A Perfect Day in Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is such a beautiful place to visit and has so much to offer. From incredible food to swimming alongside sea turtles, this day was packed with everything I love: adventure, relaxation, and, of course, amazing eats.
Breakfast at Pannes
We kicked off the morning with breakfast at Pannes, a cozy little spot in San Juan Well, it’s not too cozy, there’s always a longggg line outside. It had great reviews, and now I see why. I ordered a strawberry mango smoothie, and it was the perfect balance of sweet and refreshing—exactly what I needed to start the day. For food, I kept it simple with a grilled cheese, which was buttery, crispy, and hit the spot. Everyone at the table tried it and said it was better than all of their meals! The service here was great, and the portions were generous. If you're ever in San Juan and looking for a good breakfast spot, I'd definitely recommend checking it out, just make sure you’re prepared for that line!
Snorkeling with Sea Turtles at Playa del Escambrón
After breakfast, we headed to Playa del Escambrón, one of San Juan’s most popular beaches, for a snorkeling tour with Jet Snorkel. We had the choice between using their jet snorkels (basically underwater scooters) or regular snorkels, and we opted for the regular ones. Honestly, for a smaller area like this, I didn't think the jet snorkels were necessary. Most of the people who had them ended up having to turn them off half the time anyway.
Before getting in the water, the guides were super strict about me not bringing my GoPro, which was weird. They insisted that they would take better footage than I would, but I’ve snorkeled plenty of times before (and even done seawalking with my GoPro!) and knew I’d rather have my own videos. So, I still brought mine—and I’m so glad I did. Their footage was mostly of the group, while I wanted close-up shots of the turtles.
And wow, seeing the turtles was amazing! We saw about five different sea turtles, and they swam so close to us. We even saw one of them laying at the bottom, perfectly camouflaged into the sand. At the end of the guided part of the tour, they let us explore on our own for a little bit, and that’s when I had the most magical moment. I found a turtle away from the crowd and he swam alongside me for a bit! It was such a surreal experience to be in the water with such a beautiful creature, just the two of us. Then of course my moment of magic faded and he swam away. Still, this was amazing!
One thing to note about Playa del Escambrón is that it’s a public beach, so you don’t actually need a tour to snorkel there. Since it’s protected by a seawall, the water is relatively calm, making it a great snorkeling spot. If you’ve snorkeled before, I’d honestly recommend bringing your own gear and going at your own pace rather than taking a tour. That way, you can enjoy the turtles without a big group around you and spend as long as you want there.
After getting out of the water, there was a lady by the park selling fresh coconuts and mangoes, so we grabbed some and just sat at the park enjoying the view. It was the perfect way to relax after being in the water.
Exploring Old San Juan
After heading back to the hotel to get ready, we spent the afternoon in Old San Juan. Walking through the colorful streets, surrounded by historic architecture and vibrant painted buildings, was such nice way to explore the area. The whole area feels like stepping into another world—brightly painted buildings, cobblestone streets, and an energy that’s hard to describe. As popular is San Juan is, there weren’t many people crowding the streets, making it an even nicer experience.
We stopped at Bacaro, an Italian restaurant, and let me just say—it did not disappoint. We ordered a couple of different pastas, and everything was so fresh and flavorful. The drinks were also really well-made, and the atmosphere was laid-back and inviting. If you’re craving Italian in Old San Juan, this place is a solid choice. I also love their choice of decor- it was so unique!
After eating, we walked down by the fort and along the water, taking in the incredible views. Even at night, the whole area is so well-lit, and you can see everything perfectly. The sight of the ocean with the city lights twinkling around it was absolutely stunning.
T-Mobile District: A Must-Visit in San Juan
Our last stop for the night was the T-Mobile District, and wow—I was not expecting it to be this cool. It’s an entertainment complex with tons of restaurants, bars, live music, and a huge digital screen ceiling that lights up the whole place. It almost felt futuristic.
We had dinner at Sazón Cocina Criolla, a spot known for its Puerto Rican cuisine. We got ceviche, arroz con gandules (Puerto Rican-style rice and beans), and maduros (sweet plantains), and everything was amazing. The flavors were so rich, and the portions were perfect.
After dinner, we walked around, took in the lights, and just enjoyed the electric atmosphere of the T-Mobile District. It’s such a fun place, whether you want to grab a drink, enjoy live music, or just soak in the vibrant energy of San Juan at night. There are plenty of seats throughout, making it a nice place to relax.
Final Thoughts
This day in Puerto Rico had everything—great food, adventure, relaxation, and exploring. Snorkeling with sea turtles was definitely the highlight, but the entire day was packed with unforgettable moments. Puerto Rico truly has something for everyone, and I can't wait to come back and do it all again!
