially if you want to travel to more remote areas. Puerto Rico also offers public transportation options like buses and taxis, especially in San Juan.

    Pro tip: Browse travel agents near you on The Knot Marketplace for Puerto Rico honeymoon expertise and honeymoon planning assistance.

    Best Puerto Rico Honeymoon Resorts and Hotels

    Puerto Rico offers a wide range of honeymoon accommodations, from luxurious beachfront resorts to charming boutique hotels in historic settings. Many resorts in Puerto Rico, especially in popular areas like San Juan, Vieques and Rincón, cater specifically to newlyweds with honeymoon packages that include romantic extras. Here are our top picks.

    a person in a tropical climate wearing sunglasses
    Photo: Avid_creative | Getty

    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.

    4.5 Star Rating | Read Reviews

    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.

    4.5 Star Rating | Read Reviews

    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.

    4.5 Star Rating | Read Reviews

    Pro tip: If you're looking for unique stays that'll provide you more privacy or lower prices, consider staying at an Airbnb or VRBO.

    Things to Do on a Puerto Rico Honeymoon

    Newlyweds can enjoy a mix of relaxation and adventure on a Puerto Rico honeymoon, including lazy days on world-class beaches, kayaking in bioluminescent bays, exploring the El Yunque National Forest and discovering the historic charm of Old San Juan. For some trip planning inspiration, here are some things to do together.

    Castillo San Felipe del Morro in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico
    Photo: Frederick Millett | Shutterstock

    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 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.

    Pro tip: Add Puerto Rico honeymoon experiences to your gift registry so your loved ones can give you a fun activity to enjoy. Don't forget to post honeymoon photos to your wedding website and social feeds for your wedding guests to see.

    What to Pack for a Puerto Rico Honeymoon

    El Yunque national forest in Puerto Rico
    Photo: Dennis van de Water | Shutterstock

    While you may not need your passport for your honeymoon in Puerto Rico, there are a few other items you'll want in your honeymoon luggage.

    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. Check out our full guide for a more complete packing checklist.

    Brittany Barber contributed to this article.

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