If you’re visiting San Juan Cruise Port in Puerto Rico, this guide will answer all of your questions!
San Juan is one of my favorite cruise ports, and also one of the easiest to visit. The charming city is a must-see while cruising the Caribbean, and most cruise lines dock right at its port. If you like to be prepared before your trip, keep reading this blog post to find out everything you need to know about San Juan Cruise Port!
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WHERE DO THE CRUISE SHIPS DOCK IN SAN JUAN?
Most cruise ships dock right in Old San Juan, which makes it one of the easiest cruise ports in the Caribbean. You don’t need a bus or tour, you can simply step off your ship and walk straight into Old San Juan. If the piers there are full, some cruises dock at the Pan American Pier instead, which is about a 10-minute drive from Old San Juan. Check with your cruise line to confirm where you’ll be docking, but in most cases, it will be in Old San Juan.
CAN YOU EXPLORE OLD SAN JUAN ON FOOT?
Absolutely! Old San Juan is one of the most walkable cruise ports in the Caribbean. If your ship docks at Piers 1–4 in Old San Juan, you can step off and reach cobblestone streets, plazas, shops, and historic forts within 5–15 minutes. Even if you dock at the Pan American Pier, a quick 10-minute taxi ride will take you straight into the heart of Old San Juan, where you can continue exploring on foot.
If you’re looking for the perfect itinerary for a cruise day trip in San Juan, read my guide >>> HOW TO SPEND THE PERFECT ONE DAY IN SAN JUAN
Although it’s super walkable, wear comfortable shoes. The streets are cobblestoned and many are uphill, which can be tough in sandals or flip-flops. Sneakers or sturdy walking shoes work best if you’re planning to explore for a few hours. I wore Converse and managed just fine, so you don’t need anything special, just something supportive. If you’re traveling with kids, keep in mind that cobblestones can be tricky for strollers, so a baby carrier might be the easier option.
IS SHOPPING FOR SOUVENIERS IN SAN JUAN CRUISE PORT POSSIBLE?
It’s possible, but it depends on where you dock. If your ship docks at San Juan Port, you’ll find souvenir shops, jewelry stores, and duty-free boutiques just steps from the pier, so it’s easy to shop either right away or before returning to your cruise in the evening. Many cruisers pick up T-shirts, magnets, rum, or cigars at the port. If you dock at the Pan American Pier, there are only a few small shops inside the terminal, so you’ll need to head into Old San Juan for real shopping.
Although you can buy plenty in the port, the best and most authentic souvenirs are found in Old San Juan. There are several great streets lined with local artisan crafts, handmade jewelry, coffee, and unique Puerto Rican art. You’ll also come across several designer outlet stores where you can do some proper shopping.
IS IT SAFE TO WALK AROUND SAN JUAN CRUISE PORT?
Yes, Old San Juan Port and town are generally safe for cruise passengers, especially during the day when the streets are full of tourists, locals, and families. The cruise port is right in the historic district, so you can easily walk to shops, restaurants, and major attractions. Just keep your wits about you and follow basic tourist precautions: watch your belongings, stay in well-lit, busy areas in the evening, and be mindful of traffic.
When it comes to La Perla, the neighborhood is part of San Juan’s history and culture, but it’s not really considered a tourist area. Most cruise passengers enjoy seeing it from above. If you do want to visit, it’s best to go with a guided tour rather than on your own.
IS THERE WIFI NEAR THE SAN JUAN CRUISE PORT?
If you’re at Old San Juan Port, there’s a possibility Wi-Fi will be available throughout the terminal. The first time we were here we had Wi-Fi and it actually worked quite well. This last time we were there (November 2025) we couldn’t connect to the Wi-Fi, but you can try anyway. If you’re at Pan American Pier, Wi-Fi is not available at the terminal, but you can connect once you get to Old San Juan, whenever you take a break from exploring.
HOW HOT DOES IT GET IN SAN JUAN?
San Juan is warm year-round, with daytime highs usually between 80°F and 90°F (27°C–32°C). Even in the ‘cooler’ winter months when most cruise ships visit, you can still expect temperatures in the low to mid-80s. When we visited at the end of November, it was over 30°C (around 90°F).
On top of that, it’s extremely humid. San Juan’s tropical climate can make it feel hotter than it actually is. Add walking the cobblestone streets under the sun, especially uphill, and it can get quite challenging. Make sure to bring a refillable water bottle or cash to buy drinks from street vendors, wear light, breathable clothing, and don’t forget sunscreen and a hat.
WHAT ARE SOME HISTORIC SIGHTS YOU CAN’T MISS IN SAN JUAN?
There are many incredible things to see in San Juan. Here’s a short list of the must-see attractions, and you can read more about them in my 1-day itinerary for San Juan! For more, check out these Great things to do in San Juan!
- Castillo San Felipe del Morro (El Morro)
- Castillo San Cristóbal
- La Fortaleza
- Paseo de la Princesa
- San Juan Cathedral (Catedral de San Juan Bautista)
- City Walls & San Juan Gate
ARE THERE ANY EASY DAY TRIPS FROM OLD SAN JUAN?
If you’re feeling adventurous and your cruise stop is long enough (more than 6 hours), you can go beyond Old San Juan and see more of Puerto Rico with a quick excursion. You can book one through your cruise line on the ship, or with platforms like GetYourGuide or Viator. Some of the most popular and easy day trips include:
- El Yunque National Forest – This excursion is about a 45–60 minute drive from the port. It’s the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest system, where you’ll find waterfalls, trails, and green scenery. It’s also the most popular excursion from San Juan.
- Bacardí Rum Distillery (“Casa Bacardí”) – This excursion is very close and easy to do. It’s just across the bay from Old San Juan (a 10-minute ferry ride plus a short taxi). You can tour the facility, learn about Puerto Rican rum-making, and enjoy tastings.
- Isla Verde – If you’d like to just relax by the beach, you can get a 20-minute taxi ride to Isla Verde. It’s known for its wide sandy beach and resorts, so it’s the perfect location for a great beach day in Puerto Rico.
CAN YOU SEE SAN JUAN WITHOUT BOOKING AN EXCURSION?
You can absolutely visit Old San Juan without booking any excursion. Just leave your ship and enjoy a walk through the Old Town. However, if you want to explore beyond Old San Juan, it’s best to book an excursion. It’s safer, and if you book through your cruise line, you don’t have to worry about making it back on time, your ship won’t leave without you!
WHAT SHOULD YOU WEAR IN SAN JUAN?
San Juan is warm and tropical year-round, so dress accordingly. Wear light, breathable clothing (cotton or linen, I loved wearing a light dress), comfortable walking shoes (my Converse chucks worked great), and bring plenty of sun protection. That means a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. And if you’re planning to visit the beach, don’t forget your beachwear!
DO I NEED CASH IN SAN JUAN?
Yes, but not a lot. San Juan is part of the United States, so U.S. dollars are the currency you need. Most shops, restaurants, and attractions accept credit and debit cards. Because of this, you don’t need to carry large amounts of cash. However, having some cash on hand can be handy for small purchases like street food, snacks, tips, or souvenirs from local vendors who may not take cards.
ATMs are widely available in Old San Juan if you need more cash, though some may charge a fee for international cards. I highly recommend a Revolut Card, which allows you to withdraw money at most ATMs worldwide without extra fees.
DO I NEED TO SPEAK SPANISH TO GET AROUND SAN JUAN?
No, you don’t need to speak Spanish to enjoy San Juan. Since Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, English is widely spoken in tourist areas, restaurants, shops, and cruise ports. Most signs, menus, and visitor information are also in English.
However, learning a few basic Spanish phrases can enhance your experience and show respect for the local culture.
