H and J Island Adventures - Yunque Rainforest, Puerto Rico Tours & Transport — Local services in Fajardo

Five stars does not do justice for the amazing El Yunque tour that Jose of H&J Island Adventures provided. It was possibly the best thing we did on the island, and that's saying a lot considering how much fun we had in Puerto Rico. He (and Heidi) went way above and beyond what I'd expect. They felt more like family than a tour company.

Jose was super knowledgeable, kind, funny, and patient. My kids (ages 7 and 10) felt super comfortable with him. To my amazement he got my kid that is normally hesitant to do new/intimidating things to participate in all of the possible activities (water rock slide, jumping off rock cliffs, and rope swing into the water!!) - and without any sort of pressuring. I think Jose's calm confidence was contagious and my kids trusted him immediately.

H&J start their tour really early, and that turned out to be an excellent thing that I can't stress enough. For the vast majority of our time in El Yunque, we were the only group in sight. We had the whole rain forest to ourselves. That meant we didn't have to share any of the super-fun water features, and could take our time. We got to do the rock slide, rock jumps, and rope swing multiple times and at our own pace. I didn't realize how spoiled we were until other groups started showing up.

Jose brought water bags along to store anything we needed, and after handing over our phone to him early in the trip, he would (without prompting) take it out often and take photos or video of key moments which was super nice for the memory book. He even knew to take slow-mo video when we did things like jumping off the rocks. I didn't realize until afterward how wonderful it was to have had him capture so many great moments.

The lunch stop after was delicious too. Whenever I travel, I love having someone local bring us to a place that I'd otherwise never know to go to, so that was a great bonus.

Last but definitely not least, we took the tour on the final day of our stay in Puerto Rico, so we had already checked out of our lodging. When we explained this to Heidi and Jose, they went way above and beyond my expectations to help us get cleaned up and on our way - even insisting that my kids pick out extra snacks for the plane ride.

Upon leaving, both my kids gave Heidi and Jose big hugs, and my daughter asked if we could send them postcards from home. They truly felt like...

My husband and I went on a tour with Jose today and it was the most INCREDIBLE experience of our whole trip to Puerto Rico! He picked us up early at our hotel and then took us to this incredible breakfast spot where I had this oatmeal that was like a slice of Heaven and my husband had a breakfast sandwich that was delicious! Along the way to the rainforest Jose showed us some of the favorite spots Heidi and him love to go all while sharing incredible stories ! When we got to the rainforest we were met by some incredible dogs named Bingo, Benji and Sasha who were the cutest things! Blackie, the other dog joined us a little later on the trail. Since it was so early we were the only ones in the forest and the beauty and tranquility was unparalleled, Heidi and Jose know what they are doing when they start this journey so early! You have a few hours to enjoy the solitude of the rainforest before all of the other people arrive! Jose was so knowledgeable about everything in the forest, showing us healing plants and telling us the history of it all. He made sure we were safe climbing up and down the rocks as we got to the most incredible water slide and water falls. We got to swim in the rainforest pools and dive into crisp clean waters! There really aren’t enough words to describe the beauty of this place, it is truly a spiritual experience! Jose made this experience so incredible, and Heidi has been a constant support as I had so many questions about our trip! After spending a couple hours of pure bliss we headed back out just as the swarms of people began pouring in- thank you Jose for the early call❤️!! Jose then took us to lunch where we once again had the most incredible food , and I left with a box full of delicious pastries! Along the way home Jose went out of his way to take us thru areas of interest and continued to share his vast knowledge of all the special spots to see and visit. H and J ISLAND ADVENTURES are more than a tour company, they are like family who welcome you with open and loving arms! I was sad when we pulled up to the hotel because it meant our time with Jose was over, but we will be back next year and our first call will be to Heidi and Jose! If 20 Stars could be given I would do that times ten!!! Serena...

This tour is far superior than any other rainforest tour you will get! It is unique, family oriented, and filled with a deep desire to share the sacred place that is El Yunque! The instructions from the host is a bit confusing--but let me clarify. DO NOT wear a bathing suit! (I finally get this instruction). Women--wear bike shorts and a sports bra with a work out top and tennis shoes with good traction. Guys--I guess you could technically wear your swim shorts (long) and a work out shirt with tennis shoes with traction. You are walking through a rainforest and get ankle high in thick mud. You are trecking through some rocks where you are expected to climb. H&J give you a helmet and life vest that you are required to wear. It makes sense with where you are jumping from (20 feet!) and climbing through rocks. Now the tour--you get picked up around 6 am if not earlier! This is KEY--as they take you to a lovely breakfast. Eat it! Then drive you to the rain forest where you are the FIRST ONES inside. Jose was amazing--loving, spiritual, informative, and overall the BEST person to take us on this journey. We trecked through the forest and it was just Jose, my husband and I, and another family of 3 people. It felt like we were the only ones--and it was b.c we were! By the time we got to the fresh natural springs, we were diving in, jumping in, swing from tree ropes, and sliding down rock formations before anyone else arrived! As soon as we were done (about 2.5 hours into the tour), hundreds of people started arriving with other tour groups. Those people in other groups were ill prepared--in swim suits and flip flops! NO NO NO! We headed out of the forest, just as hundreds trickled in and it wouldn't have been the same waiting in line like that in such a beatiful place in nature. At the end of the tour, Jose took us back to his home! How quaint and thoughtful. We changed into dry clothes and he showed us his lovely garden. He then took us to lunch (that was on us) and then back to our hotel. 1000% I'd recommend this tour!!! Usually Heidi comes along with, but she was unable to. She did call us and has the warmest heart! You can tell Heidi just wants to make you feel like family! Worth it! Experience...