Beyond Beach-Bumming: Adventures in and Around San Juan

Tour Operators
Acampa Nature Adventure Tours (787.706.0695; www.acampapr.com) organizes a variety of outdoor trips, including river and cave adventures, trips into El Yunque National Forest, and outings to a variety of nearby islands. For ATV exploration of the terrain around El Yunque National Forest, contact Luquillo-based Hacienda Carabali (787.690.3781). Contact Island Kayaking Adventure (787.444.0059) for kayak excursions into the bioluminescent bays. Most hotel concierge services can also hook you up with local outfitters.

Where to Stay
Five miles from the airport in the primo neighborhood of Condado, the San Juan Marriott Resort and Stellaris Casino (800.464.5005; www.marriott.com/sjupr ) has a golden beach in its backyard and boutiques and lively restaurants on its other sides. Indoors, the 21-floor, 525-room property is a city unto itself, with two pools; four restaurants, including an Asian noodle bar; a full-service spa and modern fitness center; and a 24/7 casino. The hotel also provides a tour desk where guests can sign up for daily excursions, such as kayaking in the bioluminescent bay and hiking in El Yunque. Outings cost extra. Room rates in the low season (Sept. 1 to Oct. 31) run $205 to $295 and jump to $335 to $470 during the high season (Jan. 14 to April 30). For the shoulder season (May 1 to Aug. 31 and Nov. 1 to Dec. 21), doubles start at $239 and $249, respectively.