What You Need to Know about the San Juan, Puerto Rico Cruise Port

The Port of San Juan in Puerto Rico is one filled with history and interesting architecture. Situated in the metropolitan area of Old San Juan, this port is a hub rich in culture. While it’s great for the history buffs, and those who want to experience a different culture, and it’s a port that doesn’t require an excursion, if you have kids with you (or folks who are easily bored), you may want to look at other options than doing what many cruisers do here, which is just to explore the town of Old San Juan by foot.

While I enjoy history and architecture, my children do not, so they were quite bored at this port of call. If we visit again, I will definitely not just walk around Old San Juan, but purchase an excursion to either El Yunque Rainforest or the Sky High Dining Experience. Those are much more aligned to their interests.

Great Things about San Juan

So… what makes San Juan stand out? Besides its stunning views, history, and warm vibes, it provides cruisers with convenience and economy due to all the amenities near the ports. There are many things to do and sites to visit, all within a short walking distance from one of the cruise ports, and a short taxi ride from the other, and many of them are free.

The city is known for its famous and stunning blue cobblestone streets, but if you’re a cruiser with mobility issues, this may prove a barrier when navigating on your own. Wondering why the cobblestones of San Juan are blue? The slag turns blue over time from exposure to moisture.

Terminals at Port of San Juan

There are two cruise piers at San Juan: Old San Juan Terminal and the Pan American Terminal, that combined can accommodate up to nine cruise ships. Cruisers calling on the Old San Juan Terminal are in luck because they disembark right in the middle of all of the city’s best sites.

If you dock at Pan American Terminal, however, don’t despair as it’s only about a 10-minute taxi ride to the city center. It’s good to check your cruise documents in advance to determine which terminal location you’ll port to plan your day properly.

Free Things to Do at the San Juan Cruise Port

Cruise excursions can get expensive, especially if you’re traveling with a family, so I always value ports where there are lots of free things to do, and it’s a bonus if those activities are close to the port without requiring the cost of transportation. San Juan delivers on both of these fronts.

If you do want to immerse yourself in learning, you can always purchase a guided walking tour like this that provides expert guidance and information at a low cost. Or, you can go out on your own and at your own pace for no cost.

Old San Juan

Old San Juan is a city located within metro San Juan (think of it as Brooklyn is to New York City), and once you step foot off your cruise ship, you’re basically already there (assuming you’re docked at Old San Juan terminal). Just meandering around is an experience in and of itself, as this historic district gives vibes of a bygone era, and you almost feel immersed in another time.

It’s fun to stroll down the cobblestone streets, admire the vibrant buildings and beautiful architecture, and appreciate the remnants of city walls that trace back to the 16th century. Many shops, restaurants, and even buskers and musicians provide some local flavor.

San Juan National Historic Site

Perhaps this port city’s most iconic landmark is its San Juan National Historic Site, which is comprised of two historic structures, Castillo San Felipe del Morro, or “El Morro” for short, and San Cristóbal. The site is only about a 10-minute walk from the cruise port, is free(ish), and definitely worth the visit because once you traverse the steep hill up to the site, you’re rewarded with stunning ocean views.

Castillo San Felipe del Morro stands as the highlight and the most frequented attraction within the San Juan National Historic Site. Positioned at the farthest northwest point of the Islet of San Juan, it was constructed atop a promontory, earning it its nickname El Morro.

Accessing El Morro to enjoy the scenic ocean views is free, and cruisers can peruse the exterior of the stunning stone structure at no cost, but admission to the San Juan National Historic Site does come with a fee. A standard entrance pass is affordable at just $10, and this includes admission to both forts — El Morro and San Cristóbal.

Bastión de las Palmas de San José

Puerto Rico is the oldest European construction in the territory of the United States, and it served as a strategic military position for the US, so it’s no surprise that many of its famous historic sites involve military installations, including forts and bastions. Hang a left immediately out of port, and within a short 15-minute walk, you’ll encounter two great attractions, one of which being a military site. The first is the Bastión de las Palmas de San José (or “Bastion of the Palms”), a National Historic Site, which served as an artillery platform against enemy naval units in the San Juan Bay, allowing soldiers to defend against land attacks from the Puntilla Area and serving.

History and military buffs will love this, but for many kids and those who are perhaps more easily bored, this site is likely best visited as a location for gorgeous scenic views and photo ops, given its high position on the island. While it might not be the most interesting site for some folks, it’s a free one and worth a visit, especially given its close proximity to the port as well as another unique San Juan landmark, La Casa Estrecha.

La Casa Estrecha

If you love quirky stops when traveling, and want fun and colorful photos, a stop at La Casa Estrecha is a must. Best of all, it’s a stone’s throw from the Bastion of the Palms, and the walk to it alone is worthwhile, as cruisers can enjoy the stunning and colorful buildings of San Juan along the way.

La Casa Estrecha, which means “The Narrow House” in English, perfectly lives up to its name. This yellow, two-story building is incredibly narrow, measuring only about 5 feet from one wall to the other. Sandwiched between two standard-sized buildings, its slim profile (and vibrant yellow color) stands out starkly.

Interestingly, before becoming a house, La Casa Estrecha was originally an alley leading to the central courtyard of the neighboring buildings. The owner, architect Antonio Álvarez, remodeled the narrow building to house an art gallery focused on highlighting the works of San Juan’s artists, and if you’re lucky you may catch it when it’s open. Unfortunately, it was closed during my recent visit, so I could only admire this unique house from the exterior.

Enjoy a Piña Colada

Another quirky activity to enjoy in San Juan is to treat yourself to a piña colada in the city that claims to be home to the fruity cocktail drink. While the accuracy of the drink’s origins are hotly debated, with both Caribe Hilton hotel and Barrachina restaurant claiming to be the birthplace of the drink, a quick stop at either is a fun addition to your day in port. Caribe isn’t close to port, but Barrachina is, less than a mile from the Old San Juan cruise terminal, so I recommend that cruisers visit that one.

Save a Gato Cat Rescue

If you’re an animal lover like me, and visit places like Key West’s famous Hemingway House solely for the purpose to see the dozens of cats that reside there, this is a must-see destination in San Juan. The Save a Gato Cat Rescue is less than a mile from the Old San Juan cruise terminal and is a volunteer-driven nonprofit dedicated to the welfare of stray and feral cats through feeding, medical care, spaying/neutering, and adoption efforts. Cruisers can stop by and visit the gatos, making for a unique port day experience.

Nearby Shopping Area in Port of San Juan

Okay, so shopping isn’t exactly free, but window shopping is! If either is your thing, San Juan also delivers on this front. You can head over to Calle Fortaleza (or “Fortress Street”) or Calle del Cristo, the two main shopping streets of Old San Juan. You’ll discover many boutiques, galleries, and shops bursting with local flair and international brands at both, and along Calle del Cristo, you’ll stumble upon some familiar names like Coach, Tommy Hilfiger, Crocs, and Guess.

However, the best shopping and browsing may be in the vibrant markets and plazas throughout Old San Juan, which feature handcrafted treasures, from jewelry to vibrant textiles.

Exploring Port of San Juan on Foot

When exploring the Port of San Juan on foot, you might be limited in terms of nearby attractions from the Pan American Pier, but as noted above, a short taxi ride will drop you in the heart of the city center, where you can explore the aforementioned sites on foot. Aside from the infrastructure that can make navigation challenging for cruisers with mobility issues, this is a very walkable port of call in general.

Beaches Near San Juan Cruise Port

While there aren’t any beaches directly within walking distance of either port, there are several stunning options just a short drive away. Condado Beach is one of the most popular choices, known for its soft golden sands and clear turquoise waters, and it’s only a few miles from both terminals.

However, you need to be aware of some safety considerations when visiting Condado Beach. Be cautious of swimming conditions, as strong undercurrents can pose risks to inexperienced swimmers. This is a very serious risk, so do not head here without being aware of it.

If you’re looking for a more secluded spot, head over to Isla Verde Beach. Just a bit further from the port, about a 15-minute drive from either terminal, this beach is famous for its wide stretch of powdery sand and gentle waves, perfect for swimming and sunbathing.

Taxis in San Juan, Puerto Rico

Taxis are a convenient and reliable option for travelers to get around the Port of San Juan in Puerto Rico. Taxis in San Juan are typically metered, so you’ll pay based on the distance traveled. However, confirming the fare with the driver before starting your journey is always a good idea, especially if heading to a specific attraction or destination outside the city center. Also, confirm your method of payment because while taxi companies generally accept credit cards, they must be informed upon requesting the service.

Most taxi drivers in San Juan are friendly and knowledgeable about the area, so don’t hesitate to ask for recommendations or advice on the best routes to take. Just keep in mind that during peak tourist seasons or when multiple cruise ships are in port, there may be higher demand for taxis, so it’s a good idea to plan accordingly and allow extra time for transportation. Not all cruise ports have Uber, but San Juan does, so this is another option for transportation.  

Golf Carts in San Juan

Getting around San Juan on foot can be a challenge, given the rocky cobblestone streets, steep hills, and high heat and humidity, so I was excited when I heard about the prospect of exploring via golf cart when a fellow cruiser mentioned it offhandedly. Come to find out, though; these aren’t golf carts but rather garitas.

The good news? Transport on these is FREE! The bad news? You have to get lucky, see one go by, flag it down, and hope it has space to accommodate you. I was disappointed not to encounter a single Garita during a recent visit there, so don’t bank on this as a reliable transportation option.

San Juan Ship Schedules

The Port of San Juan schedules for both piers can be checked in Cruisemapper. This website presents timetable calendars detailing the arrival and departure dates of all cruise ships visiting or departing from the port, categorized by month.

San Juan Language & Currency

San Juan is a US territory, so the currency is the US dollar, and credit and debit cards are widely accepted. Spanish has been an official language of Puerto Rico since the 15th century when Spanish settlers took over the island, and is the predominant language used by locals and in business, although both Spanish and English are the two official languages.

Time Zone

Puerto Rico operates on Atlantic Standard Time (AST) all year round. AST is 4 hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (UTC-4). One important thing to note is that Puerto Rico does not observe Daylight Saving Time, so the time remains consistent throughout the year. This means that Puerto Rico’s time remains the same when many other places move their clocks forward during the summer months.

Additionally, when planning activities or coordinating with locals, it’s essential to keep in mind Puerto Rico’s time zone to ensure smooth communication and scheduling. Whether you’re arriving for a cruise, visiting for business, or enjoying a leisurely vacation, understanding Puerto Rico’s time zone helps ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience.

Exploring the San Juan Cruise Port