Shoppers this is for you...

5.  Shoppers take note, the stores in Old San Juan will be open after 5:00 p.m. if their are cruise ships dock in port.  Stores that have a contract with the cruise ship companies are opened. It is unpredictable to know the amount of the ships on a specific date, but you have available Puerto Rican artisans selling their crafts at several plazas in walking distance from Pier One to Six.  Read our article about arts & crafts.  Book a specialized and theme night tour in Old San Juan or rum tasting with a Puerto Rican dinner tour.

6.  The majority of the restaurants and bars are closed from Sunday to Tuesday. How about a journey into Spanish Colonial times under the Caribbean stars?  Have fun with our Night Tales in Old San Juan tour or Spirits of Puerto Rico

7.   A cultural tour in Modern San Juan combined with shopping at the largest mall in the Caribbean that closes at 9PM is an alternative to have fun.  A booklet with discount coupons for the shopper is available. An architectural and historical tour inside the mall available with our private tours called Boutique.

8.  Find out if you will be in port on a local holiday. Some places might be closed and your entertainment choices will be limited.  All attractions are closed on US Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Our day, night walking Old San Juan tours and rum tasting with dinner tour are available on most US holidays.

9.   A sales tax of 7% was implemented in San Juan on August 1, 2007.

10. Learn what you are allowed to take with you on the plane to the U.S.
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/plants/plant_exports/index.shtml

11. Send what you buy through the United States Postal Services. It is cheaper than the airlines luggage fee and you do not need to carry it.

12. Call USDA at the SJU airport to learn about the permitted products you can take on board a plane at (787) 253-4540 or (787) 253-4541

13. The closest Sally Beauty Salon is at Plaza Las Americas in Modern San Juan and at Plaza Escorial next to the Walmart in Carolina.  The pharmacies near the City Hall have some beauty products.

Planning your tours and time by yourself when exploring

1.  Arrival time is different to the disembarking time.  The ship time is different from Puerto Rico time.  Ask your travel agent for both schedules. Double check the local time by asking a local when on land.  The time the passengers disembark will influence in the pre-planned tour schedule; therefore, save money and coordinate the tours to begin an hour after disembarking time; remember the long line you will make to exit the ship.  Our tour's pages has a clock with Puerto Rico time.

2.  Old San Juan is best seen and appreciated on foot.  Touring on narrow streets on board a vehicle you will pass by the monuments, and your vision will be limited to the angle and size of the tour bus or taxi window. The driver has to pay attention to traffic while trying to present basic scripted information. Read our tips on how to enjoy Old San Juan.

3.  Our walking day, and night tours specialized in Old San Juan departures from the flag poles next to the Sheraton Hotel that is across the street from the Piers - a short walking distance from Piers 1 to 6.  Make a right when exiting Pier One and a left when from Pier 4 and 6. Cross the street from Pier 3.  Our tourist guide will be holding a Legends Walking Tour sign. 

4.   Ships docking at 5PM and/or departing at 10PM, have limitations to experience the culture of Puerto Rico.  An alternative could be to experience the Puerto Rican culture through the food and rum at a restaurant where the locals socialize.  The Spirits of Puerto Rico tour provides a 2 hour dinner with rum tasting in a safe and enjoyable atmosphere.

5.  You need at least 7 hours in Pier to enjoy the rainforest tour. Remember you must be at least an hour on board the ship prior to the departing schedule. The Caimitillo Trail tour takes 4 hours, it is easy to walk and you get a good feeling for the forest.  You will need 5 hours for a hiking trail.  Travel time is approximately 1 hour one-way with some traffic.  It is suggested to leave the Pier on or before 2PM.  The forest's gates closes at 6PM.

6.   Look for a tour that will allow family or friends with walking limitations to hop on and hop off the tour bus at the Old San Juan sites with time to enjoy them, laugh, take pictures and talk among each other.

7.   Remember to include in your traveling papers the phone number of the tourist guide or tour company you have signed a contract or interested in calling when you are in port.  A phone call made from a pay phone costs 50 cents. Calling cards are available at the pharmacy. Our phone number is 787-605-9060.  Puerto Rico has the same cellular companies as the United States.

8.   Hop on and Hop off a bus when exploring Old San Juan.  Wish to see the sites up-close, but members of the group have walking limitations... Click the link that applies to your needs.  Groups with a maximum of 6 or 12 people.

9.   f you are the type of traveler that likes to improvise, ask for available shore excursions and suggestions at the Tourism Information Center across the street from Pier One. Perhaps you might see and meet our uniformed tourist guide next to the flag poles the Sheraton Old San Juan and be interested in taking one of our narrative and entertaining walking tours see our new schedules for the DAY or at Night

10. It is highly recommended informing the cruise ship administration that you have scheduled and paid for a tour with another company that the cruise ship has no contract with, so they will let your group disembark immediately. Contact The Puerto Rico Tourism Company's office near you and ask for the traveler planner magazines.

11. Immigration and Customs agents have delayed disembarking in many occasions.  You also want to learn of any traveling requirements suggested by the Department of State - http://www.travel.state.gov 

12  Tour on your own pace, coordinate your private excursion when traveling as part of a mini group:  family, corporate, association, friends.  Ask us for help at 787-605-9060.

The time in between the Airport and cruise ship

1.  Have fun as soon as you arrive Puerto Rico and before you board the airplane or ship.  Spend your time exploring and seeing beautiful places instead of sitting at the airport and/or pier.

2.  It is highly recommended to ask for the taxi rate at the Ground or Taxi Transportation booth outside the luggage claim area.

3.  When your last stop is the airport, I highly recommend notifying the bus company of how many pieces of luggage to insure you have room for the passengers.  Read our tips when searching for a tourist guide.

4.  Save 30 minutes of your time by keeping the cruise ship luggage tags on your luggage, if you have to check them at the airport.  You do not need to stand on the Department of Agriculture line if your luggage has the cruise ship tags. Spend your time exploring and seeing beautiful places instead of sitting at the airport.  We can take care of your luggage. 

5.  This site has reviews about the Luis Muñoz Rivera airport (SJU).  Use it as a reference - http://www.airlinequality.com/Airports/Airport_forum/sju.htm

6.  To contact the airport's administration - http://www2.pr.gov/Directorios/Pages/InfoAgencia.aspx?PRIFA=168

• Welcome to Doña Fela's homeExotic rum cocktails

• Coquito Puerto Rico Christmas

• Puerto Rican Plantain Sandwich

• Your pet on vacation in Puerto Rico

• Puerto Rican Rum Cake

• Experience the San Juan’s nightlife to its fullest

• Transportation tips

• Movies filmed in Old San Juan

• Airport Facts & Tips

• Discover how to restore the forts...

• What to wear...

• What pirates wants...

• Puerto Rico coffee

• In search of a guide

• Enjoy Old San Juan

Our Tours

Night Tales in Old San Juan tour

Listen to tragic love stories and legends under the Caribbean stars during the only night-walking tour in Old San Juan.  Full tour description.