The Caribbean's family destination

Athletic Endeavors

Speaking of snorkeling: Puerto Rico's Caribbean and Atlantic shores provide access to wonderful underwater views. The water is generally 81°F and visibility is at least 60 feet near shore, 100 feet further out. The shallow reefs near San Juan, Mayagüez, Dorado and Humacao draw snorkel fans, while divers often make a beeline to Desecheo Island. Aguadilla and Isabela are known for especially good shore dives.

Frolicking with seahorses and octopi is only the beginning of Puerto Rico's athletic opportunities. The island boasts an impressive 24 golf courses, and instructors are easy to find. Tennis courts grace nearly every major resort, and San Juan's Central Park has 17 public courts.

You can do quite a bit right on property during a stay at the Embassy Suites Hotel Dorado del Mar Beach & Golf Resort. The 174-suite beachfront resort features a Chi Chi Rodriguez-designed 18-hole par-72 golf course with ocean and mountain views. Off the greens, families can play tennis, splash in an outdoor lagoon pool, work out in a fitness center and dine in two restaurants. A dining room for four is in each suite, and refrigerators and microwave ovens make in-room meals and snacks a snap.

Zach Stovall/Caribbean Travel & Life

The Hyatt Dorado Beach Resort & Country Club is another golf mecca. No fewer than four golf courses designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. have hosted tournaments and welcome families. Professional instruction is available. Those not into golf can spend the day paddle-boating, sailing on catamarans, going snorkeling, learning windsurfing, swimming or getting spa treatments. Camp Hyatt Dorado Beach invites kids to make crafts and discover seashells, or maybe participate in a tropical scavenger hunt amid the remains of a turn-of-the-century grapefruit plantation.

Horseback riding along the shore with gentle trade winds blowing -- equestrian options don't get better than that. Often using Paso Fino horses, one of the world's finest riding horses, outings can involve trotting through a country town or around a mountain.

Deep-sea fishing is big sport here, especially for billfish. Blue Marlin Alley, on Puerto Rico's north side, draws serious fisherfolk. Charters also take visitors for marlin, mahimahi, dolphin, wahoo and yellowfin tuna.

Zach Stovall/Caribbean Travel & Life

Families flock to the ice-skating rink in Aguadilla. Imagine spending the day on the beach, then leaving for a pre-dinner twirl on the ice. Paradise? Oh, yes.

Families needn't leave the grounds of the Copamarina Beach Resort to stay busy all day. This family-oriented resort on its own 20-acre property is filled with activities for kids of all ages. In addition to a three-quarter-mile stretch of sandy white beach, water play can be found at two regular and two kiddie pools. A playground keeps little ones entertained for hours, and in-room fridges keep beverages cold. Older kids can go out on kayaks, paddleboats or Hobie Cats. They can challenge Mom and Dad to volleyball or jog around the property with them. Tennis. Diving. Snorkeling. Why leave? Copamarina makes family vacations affordable; kids 12 and under stay free. All-inclusive packages for kids cost only $50 or $95 per night (kids under 3 stay for free), and meals, beverages and nonmotorized water sports are part of the deal.

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