The Top Things To Do And See In Isla Verde

Isla Verde is the enchanting resort strip of San Juan and is known for its beautiful beaches. Despite having such a great beach area, Isla Verde – which translates to “Green Island” – offers some beautiful nature to see too. These are a few of the things you must experience in Isla Verde.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

Isla Verde Beach

Many people come to Isla Verde just to visit this beach since it is one of the best on the entire island. With shade from the trees, plenty of local spots to eat, parking and shower areas, it’s no wonder it’s a popular spot on the island. The strip runs all the way from the Isla Verde hotels to a public beach with soft, white sand rivaling what you’d find on Condado Beach.

San Juan Waterfun

San Juan Waterfun, located on Isla Verde Beach in front of the El San Juan Hotel & Casino, gives you a chance to use Wave-runners™, banana boats and para-sails. If it’s fun that can be on the water, then San Juan Water offers it at reasonable prices with assistance including small catamarans, jet skis, water skis and knee boards.

Scuba Diving

All of the local hotels can help you arrange a dive trip right off Isla Verde. Guides can teach techniques for mask and snorkel clearing that will help during the actual snorkel session. They also can help identify camouflaged species that you’d miss without their help. If you have a camera that can be used underwater this is a great opportunity to use it as you snap pictures of beautiful starfish and bright fish.

Carolina Beach

A few miles away from the beautiful Isla Verde Beach is Carolina Beach. Tourists typically don’t visit it, but it’s a fan favorite among locals. Carolina is one of two public beaches in San Juan and has beautiful white sand. It’s easily accessible by taxi or car incase you don’t want to walk and has necessary beach facilities like lifeguards and restrooms. Enjoy a coconut underneath the shade of a palm tree.

Piñones

If you continue driving east along the beach you’ll arrive at Piñones. This area is favored by the locals for being more natural and has mangroves as well as a lot of vegetation. If you’re looking to try some authentic Puerto Rican fried finger food you’ll find it here. You can ride bikes – rentals available – on the boardwalk or you could just walk with the views of the beach and forest.

Lupi’s

Lupi’s offers a delicious fusion of Puerto Rican and Mexican fare at very reasonable prices. Most of their entrees can be made vegetarian if you make a request. Their cocktails are dangerously delicious, and very reasonable for their large size (sip them slowly!). A Spring Break like crowd often visits Lupi’s and instantly makes the place come alive.

El San Juan Hotel & Casino

A sparkling crystal chandelier and tuxedoed waiters greet you upon entering El San Juan’s Casino. As one of the most impressive casinos in Isla Verde, you can expect an overall glamorous experience during your trip here. Open from noon until 3am every day, the casino resembles a classic European casino with 336 slot machines and 27 table games.

The Ritz-Carlton, San Juan Casino

Not only is this the largest casino in the Caribbean, but it’s open 24 hours and covers two floors. There are 300 slot machines and casino favorites like blackjack, craps and roulette. The Ritz-Carlton, San Juan Casino has a sophisticated decor that is reminiscent of a tropical resort in the 1940’s and offers live entertainment every night.

landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.