LOCAL TOURS & EXPERIENCES
Make the most of your conference experience by exploring all that Puerto Rico has to offer!
Enhance your conference experience by exploring the natural beauty and conservation efforts that make Puerto Rico such a unique destination. Our curated selection of local tours and experiences offers opportunities to step beyond the meeting rooms and engage directly with the landscapes, ecosystems, and species that inspire marine mammal science.
Visit the renowned Centro de Conservación de Manatíes del Caribe for an inside look at manatee rehabilitation and conservation, or immerse yourself in the lush surroundings of El Yunque National Forest—the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System—where guided walks, panoramic views, and a refreshing river stop await. These small-group experiences are designed to be both enriching and memorable, with limited capacity to ensure high-quality engagement. More information on these opportunities are provided below.
Please note that a special veterinary examination experience at the Centro de Conservación de Manatíes del Caribe is being offered exclusively to registered participants of the Eleventh International Sirenian Symposium and is not included in the general tour offerings.
All tour reservations can be made through the SMM2026 conference and workshop registration form. Please log in to your SMM profile and access the conference system to book. Availability is limited, so we encourage early registration.
Please note that tours will be reviewed and confirmed approximately six weeks prior to the conference, around September 5. At that time, if minimum participation numbers have not been met, the tour may be cancelled. We encourage early registration to help ensure tours can proceed as planned.
Centro de Conservacion de Manaties del Caribe Tour
Saturday, October 17, 2026, 8:30am-12:30pm
$60.00 per person
Visit the Centro de Conservación de Manatíes del Caribe, a leading marine conservation facility dedicated to protecting endangered manatees through rescue, rehabilitation, research, and community outreach across Puerto Rico and the wider Caribbean. Operated in partnership with the Caribbean Stranding Network and the Inter American University of Puerto Rico, the Centre provides a unique opportunity to observe firsthand how marine mammals are cared for and returned to the wild.
This half-day guided tour begins with departure from the Puerto Rico Convention Center and includes transportation to and from the facility in Bayamón. Participants will enjoy an in-depth, three-hour visit of the Centre, gaining insight into ongoing conservation efforts, veterinary care, and the challenges facing manatees in the region. The tour concludes with a return to the Convention Center by early afternoon.
Schedule:
8:15am – Gather in PR Convention Center
8:30am – Departure from PR Convention Center
9:00am – Arrive at Centro de Conservación de Manatíes del Caribe
9:00am-12:00pm – Tour of Centro de Conservación de Manatíes del Caribe facility
12:00pm – Transfer back to PR Convention Center
12:30pm – Arrival at PR Convention Centre
Centro de Conservacion de Manaties del Caribe
Vet Exam for subgroup of The Eleventh International Sirenian Symposium
Sunday, October 18, 2026, 8:30am-12:30pm
$60.00 per person
Gain a rare, behind-the-scenes look at marine mammal care during this unique visit to the Centro de Conservación de Manatíes del Caribe. This special experience offers participants the opportunity to observe a real-time veterinary examination of a manatee, providing valuable insight into the medical care, rehabilitation process, and conservation efforts supporting this endangered species.
The morning begins with departure from the Puerto Rico Convention Center, followed by arrival at the facility in Bayamón. Participants will spend approximately three hours observing the veterinary exam and learning from experts involved in manatee rescue and care. The experience concludes with return transportation to the Convention Center by early afternoon.
Please note that a special veterinary examination experience at the Centro de Conservación de Manatíes del Caribe is being offered exclusively to registered participants of the Eleventh International Sirenian Symposium and is not included in the general tour offerings.
Schedule:
7:45am – Gather in PR Convention Center
8:00am – Departure from PR Convention Center
8:30am – Arrive at Centro de Conservación de Manatíes del Caribe
9:00am – 12:00pm – Vet exam
12:00pm – Transfer back to PR Convention Center
12:30pm – Arrival to PR Convention Center
El Yunque Rainforest Tour
Saturday, October 17, 2026, 8:00am-2:30pm or Sunday, October 18, 2026, 8:00am-2:30pm
$200.00 per person
Named after the good Indian spirit, Yuquiyu, and shelter to the Carib Indians for 200 years, El Yunque is the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System! Our first stop will be the visitors’ center. Next, you will take a relaxing stroll with a knowledgeable step-aboard guide who will point out the splendor of the surroundings, and afterwards you will be driven up to the Yokahu tower to enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views. Lastly Your tour includes a 1-hour stop at a refreshing river.
INCLUDES: Round-trip transportation and a step-on guide.
RESTRICTIONS:
Age Limit: N/a
Height Limit: N/a
Weight Limit: N/a
Level of Difficulty: Low to Moderate
Health Concerns: Participants with recent surgeries should refrain from participating, and pregnant people are not allowed to participate.
ATTIRE: Comfortable Clothing, Closed-Toe Shoes (No Flip Flops), Towels, Bathing Suit (we recommend wearing it under clothes), and a Change of Clothes
Schedule:
8:00am – Gather in PR Convention Center Lobby
8:30am – Depart from PR Convention Center
9:30am – Arrive at El Portal Visitor Center
9:30am-10:45am – Trail and info at El Portal Visitor Center
10:45am – Transfer to Yokahu Tower
11:00am-11:45am – Time in Yokahu Tower
11:45am – Transfer to Puente Roto
12:00pm-12:50pm – Tim in Puente Roto, optional swim
1:00pm – Transfer back to PR Convention Center
2:00pm – Arrival to PR Convention Center
Bio-Bay Kayaking Tour
Thursday, October 22, 2026, 4:45pm-9:45pm
$185.00 per person
Do not let your trip end without exploring the top bioluminescent waters in the world! Our relaxing kayak tour at sunset will take you to the fascinating lagoon at Las Cabezas de San Juan. You will see the historical lighthouse of Fajardo and also touch the waters that glow with single-celled dinoflagellate organisms. Your excursion begins by kayaking across Las Croabas Bay, through a winding mangrove river, and finally into the bio-bay. Our professional tour staff will guide you throughout the entire tour. You will receive a life jacket, flashlight, safety briefing, and kayaking instructions from one of our experienced tour guides.
INCLUDES: Round trip transportation, safety equipment, kayak rental, and guide.
RESTRICTIONS:
Age Limit: 11 years and up, must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
Height Limit: N/a
Weight Limit: 250lb p/p
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Health Concerns: Participants with recent surgeries or injuries should refrain from participating; pregnant people are not allowed to participate.
ATTIRE: Comfortable clothing, swimwear, change of clothes; We do not recommend wearing jewelry.
Below is the preliminary schedule for the Bio-Bay tour. Please note that we will confirm these details closer to the program date, as the start time may change.
Schedule:
4:45pm – Gather in Meeting point at PR Convention Center
5:00pm – Depart from PR Convention Center
6:30pm – Check In
7:00pm – Tour Begins
8:30pm – Tour Ends
8:35pm – Depart to PR Convention Center
9:45pm – Est. Arrival time at PR Convention Center
Centro de Conservacion de Manaties del Caribe Tour
Saturday, October 17, 2026, 8:30am-12:30pm
$60.00 per person
Visit the Centro de Conservación de Manatíes del Caribe, a leading marine conservation facility dedicated to protecting endangered manatees through rescue, rehabilitation, research, and community outreach across Puerto Rico and the wider Caribbean. Operated in partnership with the Caribbean Stranding Network and the Inter American University of Puerto Rico, the Centre provides a unique opportunity to observe firsthand how marine mammals are cared for and returned to the wild.
This half-day guided tour begins with departure from the Puerto Rico Convention Center and includes transportation to and from the facility in Bayamón. Participants will enjoy an in-depth, three-hour visit of the Centre, gaining insight into ongoing conservation efforts, veterinary care, and the challenges facing manatees in the region. The tour concludes with a return to the Convention Center by early afternoon.
Schedule:
8:15am – Gather in PR Convention Center
8:30am – Departure from PR Convention Center
9:00am – Arrive at Centro de Conservación de Manatíes del Caribe
9:00am-12:00pm – Tour of Centro de Conservación de Manatíes del Caribe facility
12:00pm – Transfer back to PR Convention Center
12:30pm – Arrival at PR Convention Centre
Centro de Conservacion de Manaties del Caribe
Vet Exam for subgroup of The Eleventh International Sirenian Symposium
Sunday, October 18, 2026, 8:30am-12:30pm
$60.00 per person
Gain a rare, behind-the-scenes look at marine mammal care during this unique visit to the Centro de Conservación de Manatíes del Caribe. This special experience offers participants the opportunity to observe a real-time veterinary examination of a manatee, providing valuable insight into the medical care, rehabilitation process, and conservation efforts supporting this endangered species.
The morning begins with departure from the Puerto Rico Convention Center, followed by arrival at the facility in Bayamón. Participants will spend approximately three hours observing the veterinary exam and learning from experts involved in manatee rescue and care. The experience concludes with return transportation to the Convention Center by early afternoon.
Please note that a special veterinary examination experience at the Centro de Conservación de Manatíes del Caribe is being offered exclusively to registered participants of the Eleventh International Sirenian Symposium and is not included in the general tour offerings.
Schedule:
7:45am – Gather in PR Convention Center
8:00am – Departure from PR Convention Center
8:30am – Arrive at Centro de Conservación de Manatíes del Caribe
9:00am – 12:00pm – Vet exam
12:00pm – Transfer back to PR Convention Center
12:30pm – Arrival to PR Convention Center
Bio-Bay Kayaking Tour
Thursday, October 22, 2026, 4:45pm-9:45pm
$185.00 per person
Do not let your trip end without exploring the top bioluminescent waters in the world! Our relaxing kayak tour at sunset will take you to the fascinating lagoon at Las Cabezas de San Juan. You will see the historical lighthouse of Fajardo and also touch the waters that glow with single-celled dinoflagellate organisms. Your excursion begins by kayaking across Las Croabas Bay, through a winding mangrove river, and finally into the bio-bay. Our professional tour staff will guide you throughout the entire tour. You will receive a life jacket, flashlight, safety briefing, and kayaking instructions from one of our experienced tour guides.
INCLUDES: Round trip transportation, safety equipment, kayak rental, and guide.
RESTRICTIONS:
Age Limit: 11 years and up, must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
Height Limit: N/a
Weight Limit: 250lb p/p
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Health Concerns: Participants with recent surgeries or injuries should refrain from participating; pregnant people are not allowed to participate.
ATTIRE: Comfortable clothing, swimwear, change of clothes; We do not recommend wearing jewelry.
Below is the preliminary schedule for the Bio-Bay tour. Please note that we will confirm these details closer to the program date, as the start time may change.
Schedule:
4:45pm – Gather in Meeting point at PR Convention Center
5:00pm – Depart from PR Convention Center
6:30pm – Check In
7:00pm – Tour Begins
8:30pm – Tour Ends
8:35pm – Depart to PR Convention Center
9:45pm – Est. Arrival time at PR Convention Center
El Yunque Rainforest Tour
Saturday, October 17, 2026, 8:00am-2:30pm or Sunday, October 18, 2026, 8:00am-2:30pm
$200.00 per person
Named after the good Indian spirit, Yuquiyu, and shelter to the Carib Indians for 200 years, El Yunque is the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System! Our first stop will be the visitors’ center. Next, you will take a relaxing stroll with a knowledgeable step-aboard guide who will point out the splendor of the surroundings, and afterwards you will be driven up to the Yokahu tower to enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views. Lastly Your tour includes a 1-hour stop at a refreshing river.
INCLUDES: Round-trip transportation and a step-on guide.
RESTRICTIONS:
Age Limit: N/a
Height Limit: N/a
Weight Limit: N/a
Level of Difficulty: Low to Moderate
Health Concerns: Participants with recent surgeries should refrain from participating, and pregnant people are not allowed to participate.
ATTIRE: Comfortable Clothing, Closed-Toe Shoes (No Flip Flops), Towels, Bathing Suit (we recommend wearing it under clothes), and a Change of Clothes
Schedule:
8:00am – Gather in PR Convention Center Lobby
8:30am – Depart from PR Convention Center
9:30am – Arrive at El Portal Visitor Center
9:30am-10:45am – Trail and info at El Portal Visitor Center
10:45am – Transfer to Yokahu Tower
11:00am-11:45am – Time in Yokahu Tower
11:45am – Transfer to Puente Roto
12:00pm-12:50pm – Tim in Puente Roto, optional swim
1:00pm – Transfer back to PR Convention Center
2:00pm – Arrival to PR Convention Center
Have a question about the conference affiliated tours?
Contact our Conference Committee at conference@marinemammalscience.org