San Juan, Puerto Rico - Cruise Port
Location and General Overview
San Juan is the capital of Puerto Rico, a U.S. territory and Caribbean island, located 236 miles east of the Dominican Republic and about 1,100 miles southeast of Florida. While there are a few tours outside the city, like rainforest drives and beach excursions, the real draw is exploring the city itself. It’s compact, walkable, and hilly, with the star attractions being its two historic forts: Castillo San Felipe del Morro, the largest Spanish fort in the Caribbean, and the smaller Castillo de San Cristobal across town. They’re located on opposite sides of Old Town, which is sandwiched in between them. Don’t miss the sail-in view of El Morro Fort—it’s a spectacular sight!
Updates:
Port Location and Facilities
You dock right at the front of Old Town, which has one of the best harbors in the Caribbean with ample dock space. There are six berths, with docks 1-4 facing Old Town, where you’ll most likely land. There’s also the Pan American Pier by the airport, run by Royal Caribbean.
Docks 1 and 4 have full terminals, while dock 3 is just a pier but can serve two ships. It can get crowded on busy days.
We landed at dock 4, which had a terminal with clean bathrooms and a variety of stores on-site. Upon exiting, you’ll walk through a long tour bus assembly area before reaching Marina Street, where taxi hawkers can be a bit aggressive (and sometimes dishonest). One cruiser even had a taxi driver offer to take him to Old Town, even though we were already there!
Getting Around
Taxis: While you can take a taxi, be aware that they can be pushy. If you’re up for walking, it’s best to explore on foot.
Uber: If you want to avoid the city’s hills, call an Uber. It's a more reliable and often cheaper option.
Free Shuttle: There’s a free local shuttle that circulates around the city, identifiable by its distinctive design. You can call the number here to request a pickup. The system is pretty casual—just wave when you see one, and be prepared to run to catch it!
Scooters and Bikes: Scooters are popular here, and you can rent them along the streets via an app. There’s also a bike rental shop, Rent The Bicycle, just east of docks 5 and 6.
Nearby Services and Amenities
Walgreens: Located in front of dock 3, this is a convenient stop for cruise passengers in need of supplies.
Farmacia Caridad: If you need a pharmacy, this is the place near dock 1.
Tourist Information: Just north of the US Post Office on Paseo De Colon Street is the tourist information office, marked by a pink building with an awesome stair mural. The staff is helpful and knowledgeable, and there’s a clean public restroom available.
Cafes and Restaurants: The area is packed with cafes and restaurants, offering a variety of local and international options. There's even a promenade just east of dock 4, with benches, statues, and harbor views.
Weather Considerations
The weather here can change quickly, shifting from downpours to hot and humid conditions in a matter of hours. An umbrella might be a better option than a raincoat, as it can double as a sunshade and keep you cool during showers. Be mindful of the high winds at the forts, especially at El Morro.
Top Attraction: El Morro Fort
The main draw is El Morro Fort, the most famous of the two forts and essential to your visit. It’s a bit uphill from Old Town, which is why some people opt for a ride up. But if you plan to walk, start early from the ship to get there by the 9 a.m. opening time. The weather will be cooler, and it’ll be less crowded. Afterward, you can make your way back down as the temperature rises midday.
El Morro, along with the rest of Old Town, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Commissioned by the Spanish and later taken over by the U.S. after the Spanish-American War, this fort has stood guard over San Juan Bay since the 1500s.
Tickets here also cover San Cristobal Fort. Expect excellent signage and context throughout the site, but also be prepared for some hiking—this fort is a maze of stairwells and corridors, so your legs will definitely feel the burn!
The views from the fort are iconic, and it’s worth taking at least 2 hours to explore. Don’t forget to bring water and a hat!
Tips:
El Morro Fort and San Cristobal Fort are part of the U.S. National Park System, if you have a National Park pass, it gets you in for free.
Dining Recommendation: Cafe El Punto
On our way down from El Morro, we tried a locally recommended restaurant, Cafe El Punto, in the center of Old Town. It was a great place to recharge after a busy morning of sightseeing.
Strolling Old Town
After lunch, we spent time wandering around the narrow alleys and streets of Old Town, which is essential to the experience. There are plenty of churches, museums, shops, and restaurants to check out. Unfortunately, with limited time, we didn’t get to explore as much as we’d like, but it’s definitely a place we want to visit again and savor slowly.
Final Thoughts
San Juan, Puerto Rico, turned out to be an unexpected highlight of our Caribbean cruise. With its rich history, walkable streets, and beautiful forts, it’s a city we’ll definitely want to visit again. There’s so much to see and do, and the local food and vibrant culture are the perfect cherry on top. Make sure to give yourself time to explore this wonderful Caribbean gem!