What's New in Puerto Rico For 2026
Daniel Mode
Daniel Mode
Laura Schulthies
Laura Schulthies
Vieques Bioluminescence
Puerto Rico tourism is absolutely on fire right now, and we mean that in the best way possible! In 2024, Puerto Rico welcomed over 6.6 million air arrivals and 1.4 million cruise passengers. Through the first three quarters of 2025, airport traffic is up approximately 5% year over year, putting the island on pace for another record breaking year with an estimated 6.9 million air arrivals. Whether you’re dreaming of stunning beaches, planning a resort getaway, or looking to explore the island’s rich culture, there’s never been a better time to visit.
We’ve put together everything you need to know about visiting Puerto Rico in 2026, including brand new resorts, expanded flight options, and exciting events like the World Baseball Classic and Miss Universe. Let’s dive in!
Contents
Puerto Rico Tourism Is Breaking Records
The numbers coming out of Puerto Rico are absolutely incredible. In 2024, Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport processed a record 13.2 million total passengers, with over 6.6 million arrivals, an increase of more than 518,000 compared to the previous year. Cruise arrivals topped 1.4 million visitors, a 10% jump from 2023. International traffic to San Juan surged 21% as new routes opened from Latin America and Europe.
Through the first three quarters of 2025, airport traffic is up approximately 5% year over year, putting the island on pace for an estimated 6.9 million air arrivals. International arrivals continue to sizzle, growing over 11% compared to last year. Simply put, everyone wants to visit Puerto Rico right now!
Hotels across the island are seeing incredible demand. During the 2024 holiday season, occupancy hit 91% on peak days with average nightly rates reaching $673. If you’re planning a trip during the busy winter months, we highly recommend booking your [Puerto Rico hotel](LINK TO HOTEL GUIDE) well in advance!
New Puerto Rico Hotels and Resorts in 2025 & 2026
Wyndham Grand Rio Mar
The Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Rainforest Beach and Golf Resort unveiled a stunning $60 million transformation in December 2025. Nestled on 607 acres between El Yunque National Rainforest and the Atlantic Ocean, all 400 guestrooms have been completely redesigned with a modern Caribbean aesthetic.
The resort now features five pools, ten dining venues including, Roots Coastal Kitchen with Top Chef finalists Jeff McInnis and Janine Booth, and The Vault, a glamorous speakeasy cabaret tucked inside the 1950s inspired casino. Add two championship golf courses, the El Yunque Spa, and a two-mile golden beach, and you have Puerto Rico’s premier family and entertainment destination.
The Ritz Carlton San Juan Returns
Great news for luxury travelers! The Ritz Carlton San Juan is making its long awaited return to Isla Verde in 2026 after being closed since Hurricane María in 2017. The property has undergone a massive $150 million renovation and will feature 417 beautifully appointed rooms plus a redesigned 13,000 square foot casino.
The beachfront location puts you steps from the sand with stunning ocean views from most rooms. Expect the signature Ritz Carlton service along with multiple restaurants, a full service spa, and easy access to both the airport and Old San Juan. This reopening marks a major milestone in Puerto Rico’s luxury hotel recovery.
Four Seasons Resort Puerto Rico
The biggest hotel news is the stunning Four Seasons Resort and Residences Puerto Rico, which opened in November 2025 in Rio Grande. This 483 acre property features 139 guest rooms, 85 private residences, and two miles of pristine beachfront. Golf lovers will appreciate the 18-hole Robert Trent Jones Jr. course, and foodies will have their pick of 10 different dining concepts.
What makes this property extra special? It’s the only Caribbean resort designated as an Audubon International Signature Sanctuary. Rates start around $1,490 per night, so it’s definitely a splurge, but what a splurge it is!
VERANÓ San Juan
This boutique beauty is slated to open in 2026 as Puerto Rico’s first Leading Hotels of the World property. Located in the heart of Santurce on Avenida Ponce de León, VERANÓ San Juan features just 20 suites in a beautifully converted 1950s office building. This is an adults only property with rates starting around $400 per night.
The rooftop City House restaurant offers stunning views of Condado, Miramar, and Hato Rey along with creative cocktails and Mediterranean inspired cuisine. The intimate scale means personalized service and a quieter alternative to the big beach resorts. It’s perfect for couples seeking a stylish urban escape with easy access to Santurce’s vibrant art galleries and nightlife.
For more options on where to stay, check out our complete Puerto Rico Hotel Guide and our guide to the best Puerto Rico all inclusive resorts!
New Puerto Rico Flights Options
Getting to Puerto Rico just got easier with tons of new flight options!
- JetBlue opened its first crew base outside the continental U.S. at San Juan’s airport in late 2024, adding over 400 jobs and cementing its position as Puerto Rico’s largest airline. This means more flights and better service for travelers.
- Spirit Airlines launched the first ever nonstop Caribbean service from San Antonio in March 2025. Flights operate up to four times weekly year round, opening up Puerto Rico to a whole new market of Texas travelers.
- Frontier Airlines continues expanding from its San Juan crew base with routes to Washington Dulles, Aguadilla to Miami, Puerto Plata, and New York LaGuardia.
- New carriers have also entered the market! Arajet, a Dominican carrier, now connects Santo Domingo and Punta Cana to San Juan. Contour Airlines launched San Juan to St. Maarten service in November 2025, restoring a vital regional link.
- San Juan’s airport now hosts 23 airlines operating routes to approximately 60 destinations worldwide. You’ll find an average of 120+ daily nonstop flights, making it super convenient to reach the island from just about anywhere.
Island Life Tip: With Puerto Rico’s popularity surging, flight prices can climb quickly, especially during peak season from December through April. We recommend booking at least two to three months ahead for the best rates.
Search for great deals on flights here.
Puerto Rico Cruise Port Upgrades 2026
If you’re considering a cruise to Puerto Rico, you’re in for a treat! The San Juan cruise port is undergoing a massive $425 million transformation under a 30 year modernization plan.
The first phase, a $10 million Pier 3 upgrade completed in 2025, now allows the port to accommodate the world’s largest cruise ships, including Royal Caribbean’s Icon class vessels like Star of the Seas. When that ship made its first visit in September 2025, it brought 6,200 passengers and 2,350 crew members, generating approximately $800,000 in economic impact in a single day!
San Juan can now accommodate seven large cruise ships at the same time. Cruise arrivals are projected to reach 1.8 million by 2028.
Major cruise news for 2026
Princess Cruises is homeporting in San Juan through March 2026 with Grand Princess offering 7-night Southern Caribbean itineraries.
Norwegian Prima takes over San Juan homeport duties for 2026 and 2027, while Royal Caribbean is deploying Jewel of the Seas and Vision of the Seas for the upcoming seasons.
Search for great deals on cruises here.
2026 Puerto Rico Events Calendar
World Baseball Classic 2026
Puerto Rico hosts Pool A of the World Baseball Classic from March 6 through 11, 2026, at Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan. The tournament features Puerto Rico, Cuba, Colombia, Panama, and Canada competing for a spot in the next round.
This marks Puerto Rico’s first time hosting the WBC since 2013, and baseball fans are already buzzing with excitement. Full tournament packages are on sale now, with single game tickets available starting December 1.
Miss Universe 2026
In November 2026, San Juan hosts the 75th Diamond Anniversary Miss Universe pageant at José Miguel Agrelot Coliseum. This marks Puerto Rico’s fourth time hosting the prestigious event, following previous pageants in 1972, 1993, and 2001. Fun fact: Puerto Rico has produced five Miss Universe winners over the years!
If you’re planning to attend either event, book your accommodations early. Hotels will fill up fast!
More 2026 Puerto Rico Events
- San Sebastián Street Festival (January 15 through 18, 2026): This is Puerto Rico’s largest festival, drawing over 200,000 attendees to the streets of Old San Juan. Expect live music, delicious food, artisan crafts, and an incredible atmosphere. It’s the perfect way to experience authentic Puerto Rican culture!
- Ponce Carnival (February 12 through 17, 2026): The Carnaval de Ponce is one of the Caribbean’s oldest and most colorful celebrations, featuring the iconic vejigante masks that have been a tradition since 1858. If you want to see Puerto Rican culture at its most vibrant, this is it!
- Casals Festival (Late May through early June 2026): Now in its 68th year, this prestigious classical music festival honors the legacy of cellist Pablo Casals and showcases world class performances throughout San Juan.
- Puerto Rico Wine and Food Festival (April 2026): This culinary celebration at La Concha Resort brings together top chefs, wine experts, and food lovers for an unforgettable gastronomic experience. Perfect for foodies looking to explore Puerto Rico’s incredible [restaurant scene](LINK TO RESTAURANT GUIDE)!
Puerto Rico Travel Requirements In 2026
One of the best things about visiting Puerto Rico? If you’re a U.S. citizen, you don’t need a passport! Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, so traveling there is just like visiting any other state.
- For U.S. Citizens: You just need a valid government issued photo ID. REAL ID compliance is now mandatory for airport security. Make sure your driver’s license has the star symbol indicating it’s REAL ID compliant, or bring an acceptable alternative like a U.S. passport or Global Entry card.
- For International Visitors: Standard U.S. entry requirements apply, including ESTA for Visa Waiver Program countries or appropriate visas. ESTA applications are typically processed within 72 hours, but we recommend applying at least a week before travel. Traditional visa processing can take several months, so plan ahead!
Costs and Fees to Budget For In 2026
Here’s what to factor into your Puerto Rico budget:
- Room Tax: 7% occupancy tax (11% for casino hotels)
- Sales Tax: 10.5% on purchases
- Car Rentals: Approximately 12 to 15% additional taxes on rental cars
- National Park Fees: San Juan National Historic Site (El Morro and San Cristóbal) charges $10 per person. El Yunque National Forest offers free general access, though the El Portal Visitor Center costs $8.
- Good News on Flights: Puerto Rico airports have among the Caribbean’s lowest departure taxes, with no local fees beyond standard federal aviation charges.
Island Life Tip: Many of Puerto Rico’s best experiences are free or low cost! Exploring the beautiful beaches costs nothing, and witnessing the magical bioluminescent bays is an unforgettable experience that won’t break the bank. Focus your splurges on great food and unique accommodations!
Plan Your Puerto Rico Adventure In 2026
With record breaking tourism, stunning new resorts, expanded flight options, and incredible events on the horizon, Puerto Rico is positioned as one of the Caribbean’s must visit destinations for 2026. Whether you’re looking to relax on world class beaches, explore historic Old San Juan, experience the magic of [bioluminescent bays, or indulge in amazing Puerto Rican cuisine, the island has something for everyone.
The best time to book is now, especially if you’re planning around major events like the World Baseball Classic or Miss Universe. Hotels are filling up quickly, and with all the excitement surrounding Puerto Rico, we don’t expect that to slow down anytime soon.
Ready to start planning? Check out our other Puerto Rico guides:
Puerto Rico Beaches Guide | Puerto Rico Hotel Guide | [Puerto Rico Restaurant Guide] | [Best All Inclusive Resorts | Bioluminescent Bay Guide]
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