The Best Things to Do in San Juan, Puerto Rico: Ultimate Cruise Port Guide

As both a stop on many cruise itineraries and a departure port for southern Caribbean cruises, San Juan, Puerto Rico hosts plenty of cruise ships. If you cruise in the Caribbean frequently, you’re bound to stop at this beautiful island at some point.

As the second oldest European settlement in the Americas and the economic center and capital of Puerto Rico,  San Juan offers plenty of history, culture, sightseeing, food, and fun. Here, we’ve put together our recommendations for the best things to do in Puerto Rico on a cruise.

The 7 Best Things to Do in San Juan, Puerto Rico on a Cruise (2025)

1. Take a Walking Tour of Old San Juan

Whether you’re in San Juan for just the day or are planning an extended pre-cruise or post-cruise stay, seeing Old San Juan tops our list of the best things to do in San Juan. The cobblestone streets, fortified city walls, and city layout will transport you to the 16th century. The area is easy to navigate on your own, but even better when led by an expert guide.

There are plenty of sites to see, which are most easily accessible by foot. These include the largest fort built by the Spanish, Fort San Cristóbal, and Fort San Felipe del Morro, the massive fort that can be seen by cruise ships as they sail into San Juan Harbor. Your tour can also stop at some historic hotels and churches, including the oldest church, San Jose Church, or the Cathedral of San Juan Bautista, where the remains of explorer Ponce de Leon currently reside.

During your travels, walk along the exterior walls of the old city (known as Paseo del Morro) to the San Juan Gate, a massive red gate that greeted travelers coming to this new world. There are also plenty of other sites you can see, including stops at the local shops and restaurants. So, be sure to map out your trip, grab your sneakers, and get exploring!

Tour Duration: 2-3 hours
Price Range: $40-$70 per person
Best For: Guests of all ages who want an up-close exploration of Old San Juan

Sample Tour: Private Walking Tour of Old San Juan

2. Hike in El Yunque Rainforest

Located about 40 minutes from San Juan sits the El Yunque National Forest. The only tropical rainforest that is part of the United States National Forest Service, this well-maintained forest is home to many diverse plants and animals. Among the forest’s occupants are over 200 species of trees, including over 20 that are unique to El Yunque. There are also the coqui — tiny little frogs that are known for their mating “songs” — and Tody — a species of small green bird that’s also known for its song.

At an elevation that is about a half mile above sea level, El Yunque Rainforest sits on a mountain, which means it’s a pretty steep climb to get into this natural habitat. Experienced hikers will find the forest easy to maneuver as the hiking trails are well-marked. Maps can be obtained at the Visitors’ Center or downloaded online, which include descriptions of sites to be seen on the 24 miles of trails.

Some third-party companies also offer guided hikes and walks through El Yunque. Whether you go it on your own or as part of an organized tour, the El Yunque Rainforest is an amazing natural wonder. 

Tour Duration: 4-8 hours
Price Range: $100-$140 per person
Best For: Outdoors and nature lovers

Sample Tour: El Yunque Guided Rainforest and Waterfall Hike

3. See the Bioluminescent Waters

If you are visiting Puerto Rico at night, you must make the trek out to the eastern region of the island for one of the most illuminating experiences you will have on a cruise vacation.

Thanks to the high concentration of hundreds of thousands of single cell organisms, some bays in Puerto Rico have a blue glow that is visible at night. When these tiny organisms, or “dinos,” come in contact with other objects, they release a blue glowing light. Depending on your appetite for adventure, there are two different sites that offer the best opportunities to see this natural phenomenon.

If you want to stay on the mainland, then you can explore the bioluminescence at Laguna Grande in Fajardo. About 75 minutes from San Juan, a variety of tours are available to experience this natural attraction.

Located in the Vieques Bay, off the southeastern coast of the main island of Puerto Rico, sits Mosquito Bay. A short boat ride to this region is well worth the trek as this bay was rated by the Guinness Book of World Records as the brightest bay in the world. Again, several tour options are available, complete with informative guides and plenty of time to see the bioluminescence in action.

Tour Duration: 12 hours
Price: $225 per person
Best For: Those who have an overnight in San Juan and desire an all-day excursion

Sample Tour: El Yunque Rainforest and Bio Bay Kayaking

4. Hit the Beach

If you are visiting San Juan, you may want a little rest and relaxation — or as the locals may say, a siesta. If your idea of a vacation includes a beach break, you’re in luck as there are some very nice beaches near the cruise port.

Looking for some fruity drinks with umbrellas and access to restaurants and hotel resorts? Then, Condado Beach is perfect for you. Located right near the hotel district, it is not exactly a remote beach, but it definitely has some perks including many options for water sports, the opportunity to utilize hotel amenities for additional costs, and the ability to rent chairs and umbrellas. 

If you want to venture outside the city, Isla Verde is a short cab ride from most major hotels or the cruise port and is located near the airport. It is definitely more populated than some other beaches, but if you are looking for a more lively party scene this is where you want to be. 

Here, you will have a variety of options to purchase food and snacks at nearby venues. Chairs and umbrellas are also available to rent. It can get crowded, so make sure you get there early.

If you are looking for a family-friendly beach that offers nice calm waters and plenty of sand, Ocean Park Beach should be your destination. This wide beach is open to the public, and is a bit more secluded than the other beaches. You will need to walk quite a ways to get things like drinks and food, so pack your day bag appropriately when visiting.

Tour Duration: 3-5 hours
Best For: Those looking for a relaxing day on the beach and in the waves

Beaches info: Best Puerto Rico Beaches

5. Visit Casa Bacardí

No stop in San Juan would be complete without paying homage to the brand that introduced a lighter, more mild rum and revolutionized rum as we know it. As one of the world’s most popular spirit brands, the Bacardi rum distillery is only minutes away from your cruise ship. If you are in the Caribbean, there is no better place to sample rum than this famous spot.

Tours of Casa Bacardí run frequently throughout the day with three different options available. The tour includes information about the history of the Bacardi family, along with how the rum is made, and you can even get some great new recipes to try at home. A basic tour, which lasts about an hour, includes a stop at the visitor center and a welcome drink.

Though in the past tours included visits to the production distillery, you no longer tour the actual factory. Instead, additional buildings have been built with displays and exhibits, similar to a museum, that are specifically designed for visitors. You can also opt for one of the other tours in which you can indulge in a rum tasting and/or learn about mixology, where you can become the connoisseur of what it takes to prepare some legendary cocktails.

Tour Duration: Bacardi’s tours range from about 1-2 hours
Price Range: $40-$125 per person
Best For: Adults who are fans of rum or just want to learn more about Bacardí

Casa Bacardí info: Tours and experiences

6. Head Out on a Spooky Ghost Tour

If you’re looking for a peek into the more haunting and chilling past of Viejo San Juan, consider taking a ghost walking tour. Your guide will take your through the historic streets of the old town, sharing tales of pirates, the Bermuda Triangle, the Fountain of Youth, and more. As you meander through the cobblestone streets under the darkened sky, you’ll navigate the very same streets that pirates, scoundrels, and other rogues walked hundreds of years ago.

Points of interest may include the oldest operating stage in the Americas — Teatro Tapia, as well as the Old Prison Building, Hotel El Convento, Fort San Cristobal, the oldest standing fort in San Juan — Castillo de San Felipe del Morro, The Gallery Inn, and what’s considered the most beautiful cemetery in the Caribbean — Cementerio Santa Maria Magdalena de Pazzi.

Tour Duration: 2.5-3.5 hours
Price Range: $70-$100 per person
Best For: Those interested in the spooky and mysterious parts of San Juan’s past

Sample Tour: San Juan Ghost Walk

7. Go Coffee Tasting

Puerto Rico is known around the world for its coffee, so exploring the various espresso-based offerings is practically a must-do for any coffee connoisseur when visiting the island. In the tour linked below, your group will set off with a private guide who will share their knowledge about not only Puerto Rico’s history with coffee, but the history of coffee around the world as well. As you walk along the streets of the Old Town, you’ll have the opportunity to taste various forms of coffee from the most popular coffee shops in the city and explore historic points of interest along the way. And of course, you can’t have a day filled with coffee without a pastry or two, so sit down with fresh Puerto Rican treats like Mallorca or a quesito.

Tour Duration: 3-4 hours
Price Range: $80-$150+ per person
Best For: Coffee lovers

Sample Tour: Private Secrets of Espresso, Walking and Tasting Tour

San Juan, Puerto Rico: Frequently Asked Questions

Where do cruise ships dock in San Juan, Puerto Rico?

Cruise ships typically dock right in the heart of Old San Juan, making this historic part of the city easily walkable right from the ship. They may also dock at the nearby Pan American Pier, which is just across the bay and is accessible via a bridge. Most of the time, you’ll dock in Old San Juan unless your cruise is beginning or ending in San Juan. In that case, ships are more likely to use the Pan-American Pier (though cruises that sail from San Juan will sometimes use the Old San Juan piers as well).

How long do cruise ships typically stay in San Juan?

Cruise ships typically stay in San Juan for 8-9 hours, though exact timeframes vary widely depending on your specific ship and itinerary. This generally allows for one longer excursion or a few short ones, plus some time in town for shopping, sightseeing, and grabbing a bite to eat or drink.

Is San Juan walkable from the cruise port?

While the more modern part of downtown San Juan is not walkable from the cruise port, the historic Old Town — where most cruise passengers spend their port day — is located right off the cruise pier in San Juan. It’s extremely walkable, just keep in mind that many streets in the Old Town are made of uneven cobblestone. And while there are paved sidewalks, they are narrow and you will have to walk on the cobblestone at times.

Can you walk to the beach from the San Juan cruise port?

Escambron Beach is considered the best beach closest to the cruise port. While you can walk to this beach, it’s a 1.7 mile walk (which takes about 40 minutes). We recommend taking an uber or taxi instead, which is a quick 10-minute drive.

Do you need a passport to get off the cruise ship in Puerto Rico?

While you may have needed your passport to actually get on the cruise that stops in Puerto Rico, if you’re a U.S. citizen you don’t need a passport to visit Puerto Rico. This is because Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, and is therefore part of the United States. Keep in mind that if you’re embarking your cruise ship in Puerto Rico, you will have to follow the requirements of your cruise line for your itinerary, meaning you’ll likely need a passport or birth certificate/driver’s license to sail.

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