To some people Puerto Rico is one of those places where one can eat the same mofongo, lay on the same beach and drink the same pina coladas on the daily.
Our guess however, is that if you have landed on THIS page, that is not your plan, so here goes.
Puerto Rico is to many, a place where one can pull off 2-3 outfit changes per day as your adventures will lead you to many places with different activities requiring different, post worthy outfits for each.
So, how to pack? Let’s start with shoes. If you are the goat petting, donkey photographing, rain forest hiking type, in addition to loving the beach, and the pool, then you are our type, and we can help.
For shoes start with some hiking tennis shoes. Brands like Soloman averaging $150 new if you don’t have some already. They don’t have to be brand name, or even new, but something comfortable with TRACTION can be very important for farm touring and chasing waterfalls which we often do here on the island.
(Consider Poshmark. Recycled clothes and shoes are an environmentally and financially great option).
Other than hiking tennies, a nice pair of dress sandals will compliment your outfits well.
These Tori Burch Miller’s, under $200 are a fam favorite for cocktails by the pool, day lounging or dressing it up at night.
If $200 shoes are not your thing. There are Sam Edelman similars or even Reef flip flops. Both are consistently comfortable as well and under $50 bucks!
Even if you decide to go barefoot you will still need clothes. So let’s talk swim wear. While you will see thongs on the beaches we recommend bringing some full coverage swim gear as well. Light weight fabrics, rash guard style long sleeve shirts, hats of ALL kinds. Sunscreen is typically bad for the reefs and kills off all sorts of sea life and fish. Yes there are reef friendly and reef, “safe” brands but covering up with SPF 50+ light weight clothes, for many of your hours is the safest bet. This is especially important your first couple days here, and during activities like paddle boarding, fishing, snorkeling and kayaking.
Swim covers are great coverage too, stylish, and look great in photos! Target and Victoria Secret have great swim covers and suits for women, TJ Maxx and Marshals have our vote for the best men’s swim gear.
Another great all purpose outfit for many days of use, are yoga pants and tops! They dry quickly, are great for farms, hikes, horse back or quad riding, hugging trees, spear fishing, snorkeling, dips in water falls and also the all important, photos! These ladies sets from Bum Bum Bacana are unique and you can even wear them in the ocean. Pro tip, tag BumBum and they will repost you.
Dress attire on the island is commonly resort casual. Shorts and button ups for guys, manything goes for the ladies. Sun dresses long or short are a hit. Even classic Americana, like distressed Levi’s and a crop top, will fit in great. Best night out attire here is often day outfits, dressed up with a Gucci belt or even a cute dupe to transition seamlessly into night. The days turn into nights quickly. Throw a snack into a backpack with your evening button up or accessories like that belt or dangly earnings. Don’t forget to fit that dressier change of shoes, you’ll be glad you did.
Skip buying gobs of water bottles or experiencing dehydration by packing your own Hydroflask or Yeti cup. Anything to keep drinks full and even cold is highly recommended. If you are staying at La Finca Dulce Vida or visiting Degree 18 Juice Bar for example, we both have off grid rain water collection systems. These are triple filtered to keep you hydrated with the rainforest’s best. We would love to refill your cup for free with a special taste of the island!
High season here is also chili weather season if you ask the locals. November-April is 80ish, which is 5-10° cooler than the rest of the year and another 5-10° cooler in the evenings. It’s not unusual to need a light windbreaker, thin hoodie or cardigan, and not just for an evening look.
Sunglasses are a must, polarized are the best. These unisex aviators from amazon are $16 and have our vote for best sunnies around!
Anything linen is usually a win. Linen button ups are great for men, linen bottoms for the ladies are so comfy and sit well in our climate. Linen is also great material to look for in a beach towel which doubles as a blanket, another great idea for one of those is a tapestry or throw. Works as an airplane blanket as well.
If that’s not enough, we say just bring your big smile and sense of adventure because the locals will love you! Puerto Rican’s are polite friendly people with great attitudes and a strong proud culture. Embrace it, ask questions and don’t forget to practice your Spanish, they love to see travelers attempts at Puerto Rican immersion.