by Mia Taylor
Last updated: 3:15 PM ET, Tue September 1, 2026
Following the driest month on record for the island in more than 120 years, Puerto Rico is struggling amid a severe drought that’s triggered an official drought disaster declaration from the U.S. government.
More than 33% of Puerto Rico is under extreme drought, and another 30% under a severe drought, NPR reported.
In response, the local government has initiated a water rationing program that includes service being shut off in the capital, San Juan, and surrounding neighborhoods for 48-hour periods. The rationing impacts about 180,000 homes, according to Puerto Rico's Aqueduct and Sewer Authority.
A major tourism destination, both for cruise ships that regularly pull into San Juan and visitors who arrive by plane and stay in hotels and resorts, there has been some confusion about whether travelers should still visit amid the crisis.
News publications have reported that the island’s tourism industry remains largely unaffected. Hotels, restaurants and casinos have been working to continue business as usual so that visitors are not impacted by the crisis. But there have also been reports that some areas and resorts may indeed feeling the pains of the drought.
Emilio Pantojas, senior researcher at the Institute of Caribbean Studies at the University of Puerto Rico, told USA Today that there is “a lot of uncertainty for tourists.”
Be careful if you are staying in a resort," he said. "It is different than if you are staying on a (short-term rental). There are shortages of water in different areas that you need to know. There are problems with restaurants and other services. So make sure that where you’re going is not under rationing."
Amid this news TravelPulse spoke with Jorge Perez, CEO of Discover Puerto Rico, to find out what the situation on the ground really looks like and what travelers can expect. Here’s what he had to say.
Colorful colonial architecture in historic Old San Juan city center. (Photo Credit: Courtesy AdobeStock)
What to know about traveling to Puerto Rico now
Q.How should tourists behave when they visit Puerto Rico amid the water shortage? Are there things they can do to help be sensitive regarding the water shortage and ways they should adapt their water usage habits?
A.
Visitors have always played an important role in Puerto Rico’s story, and with that comes a shared responsibility to care for the Island and its natural resources.
Through our Keep the Island Singing water stewardship initiative, we are encouraging travelers to be mindful of their water use and take simple steps that can collectively make a difference. This includes taking shorter showers, turning off the tap while brushing their teeth, reusing towels and linens when practical, and avoiding unnecessary water use.
We also encourage travelers to stay informed before and during their trip and check directly with their hotel, rental host or travel provider for the latest information specific to their stay. Our goal is to give travelers clear information and practical ways to conserve water while continuing to enjoy all that Puerto Rico has to offer.
Q. It’s been reported that while tourists are largely unaffected, some vacation rentals might be impacted and hotels in some areas may be impacted, is this accurate? What can tourists expect when visiting?
A.
Puerto Rico remains open and welcoming to travelers, with hotels, short term rentals, restaurants, attractions and visitor experiences continuing to operate across the Island. At the same time, we believe transparency is critical. The water situation is real, and conditions and potential impacts can vary by location and property.
Many hotels, short term rentals, and tourism partners have contingency measures in place to help support continued operations, but travelers should not assume that conditions are the same everywhere. We encourage anyone with upcoming plans to contact their hotel, rental host or travel provider directly for the latest information specific to their stay and any measures that may be in place.
Q.How long is this shortage likely to continue?
A. The water situation continues to evolve, and its duration will depend on several factors, including rainfall, reservoir levels and broader water system conditions. While there isn’t a definitive timeline at this point, our focus is on ensuring travelers have access to the latest information and practical guidance they can use when planning and during their visit.
We’ll continue working closely with government authorities and tourism industry partners to stay informed and update our traveler guidance as conditions evolve.
For the latest official information on drought conditions, water service, planned interruptions, conservation guidance or safety precautions, travelers and residents can also refer to the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority (AAA) and local public authorities.
Q.What else would you like potential visitors to know?
A.Puerto Rico continues to welcome travelers, and visitors can continue to experience the culture, communities, gastronomy, attractions and natural beauty that make the Island such a special destination. We simply ask that they travel informed and thoughtfully.
Through Keep the Island Singing, we want visitors to understand that even when their individual accommodations or experiences are operating normally, their actions still matter. Being thoughtful about water use is a simple way travelers can help care for the Island and the communities that make their experience possible.
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