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Embark on an unforgettable journey with Shore Excursions Group as we unveil the vibrant tapestry of San Juan, Puerto Rico. Beyond the sun-soaked beaches, our excursions delve into the heart of this historic city to offer you the experience of a lifetime. Shore Excursions Group is your passport to the best of San Juan, blending informative guided tours with the casual and fun atmosphere that ensures cruisers an enriching and delightful time.
San Juan in a Nutshell
San Juan, Puerto Rico is an ideal port of call for cruise enthusiasts, providing a sensory feast that captures the heart of anyone who ventures ashore.
Steeped in a colonial past, the city boasts a UNESCO World Heritage site in the form of Old San Juan, the number one attraction in Puerto Rico. This iconic district is wonderfully preserved, with cobblestone streets, pastel-colored Spanish colonial buildings, and historic fortifications such as El Morro and San Cristobal.
Beyond its architectural wonders, the streets of San Juan are alive with the rhythm of salsa music, its lively markets adorned with local crafts, colors, and flavors. The intoxicating fusion of old-world charm and contemporary attractions offers visitors a dynamic encounter that is not to be missed.
Things to Do in San Juan, Puerto Rico
Looking for that perfect San Juan cruise excursion? Look no further than these top picks to experience some of the best this city has to offer:
San Juan: A Foodie’s Paradise
A culinary tour goes beyond merely tasting dishes; it becomes a sensory exploration of a region’s soul. By immersing yourself in the diverse array of dishes and culinary practices, you’re exposed to a vibrant expression of traditions, culture, history, and local flavors. At Shore Excursions Group, we guide you through the cobblestone streets of Old San Juan, blending flavors and time-honored traditions as you immerse yourself in the city’s history.
Drinking coffee is ingrained in the life of Puerto Ricans, with the island’s coffee production extending back for centuries. From cafe con leche and cappuccinos to cortaditos and iced coffee, you will have an opportunity to sample this enchanting elixir in various forms at three different coffee shops. Learn the history of coffee here, the differences in the coffee beans, and the secrets to ordering this popular beverage like a local. Be sure to indulge in a delicious affogato (vanilla ice cream dressed with an espresso shot), or sip on a robust espresso while you enjoy a Mallorca or other popular Puerto Rican pastry.
If you are looking for something a little more “hands-on”, we got you! Leave the streets of old San Juan behind as we whisk you away to a charming colonial restaurant where the chef will help you to create an authentic Puerto Rican dish. You’ll learn all about the seasonings and cooking traditions used while sipping on a rum cocktail and trying your hand at preparing plantains or cassava. You will then sit down and enjoy the fruits of your labors as you explore the Spanish, African, and Taino Indian influences infused in every bite of your lunch.
Experience San Juan’s Wild Side
Whether below the waters or out on land, San Juan offers a variety of outdoor options that allow for a closer connection with nature, at once blending adventure and tranquility. The island’s crystal-clear waters and warm temperatures create an ideal environment for snorkeling, providing both beginners and snorkeling enthusiasts with an unforgettable experience. On the other hand, a horseback tour of San Juan offers a unique perspective of the city’s rich history and natural beauty, allowing riders to traverse scenic trails, historic sites, and picturesque landscapes atop a majestic horse.
Snorkelers will love the convenience of starting off at the beach, allowing you to get comfortable with the water and your snorkeling gear. Next, you’ll be led on a guided snorkel in crystal clear waters, surrounded by hundreds of dazzling tropical fish that you will be able to feed and interact with!
For those seeking a unique underwater adventure, consider an underwater sea walk — no diving gear required. You will be expertly fitted with an underwater helmet (connected via a tube to an air supply) and given a few minutes in shallow water to get comfortable. Then, it’s time to go a little deeper and walk on the undersea floor while you admire and feed the angel fish, blue tangs, damsels, seahorses and more as they swim around you.
Prefer to stay on land? Saddle up on a trusty steed and venture off the well-trodden trails as you pass by enchanting lagoons, navigate protected mangroves, and weave your way through the rugged Karst Mountain foothills. Along the way your guide will regale you with fascinating facts while you immerse yourself in stunning vistas and witness local wildlife.
For the History Buffs
Touring the historical sights of Old San Juan just outside of the cruise port offers you an unforgettable journey through time, allowing you to immerse yourself in the history and stories of Puerto Rico’s colonial past. Exploring iconic city landmarks and delving into the inspiring history of the Jewish community adds a unique and enriching dimension to your experience, offering you a deeper understanding of the cultural mosaic that defines this charming city.
Did you know that San Juan contains the Caribbean’s largest Jewish library? Our cultural tour takes you to that library as well as noted synagogues, guided by a local who will share the centuries-old history of the Jewish culture and community in Puerto Rico. Admire the architectural beauty of the synagogues, visit the only Mikvah, or Ritual Bath, on the island, and savor Kosher cuisine at the island’s only Kosher cafe.
San Juan is a city of contrasts, and this is evident when you explore both the Old and New San Juan. On this San Juan sightseeing tour your guide will take you through the newer, Miami-style beach area of Condado with its casinos, nightclubs, high-rises, and modern luxury hotels. Once in the medieval Old Town you will truly feel like you are stepping back in time as you traverse its narrow cobblestone streets and admire the Gothic San Juan Cathedral — the oldest cathedral on U.S. soil. Along the way you will observe beautiful 17th century ironwork and be wowed at the imposing El Morro fort, a multi-layered citadel that made San Juan one of the most formidable ports in the Caribbean.
Opt for an intimate exploration of San Juan through a private walking tour — the ideal way to uncover both popular attractions as well as the hidden gems that often escape the notice of larger tour groups. Enjoy the flexibility to linger at your favorite spots, catching intriguing anecdotes you might otherwise miss without close proximity to a guide. Discover the fascinating history of Ballad Barracks, marvel at the grandeur of San Juan Cathedral, glimpse the Casa Blanca of the Ponce de Leon family, and much more, as you stroll the streets with your own personal guide.
Tips for a Seamless Shore Excursion
For a seamless shore excursion, meticulous packing is key to ensuring you’re well-prepared for every adventure that awaits. Begin with the basics: comfortable footwear, a hat, and sunscreen. Depending on the excursion, consider packing a swimsuit, a reusable water bottle, and a light jacket incase of wind or rain. It’s always wise to bring along a small backpack for easy carrying and to have your essentials within reach. A portable phone charger is handy to stay connected and capture memories.
When it comes to photography, try to prioritize natural lighting for vibrant shots, and grant yourself patience as you try to capture the ideal scene. Remember the rule of thirds for composition and don’t be afraid to experiment with angles. Lastly, make sure to immerse yourself in the tour — as sometimes the most memorable moments are better experienced than captured.
Booking with Shore Excursions Group
Booking with Shore Excursions Group offers you a multitude of benefits that enhance your travel adventure from start to finish. One of the key advantages lies in the easy online booking process, which streamlines the entire reservation procedure for you with just a few clicks.
Additionally, we prioritize customer satisfaction by providing robust 24/7 customer support, ensuring you a smoother, more confident, and more enjoyable shore experience — especially when exploring a new destination. And, when choosing to partner with us, you will enjoy high-quality tours at low prices, as well as industry-leading satisfaction and return-to-ship guarantees.
In Conclusion
San Juan’s shore excursions provide a tantalizing blend of cultural, historical, and adventurous pursuits for every traveler. Whether you want to explore the cobblestone streets of Old San Juan, immerse yourself in a cooking class, or embark on a thrilling outdoor adventure, the options are as diverse as the city itself. From the colorful facades of colonial architecture to the lush landscapes and pristine waters, San Juan’s shores hold an array of possibilities that are waiting just for you.
