This information is important for being prepared for your journey; we want you to have the best experience possible. If you only read one section, this one is key!
Ahead of Your Tour
- U.S. citizens must have a valid US state Real ID drivers license or ID card. A U.S. Passport is not required, but is recommended. See the "Passport, Visas and Documentation" section below for details. If you are from another country, please contact your embassy’s website for guidelines.
- No visas are required for U.S. citizens to enter Puerto Rico.
- Please check current CDC recommendations for travel to Puerto Rico and consult with your doctor about general travel vaccinations you should have as precaution for travel. See the “General Health and Inoculations” section below.
- Travel insurance in case of serious medical emergency is strongly recommended. Full health coverage and repatriation is available through Allianz Travel Insurance.
- Soft sided luggage/duffel bags are easiest for packing the vans. Pack essential medications in your carry-on luggage, as well as one day of clothing and optics in case of luggage delay.
Passports, Visas & Documents
Guidelines and regulations can change. It is always advisable to double-check documentation requirements for your trip 60-90 days ahead of traveling.
Photo ID: To enter Puerto Rico, you will need a valid, U.S. government-issued photo Real ID to board your flight. Acceptable Forms of ID: A driver's license or state-issued ID card is typically sufficient.
Real ID Compliance: Beginning May 7, 2025, U.S. travelers need a REAL ID-compliant license or another accepted form of ID to board domestic flights, including to US Territories like Puerto Rico. Check if your driver's license has a star marking, which indicates it is REAL ID-compliant.
Passport: U.S. citizens do not need a passport to travel to Puerto Rico, as it is a U.S. territory. That said, carrying your passport is always a good idea when leaving the states in case of unforeseen circumstances. Your passport must be in good condition and valid from date of entry into until exit from Puerto Rico. However, we highly suggest at least 3 months validity beyond the end of the tour to allow for unexpected delays in return travel. If you are from another country, please contact the tour destination’s embassy website for guidelines.
Visas: A tourist visa is not required for US citizens to enter Puerto Rico.
Additional: You will need proof of a return ticket. We also advise that you bring your contact list of hotels in case that information is needed.
*As a precaution for lost or misplaced documents you carry on your person during travel, we highly recommend you keep hard and digital backup copies on your phone (either photo or PDF scan), as well as a hard copy left with your emergency contact at home. The recommended important documents to copy include, but are not limited to; your passport ID page, travel visa, the front and back of your credit card(s), the airline barcode on your luggage. This will greatly expedite getting new ones if necessary – we hope everyone will always keep travel documents close so that losing them will not be an issue.
General Health & Inoculations – Be Prepared!
Health requirements for entry to any country can change. It is always advisable to double-check the health requirements and recommendations for your tour destination 60-90 days ahead of traveling. A helpful website for planning is the CDC recommendations for travel to Puerto Rico or you may contact them by phone, (800) CDC-INFO or (800) 232-4636.
We will share your health information with your guide. This information will be kept confidential but is very important as we want to be best prepared in case of medical emergency.
Vaccinations: Bring your up-to-date vaccination records with you. If you are traveling from a country with yellow fever risk, proof of a yellow fever vaccination will most likely be required. Otherwise, at the time of writing there were no other required vaccinations to enter Puerto Rico, but the CDC recommends that all travelers be up to date with routine vaccinations and basic travel vaccines (such as Hepatitis A and Typhoid) before traveling to any destination. Please check with your doctor for recommendations at least 4-6 weeks before departing on your trip in case there are any that require follow-up inoculations or time to become effective before your departure.
Prescriptions: It is a good idea to pack any meds you take regularly in your carry-on luggage. Bring an extra pair of your prescription glasses or contact lenses. Bring an adequate supply of any prescription medications you use, a copy of the prescription and a list of generic names of your medicines as “back-up” in case it is necessary to purchase drugs while abroad. Your doctor may also recommend some prescription medications to bring with you to treat possible illnesses that might occur, depending on your destination, such as an anti-malarial medication or an antibiotic. You’ll want to keep all medications in their original, labeled containers.
Allergies: To be prepared for environmental triggers to allergies or breathing difficulties, please bring your allergy and/or asthma medication(s). If you have severe allergies talk to your doctor about carrying an EPI pen and notify your guides. It is also recommended to carry with you an up-to-date record of known allergies, chronic medical problems and Medic Alerts so that, if necessary, emergency treatment can be carried out without endangering your health.
Common Ailments: We recommend that you bring a travel-sized first aid kit and a supply of standard over-the-counter medications for prevention or treatment of common ailments (such as diarrhea, constipation, stomach upset, cough, congestion, head or body aches, motion sickness, insect bites and sunburn); as well as ointments, moisturizer, sunscreen, oral rehydration salts, band-aids, moleskin for blisters, cotton swabs, nail clippers, and tweezers, etc.
Weather & Climate
January in Puerto Rico is during the dry season, offering pleasant, warm temperatures and minimal rainfall. Expect average temps around 66°F with plenty of sunshine and low humidity, especially in the mornings and evenings. The sea temperature in January is aroung 79°F, making it comfortable for swimming.
You may want to check your favorite weather information website for forecasts and predictions closer to your date of travel. Visit https://www.climatestotravel.com for an overview.
Annoyances & Hazards
Mosquito and tick-borne illness: Puerto Rico has a significant mosquito problem, with frequent outbreaks of mosquito-borne diseases like Dengue fever, Zika, and Chikungunya. The island is actively working to control mosquito populations and prevent the spread of diseases. Travelers should reduce their risk of mosquito and/or tick-borne diseases by protecting themselves from bites using protective clothing, insect repellant (containing DEET, Picaridin, OLE, etc.) and prophylactics where applicable. Check the CDC and with your doctor to see whether you should consider anti-malarial medication. For repellent permeated clothing, see Packing List for our recommendations. See the “CDC Yellow Book: Health Information for International Travel” website for more information: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/yellowbook-home.
At grassland or farm locations you may encounter chiggers; if so, spray your shoes with repellent, and tuck your pants into your socks. When back for the day, be sure to shower and air out your clothing. Chiggers are a part of lowland and mid-elevation habitats throughout Central and South America. Your guide should have a good read on if it has been wet enough that they are active.
Do listen carefully to any advice given by your local guide regarding poisonous snakes, insects or flora.
Remember the sun is strong and be prepared with proper protection.
Food & Drinks
Menus at lodges and restaurants are varied, sustainably based on the wonderful local ingredients available, and delightfully prepared in a sanitary environment. As with any case when traveling we urge you to consider what your body is used to before you eat something. Trust your common sense when consuming food and beverages. This is the best way to avoid any unwanted problems. Ask for recommendations from your hotel or refer to a guidebook such as Frommers.
Bottled water will be available for field trips and drinking water is provided for you to refill a bottle. One of the many ways we strive to do our part for the environment is by trying to reduce our consumption of plastics; if convenient we appreciate if you can bring reusable water bottles. Your guide will let you know when bottled water is preferable.
Packing, Clothing & Laundry
Please pack light! We are serious about this – we move around a lot; you just do not need much to cope with tropical life! Please do not bring anything more than you must.
Pack using soft-sided luggage, if at all possible, with ID tags inside and out. Please reconfirm your airline’s baggage weight and size restrictions about a week or so before departure.
TRAVEL TIP: Imagine NOT getting your suitcase. Wear your most important shoes for the field and have one day’s clothing change (including a change of underwear!). And please, DO NOT pack any essential medications or vital optics (i.e. glasses, binoculars) in your checked luggage!
Dress is comfortable and informal throughout the trip. While some people will change for dinner, it is usually just to a drier or cleaner version of what they wore during the day. Dressing in layers is the best way to be comfortable. Choose clothing you don’t mind getting dirty or muddy and things that are comfortable and easy to launder and dry out.
Laundry services can be arranged at some of our hotels, those where you have multiple nights. But be prepared to hand launder if you need to.
See “Packing List” tab for detailed information regarding this tour and further recommendations.
Spending Money
Puerto Rico uses the US dollar (USD) as their only currency.
We advise you carry a mix of different types of payments, such as cash, an ATM card, and more than one type of credit card.
If using the ATM to withdrawal cash, if not already familiar with how to use your ATM card and PIN number, educate yourself ahead of the journey.
We suggest you have more than one card available, if possible. You may want to bring more than one brand of card (VISA and Mastercard are commonly accepted; Amex and Discover are less common). Don't expect that every shop will accept a credit card. Some smaller shops and restaurants, or taxis require cash, so it is always a good idea to ask before making a purchase. Also, we recommend that you advise your bank or credit card company that you will be traveling abroad to avoid questions, card freezes, or charges.
Traveler’s checks are not widely accepted. They can be difficult to exchange. We do not advise you use them.
Gratuities
All tips [other than your NJ guide (optional) and local guide] are included in the cost of the tour (this includes tips for your driver, lodge and staff, day activities, meals and other services). If you would like to show your appreciation to your NJ guide(s), it is entirely appropriate, though completely at your discretion. Know that they appreciate anything you care to give and of course you can do more if you wish! A standard suggested tip for your tour guide is US $10.00 - $15.00 per day per guest. Note: If there is more than one guide, this can be split among them.
Cell Phones & Internet Service
Your guide is well connected and can help if any urgent communication need arises. However, it is highly recommended that you travel with a cell phone, if only as a precaution for the unfortunate occurrence of a medical emergency during an outing and needing swift accessibility to critical personal or medical contacts.
Major US carriers like Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T offer seamless coverage in Puerto Rico, similar to using your phone in any other US state, meaning your regular domestic plan will work without roaming charges.
Putting your phone in airplane mode if you mainly use it for photos will help save battery.
Our hotel and lodges provide Wi-Fi at least in their common areas unless stated otherwise. Although it is generally a reliable service, it can be affected by adverse weather conditions if you are in a remote location.
Please refrain from taking or making cell phone calls in the vehicles when traveling with other passengers, unless it appears to be an emergency. This disrupts other guests; plan on cell phone call use on your own time.
Electricity
In Puerto Rico, the standard power outlets are Type A and Type B, which are the same as in the United States. This means that most US plugs will fit directly into the outlets without needing an adapter. If you bring electronics that have power cords with 3-prongs, you may want to bring a 2-3 prong adapter(s) just in case a Type B (3-prong) receptacle is not near where you need it.
Time
Puerto Rico uses Atlantic Standard Time throughout the year, with no Daylight Saving Time, due to how close it is to the Equator. Check https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/puerto-rico before leaving home for your conversion.
Questions?
Please contact Naturalist Journeys by email at clientservices@naturalistjourneys.com or telephone at our office: (520) 558-1146 or toll free: (866) 900-1146 if you have any questions. Many thanks for traveling with us and we hope you enjoy your journey!
Pace of the Tour & What to Expect
You will receive a Schedule-at-a-Glance and list of hotels (our eContact List) a few weeks before your departure. This will serve as an outline for each day and alert you to any recent changes made in the schedule or to our hotels, if needed.
Our journeys are set up to follow the rhythm of nature. Our focus is on birding and nature; we offer full, well-planned field days and often get up early for that magical time around dawn. We generally follow the published itinerary, but we stay flexible to the weather, wildlife opportunities and the interests of the group. Your guide will keep you apprised of the next day’s schedule at each evening meal, noting what to bring and what to prepare for. Questions and/or concerns are welcome.
The pace of our Naturalist Journeys tours is moderate; to fully participate you should be able to get in and out of vehicles several times a day, and walk 1-3 miles over uneven terrain. It is important to participate with a flexible attitude as adjustments may be made in our schedule to make the most of our time in the field or for other purposes at your guide's discretion. We are not a “listing” bird company that drills down on target species, but at times we do wait for those special species unique to the places we visit. During the day, we take time to stop for photos and for educational opportunities to learn about conservation projects, landscapes, and geology. We appreciate other taxa as well as birds, with mammals often the biggest draw but plants and butterflies are also very popular. Our clients often lend their own expertise to the mix.
We like to make meals a fun and memorable part of the experience, too. Breakfasts are often at hotels, and we carry snacks, fruit, and water in the vans each day. Lunches are a mix of picnics in the field (weather dependent) and a chance to dine with locals at small cafes and restaurants. For dinner, we pride ourselves in our homework to keep up with the best choices for dining, choosing restaurants with atmosphere that specialize in local foods. On occasion we keep dinner simple to go back out in the field for sunset wildlife viewing or night walks. In some remote locations, our choices are limited. If you are tired, room service for dinner may be an option you can choose.
Naturalist Journeys International Trips: Guide Role
Naturalist Journeys supports ecotourism and the development of excellent local guides. Once we know our international partners and guides well, we can send out small groups working directly with these trusted partners, adding a Naturalist Journeys guide to assist the local expert when we have a group of 6-7 or more. This helps us keep your costs down while retaining tour quality. The local guide is your main guide. You can expect your Naturalist Journeys guide to be well-researched and often they are experienced in the destination, but their role is not to be primary, it is to help to organize logistics, help you find birds, mammals, and interesting other species in the field, keep reports, help facilitate group interactions, and to keep the trip within Naturalist Journeys' style. Local guides live in the countries we travel to, know the destinations intimately, and are often the strongest force for conservation in their countries. They open many doors for us to have a rich experience.
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted in any vehicle or in any situation where the group is participating in an activity together, such as a vehicle excursion or a guided walk. Please respect all designated smoking areas at hotels and restaurants.
Transportation
As a courtesy to each other, we ask that all travelers please rotate seating. On international trips we may all be in one small bus, on some trips we are in vans, particularly the roomy Sprinter Vans when available. Some areas require us to be in smaller 4-wheel drive or safari vehicles. Rotation allows you to sit with different drivers and alternate front and back seating.
Photo Release & Sharing
We take many group photos and will share photos with the group. And after your tour, we will organize a chance to share photos via Dropbox or Google Photos. Please note that this is our policy and if you prefer to be excluded, we need to know ahead of your tour.
By registering for this tour, you agree to grant to Naturalist Journeys and its authorized representatives’ permission to record on photography film and/or video, pictures of my participation in the tour. You further agree that any or all of the material photographed may be used, in any form, as part of any future publications, brochure, or other printed materials used to promote Naturalist Journeys, and further that such use shall be without payment of fees, royalties, special credit or other compensation.
Travel Insurance
You are traveling in remote areas. Naturalist Journeys strongly recommends you have full medical and evacuation insurance from a company such as Allianz, for all international travel. If you do not have medical coverage or evacuation coverage on your existing travel insurance policy or for some reason elected not to take that out, we advise getting an evacuation plan with Global Rescue, World Nomads, Medjet, Allianz (they can do evacuation only) or a similar company. These plans are typically $300-$400 for a year for multiple destinations. This coverage may be a part of a larger Travel Insurance policy but can also be purchased on its own.
Questions?
Please contact Naturalist Journeys by email at clientservices@naturalistjourneys.com or telephone our office: (520) 558-1146 or toll free: (866) 900-1146 if you have any questions. Many thanks for traveling with us and we hope you enjoy your journey.
Please Pack Light!
Soft luggage is much easier for us to pack than a more rigid hard sided piece, so if you have the choice, please use your soft luggage. Be sure to have your name and address on the inside of the bag, as well as on the luggage tag on the handle. It is our hope that you can pack in one checked bag that does not exceed 45 pounds. Please reconfirm your airline’s baggage weight and size restrictions about a week or so before departure.
TRAVEL TIP: Imagine NOT getting your checked luggage upon arrival. Travel wearing your most important shoes for the field and have one day’s clothing change (including a change of underwear!). And please, DO NOT pack any essential medications, vital optics (binoculars, camera, eye-glasses), or essential travel documents in your checked luggage! Pack these and other essential items in your carry-on bag and on your person (i.e. under-garment pouch). You will want a day pack for field trips, so this makes an ideal carry-on.
Pack clothing that is appropriate for the anticipated temperatures and conditions. See the "Weather & Climate" section under "Essential Information" for general seasonal climate info for the date of this tour. In addition, you may check your preferred weather app closer to departure to get a better idea of the weather to expect.
Dress is comfortable and informal throughout the trip. Dressing in layers is the best way to be comfortable as temperatures vary during the days and nights. Lightweight long sleeve shirts and long pants make ideal field clothing as they are more protective from sun, vegetation and pests. But by all means bring some shorts if you prefer to include them in your layering. Quick-dry fabrics are ideal. Also, choose clothing you don’t mind getting dirty or muddy and things that are loose-fitting, comfortable, and easy to layer and launder. A lightweight and waterproof outer layer is essential as well as comfortable hiking footwear. It is important to have a warm jacket if the tour includes higher elevations.
Treating your clothing to better protect you from insects: It is possible to purchase Permethrin spray (online or from REI) to treat your field clothing and socks before your departure. Another approach is to purchase field clothing permeated with insect repellent such as the Craghoppers Insect Shield collection.
Note on clothing colors: We recommend muted colors of tan, brown, khaki, grey or green, as they are spotted less easily than white or bright colors, though camouflage clothing is not recommended.
Clothing & Gear
- Lightweight long pants, 2 pair
- Lightweight long-sleeved shirts – 2 or 3
- Shorts (optional)
- T-shirts or equivalent (1 per every other day recommended – remember that you may be buying some there anyway!)
- Personal underclothing
- Socks – long enough to tuck your pants into – lightweight and easy to wash and dry
- Comfortable walking/hiking shoes such as tennis shoes
- Lightweight hiking boots. Please note that forest trails will be on uneven terrain and may be muddy – good tread and support are essential!
- Sandals for evenings and travel days (optional, TEVA style are great)
- Lightweight raincoat or poncho (or lightweight, water-resistant shell jacket)
- Lightweight jacket or lightweight sweater, fleece fabric is ideal
- Comfortable clothes for evening (a cleaner version of your field clothes or a skirt, sundress, etc.)
- Bathing suit (optional)
- Hat with broad brim
- Bandana (optional, great for cooling off when you are hot and sweaty. They even make them with a gel inside for several hours of cooling)
- Field vest (optional), a great source is Big Pockets
Equipment & Miscellaneous
- Photo identification - Real ID
- Airline tickets or E-ticket verification
- Travel insurance info
- Money & credit cards
- A secure pouch to carry the items above on your person at all times (such as a secure, under-clothing document pouch)
- As a backup: copies of all the above (phone and/or paper) packed in a separate location than on your person, plus a set given to your emergency contact at home as a backup. For passport, copy of the ID and entry stamp pages.
- Small daypack or fanny pack for carrying your field gear
- Binoculars
- Cell phone and charger
- Camera and charger/extra batteries, memory cards/film, lens cleaning supplies and instruction manual (optional)
- Spotting scope and tripod (optional – guide will have them)
- Tablet/laptop for personal use and/or transferring photos, USB stick, USB cord and charger (optional).
- Rechargeable power bank (optional)
- 2-to-3 prong adapter if needed
- Umbrella – compact and not brightly colored (optional)
- Walking stick – we find that many travelers appreciate a walking stick on trails - sporting goods stores carry collapsible models that pack easily in your suitcase (optional)
- Headlamp or small flashlight with fresh batteries
- Alarm clock, or use your cell phone
- Sunscreen (waterproof)/lip balm with SPF
- Sunglasses with neck strap
- Insect repellent (something containing DEET, and sulphur powder or other for chiggers if you can find it)
- Toiletry articles
- Water bottle (or plan to refill one bought on location)
- Notebook or journal and pen (optional)
- Field guides (optional)
- Laundry soap if you plan to do hand washing (consider laundry soap "sheets" that pack flat, and are lightweight and environmentally friendly)
- Earplugs (optional)
- Snorkeling gear if at a beach lodge (available on sight as a rental, additional cost. If a regular snorkeler, you will want to bring your own mask and snorkel, perhaps rent fins)
- A collapsible airplane footrest (such as an inflatable, foldable, or hammock type) may help make longer flights more comfortable. Some airlines may have restrictions, so confirm with your airline which types are allowed and where they may be not allowed, i.e. bulkhead or exit rows (optional)
WE DO NOT RECOMMEND TRAVELING WITH PRECIOUS OR VALUABLE JEWELRY – don’t tempt anyone and don’t bring things you’d regret losing - your mind will be at ease!
Medical & First Aid
- Heath insurance and vaccination information (kept in personal pouch with other travel documents)
- Motion sickness preventatives if likely to be needed on bus, van, drives, etc.
Personal medication
- Personal first aid kit and medications for general ailments (Imodium or Lomotil, antihistamine cream or tablets,eye drops, etc.)
- Copy of eyeglass prescription, copy of medical prescriptions, and any medical alerts
- Extra pair of eyeglasses or contacts
- Band-aids, moleskin to protect against blisters
- Antibacterial hand sanitizer, small vial