Guajataca Tunnel: 3 minute drive from Hotel El Guajataca (No walking route). The tunnel is one of the most significant work of the remnants of the national railway system that connected the island during the first half of the twentieth century. Now it is a gorgeous, short, easy to walk trail next to the ocean. On the weekends, there are kiosks selling food or hand crafted gifts. Locals say the the water currents are too strong to swim, you can wet your toes but please DO NOT SWIM.
Montones Beach: 22 minute drive from Hotel El Guajataca. Popular spot for families with children because this beach has a bay surrounded by rock formations that creates a shallow pool with calm waters. Safe place to snorkel. Umbrellas and chairs for rent are available (not a lot of natural shade available). You can park at Villas del Mar Hau for $5 and get easy access to the beach. There is a hut to buy some things (food, drink, beach gear).
Crash Boat Beach: 36 minute drive from Hotel El Guajataca. Despite the name, this is a very safe beach to swim! This beginner diving spot ideal for snorkeling, swimming, and jumping off the docks. There are chair/umbrella rentals and spots to get food & drinks. You can have experiences such as canoes, kayaks, banana boat rides, and jet skis. Make sure to go early because it becomes busy fast.
Jobos Beach: 22 minute drive from Hotel El Guajataca. This beach offers an interesting combination of mild waters, perfect for families with children, and rough water perfect for surfers, plus opportunities for fishing, snorkeling, scuba diving, wind surfing and canoeing. There are also many restaurants to enjoy food and drinks. $10 parking if you don't show up early enough for free parking. But please be careful, there can be rip tides so don't go too far out and stay in calmer waters around people.
Shacks Beach: 30 minute drive from Hotel El Guajataca. This is THE snorkel spot when the waves are not too rough! You'll see amazing wildlife such as fish, turtles, even whales on the horizon during winter time. The beach is rocky, but has several sandy entrances, please wear closed-toe water shoes or fins and look out for sea urchins. Park in the Shacks Beach Parking Lot, which is a grassy lot with some parking blocks. To the left of the parking lot is the street that leads to the beach. At the end are some stairs that spit you directly on the beach. To the far right of the stairs is where you will get into the water.
Gozalandia Cascades: 42 minute drive from Hotel El Guajataca. Picturesque series of waterfalls & bathing ponds in a forest setting, with nearby parking, restaurant/bar, bathroom on the premises. You can bring your drinks down to the waterfalls! But please bring water shoes because some rocks/pathways can be slippery. Also it will be colder in the forest than the beaches so keep that in mind. You'll see people jumping off some sections of the waterfall but PLEASE be careful, people have gotten hurt before.
Old San Juan: 1 hour & 35 minute drive from Hotel El Guajataca. San Juan is the capital of Puerto Rico. In Viejo San Juan, you'll see historic colorful buildings filled with many different restaurants, bars, stores, forts, etc. Walk around and get lost in the beauty.
El Yunque National Rain Forest: There are many beautiful waterfalls, hiking trails, and rivers to enjoy here. You can also look up fun excursions such as ziplining, 4-wheeler rides, horseback riding, waterslide tours, etc. El Yunque is located 2 hours and 21 minutes from Hotel El Guajataca.
Katarina Sail Charters: Located 57 minutes from Hotel El Guajataca. Morning Sail includes: Snorkel Gear, Homemade Lunch, Drinks (soft drinks, rum punch, and local beer). $95 per adult. Afternoon Sunset Sail includes Snacks, Hors d’oeuvres, & Drinks (Soft drinks such as Rum Punch or Local Beer). $75 per adult.