Cruise ships dock close to Old San Juan, so a port day here is easy to plan. This guide helps you make the most of a few hours.
Know your timing
Check your ship’s all-aboard time and plan to be back well before it. Build in extra time for traffic and lines, and keep your cruise card and ID with you.
Morning: the old city and El Morro
Start with a walk through the old city streets, then head to El Morro. It sits at the tip of the peninsula at the entrance to San Juan Bay, and you can walk the grounds and ramparts.
See El Morro from the water
One of the best views of the fortress is from the bay. Our 45-minute guided El Morro ride is $165 per jet ski and leaves from San Juan Bay, close to Old San Juan. See the El Morro ride. Arrive about 30 minutes before your reservation, as one of our riders suggests in a review.
Lunch
Old San Juan has many places to eat. Try local dishes such as mofongo, tostones and fresh seafood.
Cruising in and out of the airport
If you are flying in or out, see our page on jet skis near the SJU airport and cruise port.
Cruise-day checklist
- Water, hat and sunscreen
- Comfortable shoes and swimwear if you will ride
- Phone, ID and cruise card
- A plan to return to the ship early
Plan Around the Ship Schedule
Cruise ships dock right at the edge of the old city, so the first hours after arrival are the busiest. If your ship allows it, head out early, or visit the forts first and wander the streets after the morning rush passes. Always leave a comfortable buffer before the all-aboard time. Give yourself at least 60 to 90 minutes of cushion for getting back to the pier.
What to Wear and Carry
Wear light clothing, comfortable shoes with grip, a hat and sunscreen. Cobblestones can be slick after rain. Carry water, a small bag and a bit of cash for small shops and kiosks. A compact rain layer is smart in the wetter months.
A Simple 5-Hour Plan
- Hour 1: Walk from the pier up through the blue-cobblestone streets and plazas.
- Hour 2: Tour El Morro and enjoy the views over the harbor.
- Hour 3: Lunch at a local spot and browse a few shops.
- Hour 4: Ride a guided jet ski tour past the fortress walls on San Juan Bay.
- Hour 5: Relax with a coffee or a cold drink and head back early.
Seeing El Morro From the Water
The fortress looks very different from the bay. A 45-minute guided ride lets you see the walls, the lighthouse and the harbor entrance from sea level. It is a popular choice for cruise passengers with limited time, because the meeting point is close to the old city and the ride is short enough to fit into a port day.
Tips for Cruise Passengers
- Book ahead, since cruise days fill up quickly.
- Keep your ship’s departure time in mind and plan a buffer.
- Keep the group size and weight limits in mind if you are riding together.
- Ask questions about meeting points before your day starts.
Ride with WOW in San Juan
Walking On Watersports runs jet ski rides from Isla Verde Beach (30, 45 or 60 minutes, from $120) and a 45-minute guided El Morro ride from San Juan Bay ($165). $0 deposit, gas and taxes included. Drivers 21+, passengers 8+, 320 lb combined per jet ski. Book online or call or text (787) 948-1500. Not sure where to start? See jet ski rental near you in San Juan.
