Sports in Puerto Rico: Where to Play, What to Watch, and When to Go.

Baseball is one of the most popular sports on the island, with homegrown stars (Carlos Beltrán, Roberto Alomar, Roberto Clemente, and more) and its own league (the Liga Profesional de Beisbol).

Where to go
Baseball is played all over Puerto Rico, but the most well-known park is the Hiram Birthorn Stadium in Hato Rey, San Juan.

The season
Puerto Rican baseball runs from November to January. Games are held Monday to Saturday at 7:30, Sundays at 4 in Carolina and 6 in Santurce. Sure, it's not the Major League, but the great Roberto Clemente came from these roots, and Hank Aaron and Reggie Jackson once played here.

Special events
There is a seasonal final in January, and San Juan will host a round of the 2009 World Baseball Classic.

In Puerto Rico, boxing has a storied legacy that began in 1899. This island has produced some of the sport's all-time greats, including Hall of Famers Carlos Ortiz, José "Chegui" Torres, Edwin "El Chapo" Rosario, and more recent icons Hector Camacho, Felix "Tito" Trinidad, and Miguel “Junito” Cotto, to name just a few. There are currently seven Puerto Ricans in the Boxing Hall of Fame, a staggering number for the size of the island and testament to its boxing tradition.

Where to go
The Coliseo de Puerto Rico, or Coliseum, is host to the biggest showdowns and tickets in the sport.

The season
No specific season.

Special events
Check the website of the Coliseo for upcoming fights.

The skinny

The Spanish brought several things to the New World, including horses. In particular, they brought Paso Fino horses to Puerto Rico, a breed much prized for its elegance and smooth gait, which provides a remarkably smooth ride. This makes Paso Finos a joy to learn on as well as show off, and there are competitions, trails, and stables around the island.

Where to go
Here are just a few places where you can hop in the saddle:

• Hacienda Carabali in the foothills of the El Yunque rainforest
• Tropical Trail Rides in Aguadilla
• Pintos R Us in Rincón
• Rancho Buena Vista at the Palmas del Mar resort in Huamaco

The season
Year-round.

Special events
Mother's Day and Father's Day is celebrated with a Paso Fino Competition in Vieques.

Puerto Rico offers many temptations to the avid golfer: a diverse landscape that offers stunning ocean views, verdant slopes, and lush flora; championship courses designed by some of the biggest names in the business; and the credibility of its recent addition to the PGA circuit. The Puerto Rico Open was inaugurated in 2008. Finally, there's this handy golf portal that lists just about everything the golfer needs to tee off around the island.

Where to go
Check out my list of where to play around Puerto Rico.

The season
Year-round.

Special events
The PGA Puerto Rico Open is the biggest tournament on the island, held annually in March. The Puerto Rico Golf Association also hosts a tournament each year.

This round-up says it all about hang gliding in Puerto Rico. Team Spirit will take you high above the treetops of El Yunque, giving you breathtaking birdseye views of the island while you float on thermal wind currents.

Where to go
Team Spirit flies from Cubuy. Call 787-850-0508 or email tshg@coqui.net for more information or to book an excursion.

The season
Year-round, weather permitting.

Special events
None.

The skinny

Kayaking is a popular avctivity all over Puerto Rico and can be enjoyed in a variety of settings: bioluminescent lagoons, mangrove forests, lakes encircled by mountains, and the splendor of the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. Hotels in Vieques, Culebra and along the coast frequently have kayaks available for guests, and several companies offer tours or rentals.

Where to go
Virtually all over the island, but here are a few useful contacts:

• Island Adventures in Vieques and Yokahú Kayak Trips (787-604-7375) in Fajardo for biobay trips
• Las Tortugas Adventures for eco-kayaking tours
• San Juan Waterfun in Isla Verde
• Kayaking Puerto Rico in Fajardo (including biobay tours)

The season
Year-round.

Special events
None.

There's one company that stands out above the rest for its adventure tourism programs; even other tour guides nod respectfully in their direction and say, "yup, they're the best." They, in this case, is Aventuras Tierra Adentro, and they should be the first people you call if the idea of leaping across chasms, rappelling down mountains, exploring subterranean rivers, and zip-lining over thousand-foot drops is your idea of a good time. (Check out my adventure tourism photo gallery to give you an idea of what to expect.)

Where to go
Aventuras arranges all the details, including pick-ups and meeting points. Excursions explore the area above and below the El Yunque rainforest.

The season
Year-round.

Special events
None.

The skinny

Puerto Rico offers trails and tracks along beaches, through forests, and in its verdant parks.

Where to go

• Hikers will love the trails that snake through El Yunque and the milder treks through the Guánica Dry Forest. Eco Action Tours and Legends of Puerto Rico organize tours to both.
• Runners should check this handy list of routes around the island. San Juan also has many parks with jogging/running tracks, including Parque Barbosa (Ocean Park), Parque Lineal Enrique Marti Coll, and Parque Luis Muñoz Marín (Hato Rey), and the Botanical Garden (Río Piedras).

The season
Year-round.

Special events
The World's Best 10-K Race kicks off in San Juan in February/March; it's the largest participatory sport on the island.

The skinny

The sailing capital of Puerto Rico is Fajardo, but you can also learn how to sail and attend regattas in San Juan, Rincón, and Culebra. Note: This section doesn't cover charters and tours.

Where to go

• Caribbean Sailing School in Fajardo offers sailing courses throughout the year.
• Sail Caribe in Fajardo offers sailing courses on their beautiful Hunter 33 yachts.
• Rincón Sailing has very affordable 3-hour and 12-hour courses, as well as a summer youth sailing camp.
• The Club Náutico de San Juan in Miramar has classes tailored for kids and adults.

The season
Year-round.

Special events
The biggest event on the island is the Club Náutico's International Regatta.