What to pack for Puerto Rico depends a lot on how you plan to spend your time—but whether you’re planning a beach vacation, exploring wonderful Old San Juan, or heading into the impressive rainforest, there are a few essentials you won’t want to forget.
Below is a breakdown of everything you’ll need, from sun protection to footwear to the all-important bug spray, with real-world examples of when and where you’ll use them — so you can pack smart, travel light, and get the most out of every sun-drenched day.
Swimwear
Swimwear
When it comes to what to pack for Puerto Rico, number one on your list should be swimwear—and given there are so many opportunities to take a dip, several different options might be wise.
The best time to visit Puerto Rico is between winter and spring—technically the cooler months but with sunny days, lovely temperatures, and only the occasional shower.
Isla Verde
That means it’s perfect for trips to beaches just outside of San Juan such as Isla Verde, Escambrón, and Piñones, as well as for a visit to the unique Laguna Grande, also known as bioluminescent bay. Here, tiny organisms in the water give off light with the flash of a kayak paddle meaning the water glows with every stroke.
Things to factor in when selecting what to wear are comfort and something quick drying. It’s also worth noting that most Puerto Ricans tend to be conservative at the beach. That doesn’t mean you need to be dressed in a Victorian-era head-to-toe outfit, but maybe leave the skimpy strings at home for this one.
Rash Guard or UV-Protective Swim Shirt
Rash guard
Even in winter months, the Caribbean sun can be really feisty, so when it comes to what to pack for Puerto Rico, a rash guard or other UV-protective shirt should certainly be on your list. Not only do they offer in-built sun protection, especially, if you’re in and out of the water, but they are also great for preventing chafing from other gear like life jackets.
They’re essential, then, for stand-up paddleboarding along the Laguna del Condado, or snorkeling at Escambrón Marine Park. Look for one with a high neck and long sleeves for coverage and make sure it’s fitted. Loose material can balloon when wet which can be annoying. Choose a lightweight, breathable fabric that offers at least UPF 30 for proper protection.
T-shirts & Tank Tops
Hiking in Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is warm, humid and pretty casual, especially during the day. So a selection of T-shirts and tank tops makes perfect sense. Not only are they easy to layer, but you can pair them just as well with shorts and sandals as you can with a pair of longer pants and a day pack.
This is perfect if you’re ticking off some of the best things to do in San Juan, like wandering the streets of Old San Juan, browsing local crafts at Plaza Colón, or strolling the scenic Paseo del Morro coastal path.
While the island vibe is definitely laid-back, some places, such as upscale restaurants in the Condado district or the more historic hotel restaurants may merit a little more polish. Make sure a couple of your shirts have collars as a step up if you’re planning a fancy lunch.
Shorts
El Yunque National Forest
With daytime temperatures still hitting a toasty 80°F throughout the winter, shorts can feel like a survival tool when it comes to your Puerto Rico packing. Include some that are loose-fitting and breathable that work for the beach, wandering the streets of San Juan, or when hiking around El Yunque National Forest, one of the best places to visit in Puerto Rico.
Shorts that can double as swimwear get extra bonus points too if you need to cool down anywhere. Casual options are fine for almost all daytime activities, but a more tailored choice for men, or a casual skirt for women might be more suitable attire in museums or upscale eateries.
Smart Jeans/Casual Pants/Dresses
El Morro
Even in a destination as relaxed as Puerto Rico there are times when a pair of shorts just won’t cut it. Which is why at least one pair of smarter jeans, some casual pants, or a dress should make it into your Puerto Rico packing list.
Think linen, cotton, or soft denim—breathable fabrics that don’t punish you for putting in a few extra steps—rather than thick denim, chinos, or heavy dresses. They’ll come in handy, especially if you’re planning on dining somewhere more upscale, or if you fancy doing some museum hopping in ferocious air conditioning.
In religious sites such as Catedral de San Juan Bautista, one of the oldest in the Americas, and the centuries-old Iglesia de San José, longer pants, covered knees, and covered shoulders are recommended, too.
Light Jacket or Long-Sleeved Layer
El Yunque National Forest
Puerto Rico’s warm climate might not be suggesting jacket weather, but some kind of light layer deserves a place in both your suitcase and your day bag. Indoor venues often crank up the air conditioning, while earlier in the morning and towards the end of the day, things can cool down a touch.
Take something that is breathable to help you be ready to go if the weather flips from sun to slight shower. It’s also worth noting that further inland, particularly if trekking around the La Mina Falls or the Mount Britton Lookout in El Yunque National Forest, the higher elevation and misty conditions make a jacket feel like a smart call. This item can also double as an extra layer of sun protection if needed.
Flip-Flops or Sandals
Flip-flops
The relaxed nature of Puerto Rico means it’s not the place to be lacing up shoes unless you have to. In most cases, a pair of sturdy flip-flops or supportive sandals will serve you well. This is especially true if you’re not planning on doing too much walking or if spending time at the beaches around the capital.
They’re never the best look anyway, but it’s definitely a case of function over fashion when packing. While many locals will go with a totally casual flip-flop by day, those with straps and rugged soles that can double as a hiking shoe for short trails are also worth considering.
Walking Shoes or Hiking Boots
Hiking boots
Beyond the palm trees and piña coladas you can get a lot of leg work in a visit to Puerto Rico. Old San Juan has its cobbled streets, Puerto Rican beaches have hot sand, and the rainforests have dense trails. So a good pair of supportive walking shoes or lightweight hiking boots are recommended for the more active.
Go for something breathable but sturdy. Trail runners, hybrid hiking shoes, or proper walking sandals with toe protection all work. Avoid bringing brand-new boots you haven’t broken in—Puerto Rico is not the place to be nursing blisters while trying to enjoy the views.
Sun Hat or Visor
Sun hat
While there’s cover when walking around Old San Juan, there are plenty of times you’ll need to protect the top of your head on a Puerto Rico visit, even if it’s in the supposedly cooler months of winter. With that in mind, a wide-brimmed or lightweight visor can help keep the sun off your face, regulate body temperature, and stop your scalp from burning.
As with other clothing items, something breathable is key and, for packability purposes, some flexibility will help. While a nice straw boater might seem a good and even stylish idea back home, when you’re carrying it by hand when not needed, it can soon become a pain if you’ve lots of exploring to do.
Sunglasses
El Morro
Tropical sun reflecting off the Caribbean, sand, pastel buildings, and shiny cobblestones? Sunglasses are more than a style move here if you don’t want to walk around with a constant squint. You will literally wear them almost everywhere, whether gazing out to see at the El Morro castle or on the white sands of Luquillo.
Make sure they are fully UV protective, as even on cloudy days levels of damaging light can be a challenge. Polarized lenses are worth the extra spend. They cut down on glare, sharpen your view, and make everything look instantly even more beautiful. For those wearing prescription glasses, consider clip-on lenses, light-reactive glasses, or a prescription pair of sunnies.
Sunscreen
Sunscreen
Any list of things to pack for Puerto Rico has to include sunscreen. You might think it’s self-explanatory and, it’s true you can pick some up while here if needed, but having some to hand in your case is a good idea. This is the kind of place where just 10 minutes in the sun can have you looking lobster-red. So slathering it on at the start of the day is important, whether you’re walking sun-drenched Paseo de la Princesa or lounging on Condado Beach.
Don’t be fooled into thinking the canopy will protect you in the El Yunque rain forest, either. UV light can penetrate through the leaves, and sweating on a hike will reduce its effectiveness. For those with light skin, look for SPF30 or more and apply regularly to ensure full protection.
Bug Spray or Repellent Wipes
Bug spray
Mosquitos might not be a constant menace in Puerto Rico but when they show up, boy do they show up, and the island has not been immune from mosquito-borne disease such as dengue fever.
Naturally, no one wants their vacation to be ruined by illness and so some kind of insect repellent, whether a spray or wipe is essential. This is no more true than in early morning and evening, or when visiting the rainforests that Puerto Rico is known for. Here a combination of mist, dense greenery, and flowing water can bring a whole host of winged creepy crawlies to the party.
Deet is the most effective repellent but can be harsh. Gentler, more natural alternatives such as eucalyptus or picaridin oil may be available for those with more sensitive skin. Check with your pharmacist for the best option to suit your personal circumstances.
Day Pack or Crossbody Bag
Day pack
Whether beach-hopping, searching out nooks and crannies in Old San Juan, or hiking the trails, you really need something in which to stash your essentials to make them easier to carry while exploring.
Make sure any day pack is light but sturdy, and waterproof or water resistant is also a win. Pickpocketing is not a huge issue here, but petty crime does exist. As such, zippable compartments not only help you organize things better but can also deter those with light fingers. While purchasing your pack, look out too for a waterproof phone pouch.
Whether kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, hiking, or simply spending the day on the beach, the humidity can be high and you are likely to be close to water. Eschew here the cheap and cheerful. With modern touchscreens you want the protective covering to be both transparent, so you can still take snaps, and touchscreen friendly.
Portable Charger
Portable charger
Puerto Rico is the kind of place where your mobile phone will earn its keep. Camera, map, translator, restaurant scout, emergency cash reserve … you name it, there are myriad reasons to keep your phone’s battery bar as high as you can.
Whether you’re navigating the winding streets of Old San Juan, hiking to the Yokahú Observation Tower in El Yunque, or lounging on Ocean Park Beach watching the waves roll in, you’re bound to be taking a host of pictures and potentially using GPS. Both of these can be a drain.
Pick a charger small enough to toss into your day pack with enough capacity for the day; 10,000mAh or higher is ideal. Don’t forget your charging cable, either. The last thing you need is a full charger you can’t use as you watch your phone’s power slowly ebb away.
Power Adaptor/Convertor
Power adaptor
Puerto Rico uses the same power outlets as the mainland United States—Type A and B plugs with 120 volts at 60Hz. If you’re visiting from America, you can ignore this advice but visitors from elsewhere will need some kind of power adaptor or convertor in order to juice up. A universal adaptor is a good idea, as is a small power strip with various ports so you can charge multiple gadgets at once if needed.
Read: Puerto Rico Travel Guide
Old San Juan
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