Climbing & Surfing in Puerto Rico: A Comprehensive Packing List

We’ve been hosting a Climbing & Surfing Retreat and a Climbing & Handstands Retreat in Puerto Rico—my home island—for a few years. As someone born and raised here, I’m often asked what to pack and how to prepare for the best experience. This blog covers essential packing list and tips so you can fully enjoy the island’s adventures.

Traveling to Puerto Rico

Airports (SJU & BQN)

Traveling to Puerto Rico is refreshingly easy, especially for U.S. citizens. As a U.S. territory, there’s no need for a passport, no international roaming fees, and the U.S. dollar is the local currency—making logistics seamless.

Major airlines offer direct flights from cities across the U.S. to Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) in San Juan, the island’s main hub. If you’re heading to the west coast, you may also find direct or connecting flights to Rafael Hernández International Airport (BQN) in Aguadilla.

With no customs lines to slow you down, you can step off the plane and head straight into adventure!

Ground Transportation

Renting a car isn’t just the best way to explore Puerto Rico—it’s the only way. The island does not have a good public transportation system connecting major destinations, and while taxis and Ubers exist, they can be extremely expensive, particularly for long distances or outside the metro area.

Driving in Puerto Rico is similar enough to the U.S., but expect narrow, steep and winding roads in rural areas. Stick to the highways for an easier drive and enable toll roads on your navigation app—they can significantly reduce travel time compared to slower, traffic-heavy side roads. Unlike in the U.S., toll roads here are relatively inexpensive and paid automatically via AutoExpreso, an electronic tag system. Check with your rental company to ensure your car is equipped and confirm how toll fees will be charged.

Traffic can be heavy, especially on weekdays during peak hours (7 AM – 9 AM & 3 PM – 7 PM), particularly in and around San Juan.

Driving here can be an adventure—while the laws are similar to the U.S., there’s an unspoken flow to the road that locals navigate effortlessly but may feel chaotic to visitors. Expect unexpected lane changes, rolling stops, and flexible interpretations of right-of-way. Give yourself extra time, stay alert, and go with the flow.

Most importantly, stay alert, don’t drink and drive, be patient, and embrace the experience—it’s all part of the island’s energy!

Is Puerto Rico Safe?

It depends on what you’re comparing it to, but overall, Puerto Rico is a safe place to visit. Like anywhere, using common sense and staying aware of your surroundings will go a long way in ensuring a smooth trip.

Here are a few key safety tips: 

  • Be mindful of road rage

    Driving in Puerto Rico can feel chaotic, and aggressive driving is common. Some drivers don’t use turn signals, cut people off, or drive unpredictably. Avoid engaging in conflicts on the road—it’s never worth it.

  • Be aware of firearms

    Gun ownership, including concealed carry with a valid permit, is legal in Puerto Rico. As with any destination, it's always best to stay calm and avoid unnecessary conflicts, especially in busy areas like nightlife districts or on the road.

  • Avoid isolated areas at night

    Stick to well-lit streets and populated areas, especially in urban centers.

  • Don’t leave valuables unattended

    Whether at the beach, in your car, or while exploring, it’s always best to keep valuables out of sight and lock your vehicle. While theft isn’t a huge issue in Puerto Rico, it can happen—especially in touristy areas.

    We personally use a Pac Safe bag to secure our belongings: At the beach, we attach it to a palm tree whenever we’re away from our bag. In the car, we secure it to a solid part of the vehicle and, well… hope for the best. Honestly, my car has been broken into twice in my lifetime, so while it’s not that common, it’s still worth taking precautions.

  • Is it safe for LGBTQ+ Travelers?

    Yes! Puerto Rico is one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly destinations in the Caribbean. It upholds anti-discrimination protections, and same-sex marriage has been legal since 2015. Cities like San Juan have a vibrant LGBTQ+ scene, with gay-friendly bars, clubs, and events, particularly in neighborhoods like Condado and Santurce.

  • Can I drink the tap water?

    Yes! Tap water in Puerto Rico is generally safe to drink, as it follows the same EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) standards as the mainland U.S. However, some travelers prefer filtered water to avoid any potential stomach discomfort from different mineral compositions.

    If you prefer filtered water please bring a water filter or refillable bottle with a built-in filter helping reduce the strain on recycling and waste systems caused by tourism.

Packing List

Travel Documents

  • Passport or Real ID

    If you’re traveling from the U.S., you don’t need a passport—as Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, so it’s just like flying to another state. However, you do need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or another TSA-approved form of identification for domestic flights.

  • Health Insurance

    If you have health insurance in the U.S., bring your insurance card with you. Since Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, many health insurance plans provide coverage here, but it’s always a good idea to check with your provider before traveling.

  • Travel Insurance that Cover Extreme Sports

    We strongly recommend opting for a Travel Insurance that covers Extreme Sports. Travel insurance not only covers medical treatments but also addresses trip cancellations and equipment issues, ensuring a worry-free adventure.

Money

  • Cash & Cards

    The U.S. Dollar (USD) is the local currency, and credit and debit cards are widely accepted at most restaurants, hotels, and stores. You’ll also find that Apple Pay, Google Pay, and contactless payments are commonly used.

    It’s always a good idea to carry some cash, especially for small local vendors, roadside fruit stands, and food kiosks, which may be cash-only. ATMs are easy to find, but most of them charge withdrawal fees, so check with your bank for fee-free options before your trip.

    We personally use a Charles Schwab ATM, which refunds any ATM fees—making cash withdrawals hassle-free no matter where we are.

    An interesting hack we have discovered, is that most gas stations work by telling them how much money to charge on your card before filling up your tank. And any excess they refund in cash. So we often, simply ask them to put about $20 extra of what we think we need. This way we save a trip to the ATM and gather extra credit card points.

    Travel Hack: Most gas stations in Puerto Rico require you to prepay for fuel by telling the attendant how much to charge your card before filling up. If you overpay, they’ll refund the difference in cash. We often add about $20 extra beyond what we think we need, this way, we avoid an extra trip to the ATM and earn extra credit card points in the process!

Electronics

  • Cellphone

    If you are coming form the U.S., your cell phone should work in Puerto Rico without roaming charges. Major carriers like AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and Google Fi provide coverage just like they do on the mainland. But don't take my work for granted! Check with your provider before your trip to confirm. Service is generally strong in cities and tourist areas, but rural or mountainous regions may have spotty reception—so plan accordingly if you're heading off the beaten path.

  • Travel Adapters

    Puerto Rico uses the same power plugs and voltage as the U.S. The standard voltage is 110V, and the frequency is 60Hz, with Type A and Type B outlets—the same as in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. If you’re traveling from a country that uses 220-240V, you may need a voltage converter for high-powered devices like hairdryers or curling irons.

  • Headlamp

    Headlamps are always incredibly useful not only during unexpected power outages but also while navigating at night as some streets, even within the city, can be poorly illuminated. Having a bright, rechargeable headlamp allowed us to walk home feeling both safe and at ease.

    Plus you should     always pack a headlamp.

Toiletries

  • Personal Toiletry Bag

    You can purchase pretty much anything in Puerto Rico. But why spend your precious vacation time running around looking for basic items? Pack the perfect toiletry bag before you go, so you can relax and enjoy from the moment you arrive.

  • Mosquito Control

    Even in the winter season we got more than our shared encounter with mosquitos and no-see-ums. We recommend you at least pack a good Deet Free (non-aerosol) mosquito spray and a 100% Deet for when the organic fails. Bugs here do not respect!

    We also use a citronella soap to keep us protected day and night.

  • First Aid & Medications

    Make sure to pack all the medications you regularly use, as well as a selection of common-sense first aid items.

    During climbing trips we often use: eye drops, anti-acid, sting relief, and Evolv Magic finger tape.

Clothing

Personal Climbing Gear

Personal Gear Required During Our Climbing Retreats
Gear We Provide

Other Suggested Gear

  • Yoga Mat

  • Massage Tools

  • Dry bag

  • Reusable Lunch Bag

  • Reusable Water bottle

Leaving the Island

While entering Puerto Rico is super easy, leaving the island has a few extra steps to keep in mind. Before heading to the airport, be prepared for agriculture inspections and potentially long TSA lines—especially at San Juan International Airport (SJU).

Before checking your bags or going through TSA, all luggage must pass through a USDA agricultural inspection to prevent the transport of restricted items back to the mainland U.S. You’ll see dedicated inspection stations at the airport before the check-in counters.

Check this document for a list of allowed items. 

What's Next?

If reading this has you dreaming of a climbing adventure in Puerto Rico, then you won’t want to miss our New Year’s Climbing Retreat!

New Years Climbing Retreat in Puerto Rico

Yoga, Climbing, Slacklining, AcroYoga & Surfing!

Dec 28 - Jan 2, 2026

Separate Your Spot!
Slackline Gear

Slackline Gear

Our complete collection of slackline gear, thoughtfully designed for all skill levels.

 

Shop Now

Upcoming Events

February 2025
March 2025
June 2025
December 2025
February 2026
No event found!

GET STARTED

LEARN MORE

EXPLORE

Facebook Twitter Youtube Instagram
© 2024 YogaSlackers. All rights reserved.