Outfits For Vacation In Puerto Rico

If you’re traveling to Puerto Rico for a vacation, we’ve got you covered on what to pack!

You’ll want to pack at least one bathing suit. You can wear it for lounging on the beach, or for hitting up the pool. We recommend something modest and modestly-colored—you don’t want anyone looking at you funny because it’s too revealing!

Touriangle is the right stop for you to obtain top-notch information on Bomba traditional Puerto Rican dress, traditional Puerto Rican womens clothing, and so much more. Be sure to visit our catalog for more information on related topics. You don’t want to miss this!

Outfits For Vacation In Puerto Rico

If you’re going to be spending most of your time exploring Old San Juan, we suggest packing comfortable walking shoes, like sneakers. The streets are cobbled and uneven, so good support is key. You can also wear these shoes when heading out of town for excursions like climbing El Yunque or visiting the Bacardi Distillery in Cataño.

You should also bring some kind of rain jacket if possible—it rains often here! In case it does rain while you’re on vacation, this will keep you dry and comfortable as you explore Puerto Rico’s beautiful landscape.

Puerto Rico Packing List

Dresses

Same as with bottoms, look for dresses in light fabrics. Stick to 100% paper thin cotton or rayon for a cool and comfortable feel. 

Whether a cute romper or a maxi dress, go all out with color and vibrant prints.

Swimwear

When going on a beach vacation bring two-three bathing suits to rotate during your trip. For minimalist packers, opt for two pairs. Wear a suit one day, then let it dry on the day you wear your other one.

Beach Shoes

Any beach or resort vacation requires flip flops for the beach and pool. This is a roundup of our reader’s favorite flip flops!

Cute Sandals

Next, bring cute but comfortable walking sandals for sightseeing and activities. Last, wedges are perfect for special events or else stick to dressy sandals.

Pants

Opt for light, breezy fabrics. Linen wide leg pants or cropped pants are perfect if you prefer a more covered appearance while shorts of any material will fly to show off your gorgeous legs!

Tops

Since you’re on vacation, skip the tees and choose pretty blouses and tops in different sleeve lengths! Gorgeous blouses are always encouraged but avoid polyester. Rayon, viscose, and 100% cotton are your best bet.

Sun Essentials

Don’t forget to take a few stylish accessories such as cute sunglasses, fun beach tote, and sun hat – that’s for sure a must!

If you plan on snorkeling, bring your own mask, especially if it’s your first time. It will make the experience much more enjoyable than using an old rental. We recommend this one!

Costume Jewelry

NOTE: Don’t pack expensive or valuable jewelry. It’s not uncommon for hotel guests to report theft even when staying at an upscale resort. Stick to costume jewelry. You can find Bali-style accessories, coconut-shells, and bangles are sold beside beaches or at tourist sites.

How To Not Look Like A Tourist In Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is not just a gateway or cruise ship stop; it hasn’t been dubbed the “Enchanted Isle” and “Singapore of the Caribbean” for nothing! Famed as the beautiful backdrop of “Gilligan’s Island,” PR carries with it a mystique and warmth that is all its own.

The burgeoning art scene in the Santurce part of the capital, San Juan, near Loiza Street, is worth seeking out. San Juan has an excellent culinary scene and fascinating historical forts, but the natural attractions make Puerto Rico a truly worthwhile tropical destination.

Essentials

Venture4th Passport Holder Neck Pouch With RFID Blocking

• Puerto Rico is wonderful to explore and can be toured by rental car. But even American travelers should bring proof of citizenship (to depart the island) as well as a driver’s license.
• American dollars in small denominations might help when tipping and to purchase reliable maps or phone cards, in case one gets lost. Cash is especially necessary outside of the big city to buy beverages and fuel.
• If you are worried about theft, add items like a money belt or Secret Bra Pocket to your packing list.
• Puerto Rican rules of the road, amenities, and even voltage interfaces are similar to what one might find in the US.

What to Wear in Puerto Rico: Clothing

The temperature is summery all year long in Puerto Rico. Most of the spring and early summer is not prone to hurricanes, which historically occur in PR around autumn (September-November).

June is usually the best month to travel to PR. Even at a monthly average of 17.5 cm (7 inches) of rainfall, summer is relatively drier, with short bursts of afternoon rain and constant humidity (mostly in northern rainforests or on the western coast), except on the dry southwest coast (like the Guanica State Forest and desert).

Print Waterproof Jacket

The temperature generally varies between 21°C/71°F at night and 29°F/84°F during the day but reaches 34°C/94°F in the colorful city of Ponce and nearby rum distilleries in the south. Therefore, you should bring both a very light rain jacket with stowable hoodie as well as summer or beach attire when planning what to pack for Puerto Rico.

Use a capsule wardrobe to pack light but create many outfits.

Linen Pants /  Denim Shorts / V-Neck Tee / Stripe Tank

Practical clothing might include a bikini under shorts or summer pants. Beautiful beaches and views can be combined with numerous activities, and breathable shirts and tank tops should withstand sweat without embarrassing sweat marks.

Sarong / Gather and Sprint Jacket / Skinnylicious Capris

A sarong would be appropriate during the day by the water. Lululemon’s Sprint jacket is particularly multi-use as it is water-resistant (and there’s also a hole in the hood for ponytails!) Pair it with Skinnylicious “perfect fit” capris in a pretty array of colors.

 Wedge Strappy Sandals Espadrille / Sleeveless Strappy Swing Dress / Scarf

Jump from El Morro or El Yunque mountain paths to hip tapas bars in San Juan by shedding sneakers for wedge sandals that will be comfortable on cobblestone roads. A spare lightweight dress never hurts, and don’t forget some fun accessories!

Swimsuit / Sandals / Tote Bag /  Sunglasses / Bikini Cover-up

When you’re planning what to pack for Puerto Rico, keep in mind that flip flops and beach apparel are the norm along the coasts. Practically across the highway from El Yunque National Park, which boasts a rainforest vista that hikers relish, Fajardo has a quiet stretch of marinas and seaside parks.

By day, visitors can dive or enjoy one of the most beautiful beaches in the world by catching a boat to Vieques and Culebra. By night, the dark water comes alive by paddle boat in Fajardo’s Bioluminescent Bay. Be prepared to get splashed!

Tranquility Skort / Cardigan

If you’re staying by the choppier yet cooler coastal area of Humacao on the eastern coast, where the trade winds come in, it would be a good idea to pack golf skorts (a combination of skirt and shorts) or a sports dress, jogging shoes, and a sweater for nights (temps can drop to 65°F).

Supermarkets provide all of the necessities for a comfortable stay in a vacation home resort on gated, park-like grounds, and golf carts take tourists to stores and restaurants (use mosquito repellent!)

The secret to packing light is to use packing cubes to compress your clothing!

What to Wear in Puerto Rico: Accessories

Underwire Bikini Top / Mask Snorkel Set

Diving and snorkeling are easy to learn in the warm waters of PR. Most dive operators provide snorkels, fins, and masks. A pair of wet-dry Merrell’s or closed-toe Teva sandals could be worn on rainforest treks as well as on a boat. Packing these with shorts and a swimsuit are the first step to making your Puerto Rican experience an adventure to remember!

What to Bring in Puerto Rico: Toiletries

• A good sunscreen is key in Puerto Rico. Avene Eau Thermale Hypoallergenic sunscreen does not have harsh chemical compounds, PABA, fragrance or Oxybenzone that’s found in most American and even European sunscreens. It is ideal in the delicate marine environment around PR (and also respects the skin of fragile frogs, which eat mosquitoes)!
• Although Avene has a beautiful consistency and texture, if you don’t like the white residue of mineral UV-blockers, then try the less whitening Ultra-Hydrating Avene Lotion (SPF 50+) and a bronzer or blush.
• Pur Minerals 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Makeup (SPF 35+) comes in a variety of shades, from light and blush to deep tan. Pur Minerals advertises an environmentally friendly, paraben-free product that is a foundation, concealer, powder and sunscreen, all-in-one compact with mirror. This will be just as helpful as your “anti-frizz” hair cream.
• A day pack or beach bag will fit most of what you’ll need on a daily basis in PR.  Sunglasses are important, as are a dry change of undergarments. Additionally, a waterproof or robust camera should be light enough to carry up to the top of a mountain (with plenty of battery charge).
• Particularly in the eastern and central mountainous areas, a first aid kit should include basic necessities until you can reach a medical facility if care is urgently required. Hydrochloride motion sickness pills, ear drops, DEET-free bug repellent, sinus medicine and painkillers, tissue packs (for public toilets) and band-aids (for blisters) will be helpful. Much of the food in PR is deep-fried, but anti-diarrhea medication might come in handy.
• Ziploc bags are also useful to pack snacks or sandwiches, since most areas outside San Juan do not have many gas stations or cafes for rest stops.