Favorite place to visit while in PR

[betsyl]

We'll be in port from 2-10 p.m. on December 13 (IOS). We have been to San Juan before and have seen the forts, the Bacardi Rum Factory, etc. We had planned to go to the El Yunque Rain Forest but I just checked and that tour is not listed for some reason. Is it too far to go with an arrival at 2 p.m.?? I'm disappointed

[RayInPR]

The drive from Old San Juan to El Yunque National Forest in Rio Grande is 60-90 minutes depending on traffic. The rain forest gates "close" at 6pm. So assuming you were able to get on the road at exactly 2pm, you'd get there around 3:30pm. That would leave 2.5 hours to see part of the rain forest, maybe walk a short trail or 2, maybe climb a tower. That's not really sufficient time (IMO) to see much of the rain forest. It doesn't do it justice.

 

Now, you wouldn't get on the road by 2pm. You'll barely be off the ship by then. And you'd have to pick up a rental car (maybe at Hertz at the Sheraton in OSJ). But by then you'd have even less time.

 

You might want to hang around Old San Juan and see if there's something that you missed on a previous trip, like one of the many museums, a Segway tour, or a guided night-time walking tour of the city. If you're looking for some entertainment in the evening, depending on the night of the week, you'll find salsa, tango, yoga lessons, and maybe even bellydancing!

 

Hope this helps!

[jessie073]

Hello all - we will be flying into San Juan 1 night prior to our cruise. I have always wanted to do the Bio lagoon tour but could never work this out with our times in port. How far is this from SJ - also, do they provide transportation, or do you need to get there yourself?

 

Also, can anyone recommend any great flamenco in SJ. Thanks :)

[betsyl]

The drive from Old San Juan to El Yunque National Forest in Rio Grande is 60-90 minutes depending on traffic. The rain forest gates "close" at 6pm. So assuming you were able to get on the road at exactly 2pm, you'd get there around 3:30pm. That would leave 2.5 hours to see part of the rain forest, maybe walk a short trail or 2, maybe climb a tower. That's not really sufficient time (IMO) to see much of the rain forest. It doesn't do it justice.

 

Now, you wouldn't get on the road by 2pm. You'll barely be off the ship by then. And you'd have to pick up a rental car (maybe at Hertz at the Sheraton in OSJ). But by then you'd have even less time.

 

You might want to hang around Old San Juan and see if there's something that you missed on a previous trip, like one of the many museums, a Segway tour, or a guided night-time walking tour of the city. If you're looking for some entertainment in the evening, depending on the night of the week, you'll find salsa, tango, yoga lessons, and maybe even bellydancing!

 

Hope this helps!

 

Thanks for the info and suggestions!

[Coqui2007]

jesie073 the Bio Bays that are closest to San Juan start from Fajardo (North East coast) - it's about a 60-90min drive.

 

There are a couple of options:

 

The Bio Bay in Fajardo - can be done in kayaks and most tour companies will offer an early evening tour and a mid evening tour. There are several tour operators - Kayaking Puerto Rico is one (and I believe they also offer transportation)

 

There is also the Bio bay over on Vieques island (at this bio bay you are allowed to swim in the bay) - you can take an evening cruise from Fajardo to the Vieques bio bay starts sround 5pm and gets back around 10pm - this tour includes dinner - East Winds Catermeran does this tour

 

One thing is you need to make sure that the moon phase is OK for the night tour - check with the operators - most do not go out if the moon is wrong.

 

Hope that helps

 

Coqui @ http://www.visit-the-coqui.com

[RayInPR]

Hello all - we will be flying into San Juan 1 night prior to our cruise. I have always wanted to do the Bio lagoon tour but could never work this out with our times in port. How far is this from SJ - also, do they provide transportation, or do you need to get there yourself?

 

Also, can anyone recommend any great flamenco in SJ. Thanks

 

To provide some additional information on the bio-bay ...

 

You do need to make sure that the moon is favorable on the night you want to visit the biobay. We've prepared a biobay/moon calendar that shows the best nights to go.

 

The biobay in Vieques (Mosquito Bay) is brighter than the biobay in Fajardo (Laguna Grande), but on a recent kayaking trip in Laguna Grande we felt that this biobay is making a definite come-back. So if you have the time, it's well worth the trip.

 

 

 

Regarding Flamenco dancing ... There are a number of restaurants that offer music/dance entertainment in Old San Juan (for the cost of a meal or a couple drinks). You can find everything from Flamenco to Salsa to bellydancing, depending on what night you're talking about.

[jessie073]

RayInPR - Thanks, we will be there the night of 11/8. It looks like there will be a half moon, is this still OK for the Bio tour? Its a long way so just want to make sure the conditions are right. Thanks :)

[RayInPR]

According to the biobay/moon calendar, Nov 8 will be "fair" for viewing the biobay. Nov 9 is a "bad" night.

 

So what does this mean?

 

You're correct in noting that the moon will be almost half, which can be bright. But the bigger problem is that the moon rises at 2:22pm that afternoon.

 

So you'll have a (almost) half moon that is high in the sky while you're in the biobay ... that can cast considerable light on the water, diminishing the "glow effect".

 

We called that night (11/8) "fair" in our calendar because, though the moon will be out early, it's not quite yet a half moon. Notice that we call the next day "bad" because the moon rises about 3pm and it will be a bigger moon, and therefore brighter.

 

So 11/8 is right on the line between a "go" and a "no go" night for the biobay. Personally, I'd probably do it, especially if you're not going to be back in PR any time soon.

 

Hope this helps!

[jessie073]

How do clouds play into this, would the tour operator cancel the tour if its not going to be a good night to go?

 

Also, out of the 2 Biobays that you mentioned, which one would you consider to be the best experience?

 

Thanks for all the info! :)

[Jus Cuz 1]

We just got back from liberty 8/23. The segway tour was the best!!! A must to do!

[RayInPR]

How do clouds play into this, would the tour operator cancel the tour if its not going to be a good night to go?

 

Also, out of the 2 Biobays that you mentioned, which one would you consider to be the best experience?

 

Thanks for all the info!

 

Clouds help on a moonlit night by blocking the moonlight. But then you can't see all the stars in the sky! So there's always a tradeoff.

 

Operators do not schedule tours for those nights when the moon is not favorable. A couple of the operators bring a tarp to hold up to block the moonlight so you can see the "glow".

 

Regarding Laguna Grande versus Mosquito Bay ...

 

Having visited both biobays, the electric pontoon in Vieques (Mosquito Bay) is a better experience than kayaking in Fajardo (Laguna Grande), IMO. There's no work involved on your part (versus kayaking), you spend more time in the actual biobay, and (for now) you can still swim in Mosquito Bay.

 

That said, if you take the trip with East Island Excursions out of Fajardo, you're looking at $109/person, versus $55-$65/person kayaking in Fajardo. So your wallet plays a part in the equation, too.

 

But you do have to consider what you're getting for that $109 ... power catamaran from Fajardo to Vieques and back again, rum drinks, dinner, transportation from dock to restaurant and back, and the biobay tour itself. So, if you figure you'd spend $20-$30/person for dinner anyway, you'll see that the price is pretty reasonable for what you're getting.

 

Hope this helps!

[Cruiser Crystal]

:D Thank You to everyone for all of your suggestions and recommendations. :D

[Tyskie]

Coquishideaway, thanks for all your imput on the thread, it's always nice to hear from a "local"! Do you know of any hotels in the Isla Verde area that offers a day pass for those flying home in the evening?

[rainforestgirl]

Coquishideaway, thanks for all your imput on the thread, it's always nice to hear from a "local"! Do you know of any hotels in the Isla Verde area that offers a day pass for those flying home in the evening?

 

I am a local who likes to be a tourist! So I share what I find out with others. I am glad it helps.

 

I have never done these, but from what I hear, the Marriott Stellaris offers a day pass,and sometimes the Caribe Hilton has a day room available. But it seems they don't like to book these too far ahead of time- if they are full as a hotel, they won't do the passes.

But call them and ask.

http://www.hiltoncaribbean.com/index.php?destination=sanjuan&page=contact

http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/sjupr-san-juan-marriott-resort-and-stellaris-casino/

[Jan_In_Maine]

Thanks for all the information. After e-mails and telephone calls, it looks as if we will be staying at the Hotel El Convento pre cruise. (I talked to some very nice helpful people at the hotel, I was very impressed!).

 

We plan on walking around during the day ... looking for somewhere close to have dinner (that is not very expensive).

 

Again thanks to all for all the information, I look forward to asking all sorts of questions in the next 11 months :D

 

PS .... Why frogs???? Jan

[RayInPR]

El Convento has a nice courtyard restaurant.

Then there's Cana, just outside of their courtyard.

And Buren, just across Calle Christo.

Barrachina is a favorite.

Plenty of places on Calle Fortaleza (DragonFly, Parrot Club, Aguaviva).

Just went to Baru on Calle San Sabastian and enjoyed it.

 

Hope this helps!

[Cruiser Crystal]

El Convento has a nice courtyard restaurant.

Then there's Cana, just outside of their courtyard.

And Buren, just across Calle Christo.

Barrachina is a favorite.

Plenty of places on Calle Fortaleza (DragonFly, Parrot Club, Aguaviva).

Just went to Baru on Calle San Sabastian and enjoyed it.

 

Hope this helps!

 

Thanks Ray for all of your helpful tips and advice. I am a bit upset my itin changed and we will be doing Half Moon Cay, Nassau and Grank Turk, in place of the old itin which included PR.

 

Hopefully, some day soon I will get to visit this place. Thanks again for all your help!!!!:D

[lbtnewcruiser]

Thanks Ray for all of your helpful tips and advice. I am a bit upset my itin changed and we will be doing Half Moon Cay, Nassau and Grank Turk, in place of the old itin which included PR.

 

Hopefully, some day soon I will get to visit this place. Thanks again for all your help!!!!:D

What ship were you sailing ? How far out did the itenerary change ? Were you notified or did you come across it yourself ?

[Jan_In_Maine]

I believe she's sailing on a carnival cruise. Our cruise (RCCL) 8/09 has had a change also, we were not notified, someone from my roll call happened to notice it on the RC website. (guess it pays to keep checking).

 

Ray thanks very much for the info on where to eat ... I'm keeping a word doc on everything I find out ... So I'll add it to the list. Thanks, again.

 

Last time we were in SJ we stopped at a store that sold butterflies ... they had some beautiful one's. (we purchased a very small butterfly for my DD). It made a lovely gift. Jan

[jessie073]

Ray - thanks for all the great information!! Would you be able to suggest some nice, reasonably price hotels in the Old San Juan area? We will be arriving 1 night prior to our cruise and would like to do some sightseeing and walking around the city - Old San Juan. El Convento and Sheraton are both booked for the night I would be staying. I'm considering the Caribe Hilton but alhtough nice, it seems so far away. The Sheraton just has such an ideal location! If you would be able to suggest something else I could look into for availablity that would be great! :) Thanks again for all your help!

 

Jessie

[RayInPR]

Ray - thanks for all the great information!! Would you be able to suggest some nice, reasonably price hotels in the Old San Juan area? We will be arriving 1 night prior to our cruise and would like to do some sightseeing and walking around the city - Old San Juan. El Convento and Sheraton are both booked for the night I would be staying. I'm considering the Caribe Hilton but alhtough nice, it seems so far away. The Sheraton just has such an ideal location! If you would be able to suggest something else I could look into for availablity that would be great! Thanks again for all your help!

Jessie

 

Old San Juan is actually on a small island connected to the "big island" by a bridge. The Caribe Hilton is at the eastern-most point on the small island. Old San Juan is on the western part of that small island. The Caribe Hilton is not really "walking distance" to Old San Juan. But you could just get a taxi.

 

In addition to El Convento and the Sheraton, some other lodging right in Old San Juan ...

 

* Howard Johnson Hotel Plaza de Armas

* Da House, above the Nuyorican Cafe (so it can get loud late)

* The Caleta Guesthouse, on Caleta de las Monjas

* Hotel Milano, on Fortaleza Street

* Casa Candela, on San Sabastian Street

* Cervantes, on Recinto Sur

* San Juan Suites, on Fortaleza Street

* Gallery Inn, on Norzagaray Street

 

Please note that we have never stayed at any of these places. I'm just providing a list with no recommendations implied.

 

Hope this helps!

[Best Buds]

RayinPR - THANKS for the great OSJ short hotel list! You have given us all the very best insider information on Puerto Rico and it really REALLY helps. Thanks so much...

 

Jan in Maine - Wow, we are so much alike! We will also be staying at El Convento this December and we made reservations for the in-house tapas restaurant (Picoteo). Can't wait to try their paella or champagne sangria! Don't forget the free wine and cheese party each evening near the rooftop pool! Like you, we also started a MS Word document for everything we read here and think we have a great start on "all things Puerto Rican". If you like, you can check out our mini-website (listed in our signature below) for some great suggestions for things to do and places to stay, eat, dance, swim or tan in PR and OSJ particularly (which we covered street-by-street and plaza-to-plaza). We have recently added lots of photos and maps so we can find our way around and not miss a single thing! I can't wait to get to the butterfly shop (thanks for the tip)--we have one here in NYC at the South Street Seaport but they are closing now due to high rent and I never got to actually purchase any. [bTW:For those of us who worry about the "killing" of butterflies; the shop says they actually wait for the butterflies to drop dead naturally before they pick them up and frame them! They ARE gorgeous!] Hope we can cruise together sometime!

 

Jessie073 - We had a difficult time deciding on a great hotel in San Juan since I am almost always disappointed after I arrive because the pictures on their websites are not always realistic. That's where it really helps to have RayinPR, Coqui2007 and Coquishideaway around to give us the REAL scoop! From what I have learned by reading these threads so far; the Caribe Hilton has THE best all-around package (location, beach, guestrooms, amenities, etc.) and the Sheraton's only real claim to fame is that it is in OSJ and only ONE block from the cruise piers (no beach). One of our PR resident experts could probably give you much better pointers on this but we did put all we have learned so far ALL IN ONE PLACE on our Best Buds' miniwebsite--the PR section is now over 80 pages! It's a lot to absorb, I know, but we like it so you just might too!

 

We LOVE Puerto Rico and Old San Juan especially--hope you will too!

[Jan_In_Maine]

Best Buds, your website is amazing! My word doc keeps getting longer by the day, but I have come up with some ideas of what I would really like to do (we will be there from Saturday at noon until the ship leaves on Sunday at 8:00 ... we do like getting on the ship early though.)

 

This is my ideas so far of what I want to try (not in any order)

 

1. Segway tour

2. Mallorca's at La Bombonera's (Breakfast sunday)

3. Tapa's at El Picoteo ... didn't think about reservations (Dinner Saturday)

4. Barrachina for a Pina Colada (Saturday afternoon)

5. St. John the Baptist Cathedral for church (Sun morning)

6. Perhaps look for Santos and/or carnival masks

I really would like to just spend some time wandering without shopping. How soon should I think about reservations forEl Picoteo and for the segway tour?

Thanks - Jan

[rainforestgirl]

Jan- I would contact Segway now. They have recently gotten some cruise ship contracts, so they have less available tours....And "can't" give private tours for cruise people when certain cruise lines are in....

I would not mention you are coming in for a cruise, just say you will be in the area on Sat pm and Sun am and where you are staying.

It is a great tour!

 

If you are an early eater (before 7pm) you should have no problem getting into the restaurant. People eat late here.

You can wait a number of months before making reservations there.

[cando86]

Hi all!

I have just read that there are three biobays in Puerto Rico.

 

The cruise line offers the "Bioluminescence Bay Kayak Tour" and this is located in Fajardo. However, I have read about the two other ones as well.

 

I'm curious if we should just do the kayak tour through the cruise line or if the other 2 are located closer to the port?

 

We will only be In San Juan from 5-12am, so I am a little worried about time. I'm afraid if we did a tour that wasn't through Carnival that we wouldn't make it back to the ship on time.

Any suggestions or help is very much appreciated!!

Thank you in advance!:D