Hey travelers, it’s Matt Wilson, CEO & Co-founder of Under30Experiences. I’m a proud resident of Puerto Rico, having lived here full-time for two years. My day job involves keeping travelers safe while they travel with our tour operator across more than thirty countries. I’ve traveled extensively across Latin America for over a decade and would love to share more about safety in Puerto Rico.
I’ve recently traveled to and written travel safety guides for Bogotá, Costa Rica, Chile, and Punta Cana, and consider myself an expert in travel throughout Latin America.
Puerto Rico is an amazing island, and I’m thrilled to call it home. In general, Puerto Rico is safe for tourists, but of course, you’ll want to use basic safety precautions. This is the best way to address any safety concerns. While crime rates in general are higher than in the mainland United States, most locals consider Puerto Rico to be about as safe as Florida. Like Florida, most of the violent crime in Puerto Rico happens in dangerous neighborhoods and is drug and gang-related. Luckily, this is pretty easy to avoid when visiting as a tourist.
I take safety very seriously as I’m raising my daughter here, who attends a local preschool. I’m friends with many police officers with whom I train jiu-jitsu, and I am an active member of our neighborhood watch program. I’ll tell you everything you need to know about staying safe on this amazing Caribbean island!
In this guide to safety in Puerto Rico, you’ll learn…
- What areas are safe to travel to in Puerto Rico? What should I do?
- What scams should I be aware of?
- What is the safest way to get around?
- Are there natural disasters in Puerto Rico?
- Is there ever political unrest?
- Do I have to worry about cartels, gangs, etc?
- Is the nightlife safe for travelers?
- What are the emergency numbers in Puerto Rico?
- What hospitals and clinics should I go to in San Juan?
- What health risks exist?
- Should I buy travel insurance?
- Should you travel to Puerto Rico?
- Are group trips to the Caribbean safe?
What areas are safe to travel to in Puerto Rico?
In the two years that I’ve lived in Puerto Rico, I have so much left to explore, so while this guide doesn’t cover everything there is to do on the island, here I’ll cover my favorite places to visit. They are all quite safe with basic safety precautions. And no, I don’t know where you can see Bad Bunny, but I have friends who’ve seen him!
Safe areas to visit in San Juan
San Juan is a great city, and the main tourist areas are pretty safe! I can’t say enough good things about the food in San Juan–foodies love it here. I recommend spending time in Old San Juan (Viejo San Juan), Condado, Ocean Park, and Santurce.
Old San Juan is the central tourist district that everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime. The colonial architecture is very well preserved. Be sure to walk out on the massive Spanish fort called El Morro and fly a kite. My two favorite Puerto Rican restaurants in Old San Juan are the old-school diner Café Manolín and the classic eatery Barrachina.
Old San Juan can become very crowded when cruise ships are in town, and pickpocketing is a concern. My best advice is to keep your valuables locked in your hotel room safe and only go out with what you can afford to lose.
The area of Old San Juan that you must avoid is called La Perla. While this brightly colored neighborhood looks inviting, please don’t go. I know it’s been in popular culture recently because Carmelo Anthony donated a basketball court and Jake Paul paid to renovate a boxing gym, but keep in mind, this was their way of giving back to an under-resourced area. Two tourists were killed in La Perla after buying drugs and then trying to take photos after they were asked not to. Three more were stabbed for filming in the area. Don’t go here, don’t buy drugs, and if someone asks you not to take photos, respect their wishes.
Condado is a high-end tourist area in San Juan that is also popular among locals, expats, and tourists. It’s right along the beach in San Juan and has excellent dining options. It’s one of my top picks for travelers to stay in San Juan.
Ocean Park is my favorite neighborhood in San Juan. It’s the next beach down from Condado. My wife and I stayed at La Botánica, an affordable boutique hotel with a bohemian vibe. On a windy day, be sure to check out the Kite Beach Café and watch the kiteboarders. I celebrated my birthday at La Cueva del Mar seafood restaurant.
Santurce is another great neighborhood for young people, which I’d recommend checking out if you have more than a couple of days in San Juan. It’s not on the beach, but it’s an excellent opportunity to experience local culture. Try my favorite coffee on the island at Dos Cafés or Hacienda San Pedro, and enjoy a meal at Lote23 Food Truck Park. I wouldn’t recommend walking between the above neighborhoods and Santurce, mainly because of the heat. My wife walked off the beaten path recently near Santurce and said it was a bit sketchier than she would have liked.
La Placita is another great area to check out known for its nightlife. Be sure to stick to the main plaza and well-lit areas, as the area around La Placita is considered much less safe.
Carolina is not technically San Juan, but it’s the neighboring municipality to the east, along the ocean, where the airport is. This is another excellent option for those seeking a resort experience. It’s an easy Uber into San Juan to see the sights.
Safe areas to Visit Outside of San Juan
Luquillo is one of my favorite areas of Puerto Rico. It’s an up-and-coming beach town on the east coast, about 40 minutes from the San Juan airport. There is a great little food truck park that just opened in Luquillo that I recommend. Another great place to have lunch or grab a beer and watch the surfers at La Pared is called Boardriders. You can also check out the food kiosks at the far end of the beach (Los Kioskos). My favorite beaches in this area are Balneario La Monserrate and Seven Seas. I’ve never felt unsafe here. These beaches are great for swimming, and the waves are generally calm.
The area around Luquillo and neighboring Fajardo is the main jumping off point to go to the other Spanish Virgin Islands, including Culebra, Vieques, and Culebrita. I’d recommend taking a boat tour or seeing the bioluminescence in this area. The island of Cayo Icacos is another popular day trip.
Vieques and Culebra are the two larger islands off the coast of Puerto Rico. I haven’t been there yet, but I do know that they are more dangerous than the main island, as it’s where most of the drug traffic flows. Flamingo Beach is world-renowned, and I know many people who take day trips out on boats. If you want to stay longer on Vieques or Culebra, you can fly or take the ferry from Ceiba.
El Yunque Rainforest is one of Puerto Rico's true gems. It’s maintained by the US Forest Service, but it’s not a US National Park. My best advice is to check the conditions on the Forest Service website, especially during or after hurricane season. Some of the park entrances and trails can be closed, and I’ve had some plans interrupted by excess rainfall. A few good local spots that don’t have challenging trails are Charco El Hippie and the Angelito Trail.
Hiking safety is a whole topic in itself, but again, keep in mind that you are going to the rainforest, and it could pour at any second. Going with a local guide is always a good idea. I’ve never heard of anyone being robbed or assaulted on a trail, but I’m sure it has happened, so I would recommend going with a friend at the very least. Also, I met someone who was bitten by a rabid mongoose, so steer clear of them if you see one.
Palmas del Mar is a resort community on the east coast of the island. Inside the gates, you’ll find it extremely safe. Stay at an Airbnb or the Wyndham, take a short hike through the Pterocarpus Forest, and eat seafood at Pescadería right on the water.
Isabela and Aguadilla are located at the northwest corner of the island and are known for their great surfing. This is one of my favorite areas of Puerto Rico, home to my favorite beach, Playa Juncos. The boardwalk in Isabela is also fantastic, and I found it safe when I visited. However, I always carry my phone and some cash, keeping my valuables at home. Shout out to the dome on the ocean in Aguadilla that I stayed in on a romantic getaway with my wife.
Rincon is the west coast’s most famous surf town, known for its laid-back lifestyle. We stayed at an Airbnb up in the hills and visited a handful of beaches, including Steps, Domes, and Sandy Beach. Surfing at Domes was a real treat–shout out to Mar Azul Surf Shop! The center of Rincon has numerous places to eat and drink. It’s generally considered safe, but I wouldn’t go out on the beach after dark or walk alone at night. The best way to ensure your safety is by being aware of your surroundings, and you shouldn’t have any issues in most tourist areas.
FAQ: Is Puerto Rico safe for female travelers?
Yes, Puerto Rico is safe for solo female travelers traveling alone. If you want to travel to Latin America, it’s a great way to get a taste of the culture without having to leave the United States, technically. The level of English in Puerto Rico is generally good, making it easy to get around. With basic common sense, keeping your alcohol consumption under control, not flaunting your valuables, and not walking alone at night, you shouldn’t have any issues in most tourist areas.
What scams should I be aware of?
While Puerto Rico is generally safe for tourists, it is prudent to stay vigilant against certain scams that can occur on the island. Here are a few safety tips to keep in mind:
Unlicensed Taxis: I’ve taken Island Taxi from the airport and am always confident I’m not being overcharged because the prices are fixed within the metropolitan area. That said, there are plenty of people who will drive without proper licenses, insurance, and look to overcharge you by taking the long route. More on this in my recommendations for ride sharing in the transportation section below.
Credit Card Skimming: Instances of card skimming have been reported, particularly at ATMs. Always use ATMs located in well-lit, secure areas, and monitor your account for any unauthorized transactions. If you rent a car, you will notice that you have to go inside to pay, instead of paying at the pump, for this reason.
Overcharging in Tourist Areas: There have been reports of tourists being charged excessive prices for goods or services, especially in popular tourist spots. It's recommended to verify prices beforehand and be cautious of unusually high charges. In my experience, however, this is more prevalent in other parts of Latin America; perhaps I’ve never been presented with it because I speak Spanish and am vigilant.
Timeshare and Vacation Package Offers: Be wary of unsolicited offers for timeshares or vacation packages that seem too good to be true. These can sometimes be high-pressure sales tactics with unfavorable terms.
What is the safest way to get around?
Is walking around San Juan safe?
Yes, walking around Old San Juan, Condado, and Ocean Park is safe during the day, but I wouldn’t walk outside these neighborhoods or venture too much off the beaten path. The areas along the beach in Condado and Ocean Park are generally safe, but you’ll notice that many neighborhoods within the city are gated and have private security. I also would advise against walking around alone at night. It’s always best to call an Uber.
Also, keep in mind that San Juan isn’t a great walking city because of the heat. Sunburn, dehydration, and heat exhaustion can catch up to you quickly, especially if alcohol is involved.
Taxi & Uber
Taking Island Taxi from the airport is a very safe option, especially as they have set zones, so you don’t get ripped off. Your fare to most places within San Juan should be around $20. Within San Juan, Uber works quite well. I always recommend Uber because the drivers are vetted, your location is tracked via GPS, and you have an emergency button at your disposal in case anything goes wrong.
Rental Car
Puerto Rico’s infrastructure, at least on the highways, is relatively good compared to other areas of Latin America, but it lags behind the states. Driving in Puerto Rico is not for the faint of heart. To me, it’s much more like driving in Latin America than in the United States. Drivers often pay little attention to traffic laws, and it’s not illegal to drive slowly in the left lane, so weaving in and out of traffic in Puerto Rico is a way of life.
Also, keep in mind that the roads aren’t always well-marked and the signs are in Spanish. That being said, renting a car is the most viable way to get around if you are heading outside of San Juan. Google Maps and Waze work pretty well here.
Public Transportation
I honestly don’t know much about the public transportation system in Puerto Rico, as I own a car, so I can’t personally recommend it.
For most tourists, public transportation in Puerto Rico is limited outside of San Juan, so renting a car is often the best option for exploring the island. Within San Juan, Uber and the Tren Urbano (urban train) are the most reliable and tourist-friendly options. I don’t know anyone who rides the “Tren Urbano,” but I've read through a couple of TripAdvisor reviews it’s received over the past several years, and it doesn’t sound like a terrible option.
Are there natural disasters in Puerto Rico?
I was concerned about hurricanes when I moved to PR, especially after Hurricane Maria in 2017. I’ve been through two hurricane seasons and only experienced Ernesto, which was on the border of a tropical storm and a Category 1 hurricane when it made landfall. I wouldn’t book a trip to Puerto Rico in September or October, but the shoulder seasons, such as August and November, can be a great time to find travel deals to the island. Just keep in mind it might rain more, and keep an eye on the weather. If you see a hurricane coming, you might need to cancel your trip or decide to go home early.
Earthquakes can occur in Puerto Rico, but the last strong one was the magnitude 6.4 earthquake on January 7, 2020, which struck the southwest region, causing significant damage and power outages. Luckily, only one person died. Tsunamis can occur, but there is much less risk of them in Puerto Rico than in coastal destinations on the Pacific Ring of Fire. You will see tsunami zone signs, and some communities do have tsunami warning systems. A couple of times a year, we get an alert in my neighborhood when they test the system. My daughter’s school regularly holds earthquake drills, during which they practice crawling under their desks.
Read about my experience living in Central America in my article: Is Costa Rica safe?
Is there ever political unrest?
Puerto Rico is no stranger to a good protest, but most are going to happen around government buildings in San Juan. Corruption is a massive issue in Puerto Rico, and Puerto Ricans are quite vocal people and unafraid to push back against the government. I’ve never actually seen any civil unrest here, but I don’t live in the city center. In comparison to other Latin American countries, such as Peru, protests are less common here in Puerto Rico.
Do I have to worry about cartels, gangs, etc?
As a Puerto Rican friend of mine said recently, most of the violence is between drug traffickers and rarely affects the everyday person. The FBI and DEA are active on the island and work alongside Puerto Rican authorities to fight crime. The only thing I’d say is that if you are out late at nightclubs in San Juan, you put yourself at a better chance of being an innocent bystander to violence.
Is the nightlife safe for travelers?
It’s hard to generalize nightlife on the entire island, but incidents do occur in San Juan in nightlife districts. It’s not my scene, but in 2023, two NYU students were killed outside of a nightclub as innocent bystanders in a shooting. This event took place on Loíza Street, a popular nightlife area with security concerns.
What are the emergency numbers in Puerto Rico?
Dial 911 for any emergency in Puerto Rico.
If you find yourself in an emergency while in Puerto Rico, dialing 911 will connect you directly to the appropriate emergency services, whether it’s police, fire, or medical help. For tourists, there’s also a dedicated Tourist Police Unit, a special division of the Puerto Rico Police Bureau, specifically trained to assist visitors in popular tourist areas. They are often bilingual and well-equipped to handle any issues or concerns that tourists may have. Whether you're experiencing an emergency or simply need some guidance, the Tourist Police are there to ensure your safety. Additionally, for general inquiries or non-urgent situations, you can contact the Puerto Rico Police Department at 787-343-2020.
What hospitals and clinics should I go to in San Juan?
Ashford Hospital is most similar to what you would find on the mainland, so I would recommend going there. For minor issues, visiting a public hospital is acceptable, but you may need to wait in extremely long lines. Also, keep in mind that in Puerto Rico, hospitals may not always have specialists on staff, so if a condition is complicated, you may need to transfer to a different hospital. For something catastrophic, you can be airlifted to Miami, which is a 2-hour and 45-minute flight. Most doctors in Puerto Rico speak English as a second language.
What health risks exist?
You maybe be wondering: What mosquito-borne diseases exist in Puerto Rico? As in other parts of the Caribbean, dengue fever and Zika exist in Puerto Rico, so it’s important to use insect repellent to protect against mosquitoes.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there is no malaria transmission in Puerto Rico. Malaria is not a risk in the territory, and travelers are not required to take malaria prevention medication when visiting.
However, dengue fever remains a significant concern. In early 2024, Puerto Rico experienced a dengue outbreak, with cases surpassing the epidemic threshold, prompting the Puerto Rico Department of Health to declare a public health emergency. To be honest, life went on as normal, and not even my daughter’s preschool took extra precautions.
To protect yourself, the CDC recommends using insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants, and staying in accommodations with air conditioning or window and door screens.
The sun is powerful in Puerto Rico, so I’m always wearing sunscreen and a UPF 50 sunshirt when I’m at the beach, surfing, hiking, snorkeling, spearfishing, or doing any of the other outdoor activities I love doing. Always stay hydrated, and if you're sweating a lot, be sure to replenish with electrolytes.
Should I buy travel insurance?
It's always a smart move to have travel insurance! Unexpected issues can arise anywhere, so I recommend getting coverage to safeguard against trip disruptions, lost or stolen luggage, and medical costs, including healthcare, medical care, and medical evacuation.
This is a brief note from my lawyers: "This is not a recommendation to purchase travel insurance." I will receive compensation if you decide to purchase through my links. I usually recommend Wanderwell, SafetyWing, and World Nomads for reliable options.
Should you travel to Puerto Rico?
Puerto Rico is a fantastic island with direct flights from lots of cities in the United States. I’ll still never understand how the flight is nearly three hours from Miami, but only four hours from New York! Although you’ll read about higher-than-average crime rates in Puerto Rico, most of the island is safe.
Puerto Rico is also an excellent pick for solo travelers because there is no passport required from US citizens, no immigration, no currency exchange, no roaming, and you can even use CLEAR and TSA Precheck on the way home! You’ll also find that everyone who works in tourism speaks English. I speak Spanish fluently, but since many Puerto Ricans are bilingual, I often find that conversations go back and forth between both languages.
I’ve been to many places across Latin America, and I can happily say Puerto Rican culture is one of the most vibrant of them all. Just look at all the musicians they’ve produced over the years! San Juan has a fantastic food scene, a rich history, and fun beaches. What more could you ask for?
Are group trips to the Caribbean safe?
Group travel is always a great option for solo travelers who want to travel but may not have anyone else to accompany them. Travel companies pair you with a local guide who speaks the language and knows the safest areas to visit. Group travel gives you a group of new friends to meet, so you’ll never feel alone, which is essential for safety.
I’d love for you to check out Under30Experiences for trips throughout Central America & South America for people ages 21-35. We also have trips for people in their 30s and 40s!
