Expert Guide to Whale Watching in Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico lies just southeast of a busy whale migration route in the Caribbean. Even so, it’s not the best Caribbean island to go whale watching. You’re better off planning an excursion to see the world famous bioluminescent waters of the Condado Lagoon, or going on a snorkel trip to see turtles and dolphins. In the thriving historic city of San Juan you’ll find all the food, culture, architecture and shopping anyone could want. Spend a day away from the city and explore the dense tropical rainforest complete with mountains and waterfalls. Read on to discover all that Puerto Rico has to offer so you can plan your ideal trip!
The clear aquamarine waters surrounding Puerto Rico are the perfect environment for any boating or swimming activity.
When is Whale Season?
Your best chance of seeing a whale in Puerto Rico is from January to mid-March. This period aligns with the peak of whale season, when migrating humpback whales are most commonly observed in the warm waters surrounding the island.
Every winter, the humpbacks from Cape Cod, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Iceland migrate to the Caribbean to mate and have calves. This extraordinary journey can exceed 5,000 miles annually. The migration highlights their incredible endurance and provides a stunning spectacle for whale watchers. They spend January through March in warm Caribbean breeding grounds before heading back north for the summer in mid to late March.
Keep in mind that most of the whales in the Caribbean hang out west of Puerto Rico, around the north coast of the Dominican Republic and Samana Bay. The truth is you’ll be lucky if you see a whale in Puerto Rico – but whales do pass through the area, so it’s not unheard of to see them. And humpbacks aren’t the only whales in these waters either. Read on to discover the many species of whales and other animals you can see in Puerto Rico.
Whale Species, Dolphins and other Wildlife
Humpback whales, or ‘ballenas corcovadas’ in Spanish, are the most frequently observed whale species off the coast of Puerto Rico. Known for their impressive breaches and unique vocalizations, humpbacks effortlessly embody both grace and power. Other whales that travel through the islands are Sperm whales, Pilot whales, Minke whales, Bryde’s whales, Blue whales, and Sei whales.
Beyond whales, the islands and their coral reefs host a diverse array ocean life, including jellyfish, sea turtles, sea birds, rays, crabs, manatees, and many varieties of tropical fish. There are over ten species of dolphins, including the ever popular Common Bottlenose dolphin. Other dolphins include Striped dolphins, Atlantic spotted dolphins, and Spinner dolphins.
The island itself is ruled not by people but by thousands of wild, free roaming iguanas and chickens. Listen close and you will hear the unique high pitched call of the coquí frog. A stroll through El Yunque National rainforest reveals a delightful symphony of tropical birds, vibrant frogs, and lush plant life rustling in the breeze, offering yet another chance for biology lovers to revel in the beauty of nature.
So back to the iguanas. Love them or hate them, they are massive, beautiful – and everywhere. In fact, there are more iguanas on the island than people! Unfortunately it’s actually a big problem for Puerto Rico, because they are invasive and have no natural predators to balance their population. They come in a variety of colors ranging from green to orange, with black, white, brown, gray or silver markings. There are no two alike – they’re as unique as snowflakes. This is due in part to the fact that they change colors depending on the season. For example, males might turn orange during breeding season to attract a mate.
Best Whale Watching and Other Things To Do
The majority of whale sightings in Puerto Rico are on the west side of the island. On the east side of the island you’d be more likely to spot a migrating manatee during whale season. Sea turtles and dolphins surround and span the entire coastline.
Rincón
The Rincon coastline on the west shore provides your best chance to spot humpback whales migrating from the North Atlantic. Whale sightings often occur near the Rincon lighthouse (El Faro de Rincón). Explore Domes Beach, a quiet surfing beach with big waves – but watch for sharp rocks. A little farther north are Sandy Beach West and Sandy Beach East – these beaches are clean, have the perfect soft sand, and are great for swimming and surfing.
South of the Rincon lighthouse is Steps Beach (Playa Escalera – Reserva Marina Tres Palmas). This is a great beach for snorkeling with lots of wildlife to be seen. And while you can sight whales from shore, it’s always best to get out on the water. Choose an excursion that your group would enjoy even if you don’t see any whales. This way you can keep expectations in check and make the best out of your activity whether you see whales or not.
San Juan
San Juan is where you want to go to kayak bioluminescent waters in the famous Condado Lagoon (Laguna del Condado). While there aren’t any whale watching outfitters in San Juan, it’s a great place to go snorkeling with sea turtles – they even include underwater footage of you and the turtles for a once in a lifetime experience.
You’ll also be close to El Yunque National Rainforest, where you can find hiking, waterfalls, rare trees and and an exciting symphony of tropical wildlife. Finally, be sure to explore the city itself to see historic sites, like the famous Vanderbilt Hotel and the 16th century Spanish fortresses Castillo San Felipe del Morro and Castillo San Cristóbal.
Fajardo
On the east coast of the island, Fajardo is known as an iconic spot to get out on the water. This is a great place for snorkeling and manatee sightings. If you missed the bioluminescent water in San Juan, you can night kayak Bio Bay and experience this natural “glow-in-the-dark” water.
During the day, take a boat ride to one of the nearby islands. There’s Icacos Island (Caya Icacos), which is a small, uninhabited white sand beach island just off the coast. It’s basically a sandbar with some trees, which is great if you want to feel like you’re on a deserted island like Tom Hanks in Castaway.
Or, you can go all the way out to Culebra, a larger island with hotels, bars, restaurants, and beaches – they even have a national wildlife refuge to protect native fish, plants, and migrating birds. The shallow waters surrounding Culebra make for excellent snorkeling, and the picturesque boat ride takes less than an hour depending on conditions.
Weather & Rainfall
Like most tropical archipelagos, Puerto Rico has a fairly small and steady temperature range. The average year-round temperature is around 80°F. Temperatures are slightly cooler during whale season. January is the coldest month, with an average temperature of 70°F. Mountainous areas are generally around 10-15° cooler than the beaches.
Puerto Rico enjoys an average annual rainfall of approximately 70 to 100 inches, with the wettest months occurring during the summer. Rainfall is largely seasonal, but can happen any time. December through April is the dry season so there will be much less precipitation during this time. May through November is the wet season, and also hurricane season.
Getting Here
Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory. Therefore, United States citizens do not need a passport to travel to Puerto Rico. You can use a valid driver’s license or state-issued ID card. Keep in mind that starting May 7, 2025, U.S. travelers must be REAL ID compliant to board flights with their driver’s license or state ID. Fly into Luis Munoz Marin International Airport (SJU). There are direct flights from many major cities in the US. Sometimes you’ll have a layover in Miami, Orlando, Charlotte, Philadelphia or Dallas.
Where to Stay
Puerto Rico is a collection of 143 islands, islets and atolls. Only three islands are inhabited – the main island, Vieques and Culebra. Most people choose to stay on the main island because it’s where the airport is along with all the amenities you’ll need for daily life.
The resorts are absolutely stunning, so don’t be surprised if you find something even better than you were expecting. Use the search tool below to sift through everything and find the best place to stay.
Currency
Puerto Rico’s currency is the US Dollar (USD).