El Yunque National Forest & Isla Verde
Day 2 of our Southern Caribbean Cruise gave us a chance to slow down and enjoy Puerto Rico before boarding the ship.
We started the morning with coffee with an open balcony, taking in views of the Atlantic Ocean from the Courtyard Isla Verde Beach Resort. It was a peaceful way to begin the day and a perfect reminder of just how close we were to the beach.
After breakfast, we drove east toward El Yunque National Forest, the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest system. Our first stop was the El Portal Visitor Center, where we watched the introductory video and explored the exhibits that highlight the forest’s natural and cultural history. We also walked the Discovery Trail, an easy path that offered a nice introduction to the rainforest environment.
From there, we drove deeper into El Yunque, enjoying the lush scenery, towering trees, and winding mountain roads before eventually heading back toward San Juan.
The afternoon was all about relaxation. Back at the Courtyard Isla Verde Beach Resort, we spent the rest of the day enjoying the beach, listening to the waves, and soaking in the Caribbean atmosphere. It was a perfect balance of exploration and rest before our cruise departure.
Tomorrow, we’ll board the Grand Princess and officially begin our Southern Caribbean Cruise.
🎥 Day 2 Video
