Active Pursuits

In addition to the lovely beach and the many recreational facilities that are part of the El Conquistador, there are other notable places to play in the vicinity.

Some of the best snorkeling in Puerto Rico is in and around Fajardo. Its public beach, Playa Seven Seas, is an attractive and sheltered strip of sand. The beach lies on the southwestern shoreline of Las Cabezas peninsula and is crowded on weekends. For even better snorkeling, walk to the western end of this beach and along a dirt path cutting though a wooded mount. After about a half-mile (.8km), you'll come to another path heading to Playa Escondido (Hidden Beach), a small white-sand cover with coral reefs in aquamarine waters right off this beach. If you continue straight for another mile, you will come to the gorgeous El Convento Beach, stretching out along the miles-long undeveloped coastline between Fajardo and Luquillo.

The area has managed to ward off development despite the building craze taking place across much of the rest of Puerto Rico, with only a few unmarked dirt roads providing access, and paths like the one from Seven Seas.

The area is a nesting ground for endangered sea turtles, and its waters team with reefs and fish. A small forest runs along much of the beach, and behind it stands the imposing El Yunque rainforest, looming over the white sand beach and pristine blue waters. About a mile down the beach is the governor's official beach house, El Convento, a rustic wooden cottage. Just beyond the cottage is a great spot to snorkel. The water plunges steeply just offshore, and it is pocked with large reefs, which draw even large fish to the brink of the beach.

Environmentalists have pushed to protect this area from development, while developers want to build two large resorts. Legislation to name a nature reserve here failed to win legislative approval, but the governor signed a less binding executive order doing so, which would only permit low-impact tourism in the area.

Tennis

The seven Har-Tru courts at the El Conquistador are among the best tennis courts in Puerto Rico, rivaling those at Palmas del Mar. The staff at the pro shop is extremely helpful to beginning players. Courts are the least crowed during the hottest part of the day, around the lunch hour. If you're a single traveler to the resort and in search of a player, the pro shop will try to match you up with a player of equal skill.

Watersports

Several operators offer day sailing trips (10am-3pm) from Fajardo marinas, which include sailing, snorkeling, swimming, and a stop at one of the island beaches, where lunch is usually served. It's the easiest way to really experience the Caribbean marine world while in Puerto Rico. Prices, including lunch and equipment, start from $69 per person. The trips are aboard luxury catamarans, with plush seating, a sound system, and other comforts, like a bar. Captains know the best spots, where reefs attract schools of feeding fish, depending on conditions. These are among the most gin-clear and tranquil waters in Puerto Rico. They are teeming with wildlife, including several species of fish such as grouper, but also lobster, moray eels, and sea turtles. Among the local operators are Traveler Sailing Catamaran (tel. 787/853-2821), East Island Excursions (tel. 787/860-3434), and Catamaran Spread Eagle (tel. 787/887-8821). Erin Go Bragh Charters (tel. 787/860-4401) offers similar day trips aboard a 50-foot sailing ketch.

For scuba divers, La Casa del Mar (tel. 787/863-1000) is one good option operating out of El Conquistador. You can go for ocean dives on the outfitter's boats; a two-tank dive goes for $150, including equipment. A PADI snorkel program, at $65 per person, is also available. Sea Ventures Dive Center (Rte. 3 Km 51.4, Puerto del Rey; tel. 787/863-3483) has a $95 offer for a two-tank dive.

Fajardo's seven marinas are proof that it is a sailor's paradise. The most renowned is the Puerto del Rey Marina (Rte. 3 Km 51.4; tel. 787/860-1000 or 787/801-3010). The swankiest marina in Fajardo, it's a beautiful 1,100-slip facility south of town, the largest in the Caribbean. It's like a city unto itself with restaurants, bars, and a host of other services. Villa Marina Yacht Harbour (Rte. 987 Km 1.3; tel. 787/863-5131 or 787/863-5011) is the other main marina in town, and is the shortest ride to the offshore cays and isolated white-sand beaches on the mainland. Charters operate out of both. There's a private 35-slip marina at the lowest level of the El Conquistador (tel. 787/863-1000).