If you had 24 hours in San Juan...?

[Bruin Steve]

Okay, last time we were in San Juan, we wasted it...We were there on the Grandeur as a port stop...My wife wanted to do the El Yunque Rain Forest tour...and we ended up hating it...We figured we'd have some time in Old San Juan after the tour, but when we got back, the skies opened up and it poured, so we went back to the ship instead...

 

This time, we're there to start a cruise...

 

Our flight gets in at 10:10 on Friday Morning and our ship leaves on Saturday at 11 pm--but it's our typical preference to get to the ship early, get checked in and start relaxing...though I suppose if we had a reason, we could check in and go back out for a portion of the afternoon as well...just not likely we do that...

 

We are staying at the Marriott San Juan and Stellaris Casino...I am assuming we get in, gather our luggage, get a cab to the hotel and it's maybe noonish?

 

So, we have from noon Friday until we board the ship, likely around noon on Saturday...24 hours...And we've really seen very little of San Juan in the past...What would you do? Where to eat lunch? Dinner? What do we visit--El Morro? Old San Juan? Bacardi factory? What else?

 

All suggestions are appreciated...

[pholter]

I really enjoyed walking OSJ and sampling the music playing on the streets, drinks in the bars, and snacks in all the restaurants. For dinner or an evening out, I would highly recommend trying out the newer Boutique hotel called The Water Club- you'll need reservations for their restaurant called Tangerine. They also have a really cool rooftop Sushi Bar and Club with a swimming pool. All the "who's who" visit there and we really loved the place. The hotel is in Isla Verde and the restaurant is what I'd call Latin/Japanese Fusion- priced out at about $50pp if you enjoy more than just an entree. You're welcome to click on my review link below in my signature line to read about our Pre/Post cruise stays in San Juan as well. Enjoy your trip/cruise!

[geoherb]

We enjoyed walking through the botanical garden near the university. It was a $20 cab ride from Old San Juan. We shared the taxi with another couple.

 

We had time to walk through the capitol after going to the garden. We have toured Fort San Cristobal on previous cruises. The Bacardi factory is interesting. When we stayed a couple of nights in San Juan after a cruise, the hotel's concierge desk arranged tours and we did that one. Our hotel was in the Condado Beach area. We ate a Ajili-Mojili. I'd recommend it if you get over there.

 

I've said that if we stay in San Juan again before or after a cruise that I want to rent a car and drive to the rain forest. I'd much rather do it on our own than as an excursion.

[Karen Lynn]

We are cruising outof SJU in May and also arriving a day early. We are being told that the ship departs at 10 p.m and boarding isn't until approx 5 p.m?? That sound right? I noticed another here boarding at noon...so I am wondering...

 

Also, have been to this port briefly before but not sure what to do with the 24+ hours we have? Suggestions appreciated!

[Archie-o-Texas]

Steve,

 

If you are traveling with a group of 4 or less we recommend Jerry with Coqui Tours. We just spent Saturday from 9AM to 4PM with him after a week on the Constellation. Once you get an idea of what you want to see or do in PR contact him via e-mail and he will let you know if his services will fit your preferences. I was impressed with his honesty as we asked for too much to do in the time we had and told us so via e-mail.

 

He grew up in Indiana and is currently living in San Juan after extensive travels around the world and the USA. He is in his early 30's and drove us around in his Jeep. We went to the rain forest and enjoyed it because of his knowledge and flexibility with our needs.

 

He only takes small groups so that he can be flexible. Within an hour we felt like we were seeing San Juan with a family friend rather than a tour guide.

[karen2cruz]

I'd do the bioluminescent tour. If the weather is good, it is amazing. I'd also do a Legends of Puerto Rico tour with Debbie. She has different ones at different times. Enjoy your 24 hours. Cant wait to go back and do the alternate itinerary on the Golden Princess.

[ETyndall]

Please share with me what the bioluminescent tour is.

 

Thanks,

ETyndall

[ETyndall]

Would this tour be something teens would enjoy? We are thinking about touring the rain forest as well.

ETyndall

[karen2cruz]

Supposedly this is the only place in the world like it. It is a night tour. Here are some websites:

 

http://www.biobay.com/cd/webhtml/right.htm

http://www.rainforestsafari.com/biolbay.html

http://www.igougo.com/planning/journalEntryActivity.asp?JournalID=4379&EntryID=7610&n=Bioluminescent+Bay+at+Puerto+Mosquito