Tropical Puerto Rico With Jennifer
From charming Old San Juan to the dazzling sands of Vieques – that fun, sunkissed escape you’re dreaming of? Find it in Puerto Rico in just five days
What's Included
- Accommodation in twin rooms
- 4 breakfasts, 2 dinners
- All activities mentioned in the itinerary
25th MARCH – 29th MARCH 2025
ABOUT JENNIFER MASON @singleladynotes
Hey there, I’m Jennifer, a go-getter from Hillside, New Jersey, who’s always dreamt big. From pageants to cheerleading and dancing, I’ve pursued my passions relentlessly. I’m a certified medical clinical assistant, entrepreneur, coach, and author. I’m thrilled to embark on a journey with Flash Pack to explore Tropical Puerto Rico. I can’t wait to meet new people, dive into adventures, and find some rest too. Join me on this trip, and you’ll gain confidence, dating tips, embracing yourselves stepping out of your comfort zone, lots of laughs, prayer, and transformative girl time. My motto? “The first step in changing your situation is changing your mind.” Let’s discover Puerto Rico together.
ABOUT YOUR TRIP
Dreaming of dazzling-white beaches and rum cocktails sipped under swaying palms? Puerto Rico certainly delivers on Caribbean charm — but with Flash Pack you’ll experience so much more.
Over five balmy days, you’ll dive into Old San Juan, where colourful colonial architecture and lively bars line the cobblestone streets. You’ll stay up past bedtime to explore bioluminescent bays, kayaking through shimmering waters alive with natural light displays, and you’ll explore the country’s rich tapestry of Taino, Spanish and African traditions, making mofongo with a local chef and learning to bomba like a true Boricua.
Naturally, we couldn’t let you leave without exploring Vieques’ beaches – which are every bit as dazzling as you dreamed of. And those rum cocktails? They’ll taste even better when toasting your new Flash Pack friends.
- Touch down at the airport, where a private Flash Pack transfer will be waiting to take you to your characterful hotel in Old San Juan
- Start your adventure with a mofongo cooking class led by a local chef, where you’ll learn how to prepare this tasty plantain-based dish – the perfect introduction to Puerto Rican cuisine
- Get to know your Pack Leader and group further as you enjoy your welcome meal together, raising a fresh piña colada to the adventures to come
- Take a deep dive into Afro-Puerto Rican culture at the seaside town of Loiza, visiting a cafe and not-for-profit cultural center to see local artisans at work
- Enjoy a bomba dance workshop on the beach, learning how music connects the community with their ancestral African roots
- Travel to the Caribbean island of Vieques, six miles off the southeast coast, renowned for its laidback vibe and gorgeous beaches
- Wake up to views of azure bays and head out on your beach-hopping excursion, from the horseshoe sweep of Media Luna to the black sand of Playa Negra
- Snorkel in the clear water off some of the island’s best beaches, surrounded by tropical fish
- Witness the brightest bioluminescence on the planet as you kayak through the shimmering water of Mosquito Bay – a truly magical experience
- Enjoy a free day to relax and explore Vieques’ island paradise; kick back by the hotel pool or rent a golf buggy to explore the island and find your own secluded stretch of sand
- Catch the last ferry back to the mainland and return to San Juan for your farewell dinner; your Pack Leader knows all the best spots for salsa dancing into the early hours
- It’s time to make your way to the airport for your onward flight home, although you could easily spend a few more fun-filled days exploring Puerto Rico
- Back home, Puerto Rico may feel a million miles away, but you’ll take part of its vibrancy with you; memories of azure waters, sparkling bioluminescence and energetic nightlife emblazoned on your mind (and heart) forever
OUR FAVOURITE HOTELS
Here's a taste of the hotels we sometimes use on this adventure. The hotels you'll stay in for your departure will be shared with you one month before you go.
Hotel Casablanca, San Juan
A characterful historic hotel with quirky Moroccan-inspired decor in a prime location in Old San Juan. From the beautifully decorated lobby and brunch cafe to the rooftop spa terrace (perfect for sundowners) and Speakeasy bar, it’s a cool, boutique base for enjoying the city.
Hacienda Tamarindo, Vieques
With a tranquil hilltop location overlooking Esperanza Bay, this Hispanic hacienda features lovely gardens, an inviting pool and tropical island-style rooms adorned with local artwork. Dine under the shade of a 275-year-old tamarind tree that grows up through the lobby.
Important Notes
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Which airport do I need to fly into? Plus airport code
Fly into and out of Luis Muñoz Marin International Airport (SJU) in San Juan.
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What time should my flight arrive (in time for the welcome meeting)?
Before 4 pm ideally. The welcome meeting will be from 5 pm onwards starting at the hotel, which is located approximately 15-20 minutes away from the airport.
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What time should my flight depart on the last day?
There are no activities planned for the last day, so leave any time you wish. The airport is 15-20 minutes away from your final hotel.
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Are airport transfers included?
If you arrive on Day 1 of your adventure, or you book pre-tour accommodation with us, your airport arrival transfer will be included. If you book alternative pre-tour accommodation or are arriving by another mode of transport you must arrange your own arrival transfer.
Arrival transfers are private to Flash Pack and will be in groups depending on flight times. Sometimes this means waiting in the airport for a short while until other flights have arrived.
We don’t offer a departure transfer as Flashpackers leave at different times of the day and many stay for extra nights. We will offer you support with finding a local taxi.
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What level of fitness do I need for this trip?
This is a relaxed itinerary that should be fine for most levels of fitness. The kayaking on Mosquito Bay is gentle and no previous experience is needed, but please note there is a weight limit of 250 kg per two-person kayak.
We recommend having a read-through of the itinerary above and getting in touch if you have specific questions on fitness.
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Am I guaranteed to see bioluminescence?
While bio bays worldwide are seasonal, the bioluminescence in Puerto Rico is year-round and it’s one of the most reliable places in the world to see this natural phenomenon. Mosquito Bay is considered the brightest bio bay due to the high quantities of microscopic single-celled organisms that light up bright blue when agitated.
When it comes to experiencing bioluminescence, the less light the better. However, even on a full moon the water will still glow, but you may need to use a tarpaulin over your kayak to block out the moonlight. Using glass-bottomed kayaks give the best chance to see the water light up all around you.
As with anything in nature, nothing is 100% guaranteed.
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Do I need to have kayaked before?
No previous experience of kayaking is necessary. You will be in stable two-person kayaks in a sheltered bay and you don’t have to paddle too far to experience the bioluminescence.
Be aware that, as per the name, there can be mosquitos in Mosquito Bay so you may want to apply insect repellent before setting out.
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What is the island of Vieques like?
Vieques is a rustic, largely undeveloped island with a slow pace of life. You won’t find the glitzy nightlife of San Juan here but it’s ideal for a tranquil Caribbean break. The beaches vary from palm-shaded white sand to sparkling black sand and you might even see wild horses on the beach.
The island is home to around 10,000 residents and you should find everything you need in the towns of Esperanza on the south side and Isabel II on the north.
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Why is this trip more expensive than other short stay trips?
Many travellers are surprised to discover that the cost of living in Puerto Rico is comparable to – or slightly more expensive than – the US. As an island, many products are imported, plus there is an 11.5% tax rate on all goods and services. Add to this a lack of reliable public transport and all-inclusive hotels, and prices can be relatively high.
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How much should I budget per day for extras?
We recommend budgeting around 75-100 USD per day for extras such as meals and drinks. A simple plate of rice and beans can cost 20-25 USD.
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Will this itinerary change?
Please be aware that the itinerary, activities, and hotels are subject to change. These changes are rare but can happen with little notice due to availability, poor weather, seasonal changes, or other circumstances beyond our control – but we’ll always do our best to ensure it has little impact on your experience. From time to time, we may also make changes to your itinerary to try out new ideas and keep things fresh and exciting which we will always try and communicate to you.
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