What best to do?

[ecnirp]

Hi

 

We are cruising into SJ in 3 weeks with RCI, there 10:00 to 18:00, never been before, 4 adults and one 9 year old, looking at the forum I can see the main things to do are visit the forts, rain forest, or beaches.

 

I am considering the forts when we arrive as it sounds close to the port, then go to the beach in the afternoon until it is time to leave?

 

But the rain forest does look interesting, if I do that trip I think I will do the ship excursion as it looks like quite a trip so would be worried if we get delayed on a non-ship excursion.

 

I was wondering what people would recommend for a first visit?

 

Thanks for any advice.

[ozarkmama]

I highly recommend spending the day in Old San Juan. There is much more to see besides the Forts. The area itself is a relatively small area and you can walk and see much of it. Besides the forts, there is the Paseo de la Princesa, the San Juan Gate, many small shops and restaurants, unique buildings and churches, Parque de las Palomas where you can feed the pigeons.

 

http://www.puertoricodaytrips.com/old-san-juan-walking-tour-1/

 

http://www.puertoricodaytrips.com/old-san-juan-walking-tour-2/

 

http://www.puertoricodaytrips.com/old-san-juan-walking-tour-3/

 

http://www.puertoricodaytrips.com/old-san-juan-walking-tour-4/

[ecnirp]

Thanks for the reply ozarkmama.

 

Sounds like there is abit to do, I would still like to visit a beach (after San Juan we are on the cruise ship for 7 days transatlantic back to the UK), are there any beaches near Old San Juan we could go on for a few hours after visiting the old town and forts before we rejoin the ship?

 

I have done abit of reading up on the RCI rainforest trip and have been put off, as its a long journey and the rain forest feels abit touristy with cement paths and not much time to visit (I visited the Amazon for a day when in Margarita, so I have visited an amazing rain forest already).

[TravelinGert]

There are also some rather spectacular caves and the world's largest radio telescope.

[Stinger-pr]

The closest two beaches are Escambron near the Caribe Hilton hotel and a small beach right besides the Hilton Condado Plaza. Both less than 10 minutes from the pier by taxi. You could actually walk to Escambron if you wish. Although it's about a 30 minute walk. But since you'll most likely be getting a taxi I'd suggest the one by the Condado Plaza or a bit further up the road behind the Marriott Stellaris. Be aware that the beach behind the Marriott is basically open water with lots of waves. Once you decide to come back to the ship just walk over to either hotel's taxi stand and catch your ride back.