Recreation

Island Venture Water Excursions (La Guancha, 787/842-8546, www.islandventurepr.com [1]) offers transportation to Caja de Muertos [2] for $20, $25 with lunch; two-tank diving excursions for $65 with lunch; and snorkeling excursions for $35 with lunch). On Friday and Saturday nights it offers sunset tours of the bay from La Guancha [3].

If you’ve got your own boat, Ponce Yacht and Fishing Club (787/842-9003 or 787/840-4388, fax 787/844-1300, nautico [at] coqui [dot] net) is a full-service marina with an enormous activities pavilion, including a bar and restaurant (seafood and Puerto Rican cuisine, daily noon–10 p.m.). Visiting boaters who pay a dockage fee can use the facilities (showers, cafeteria, restaurant, bar). Registration at the office (Mon.–Fri. 8 a.m.–5 p.m., Sat. 8 a.m.–3 p.m.) is required.

Acampa Adventure Tours (1211 Ave. Piñero, San Juan, 787/706-0695, info [at] acampapr [dot] com, www.acampapr.com [4]) offers tours to Isla Caja de Muertos [2] on a 37-foot sailing catamaran that include hikes and snorkeling. It departs from La Guancha [3] pier in Ponce [5].

Costa Caribe Golf and Country Club (Ponce Hilton Golf and Casino Resort, 1150 Ave. Caribe, 787/812-2675, 787/848-1000, or 787/259-7676, www.costacaribe-resort.com [6], www.ponce.hilton.com [7]) is a 27-hole course designed by Bruce Besse on what was once sugarcane fields. It offers spectacular views of the Caribbean and Puerto Rico [8]’s central mountain region. The signature hole is number 12, featuring an island green.

Complejo Turistico El Tuque (3330 Ponce Bypass, Carr. 2, km 220.1, 787/290-2000, fax 787/290-2002, administration [at] eltuque [dot] com, www.eltuque.com [9],) is a one-stop spot for family fun. The Speed and Splash Water Park (June–Aug., $15 adults, $13 children under 12) has a variety of water rides and a wave pool, complete with lifeguards, plus there are a surf shop, a video-game arcade, tube and locker rentals, and a food court.

This is also the site of the newly opened Ponce International Speedway Park (open Tues. and Thurs.), commonly called La Pista’s Tuque, where drivers in the local drag racing circuit compete. The on-site Hotel El Tuque (787/290-2000, hotel [at] eltuque [dot] com, www.eltuque.com [9], $65 and up plus tax) is a modern budget motel with a pool and sports bar.