Is Puerto Rico Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Puerto Rico is generally safe for solo female travelers. The island has a friendly culture, and the locals are usually very helpful and welcoming. The tourist areas, where many amenities and attractions are located, are especially secure. However, like any other destination, it's recommended to take standard safety precautions. Be aware of your surroundings, avoid isolated areas, especially at night, and always keep your belongings secure.

Safety rating

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How safe is Puerto Rico?

Safety at night:

Safety at night:Moderate

Puerto Rico can be reasonably safe provided precautions are taken. This Caribbean island is tourist-friendly, and locals are generally welcoming. However, safety levels may vary based on the area and time of night. Some urban areas like Old San Juan or Condado might be safer due to their high tourist activity, whereas quieter, less frequented areas can have increased safety risks after dark. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid isolated areas and stay in well-lit, populated sectors. Moreover, always trust your instincts, avoid displaying expensive belongings, use reliable transportation, and be aware of your surroundings. Lastly, isolating yourself as a female traveler at night may not be the best option, hence moving in groups is recommended when venturing out after dusk.
Public transportation:

Public transportation:Moderate

Public transportation in Puerto Rico is generally reliable and safe, especially during daylight hours. The main modes of public transportation are buses, the Urban Train (Tren Urbano), and taxis. The buses and train are well-maintained and the routes cover most of the major tourist areas. However, service can be infrequent and unpredictable due to traffic or route diversions. Taxis are a more convenient but pricier option. Always stay alert and be aware of your surroundings, particularly after dark.
Street harassment:

Street harassment:Low

While Puerto Rico is generally welcoming and respectful towards female tourists, occasional incidents can occur. Always stay alert and aware of your surroundings. While catcalling can sometimes occur, most locals are friendly and helpful. Still, it's recommended to ignore any unwelcome approaches and continue on your way.
Petty crimes:

Petty crimes:Moderate

Puerto Rico is generally safe but petty crimes like pickpocketing and purse snatching do occur, particularly in busy tourist areas and crowded places. Being vigilant about your belongings and avoiding flashy displays of wealth can significantly reduce the likelihood of becoming a target.

Is Puerto Rico worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.4 /5

based on 25 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.5/5

Safety

4.3/5

Food

4.3/5

Budget-friendly

3.7/5

Puerto Rico, Solo travel

I stayed in several areas of Puerto Rico; from Rio Grande (near El Yunque, one of the world’s largest rainforests), Old San Juan, Miramar, Condado, Rio Piedras to Carolina. My favorite area out of all was Rio Grande-I stayed behind Coco Beach Reserve, which has a PGA Golf course. Puerto Rico overall is absolutely gorgeous, many beaches around and amazing stuff to do and see. However, the food is on the bland side (at least for me) but freshness is usually top tier. I prefer shopping and cooking at home. It is quite expensive-expect to spend anywhere from $50 and up a meal. Ubers are inexpensive if you’re in an area you can get a ride. Otherwise, you’ll need to rent a car-that and gas can add up quickly. People are generally friendly and helpful. I never once felt unsafe or worried; again use common sense when traveling and do listen to the locals about where and where not to go. I think everyone should visit at least once, given the opportunity.

Posted: August 26, 2024
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Monica

Monica

United States

San Juan, Family travel

The Condado area felt very safe. We stayed at an Airbnb on the beach. It was nice but my son got bed bugs from the sofa bed. I would recommend renting a car. We went to Old San Juan which was beautiful and renting jet skis. We went to sit down restaurants throughout the trip and it got very expensive. Food is overpriced.

Posted: August 20, 2024
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Mariangel

Mariangel

United States

San Juan, Solo travel

SAN Juan was my first official solo travel (with no friends in the destination) and it was incredible fun. Never felt more safe than in San Juan, puertorricans are kind and respectful, they take care of their tourist and travelers, they’re open to share local gems and tips. You have a bunch of different activities where to choose and it’s definitely a piece of paradise in the earth. I made amazing friends, I would do it again a million times

Posted: August 8, 2024
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San Juan PR, Group travel

San Juan Puerto Rico has some of the most beautiful beaches and hiking spots. The locals were super friendly and most people there speak English. If you stick to well lit populated areas you should be more than safe at night. I wouldn’t recommend going to alley ways or dark areas in some of the less touristy areas. The less touristy areas were a bit sketchy but overall I felt very safe for the most part.

Posted: July 27, 2024
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Leslie

Leslie

United States

Puerto Rico, Family travel

My eldest Son ( and his large family) took me on a completely paid for all inclusive vacation to Puerto Rico. We had a blast. My youngest Granddaughters and I shared a room and that was great. There's a lot to do if you love the beach and hiking or any outdoor activities. My Son's friend caught a baby Iguana!! There were crabs around the resort pools. Our resort was on the beach. There was a huge iron fence separating the resort from public beach. I was very surprised at people sleeping on beach and even the sidewalks in town! I found out from a policeman on bicycle that it was legal but if they manhandled anyone they got kicked out. We had delicious food and tried their native Mofongo and tostones. I didn't care for either! My Son tried to eat all of his with a funny looking expression! LOL. But their homemade chocolate cake and lasagna was delicious! I felt fat as I was starving and ate too much. We saw wild horses, and the beaches weren't crowded at all. We usually had the pool and beach to ourselves. We stayed Monday thru Saturday. It got more busy on Saturday. The shops were reasonably priced. The food a little high. I didn't get to go to any clubs as I babysit. If you get the chance, go !!

Posted: June 27, 2024Experienced: June, 2020
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Puerto Rico, Family travel

Went to puerto rico in october 2023. We didn't stay in san Juan. We left and went to Isabela! Spent 7 days. It was incredible. The food the vibe the people. The beaches are incredible in puerto rico. And are very underrated. Highly recommend a trip there. & plus no passport needed.

Posted: June 24, 2024Experienced: October, 2023
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Puerto Rico, Couple travel

I loved Puerto Rico and hope to return one day. I stayed on the Condado and found that lodging is very affordable in this area, however, food can be a little spendy in my opinion (especially for the quality). I never felt unsafe for my entire trip and even felt safe combing the little beach area at night. I absolutely loved sitting by the lagoon in the evening and by the ocean at sunrise. I really enjoyed taking a day trip to El Yunque and another day trip to Luquillo. The beach in Luquillo was beautiful and had plenty of amenities with a variety of food and beverages. Despite all the attractions, the beach was still absolutely serine and peaceful. I ate an empanada that I still think about almost a month later. The flakiness was to die for.

Posted: February 23, 2024
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San Juan, Solo travel

I visit Puerto Rico quite frequently. It’s a gorgeous island with so much to do and I feel safer in Puerto Rico than I do in my home city in the states honestly. When you visit definitely check out other cities and beaches outside of San Juan

Posted: February 20, 2024
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Zhou

Zhou

United States

Puerto Rico, Group travel

My trip to Puerto Rico last December was mostly fantastic, but I’ve got some tips to share. It’s generally safe for solo travelers, except for Old San Juan (OSJ) at night. I wouldn’t recommend women going out alone there after dark due to some incidents. The abundance of bars can make things a bit risky. Safety first! Now, let’s talk food. Prices in Puerto Rico, especially in OSJ, are more like New York – not the cheapest. The food? Well, it’s decent, not mind-blowing. However, don’t leave without trying the local gem – the pina colada. It’s a must! Venturing to Vieques Island is an awesome choice. Try horse riding and explore the Black Sand Beach – totally worth it. Quick tip: calling an Uber there is a challenge. Either drive yourself or rely on local drivers to explore the cool spots. Happy travels!

Posted: January 16, 2024
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Maddie

Maddie

Switzerland

San Juan, Group travel

Clean beaches, stunning sunsets, and lots of character in places like Old Town and Condado and many more await in San Juan. *COLLEGE SPRING BREAK: I went with a group of 10 for spring break. Flights are more expensive than Florida (for US travelers), but much cheaper than any international destination, but you still feel like you’re out of the US. *LANGUAGE: Spanish is dominant, but most people speak English. *PRICE: food, drinks, etc… in San Juan are pretty comparable (if not slightly cheaper) than US restaurants in mid-size towns. *ACCOMMODATIONS: we got an Airbnb for 10 for the same price as a mid to low quality one in Florida. It was two penthouse apartments in a condo in Condado right on the beach with great views. Only downside: lots of construction outside, but can’t really help that. Our place was very clean and spacious and our host was very friendly and recommended a lot of things to try. *EXCURSIONS: make sure you visit the Old Fort, and then spend a day exploring vendors and shops in Old Town. If you have time, book a day trip to the rainforest; I didn’t go but some of my friends did, and it’s my biggest regret from the trip. All in all, I will return to San Juan someday (and finally see the rainforest). It has so much to offer, and I find it much more unique than US beach destinations, but still similar enough that you don’t struggle to get around.

Posted: January 8, 2024
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Is Puerto Rico safe for women?

Safety index

3.4 /5

Based on 5 local experiences

Crime index

1.7 /5

Based on 5 local experiences

Heidy

Heidy

Puerto Rico

San Juan is a fairly safe place. There are also very safe towns like Rincon, Vieques, and Culebra. Using Uber is a safe mode of transportation that I recommend. Old San Juan is a quite safe area where there are always police, and you can walk alone at night. Still, it's always good to be cautious.

Posted: January 9, 2025
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Las Piedras

In las piedras Puerto Rico there’s nothing to do I will say that rob is medium but if you go to San Juan la Perla there’s a bit more dangerous areas than over here in la isla, I feel comfortable the majority of the time

Posted: January 9, 2025
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Meet locals in Puerto Rico

Pam

Pam

About Me

Hi, I'm Native from Puero rico and I speak English and Spanish

Speaking

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Karina

Karina

About Me

Hello! I'm a 25 year old girl still searching for her place in the world but I know for sure that travelling is one of the few things in life that gets me so excited. I love planning trips, and discovering new places and getting to know new people even though I'm still working with my introverted side.

Speaking

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Stay with locals in Puerto Rico

Pam

Pam

Puerto Rico

Can host for:

7 days

About me

Hi, I'm Native from Puero rico and I speak English and Spanish

Speaking

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Daryanis

Daryanis

Puerto Rico

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Him I’m just a girl that want to solo travel and make new besties 😊

Speaking

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Upcoming visitors to Puerto Rico

Cerali

Cerali

About Me

A curious soul with wings, wandering the world and unraveling the mysteries of the cosmic universe, one adventure at a time ✨

Speaking

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Brandy

Brandy

About Me

My name is Brandy! Canadian born and of Jamaican descent. I love travelling and a good solo date which has naturally lead me to solo travel. I love good food, music/dancing and learning about different cultures.

Speaking

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Safety in Puerto Rico