Tropical Puerto Rico: Alcohol-Free

Flash Pack’s alcohol-free adventures are designed with the same spirit of exploration, connection, and cultural immersion as all our trips. The key difference is that these experiences are completely free of alcohol. We’ve crafted unique activities and moments that celebrate mindful consumption, allowing you to enjoy the adventure to the fullest without the influence of alcohol. Whether it’s savouring local non-alcoholic drinks or participating in wellness-focused activities, these trips offer a fresh perspective on travel.

A typical day is filled with exhilarating activities and meaningful connections. The trip will follow Flash Pack’s signature style, sans booze. Each day is designed to invigorate your senses and create lasting memories without the need for alcohol.

No, these trips are completely alcohol-free. This means that no alcohol will be provided or available during the organised activities or meals. Instead, we offer a range of delicious non-alcoholic alternatives for key local activities.

Fly into and out of Luis Muñoz Marin International Airport (SJU) in San Juan.

Before 4 pm ideally. The welcome meeting will be from 5 pm onwards starting at the hotel, which is located approximately 15-20 minutes away from the airport.

There are no activities planned for the last day, so leave any time you wish. The airport is 15-20 minutes away from your final hotel. 

If you arrive on Day 1 of your adventure, or you book pre-tour accommodation with us, your airport arrival transfer will be included. If you book alternative pre-tour accommodation or are arriving by another mode of transport you must arrange your own arrival transfer.

Arrival transfers are private to Flash Pack and will be in groups depending on flight times. Sometimes this means waiting in the airport for a short while until other flights have arrived.

We don’t offer a departure transfer as Flashpackers leave at different times of the day and many stay for extra nights. We will offer you support with finding a local taxi.

Up-to-date visa and entry information can be found using our official partner, Sherpa, who can help you arrange a visa if needed.

You can also find essential travel advice – including security and local laws, as well as passport and visa information – on the government website of your home country:

• UK residents: review the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice before your adventure.
• US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice for important travel information.
• Australian residents: check the Smart Traveler website for up-to-date travel advice.
• Residents of other countries: refer to the travel advice provided by your own government or local consulate.

Please be aware that passport and visa requirements can change before departure, so it’s important to stay updated with the latest information.

While we are not medical professionals and cannot offer personalised medical advice, we want to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable adventure. Here are some tips to help you prepare.

1. Consult with a healthcare professional

We recommend scheduling an appointment with your travel nurse or doctor at least eight weeks before your adventure. This will give you ample time to receive any necessary vaccines or medications.

2. Up-to-date medical advice

• UK residents: visit the NHS Fit For Travel website for the latest medical advice.
• US residents: check the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for specialised health information.
• Australian residents: refer to the Smart Traveler Health website for current medical advice.

3. Government travel advice

• UK residents: review the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice before your adventure.
• US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice for important travel information.
• Australian residents: check the Smart Traveler website for up-to-date travel advice.

4. Medication tips

If you take prescription medication, ensure you bring enough to last the entire adventure, plus a few extra days in case of travel delays. Carry a copy of your prescription with you in case you need to visit a clinic while abroad.

We hope this information will help you prepare for a safe and healthy adventure.

This is a relaxed itinerary that should be fine for most levels of fitness. The kayaking on Mosquito Bay is gentle and no previous experience is needed, but please note there is a weight limit of 250 kg per two-person kayak.

We recommend having a read-through of the itinerary above and getting in touch if you have specific questions on fitness.

While bio bays worldwide are seasonal, the bioluminescence in Puerto Rico is year-round and it’s one of the most reliable places in the world to see this natural phenomenon. Mosquito Bay is considered the brightest bio bay due to the high quantities of microscopic single-celled organisms that light up bright blue when agitated.

When it comes to experiencing bioluminescence, the less light the better. However, even on a full moon the water will still glow, but you may need to use a tarpaulin over your kayak to block out the moonlight. Using glass-bottomed kayaks give the best chance to see the water light up all around you.

As with anything in nature, nothing is 100% guaranteed.

No previous experience of kayaking is necessary. You will be in stable two-person kayaks in a sheltered bay and you don’t have to paddle too far to experience the bioluminescence.

Be aware that, as per the name, there can be mosquitos in Mosquito Bay so you may want to apply insect repellent before setting out.

Vieques is a rustic, largely undeveloped island with a slow pace of life. You won’t find the glitzy nightlife of San Juan here but it’s ideal for a tranquil Caribbean break. The beaches vary from palm-shaded white sand to sparkling black sand and you might even see wild horses on the beach. 

The island is home to around 10,000 residents and you should find everything you need in the towns of Esperanza on the south side and Isabel II on the north.

Many travellers are surprised to discover that the cost of living in Puerto Rico is comparable to – or slightly more expensive than – the US. As an island, many products are imported, plus there is an 11.5% tax rate on all goods and services. Add to this a lack of reliable public transport and all-inclusive hotels, and prices can be relatively high.

We recommend budgeting around 75-100 USD per day for extras such as meals and drinks. A simple plate of rice and beans can cost 20-25 USD.