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Thanks to Puerto Rico’s close political relationship with the United States, its rich culture, and its natural beauty, many cruise lines will include a stop in San Juan in their Caribbean itineraries. The San Juan cruise port offers the opportunity to view some of the oldest buildings on U.S. soil, learn about the history of this former Spanish colony, relax on white sand beaches, and have an adventure in a rainforest. The San Juan cruise port offers historical sites, architectural delights, gorgeous beaches, tropical rainforests, and adventurous excursions. San Juan became a Spanish colonial settlement in the 16th century, and today's cruise visitors primarily disembark in what is one of the Caribbean's best-preserved historic districts, known as San Juan Viejo, or Old San Juan. The quarter features imposing city walls, massive forts, cobblestone streets and terraced mansions. Visitors will find just walking about is a great way to spend time in the city.
Should You Explore Old San Juan on Your Own or with a Tour Guide?
Depending on the booking situation, various excursions are also offered in German, Spanish, French, Italian or Russian (minimum number of 30 participants). If you're interested in exploring the cultural and historical side of San Juan, a city tour is a must. This excursion will take you to the heart of the city, where you'll visit iconic landmarks such as the historic San Juan National Historic Site and the lively streets of Old San Juan. Learn about the city's colonial past and immerse yourself in its culture as you stroll through cobblestone streets and alleys lined with colorful buildings.
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Carnival Cruise Line Removes San Juan From Upcoming Mardi Gras Sailings - Cruise Hive
Carnival Cruise Line Removes San Juan From Upcoming Mardi Gras Sailings.
Posted: Mon, 21 Feb 2022 08:00:00 GMT [source]
As you disembark your cruise ship, taxi drivers will be available to take you where you want to go. E-bikes are a great way to see old San Juan and the nearby beaches and forts. There are many affordable rental options; some will even deliver and pick up bikes at your cruise ship pier.
Best San Juan Excursions (By a Local)
Because of its distance, excursions to El Yunque will take most of the day. However, with a variety of options, including ziplines, horseback riding, and hiking, nature lovers will treasure the opportunity to experience this unique and stunning rainforest. Whether you want to view gorgeous 16th-century architecture, learn about the past of Puerto Rico, relax on a white sand beach, or explore a tropical rainforest, San Juan is the gateway to many types of adventures. While there are plenty of activities within walking distance of the cruise ship ports, if you have found an adventure or excursion that is farther away, the island has a lot of options for getting around. Many of Old San Juan’s (also called Historic San Juan) best restaurants, bars, landmarks, and attractions are within walking distance of the Old San Juan Port, where most cruise ships port for the day. Once off your cruise to Puerto Rico, you can explore Old San Juan on foot, following the cobblestoned, narrow streets throughout the city to culminate at the Old Town’s Castillo San Felipe de Morro.
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Its numerous attractions make arriving a day or two early a rewarding option for travelers whose ship home-ports in the city. For a more Americanized vibe, venture to the newer part of the city -- particularly the Condado neighborhood -- where you'll find many contemporary restaurants, bars and shops. Shore excursions to the nearby El Yunque National Forest or Casa Bacardi are other great options. San Cristobal is bigger and easier to navigate for visitors with mobility challenges, it is also closer to the piers. But, travelers who want to visit Puerto Rico’s offshore islands and explore the mountainous central region can spend up to three weeks touring the archipelago.
San Juan Cruise Tips, Activities, and Overview
If you’re looking for an interactive experience, you can book a mixology class or a tasting tour. The Casa Bacardi Distillery is considered the largest rum distillery in the world, and it’s one of the most popular San Juan excursions. This food tour goes through Old San Juan’s highlights while making stops in popular restaurants like Triana Tapas & Flamenco, and El Patio.
Private Hands On Culinary Trails of San Juan Experience
If you want to know more about the people who contributed to the varied and rich culture of Puerto Rico, this museum is a great excursion. Located in Old San Juan, the museum entrance fee is $6 for adults and $4 for children 12 and younger. Many of Puerto Rico's best beaches are found on the island's eastern and western edges, beyond the San Juan proper.
Old San Juan, Puerto Rico
The tree-lined pedestrian walkway begins at the San Juan Gate and ends at the Bronze Races Fountain. Along the way, you’ll be able to view sweeping views of the bay, lovely sculptures, and, if you’re lucky, a vendor selling Piragua (shaved ice with sweet syrup). El Yunque National Forest has 29,000 lush acres of rainforest, including 25 miles of trails, waterfalls, natural water slides, and wildlife like the Puerto Rican parrot. Don’t miss the stunning mountain views from Yokahu Observation Tower (elevation 1575 feet). San Juan attracts ships from across cruising's various categories, due in large part to its rich colonial history and fascinating combination of African, Caribbean and European cultures that are expressed in cuisine, the arts and music. Colonial history, splendid natural beauty and trendy nightlife make San Juan a must-visit Caribbean port of call.
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For fishing enthusiasts, fishing excursions involve being taken to quieter waters outside the Port of San Juan. You’ll be provided with instructions and equipment, so you can have the opportunity to fish in a location that is likely very different from what you are used to. Basic tasting excursions cost around $100, but hands-on cooking lessons can cost considerably more, especially one-on-one lessons. To keep things more budget-friendly, we recommend looking into shore excursion group cooking lessons. You will discover the rich and unique flavors of the island’s cuisine and learn how to make a new dish that you can add to your weekly rotation. Puerto Ricans tend to be incredibly proud of their cuisine, so these excursions are ideal for those passionate about cooking and trying new foods.
San Juan is the capital of Puerto Rico, and its unbreakable spirit and Caribbean beauty make San Juan shore excursions extra special for cruise passengers visiting the city. On San Juan cruise excursions, you’ll want to stop and photograph the pastel buildings of Old San Juan, or take a day perusing the city’s museums like the Puerto Rico Museum of Contemporary Art or the Children’s Museum. San Juan is sure to stimulate your senses with the multitude of cruise excursions that we offer at Shore Excursions Group.
Most tours last two hours, so you’ll have time left over to choose other activities at your leisure. Once everyone is ready, you will participate in a guided ride across some of the island’s stunning scenery. You will learn about the land and its wildlife from a knowledgeable tour guide.
The pina colada originated in San Juan and innovative refreshing drinks continue to be a city hallmark. There are numerous hip, trendy bars and classic bars and restaurants in Old San Juan, as well as across the Condado and Isla Verde districts. Most ships call at the port for up to eight hours, giving cruisers time to explore several Puerto Rico highlights.
This small, inconspicuous family restaurant on Ponce de Leon Avenue in the Miramar neighborhood can be easy to miss as it is in the back of an art cooperative and lacks obvious signage. Dishes feature creative, fresh and flavorfully spicy Creole food at reasonable prices (between $10 and $24 per entrée). Puerto Rico is known as the Rum Capital of the World and it certainly lives up to its reputation. Cocktails in San Juan are at another level… delicious concoctions made with Puerto Rican Rums. Walk around Old San Juan and enjoy cocktails at cool bars or take a taxi to elegant lounges in the district of Condado.
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