Best Caribbean Ports Of Departure - San Juan, Puerto Rico

Charming Old San Juan sits on a hill facing the Atlantic Ocean to the north, and the bay to the south. This walled fortified area, today a major historic landmark, was founded in 1510. It is compactly sized, easy to get around on foot. When your energy runs out catch the free trolley bus that shuttles around the sights. Walk along the narrow cobblestone streets and investigate the pastel colored houses, craft shops, and go to the fascinating museums.

El Morro Fort
El Morro, a large fort dating back to 1539, protects San Juan from attack. Its complete name is Castillo San Felipe del Morro, taken from the favored saint of King Philip of Spain. A tour takes you around six levels of gun emplacements and huge stone walls that tower over the Ocean.

San Cristobal Fort
San Cristobal Fort was built in the 18th century and contains a dark web of tunnels built for mysterious goings-on.

La Fortaleza
Another must-see is La Fortaleza, San Juan's most ancient fort, built in 1540. Later it was to become the official residence of the governor. Guided tours take you on a walk through the opulent building, with golden banquet hall, high galleries, and rooms furnished in period style.

Cathedral de San Juan
This marvelous cathedral dates back to 1592, on the site of the previous cathedral which was destroyed by a hurricane. Situated on Calle Cristo, this neoclassical building contains the bones of Ponce de Leon, a Spanish explorer, and the first ever governor of Puerto Rico.

Escambron Beach
Every beach in San Juan is public, and Escambrion beach, on the northern coast must be amongst the most beautiful in the city. It's quick to reach, and gives glorious views back along the coastline to El Morro. Condado beach, just a little more along the coast, can also be recommended.

Shopping
The hub of the shopping in Old San Juan is to be found in the many stores along Cristo, Fortaleza and San Francisco streets. As an alternative go to the two craft markets where you'll find a big range of fashions, art, souvenirs and jewelry. One is situated at the Plaza de la Darsena, in front of pier 1, the second on the Paseo de la Princesa, just along from pier 1.

Furhter Away from Old San Juan

Bacardi Rum Distillery
Also known by its nickname the Cathedral of Rum. Tourists can join a free inspection tour and trolley ride. After the dull talk about the distillery's early years you'll be treated to a taste.

El Yunque
The one and only jungle-like tropical rain forest in the US National Forest network. About 45 minutes away from San Juan.

Experienced cruise vacationers turn to San Juan in preference to a Florida port. Due to its central Caribbean position, the island provides easy access to interesting Southern Caribbean ports, such as the Netherland Antilles and the Windward Isles. A two-hour plane trip removes the need for the long cruise to these destinations from mainland USA.

The choice of cruises available from Puerto Rico is wide, including the Leeward Isles (USVI, St Maarten, St Kitts, Guadeloupe), the Windward Isles (Dominica, St Lucia, Barbados, St Vincent, Grenada,Tobago), and the Netherland Antilles off the northern coastline of Venezuela (Aruba, Curacao and Bonaire). For a comprehensive list of departures, see cruises from San Juan.

Several major cruiselines operate cruises from San Juan, including Carnival, Royal Caribbean, PO Cruises, Princess Cruises, Silversea and Celebrity Cruises.

There are three main pier areas in San Juan port. Old San Juan quays 1-6, the Navy Frontier pier, and the Pan American pier. In general ships calling at San Juan dock at the Old San Juan Piers, so passengers can walk into Old San Juan. Cruise ships leaving from San Juan will use Old San Juan pier 4, or the Pan American Pier, about a 15 minute cab ride from Old San Juan.

San Juan airport is located about nine miles from the Pan American pier and eleven miles from the Old San Juan quays. It usually takes about three quarters of an hour in a taxi for the trip. The fare is about forty dollars. Supplemental charges may apply for luggage.