Puerto Rico is a vibrant and welcoming island in the Caribbean, with many sound reasons to visit. Often called the Island of Enchantment, it is home to lush rainforest, rich history and culture, and as much fun-in-the-sun as you would expect from a Caribbean paradise. This makes it a great option for first-time cruisers exploring the Caribbean. Whether you are taking advantage of a good deal on a last-minute flight to San Juan, or stopping in for a day during a cruise, one visit here and you will already want to start planning your next visit. If you are interested in visiting this one-of-a-kind tropical destination, then read on as we review our top picks for activities to do during a trip to San Juan.
Explore of Old San Juan
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Old San Juan is, as the name suggests, the oldest settlement in Puerto Rico. This historic district acts as a time capsule to the colonial era of the Caribbean, with centuries-old architecture lined along cobblestone streets. Here you will find old forts and museums aplenty that are sure to please any visitor whether you are a history buff or not. Explore iconic sites like Castillo San Felipe del Morro, the massive 16th-century fortress that offers panoramic views of the ocean, or Castillo San Cristóbal, which was the largest fortification constructed by Spain in the Americas. The governor's mansion that also resides in Old San Juan is a magnificent building that serves as one of the oldest executive mansions in continuous use in the Americas.
Bioluminescent Bays
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There are a few places in the world where tiny bioluminescent organisms light up the waters creating a delightfully magical spectacle perfect for a nighttime swim. Movement activates the luminescence, creating a light blue aura around boats and people that pass through it. Puerto Rico happens to be home to three such places, with the closest to San Juan being Laguna Grande to the east in the town of Fajardo. Your best bet to experience this magnificent natural wonder is to book a tour with one of the local tour providers, and to do so on a dark night. Unfortunately, this isn’t an option if you are in San Juan during a cruise stop that isn’t staying overnight, but it is easily a must for anyone who can make it.
Take a Sailing or Catamaran Tour
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While there is plenty of excitement and attractions on the island of Puerto Rico, what is on land is only half the fun. The Caribbean is a sea that begs to be sailed, and a sailing or catamaran tour is one of the best ways to do it. There are a host of tours available spanning any time of night or day that will allow you to see San Juan from a whole different perspective. Check with the tour companies to find sailings that will take you to neighboring islands, visit places perfect for snorkeling, or give you an immaculate view of the sunset. This can also be a superior alternative to grabbing a beer at the bar, as some tours include complimentary drinks!
Water Sports at Condado Lagoon
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Condado Lagoon is a body of water that flows between the neighborhoods of Condado and Miramar. While it does not have much of a proper beach to enjoy, it is a favorite spot for tourists looking to engage in watersports of all kinds. Favorite activities include kayaking, paddle boarding, and snorkeling, to name a few. This can be a good choice for cruisers who don’t have a ton of time to spend, as it is mercifully close to port. You can expect to meet other water sports enthusiasts in hanging out here as it is popular among tourists, so it may be a good way to make friends with other travelers! Just be sure to invest in travel insurance if you are going to be anything that could lead to injury.
El Yunque National Forest
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Last on our list is El Yunque National Forest, the only tropical rainforest in the United States national park system. Located among the Sierra de Luquillo mountains, this park spans over 28,000 acres and is filled to the brim with exotic flora and fauna. Among the many trails that you can explore, you will find no end of lush scenes of dense foliage, rushing rivers, and roaring waterfalls to explore and gawk at. It is said that the indigenous people believed that the mountain that gives the park its name, Pico El Yunque, was the seat of their supreme deity, Yúcahu. Keep an eye out for carvings left by the Taíno people who worshiped him!
