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You may have taken a trip or two to Puerto Rico, visited its yards of white-ribbon sand beaches and snorkeled in its aquamarine gem of a sea. It may very well be time to take your adventurous side up a notch and try your gear on for scuba diving. When most travelers think of scuba diving, there may be an automatic impulse to think, “no way” or “I’m not brave enough.” That’s a natural reaction, especially for first-time scuba divers.

However, your first experience may very well be the one that gets you hooked on diving in the first place. From beginner to advanced, and from Fajardo to Guanica, you can rest assured that you will find the beach and the experience to match your mood and your skill. No matter what you choose, it will be perfect. There are no wrong diving locales in Puerto Rico.

Culebra

While much of Puerto Rico like Old San Juan is overflowing with night life, Culebra celebrates the natural wonders of the land like nowhere else. Culebra offers a laid-back vibe where you can take it slow and savor the moment. While many other places in Puerto Rico are vibrant and full of people, Culebra’s beaches are full of sea life. Culebra also has a nice mix of dives.

Geniqui Caves

The Geniqui Caves is for the more seasoned professional diver. It has many darkened caves that require you to bring your own light. Enchanting and intriguing caves filled with marine life wait for you to come in and explore if you are courageous, curious and experienced enough.

Vieques

Vieques is a much-loved destination for visitors because of its rolling hills, sandy-white beaches and minimal crowds. It’s a great place to dive, as well, because of its significant amount of picturesque corals.

Beginners enjoy diving in Vieques especially Anchor, Angel and Blue Tang Reef. These shallow reefs help you ease your way into the wonderful and colorful undersea world. Cayo Afuera is another pristine locale for diving. Tropical fish, giant sea turtles, and abundant marine life wait for you here.

Mona Island

Imagine an island with no inhabitants that has close to 300 different species of fish as well as marine life including dolphins, sharks and the humpback whale and you’ve got yourself a pretty good picture of what Mona Island is like. As if that’s not enough, how about adding some caves and walls for some of the most exhilarating diving there is.

Now that you’ve got some nice locales for your diving adventure, here are a few tips.

• Don’t Panic – Probably rule number one of diving should be not to panic. Take your time with your movements and do one thing at a time. Complete each action necessary and then go on to the next. Panicking under the water can be a costly mistake.
• Always check your equipment before going in the water.
• Make certain to go with a professional tour company or guide as well as with family or friends for a more secure experience.
• Take classes beforehand, as many times as you need to feel comfortable.
• Learn the appropriate hand gestures.
• Don’t make sudden gestures or movements. This will allow you to view the sea life without scaring it away.

With the waters of Puerto Rico as clear as ice and as warm as the sun, along with some good common sense approaches to scuba diving, you can be ready to dive in head first to explore, enjoy and be filled with awe at the wonderment the waters of Puerto Rico have to share with you.

If you’ve never been to Puerto Rico before and if you’ve never gone snorkeling, then you are in for a double treat. Many individuals are uncomfortable with the idea of snorkeling, at first. That is, until they try it. It’s that first time that gets them hooked. There is nothing quite like the feeling of getting so personal with the undersea world.

It’s not the same as looking through a glass container at an aquarium. If you think those fish are beautiful while looking at them in those circumstances, just imagine how much more spectacular they will be up close and personal. The main isle of Puerto Rico has opportunities to snorkel, but there are some quite exquisite beaches you can visit where the experience will be ten times more so.

Isla de Vieques

Since there are no rivers running off into the sparkling crystalline waters of Vieques, your snorkeling experience – whether it is your first or your fifth – will be an exhilarating one. Vieques beaches offer some of the most clarity, and if this is your first experience, you’ll get the most out of it. Bahia de la Chiva also known as Blue Beach and Punta Arenas, which is fondly known as Green Beach (a great spot for beginners) are both picture perfect spots to go on a snorkeling excursion.

Media Luna is a shallow beach and is perfect for you if you appreciate a sheltered cove that feels like your own private snorkel spot.

The colorful world under the sea comes to life as you don your snorkel gear. You will almost feel as though you are swimming in a giant aquarium tank as you explore and experience the beautiful coral life and colorful fish. If you are looking for a more secluded spot to snorkel, than the Isla de Vieques are the places to be.

Isla de Culebra

Isla de Culebra (also known as Offshore Island) is a more popular beach spot and you may find it a bit more crowded. However, it is worth it because you will find plenty of snorkeling opportunity not only on the main beach, but also in the many cays nestled throughout.

Hop aboard a catamaran and enjoy a full-day excursion as you explore one of Culebra’s world-famous reefs. And what would a snorkeling excursion be without some delectable Puerto Rican cuisine and some rum drinks to go along with it? Of course, you will have access to safety equipment and beginner’s instructions if necessary too.

Mona Island

Of course, Puerto Rico is home to a host of multi-colored rainbow fish. How about spotting some moray eels and rays, as well. This is a bring-your-own gear locale, however, as there are no facilities to rent there. So, if you want a little bit of a different experience, you may wish to visit Mona Island with its picture perfect reefs.

Caja de Muertes

Translated, this island name is not so enticing (it means Coffin Island). The isle got its name because it may appear to be the shape of a coffin. There are numerous tales about this uninhabited, yet still enchanting, isle from piracy to legends of romance. Beside all the tales, this is the perfect locale for an all-day snorkeling excursion.

La Parguera

The charm of La Parguera is in its variety of snorkeling opportunities from dolphins to barracudas. You can explore islands, reefs and cays in the pristine and sparkling clear waters here.

Puerto Rico is home to enchanting beaches for all those sun worshippers and for those who want to explore a little bit under the sea, a colorful world through the lens of snorkeling is available. Once you try snorkeling in Puerto Rico, chances are you’ll be hooked.

Of course, the Caribbean is beautiful with its ribbons of soft, white sand beaches and bluer than blue waters. However, there’s something extra-special about Puerto Rico. While Puerto Rico is just as gorgeous as many of the other islands of the Caribbean, there is an eclectic excitement that you simply cannot find elsewhere.

Puerto Rico offers many opportunities to enjoy yourself from simply relaxing on the beach to zip lining through a rainforest. If you are seeking to visit the Caribbean and experience an all-around adventure, then Puerto Rico is the place for you.

Old San Juan

Old San Juan is one of the most popular places to visit for tourists and with good reason. There is such a wide assortment of things to see and do, you will never be bored.

• Old San Juan in and of itself is a joy. You can stop in any one of the bars, cafes or restaurants. The city itself is full of charm and offers plenty of art festival and music events.
• The Cathedral of San Juan Bautista is a must-stop and see sightseeing venue. It will charm you with its architectural style, history and culture. Ponce de Leon’s tomb is inside, which makes this beautiful piece of history even more intriguing.
• El Morro is the perfect sight to see if you are intrigued by old forts. There are tunnels, dungeons and barracks just to name a few, and the views of San Juan Bay are like nothing you’ve ever seen.
• Bacardi Tour – has all this sightseeing got you thirsty? What is a visit to Puerto Rico without a visit to the Bacardi Tour? When in Puerto Rico, you must learn and taste all about rum.
• El Yungue Rainforest gets to boast that it is the only rainforest in the U.S. National Rainforest registry. Not only that, it gets to boast that is the lushest rainforest with awe-inspiring waterfalls, as well.
• The beaches – as if Old San Juan doesn’t have enough to offer, the beaches are pristine. You have your choice of three: Isla Verde, Ocean Beach, and Condado just in case you are so ready to relax by now.

All these things to do and you’ve only visited Old San Juan. There is a host of things to do and see all over Puerto Rico and not only limited to Old San Juan.

How about Luquillo?

Luquillo is unique unto itself as it offers quite an interesting spectrum and variety of things to do here.

• Carabali Rainforest Park where you can go kart, ATV, jump in the water, or go for a horseback ride all in the lush and sparkling setting of a rainforest.
• The calm and calming beaches – if you love to visit a beach that has flat, calm waters, then either Balneario or Monserrate will keep you calm, refreshed and relaxed. Plenty of palm trees for shade or full out sun exposure; whatever you choose.
• Zipline through a rainforest in Luquillo; it just doesn’t get any better than zip lining your way through a rainforest with the most exquisite views.
• Los Chinchorros – Los Chinchorros are the tiny little kiosks or small eateries found along the beach paths. Here you can have your way with all of the authentic local foods that your heart desires. This is an adventure in itself.

Bioluminescent Bay

Imagine the beautiful waters of the Caribbean on any given day and you are probably envisioning sparkling blue waters and sugary soft sand beaches. Now picture that same beach water at night, only lit up to a fascinating blue light glow and you have pictured Bioluminescent Bay. A microorganism that lives in the water puts on a spectacular blue-light show.

It is best to hire a guide and go out on a night time tour to get the full effect of this bioluminescent light show. The guides can provide safety and advice from tips on when is the best time to go to the lunar cycle.

As you can see, these are only three points of interest in Puerto Rico and each has its own unique and individual characteristics to shine.

From beaches to bioluminescent bays to delectable local cuisine, forts and cathedrals, Puerto Rico has it all going on.

Some say a beach is a beach; if you’ve seen one, you’ve seen them all. Others know differently. Of course, the beaches of Puerto Rico are indescribable, but some of the beauty is their dare to be different. Some beaches have a personality all their own, just like the people who visit them do. You may be in the mood for snorkeling or scuba diving. Or, you may want to sit and look, hear, and see a whole lot of nothing. Sometimes, the beach you choose needs to match the mood you are in so that it may provide the experience you want.

A little more than a decade ago, the Navy transferred all of the land previously used for practice purposes to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, who now protect this land. Many of the beaches are public use beaches now. Although Vieques is a small island in and of itself, there are many beaches for you to enjoy. All you have to do is pick which one is your favorite and enjoy.

Sun Bay Beach

If you are traveling to Vieques with a family, then Sun Bay Beach may be your first and best choice. Sun Bay Beach is perfect for swimming, is an absolutely gorgeous bay and has facilities and a campground. All of these amenities make Sun Bay Beach ideal for you and your family.

If you are staying in Puerto Rico and want to escape the tourist attractions and just relax for a day, you can either fly over to Vieques or take the ferry. When you arrive at Sun Bay, you will think you stepped into a picture postcard.

Media Luna

Again, this is another excellent choice for those traveling with families; however, this might be a better selection for those with younger children, as the bay is shallower. You can walk quite a bit into the water and only find yourself up to your waist in the bluest of waters. There are plenty of adorable tropical fish to tickle your toes while wading around in the bay. It’s like your own secret little cove. If you need a break, there are palm trees to offer you relief, just be aware that there are no facilities there.

Playa Caracas

Found on the south side of Vieques, this beach was once known as “red beach,” and offers family friendly fun for everyone. Gently lapping waves invite locals and tourists alike to come into the turquoise waters to play. There are gazebos there for you to utilize, but no bathrooms. Hilly terrain and rocky cliffs with lush greenery are the backdrop for ribbon white sand beaches and aquamarine water.

Pata Prieta

Pata Prieta is a little known secret much loved by locals. It is a lovely cove with good snorkeling opportunities. Much more off-the-beaten path than some of the other beaches. So, if you’re looking for some peace and quiet, then Pata Prieta might just have your name all over it. The fact that is a bit more difficult to get to might be of interest to you, as well. This may work out to your advantage offering you more of a secluded spot perfect for couples.

Playa Navio

Playa Navio is another smaller beach that is not the most comfortable to get to – again, all a matter of perception as this might make it less crowded. The waters are crystal clear and, of course, the beach is magnificent. Hiking trails surround the beach and you might just find yourself doing some wave jumping when it gets too hot on the sand.

No matter your taste or style or even your age, there is a beach for you on the small isle of Vieques in Puerto Rico just waiting for you to come and visit, sit in the sun and play in the sand. These bays will enchant and delight you from the rocky cliffs to the sparkling glass water and white powdery beaches. On the beaches of Vieques, you will be delighted and charmed.

The draw to Puerto Rico is in its diversity. If you are a sun worshipper or lover of all things related to the sea, then Puerto Rico is the destination for you. There is a host of activities for everything the seafarer in you desires from snorkeling to jet skiing and parasailing and windsurfing.

If you have tried all the above water adventures, you may be interested in checking out what’s just below the surface in Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico is easy enough to get to and doesn’t require a United States passport to get there either. The coral filled and vibrant colored undersea world in Puerto Rico awaits you. Whether you have tried diving before, considered yourself an expert or are just starting out, what better place to explore than under the sea in Puerto Rico.

Angel Reef Vieques

The Angel Reef in Vieques, Puerto Rico is probably one of the most beautiful places to dive. Angel Reef is a perfect place for beginners to take on their first diving expedition. For whatever reason, Angel Reef does not have a lot of tourists in droves there. This is a good thing as it gives you the opportunity to explore the reef and experience diving for the first time. With depths of approximately 50 feet, diving here is safer, easy and fun.

The corals in Angel Reef are as close to untouched as you will find. The colorful hues of lavender and yellow along with schools of angelfish are waiting for you to dive in and come explore. The best bet is to hire a diving guide and take some lessons, so that safety and enjoyment are both covered. Hiring a guide is ideal, as you will be directed to the various sites of interest such as historical Spanish anchors lodged into the reef to stay.

Black Wall

The Black Wall is a bit more well-known and well-loved as a choice for divers. The fact that it is 22 feet long and heads down to about 1500 feet deep makes it an intriguing locale. The warm waters of the Caribbean combined with an abundance of natural fish life make it an ideal diving spot.

Imagine viewing black coral one moment and then a kaleidoscope of fish life the next. The reef plays host to vibrant tropical fish. Here you will find a locale that is teeming with life from moray eels to reef sharks. Black Wall is considered more appropriate for divers with a bit of experience under their belts.

Fallen Rock

Fallen rock is appropriately named for this site. A piece of boulder broke off and offers a pinnacle and amazing and sharp drop offs. This is a perfect locale to spot abundant sea life in the form of coral and tropical fish. The top of the reef is at 65 feet while the bottom veers down to 100 feet, and you can view barracuda and spotted eagle rays swimming freely about the warm waters. You can choose to view the vertical wall, go down in the trench or simply overlook the rim to view plenty of reef, coral and a host of rainbow colored fish. You never know, you may bump into a Manta ray, as well.

The Aquarium

The Aquarium is rightfully named as it is akin to taking a dive into a colorful aquarium. If you wish to see a Technicolor assortment of fish or spot a ray or barracuda, the Aquarium is the place to do it. This dive makes a nice easy experience for first-timers, as well.

Las Cuevas

Again, the name says it all. Plenty of arches and cave-like effects decorate the bottom of this dive. You can head down about 65 feet with plenty of room to explore the fascinating undersea world. The arches carved out by nature and the abundance of sea life along with the swim-through make this a great beginner’s dive.

Diving in Puerto Rico offers you the opportunity to experience sea life from an abundance of Technicolor fish to some of the larger life forms of the sea. You can also choose your experience from beginner to moderate or even expert diver. If you wish to visit the sandy bottoms or flow through the cavernous arches, the choice is yours as you dive in to Puerto Rico.

While financial woes may be a dark cloud currently shadowing over Puerto Rico’s economy, there is still an abundance of beauty to enjoy there right now. There may be quite a bit of buzz surrounding what is wrong and what does not work, but that can never detract from the unspoiled beauty that is Puerto Rico.

Of course, you can visit all the hot tourist spots, but Puerto Rico is so much more than that and offers so much more, as well. There are hidden jewels and unspoiled places just waiting to treat you like a local in some of these unspoiled places of Puerto Rico.

Vieques: A Little Island with a Big Draw

If you live and work in a big city and wish to take a big break from all that traffic, than the magic seclusion of Vieques is the place for you. This charming isle’s idea of traffic is a few stray cows and horses that roam freely about the land. If little traffic is appealing, just wait until you explore the most bioluminescent bay in the world.

Mosquito Bay on the southern tip of the isle of Vieques will light up your life and, if not, will at least light up your night. Certain organisms in the water reflect a glowing light when disturbed. You can take a see-through paddle boat and go for a ride and watch as the magic of these little organisms light up the night with their magical blue light in the water. It’s magic that you will most likely not experience anywhere else.

As far as the beaches are concerned, sure you can find a beach such as Sun Bay that offers all the typical amenities; however, if you are looking to give new meaning to getting away from it all, explore Media Luna, Navio. If you do visit this beach, be sure to take out what you brought in. This beach is secluded, has clear waters and the water can sometimes be a bit calmer.

A Little Taste of Guavate

A small space with plenty of charm, Guavate is not unknown to the locals of Puerto Rico. Tourists, on the other hand, may find this area delightful as it remains tried and true to Puerto Rico’s culture. Sometimes an area can be crowded, well-known and well-loved but still remain an unspoiled region because it remains true to its heritage.

In Guavate you can find traditional foods of Puerto Rico such as mofongo (mashed green plantains) and a pig slowly roasting to savory perfection. You can dance to salsa music or simply listen to music with a traditional Caribbean vibe. While Guavate may be crowded on weekends, it is still an unspoiled spot in Puerto Rico because it holds true to its culture and heritage.

La Guancha

If being too secluded or being steeped waist-high in culture with the rest of the crowd is not on your list of unspoiled places to visit in Puerto Rico and you are seeking to act like a local, check out La Guancha. La Guancha is the perfect spot for families looking to keep it real and stay tried and true to Puerto Rico’s culture.

If you are feeling laid back but don’t want to go full out remote destination or hang out in the most crowded spots, you might find that La Guancha is your perfect definition of unspoiled. On this family-friendly boardwalk, you can enjoy the sights and sounds that are true to Puerto Rican heritage. Take in the musical vibes of traditional music or take some time to savor the tastes of traditional Puerto Rican foods.

The locals will be sure to put a smile on your face as they are some of the friendliest people around the area. If you need a little something extra to keep the kids busy, you have a host of activities from kayaking and boat rides to the beach and the playground. While you are there you can take a leisurely walk along the boardwalk, checkout the kiosks and stop along and feed the tarpon. The tarpon gather around the railings just waiting for you to give them something good to eat.

One of the nicest amenities about La Guancha is how the locals and tourists mingle together, listening to the sounds of traditional Puerto Rican music, tasting its foods and staying in touch with nature by feeding the tarpon. This is one of those places on earth where both locals and tourists as well as wildlife can manage to keep it unspoiled.

While you may think of an unspoiled locale as miles of untouched beach with pristine aquamarine waters, these locals have their own version of being untouched – untouched by change or time. Once you visit them, you will clearly see why.

You could go to Puerto Rico for many reasons; as an expatriate, a retiree or for a much-needed vacation. No matter the reason, the number of photo opportunities is abundant and that is another superb reason to visit Puerto Rico.

In Puerto Rico you have a mix of history, culture and exquisite architecture all set to the backdrop of paradise. After all, Puerto Rico is not known as the The Island of Enchantment for no reason. Here is a sampling of some of the best photo opportunities in Puerto Rico.

El Morro Fort in Old San Juan

As you enter San Juan Bay, you are greeted by the striking presence of El Morro Fort in Old San Juan. With the purpose of keeping enemies at bay and out of the town, this impressive fort is an icon. If you think the view from the sea is imposing, wait until you see the inside.

El Morro Fort in Old San Juan is one of the most iconic photo opportunities you can get. Over the years, the fort was attacked, occupied and reconstructed. The history and the lives that touched this fort are still apparent when you visit the fort.

The location alone – perched high above a cliff looking over the sea – makes for a perfect photo opportunity from any angle. Once inside, there is a vibe of the history, and the dealings that went on beyond those walls comes to life.

You can visit on many occasions and still find fresh, new ways to photograph this old iconic site.

El Yunque Rain Forest

As if the pristine beaches and beautiful weather were not enough, Puerto Rico has the El Yunque Rain Forest. Although not a very large area in circumference, El Yunque makes up for it in beauty. El Yunque Rain Forest offers many photographic opportunities such as the mountains, rain forest, waterfalls and don’t forget the views.

La Mina Falls – If taking a hike to get the best possible photos is interesting to you, then the Big Tree Trail or the La Mina Trail will offer you the best of both worlds. While taking a hike and enjoying photographic opportunities, you will arrive at the La Mina Falls. These falls are very popular, much-loved by visitors and a great location to get the perfect shot. One of the best tips for taking this hike and viewing the falls is to arrive as early as you can so you may take advantage of the best photos without too many tourists in the midst.

Cueva Ventana

The translation for Cueva Ventana means window cave. The hike up to the cave will take approximately 15 to 20 minutes, but the view from the cave is worth the hike. Taking a picture from the mouth of the cave of the view down below is an interesting photo opportunity.

While some natural settings require special backgrounds, the opening at the mouth of this cave provides one for you. Taking a photo from inside the cave looking, the mouth of the cave frames the beautiful view of the area down below.

Once you get to the cave, you can hike through to the other end and, once again, you are met with spectacular views of the river and fields below. Make sure that you are prepared with the proper shoes as the caves can be slippery and plenty of water will assist you in your hike. You want to safe, comfortable and well hydrated for your photo opportunities at the cave.

Fajardo Lighthouse

The lighthouse was built back in the 1800s and if you are like many individuals, taking photos of lighthouses is a hobby and a passion. Many individuals follow the lighthouses throughout the United States just to photograph them.

Not only is the lighthouse a spectacle to see by day, at nighttime you can see the stars. Perhaps, if you are lucky and with the right tools and equipment, you could try to capture those constellations with your camera.

Flamenco Bay

Flamenco Beach has earned the title of one of the world’s most beautiful beaches. Imagine a beach with soft, pure sand and turquoise colored water that is so very popular but still remains pristine. Perhaps that’s the attraction.

Photographers come from all around to get the best shot of this exquisite beach. With greenery, mountains and sailboats passing through, what’s not to love? With the white foam of the waves against the turquoise water and the white, puffy clouds in the bright blue sky, from top to bottom, Flamenco Bay is every photographer’s dream come true.

With pristine weather and a multitude of locales from mountain hiking to waterfalls and beaches, Puerto Rico has everything a photo lover’s heart desires.

Puerto Rico offers an abundance of benefits too numerous to list from its miles of exquisite sugar-sand beaches and aquamarine water to people that are warm and friendly. Another bonus is that it is a United States territory.

If you are already a United States citizen, you can travel back and forth to Puerto Rico without worrying about using a passport or going through customs. The United States dollar is the currency and both English and Spanish are spoken there. Real estate is inexpensive compared to other states and profits from renting those properties can stay in your pocket more so than in any other state in the United States.

If you have vacationed there enough or even if you have never been, why not consider relocating to Puerto Rico. Here are four popular spots to live in Puerto Rico should you choose to explore the idea.

Fajardo

If you are a lover of water and even more in love with boating, then Fajardo is your dream come true when it comes to best place to live in Puerto Rico. Fajardo gets to boast that it is the largest marina for the Caribbean, but still offers that small town feel.

From Fajardo, you could launch off to Culebra, Vieques or the British Virgin Island. If you love the beach life, then this is the town for you. Moreover, if you adore the quaint little town feel, you will fall in love with Fajardo.

Culebra

If you are a believer in the old adage, “If it’s not broke, then don’t fix it,” then Culebra is your match made in heaven. Of course, Puerto Rico is made up of a series of beaches – one more pristine than the next. However, there are several unique amenities that each beach offers. According to your taste, you could spend time at the beach surfing all day, snorkeling, boating or just relaxing. It simply depends on your tastes.

Culebra is unique in that it has protective status. With little or no commercial activity on the island, there’s nothing needing fixing about this part of Puerto Rico. Should you choose to call this island home, you will have a slice of paradise to call your own.

Palmas Del Mar

Nestled on the east coast of Puerto Rico, Palmas Del Mar houses the largest resort on the island. If you are interested in riding, having golf as part of your daily activities of living, and playing tennis, then Palmas Del Mar will suit your every whim. There is no loss for shopping and dining in Palmas Del Mar either. You can live and play all in the same place.

Whether retiring or starting out as a young couple, Palmas Del mar has all the extras you are seeking. Some of the communities offer perks in their developments that you might not receive elsewhere. For example, some communities offer pools for little swimmers as well as for adults. Some have yacht clubs with state-of-the-art marinas and banquet facilities. If you are seeking all the bells and whistles, then Palmas Del Mar is all you need.

Dorado

On Puerto Rico’s northern coast, you will find Dorado. Dorado is popular with the tourists; however, it is gaining massive popularity with real estate investors and homebuyers. Dorado is a well-loved destination for home buyers. Dorado is more of an upscale neighborhood with gated communities and golf courses and offers all the safety amenities one would expect from a more upscale neighborhood.

Close enough to San Juan yet worlds away, Dorado is the ultimate in luxurious living. There is no stone unturned or detail left out either. From golf courses to spas and from mountain views to water views, Dorado has it all and then some.

So, if you are beginning the process of exploration to relocate to Puerto Rico, you have a foundation with which to begin in these four top spots to live in Puerto Rico. If nothing else, at least you’ll have fun exploring the options.

The 2015 Puerto Rican Investment Summit was a meeting of the minds where the Puerto Rican government welcomed investors and entrepreneurs alike to discuss the potential for new business in Puerto Rico. Information was provided on the many benefits of doing business in Puerto Rico from tax incentives to having dual official languages. Puerto Rico can serve as the portal for entrepreneurs to take their businesses to new heights.

When it comes to the three most important criteria known as “location, location, location,” Puerto Rico has that too. Combine that with being a territory of the United States with a tax system based on foreign tax structures, and you’ve got enough reasons to create a business there.

You don’t have to be an international business or major corporation to consider creating a business in Puerto Rico. While pharmaceutical companies and travel and leisure organizations are some of the more popular industries, you can create a small business in Puerto Rico, as well. With a mindset of opportunity that comes from being a part of the United States and tax incentives based on a foreign tax structure, your business has a good chance to thrive.

Tourism and Hospitality

There are several options to choose from when it comes to tourism and hospitality. Puerto Rico is a much-loved territory for vacationers and doesn’t show any signs of slowing down in that department.

Maybe you were working as a travel agent and want to continue that path in a place that resembles paradise. You could consider becoming a consultant in the tourism industry. With huge tax incentives on income tax and property tax, you get to help visitors enjoy their time in Puerto Rico as you enjoy large tax breaks.

There have been stories about individuals who left high-paying jobs to become tour guides, travel agents or travel writers. You never know, you may just find your niche in Puerto Rico and go on to own and operate your own travel agency or become a consultant.

Real Estate Agent

If there has ever been a time to buy or sell property in Puerto Rico, the time is now. With Puerto Rico searching for ways to recover from a struggling economy, real estate may be coming down a bit in price.

Becoming a real estate agent or even investor at this time may be a wise choice indeed. If you are not already licensed, then, of course, you would have to attend classes and obtain the licensure necessary. Once you have a few years of experience under your belt, if you don’t already, the possibilities are endless. You could eventually find yourself in the middle of paradise operating your own real estate business, tax incentives and all.

Marketing

The world of marketing and advertising has changed tremendously over the last several years. With the popularity of Search Engine Optimization, Search Engine Marketing, and Content Marketing, you could run a business remotely in Puerto Rico, gain all the tax incentives and enjoy a little slice of heaven as you work from your laptop beachside.

You could begin by taking marketing classes, choose a niche such as travel and tourism or health care. Health care is a popular industry in Puerto Rico. Whether you’re target audience is located in Puerto Rico or not, does not matter. You can conduct business remotely for the most part and, as long as you continue to keep the business relationship alive, your marketing business has the potential to thrive.

Freelance

The most emerging trend is bucking the 9-to-5 system in the workplace and creating a business that you love as well as a life that you love. Working from home, telecommuting and working from any location you desire has become the new wave.

As a freelance writer, marketer or even graphic designer, the possibilities are endless. Just imagine creating a logo as a graphic designer and getting your inspiration from the ocean in front of you or writing an article poolside.

While you may have to hand over a hefty amount of your profits in the United States whether you freelance or not, Puerto Rico offers greater tax incentives.

Rental Properties

If income tax and property tax remain at a minimum, imagine the profits you could earn as a return on your investment in Puerto Rico. It’s like a double reward; minimum property tax plus a rental income. That means more profit from your rental property business and more money in your pocket. With sites such as Airbnb and HomeAway, you could be showing significant profits in no time.

The fact that Puerto Rico is looking to reinvent itself and emerge victorious from its economic struggle combined with its enticing tax incentives, may just be enough of an incentive for you to start thinking about what type of business you would want to start there, and soon.

If you are a first-time traveler to Puerto Rico, then you are headed to one of the most vibrant hot-spots in the Caribbean. Puerto Rico offers an eclectic mix of vibes from energetic to serene. While getting lost in paradise, you may lose yourself to all the beauty and excitement for a little while, as well. While you may (understandably) be excited for your visit to Puerto Rico, there are a few safety tips that might come in handy while traveling there.

Brush up on your Spanish – If you speak a little bit of Spanish or took some back in college, it’s a great idea to brush up on your Spanish. If you don’t know a single word in Spanish, why not take the opportunity before you go to learn a few key words and phrases.

With the internet and its abundance of knowledge, you can learn some Spanish quickly and easily. From Rosetta Stone to YouTube and Google Translate, you can pick up a few things in a short amount of time.

Develop Your Sense of Direction – If you are going to be doing any driving in Puerto Rico, you will need a good sense of direction. Driving in Puerto Rico is something that takes getting used to, but you need to do it in a hurry. Be aware and alert at intersections and during rush hour. This is where learning some Spanish will come in handy – the road signs are in Spanish, although they look the same as elsewhere in the United States.

Get acclimated with the culture – Whenever traveling somewhere that has a different culture, it is a wise choice to learn about that culture as much as possible. Whether it is taking time to learn about the people, the food they eat, or their particular customs, it is always a smart idea to get a bit acclimated with the culture.

Always have a Plan B – When driving to out-of-the-way places in Puerto Rico, leave before morning rush hour. If you are running late, then think about taking your road trip another day. Getting stuck in rush hour in Puerto Rico is a challenge. For tourists it can be enough to make you not want to venture out again. Make sure to leave plenty of time for getting lost, as well. It is not uncommon to go on a road trip and get lost a bit due to directions you cannot understand, roads you simply cannot locate and maps that are outdated.

Dress right – While all that fun in the sun might make you smile from ear to ear, it’s a wise choice to be prepared for those hot, hot days in Old San Juan. Dress in cool comfortable clothing and use sun screen frequently throughout the day. Don’t forget sunglasses to protect your eyes and a hat, as well. Good, comfortable walking shoes are always a must.

Food and Drink – Be aware that everywhere you turn, there will be rum. As tempting as it may be to drink as much rum in as many different variations as you can find, be mindful of the heat, dehydration and the beckoning of rum everywhere you turn.

Be aware of your surroundings – If you want to enjoy Puerto Rico above and beyond the usual experience, you might want to stay away from the tourist traps. Whether you are in a popular tourist destination or an off-the-beaten path destination, always be aware of your surroundings while enjoying your time in Puerto Rico, as well.

With a little bit of knowledge, some common sense, and a spirit full of adventure, you can enjoy and be safe while traveling in Puerto Rico.