Zip-lining: Puerto Rico adventures continued

Zip-lining coming out of the rainforest

Zip-lining  to the next stop!

Activity: Zip-lining in Puerto Rico Rainforest & Butterfly/Bird Habitat

Rating: 4.3 of 5 stars

Website: http://canopytourpr.com/

Cost: $125/pp via website for three hours including pick up. Discounted tickets available through hotel booking

Details: The tour started in the animal habitat. We saw a variety of colorful parrots (white, green, red, etc.) that were friendly, but not enough to touch. There was also a butterfly room before entering the bird sanctuary which was larger than expected.

From the animal habitat we took a short trip in a cable car to the top of the jungle. We had already put on the equipment including harness and helmut so we were ready to go from as soon as we arrived at the top. 

There were a total of 10-12 zip lines with the last one being the fastest. Some were rather short and others were slower and longer. Based on your body weight and how well you listen to directions you could go faster or slower. 

There was no real trick except to know when to slow yourself down as you approached the platform. If you stopped too early you had to pull yourself to the platform (annoying, but not too challenging). If you did not slow down then the assistant on the other end would catch you or pull down the rope to slow you down (see video). 

This experience felt very safe, actually much safer than my first attempt in Costa Rica where they let customers fly upside down. I missed that part, but I guess not everyone is a thrill seeker. 

Recommended for: All ages that are not afraid of heights. 

Living the yacht life on a budget

Activity: Boating in Puerto Rico

Rating: 5 of 5 stars

Website: http://castillotours.com/index.html

Cost:  ~$90/per person including pick up at hotel, lunch, drinks, boat ride, and drop off at hotel

Details: We booked this group package through our hotel La Concha during our stay in Puerto Rico. We went to celebrate our friend who was getting married and we wanted to do a group activity, but it was difficult coordinating with something that everyone could enjoy at a reasonable price. Then we read the details on the all day boating experience.

The process was convenient because they picked us up at the hotel on time. We arrived at a dock, selected fins, and paid the remainder of our tickets (after deposit at hotel). While on the boat the crew immediately offered us beverages as we set sail. Although the weather started off with a drizzle, by the end of the day it was warm enough to enjoy the water. The boat included lunch and unlimited drinks. Customers could chose to relax on or off the boat or snorkel during the two stops.  My group snorkeled and then had fun attempting an underwater photo shoot!

Overall, I had a great experience and the staff was friendly (including the guy waving at the end of the video). 

Recommended for: couples, young adults, friend groups, birthday party