Old San Juan Attractions
Old San Juan is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with famous historical landmarks such as the Fuerte San Felipe del Morro , the Castillo de San Cristóbal or the Fortaleza. Both “El Morro” and San Cristóbal are part of the San Juan National Historic Site and can be visited with the same entrance ticket . Visit the Official National Park Website: www.nps.gov
El Morro in San Juan
The San Juan Cathedral is undoubtedly the most famous religious site to visit. The San Jose Church is temporary closed for renovation but a must see – keep an eye on our updates. Visit the Official San Jose Church Website: www.iglesiasanjosepr.org
Cruise passengers interested in museums will find that, unfortunately, the Museum of San Juan is currently closed. The Museo de las Américas, Americas’ Museum, located on the restored Ballajá Infantry Barracks Building displays an ethnographic panorama of the history and culture of the Americas. Visit the Official Museum Website www.museolasamericas.org
Ballajá Barracks in San Juan
Meandering the streets of Old San Juan, the cruise traveler will have the opportunity to contemplate historical buildings of unique beauty, especially in Calle Fortaleza and Calle San Francisco . Among many landmarks, the City Hall stands out on Plaza de Armas, whilst on Plaza Colón there are a few interesting buildings like the Old Casino, the Teatro Tapia and Castillo de San Cristóbal close by.
Slide Down A Natural Water Slide At Las Paylas
Go on an off-the-beaten-path adventure at Las Paylas in Luquillo where you can slide down 30 feet and 15 feet -long natural waterslides. Las Paylas or Las Pailas is a hidden gem in Puerto Rico for the wandering traveler. The water action on the rocky river bed has left it super smooth and great for water sliding. You can also swing out, into the pools below.
Using GPS, you can easily locate the area. Parking is available at a charming mans compound who offers a trail through his property to the waterfall and slides. Dont miss out on this amazing local experience.
Sailing Along San Juan Bay
One of the best things about San Juan is that you can visit most of its highlights by sailing along its beautiful, scenic coast. Old harbor offers wonderful sceneries and you can explore the citys 500 years old history while taking in the views of the magnificent El Morro fortress, La Fortaleza, La Puerta de San Juan, Paseo de la Princesa, and other landmarks.
Top off your sail with delicious snacks, lunch, and drinks to maximize your sailing experience!
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La Catedral De San Juan Bautista
Celebrating 500 years of serving the community, one of the oldest buildings in San Juan is the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist. It is a beautiful building to tour. The interior is understated but elegant and worth popping in to view.
Additionally, the tomb of Ponce de Leon, one of the most famous Spanish explorers, is located inside the church. If you dont have the time to go in or are not inclined, the exterior is still worth passing by as the surrounding square and steps are often adorned with flowers in large pots and make for excellent photographs.
New Order Increases Covid Requirements For Food Industry In Puerto Rico
Restaurant industry employees must be vaccinated online vaccination ID available
Moreover, the PRTC, Ports Authority and local Health Department informed last month that all cruise passengers must be fully inoculated against COVID-19 to be able to go ashore. Even then, those who can walk around San Juan must wear face masks and carry their proof of vaccinations to visit restaurants and bars.
As part of the conversations we have had and the agreement we have reached with Carnival as a result of the conditional order to sail issued by the , Ports, Health and Tourism have implemented safeguards to allow the entry of cruise ships in the safest way possible, said Ports Executive Director Joel Pizá Batiz. Before docking, the cruise ship must send a statement to certify the percentage of people vaccinated inside the ship, as well as a manifest of the unvaccinated. Those ships that do not comply will not be able to dock at our ports.
At least 95 percent of cruise passengers who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 are expected to venture – and spend – on the island when their ships dock in Old San Juan.
Perhaps at the beginning, the negotiations and requirements sound drastic, but the reality is that it is done with the intention of having commitments and guarantees that work is being done in a responsible and diligent manner, the executive director added.
Maiden Voyage for the Mardi Gras
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The Piers In Old San Juan
The 3 piers right by Old San Juan are perpendicular to the shore and two of them have terminal buildings. A total of 6 cruise ships can dock at these pier/terminals. The exit gates of the piers and terminals are less than 500 feet from the gangway.
At The Pier 3 in San Juan
Once outside the gates, the cruise traveler will be on a 4 lane avenue along the southern shore of San Juan. The Old Town is right across this avenue.
When you return to the ship, your cruise card and a valid Photo ID will be checked at these gates make sure you have a photo ID with you.
Pier 1, with capacity for 2 ships to moor, has a passenger terminal and is used by cruise lines other than the ones belonging to Carnival Corporation and Royal Caribbean. If you are cruising with Norwegian , Costa, MSC, Disney, among others, this is where your ship will dock.
Pier 1 and Terminal in San Juan
Pier 3 was recently updated and is used exclusively by Royal Caribbean ships. This pier is used only by ships that are calling at San Juan for the day and has a capacity for 2 ships. Cruise ships embarking passengers in San Juan on Royal Caribbean will dock at Pan American Pier.
Ship Docked at Pier 3 in San Juan
Pier 4 also has two berths for as many cruise ships and has a modern terminal. This pier is used exclusively by Carnival.
Pier 4 and Terminal in San Juan
Enjoy Stunning Views At Cueva Ventana
Cueva Ventana in Arecibo is another cave attraction in PR. Cueva meaning cave and Ventana meaning window are what the place is, a caves window. The cave is located on a hill and has a huge window looking out to Rio de Grande Valley below. The view is breath-taking and the reason thousands of people visit the site regularly.
This unique attraction is located on Pr-10 KM75 behind puma gas station. The adventure starts with a brief hike to the top of the cliff and into the cave. Knowledgeable guides then take you through the cave teaching you about the places history and about Taino Indians who used the cave in ancient times.
Tip: Remember to wear good sturdy shoes and carry a flashlight.
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Top 10 Things To Do In Limon Costa Rica Cruise Port
Although Puerto Limon in Costa Rica is becoming a more and more popular stop on the itineraries of many Western Caribbean cruises, the port city itself has not yet become a touristy and busy center of activity. But, the lack of roadside stands and aggressive port hagglers is actually welcomed by many, and the stop tops the best lists of many travelers here thanks to the beautiful, unspoiled landscape that the country has to offer. Home to a wide assortment of natural parks and incredible wildlife diversity, here there is no shortage of exciting adventure tours and exhilarating ways to explore the lush environment around you. It should come as no surprise then that many of the best things to do in Limon Costa Rica center around the natural environment, including a bustling rainforest and impressive rock formations. We put together a list of the ten best things to do when cruises to Costa Rica stop here, in Puerto Limon. From adventure seekers to guests traveling with small children, there is something for just about everyone.
El Yunque National Forest
El Yunque rainforest, the only rainforest under the national forest registry of the United States, is a must visit on your trip to San Juan. Though its not found in the city itself, a quick 45-minute ride will take you to this forest.
Explore the rainforest and its jungle-like setup, learn about the different plants, animals, birds, butterflies and more found in this unique habitat.
Carry a bathing suit in case you plan to take a dip in one of the many pools in the forest. It features some very beautiful waterfalls, such as La Coca Falls as well as La Mina Falls.
There are hiking trails as well, and you can get a local guide to give you a guided tour. However, due to hurricane damage from storms in recent years, some routes within the forest are closed to give room for repair and maintenance.
It would be wise to get bug spray if youre heading to the rainforest.
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Get Sprayed Up At La Cueva Del Indio
Another attraction near Arecibo is La Cueva del Indio or the Indian Caves of Las Piedras. If you are looking for an off the beaten path adventure in PR then this is the place.
Once you get to the area off of PR681, a brief but challenging hike will take you to rugged coasts that host the caves. The one-way roads are narrow so parking is only available at a locals property for $5. This caves discovered in 1982 were the meeting place of Taino Indians, the original inhabitants of PR.
The caves are famous for the petroglyphs strewn all over the caves walls. Currently, you cant go into the caves as the ladder into the cave was removed for security reasons. But you still have very nice inside views of the cave from the top.
There is a natural staircase along the walls of the rugged coast. The rocky coast is very beautiful and breathtaking on its own. Years of wave action from the fierce Atlantic Ocean has created beautiful rocky structures along the limestone cliff.
Enjoy exploring arches, and limestone rock-out-crops while you get sprayed by the tide breaking on the cliff. The site offers a great opportunity for Instagram worthy photos.
Tip: Wear sturdy sneakers and possibly pants the rocks are sharp and slippery so exercise caution.
San Juan For The Day: What To Do While Your Cruise Is In Port
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Colonial history, splendid natural beauty and trendy nightlife make San Juan a must-visit Caribbean port of call. In fact, its a staple on Eastern and Southern Caribbean departures sailing round-trip from Florida ports such as PortMiami, Fort Lauderdales Port Everglades and Port Canaveral near Orlando.
San Juan attracts ships from across cruisings 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.
San Juan is also a modern metropolis with upscale dining and shopping. Its numerous attractions make arriving a day or two early a rewarding option for travelers whose ship home-ports in the city.
Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Holland America, MSC Cruises and other lines all have scheduled multiple San Juan calls for 2021. Several Royal Caribbean ships will target San Juan as both a home port a city from which voyages depart round-trip and as a port of call in 2021.
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Cruising To Puerto Rico
If you ever considered a cruise vacation you will not be disappointed by choosing one that has San Juan, Puerto Rico as one of the ports of call. San Juan is a fascinating mixture of the old and the new. Puerto Rico offers white sandy beaches, cobblestone streets, colonial forts and buildings, museums, vibrant hotels, casinos, restaurants and shops. The island is rich in history, blessed by nature, and alive with its own unique culture.
The Port of San Juan is the busiest in the Caribbean and is ranked among the top 25 of the world’s ports in terms of passengers and container movement. San Juan’s two cruise terminals are located a stone’s throw away from one another, one in the San Juan Bay and the other at the Pan American terminal just across the bay, a10-minute ride, close to the airport, up to 6 cruise ships can dock at these terminals. The San Juan Bay Terminal has 3 piers located a short walk from Old San Juan.
Although U.S. territories does not require a passport for U.S. citizens, you’ll still need your passport for cruises that stop at ports in South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and Antarctica. Additionally, U.S. citizens who travel by air to the Caribbean, Canada, Mexico and Bermuda to catch their ship must have a passport. However, if you are cruising to and from the Caribbean, Bermuda, Mexico, and Canada from a U.S. port you do not need a passport – this is deemed a “closed loop” voyage.
Things To Do In San Juan Puerto Rico For Cruisers
When on a cruise vacation in the Caribbean, there’s a chance your ship will call in San Juan, Puerto Rico. We’ve put together 15 things to do at the popular travel destination.
Step into medieval times and embrace 500 years of history when you visit the popular cruise port of San Juan, Puerto Rico. Located on the northeastern coast of Puerto Rico, this town is the perfect getaway for the history buff, the sun seeker, the foodie, and the adventurer. San Juan is the capital of Puerto Rico and is also one of the most popular home-based cruise ports in the Caribbean.
Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Line, and Celebrity Cruises are just some of the cruise lines that use San Juan as a home port, and many other lines visit the city as a port of call during different itineraries. Either way, you are guaranteed to have fun in this beautiful place.
San Juan is a major historical destination, famous for its huge city walls and forts that made it one of the most formidable ports back in the 16th to 18th centuries. In addition to history, this port also features the usual Caribbean charms, like beautiful beaches, tropical rainforests, and friendly locals.
As a result, there is plenty to see and do on your port day at this amazing place. We picked the top things to do in San Juan, Puerto Rico to help you prepare for an unforgettable visit and weve gone a step further by going beyond the old town.
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Cruise Ships In Ponce
In a recent move to expand cruise options to the island, the southern city of Ponce now receives the Serenade of the Seas and Celebrity Cruise four times per year. If you choose to make this town your port of call, you can enjoy historical sites such as El Parque de Bombas an iconic fire station-turned museum and other landmarks. Or, enjoy a day at La Guancha boardwalk, where there are plenty of seafood restaurants, fritter carts, live music, and other activities.
What Is The Closest Airport To The San Juan Cruise Port
Isla Grande Airport is officially the closest airport, but its a fairly small, single-runway airport with primarily regional flights. Read more about Isla Grande Airport. The closest major airport is the San Juan International Airport, which is 8 miles east of the Old San Juan piers and 7 miles east of the Pan American pier. A taxi ride will cost you approximately $23 with luggage and take about 20 minutes.
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Taste Puerto Rican Delicacies
If you are a foodie, embark on a culinary adventure and discover authentic Puerto Rican delicacies! The first on your list should be Mofongo, a local dish with fried plantains. Café Manolín, located at the heart of Old San Juan, boasts decades-old culinary tradition and offers a variety of delicious local dishes, including Mofongo! The cafe is very authentic and popular, with decent prices, so dont miss the chance to stop by!
You should also try sofrito sauce, a mouth-watering sauce that serves as the base for other local dishes, typically Caribbean rice and beans, Puerto Rican rum, chocolate, and sweets!
Museo De Arte De Ponce
Museo de Arte de Ponce is the finest art museum in Puerto Rico and the largest in the Caribbean. Make your way over to this exquisitely designed museum and explore classical European and Puerto Rican Art in the massive 5000-piece art collection showcased in 14 galleries. This museum located on Avenida Las Américas in Ponce is a must stop for all art lovers. Some of the most popular paintings housed in the museum include the original Flaming June.
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