El Yunque National Forest or Fort San Felipe del Morro

[Lovely_Star]

I'm assuming that we won't have time to do both on our port day in San Juan although I'd really like to, but we will only be there from 3pm-12am. So I'd like some opinions on which one is a must see. If anybody knows of some great beaches in San Juan within the vicinity of either site that would really help us narrow it down too. What is there to do in the areas of either site after each location closes in the evening?

[rainforestgirl]

Ok 3p-12mn- here is what I would do:

Check to moon calander for the day you will be here.

If the night you are here says viewing will be good, I HIGHLY recommend seeing the BioBay. So rent a car. You can get a compact for about $30/day.

 

You have time to do the East Wind trip to Vieques: FANTASTIC!

http://www.puertoricodaytrips.com/2008/04/02/eastwind-vieques-biobay/

 

If that is too expensive, you can go to Fajardo and kayak to that bay. I hear it is getting better everyday. You can also hit a beach before your trip- either Balneario Monserate or Seven Seas. They officially close at 5pm, but you can stay as long as you want (the "facilities - bathrooms, lifeguard etc will close at 5pm).

 

If that isn't your thing or the moon is not right, skip the rainforest (not enough time to get there). You can stay in port and go on a 2 hr Segway tour. Besides riding the Segway, they will tour you into El Morro Fort.

 

Or you could always just walk or take the trolley to the Forts. On Tuesday there is a dance show at San Critobal Fort at 6pm that is worth seeing if you are in port.

The forts close at 5pm, but you should have enough time to see one.

 

There are other things you can do while in port- it depends on your interests. Check my travel site for more ideas:

http://www.Puertoricodaytrips.com

[Coqui2007]

You don't have the best port times.

 

Would not recommend the rainforest with that dock time.

 

Not sure about the Vieques Bio Bay tour also - I could be wrong but I think the tour gets you back in fajardo after 10pm - then you have to drive back to San Juan, drop the rental car off and get back to the ship. I'm guess, but I'm sure you will have to be back on the ship before 12am - so you could be running if you went for this.

 

You could possibly do the early bio bay tour for the bio bay at fajardo.

 

If you stayed in Old San Juan - you would be able to see one of the forts and spend time checking it out. then you could head into Old San Juan and wander around. This would be my preference with your dock times.

 

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

[Latin Girl]

The best choice in my opinion would be El Yunque but you do not have enough time to see all the rain forrest has to offer . I am from Puerto Rico and my favorite beach is Playa de Luquillo or Seven Seas but that is about 45 minutes from San Juan and with your dock time is not a good time for a beach day. I would stay close to the port. Walk around El Viejo San Juan, is very pretty, buy a piragua (our native slushy) or helado de coco. Visit fort San Felipe del Morro which is full of history, go to La carretera de Pinones (Pinonez highway) and taste some of the local food and enjoy a cool and fresh agua de coco (coconut water) just from the real coconut. There is a good restaurant called El Escambron Beach Club (I hope is still there) that has very good food. Try the seafood combination with mofongo. Mofongo is a typical dish from PR made of mashed plantain, pork rinds & garlic, it's soooo goood! At night go to El condado and enjoy San Juan nightlife and casinos if you like to gamble, is legal in Puerto Rico!!. All of this is not far from the port. Hope you enjoy our island.

[green eyed lady]

Coquishideaway,

question about the dance show...we are doing the segway tour at 3:00 on a Tues...I see there's a dance show at 6:00 at San Cristobal...how far is that from the Segway? walkable? I also saw they have the dance show on Sat nites on Ashford Ave. We're staying at the Radisson on Ashford on a Sat nite pre-cruise...do you know how close the show is to our hotel? Are they both the same shows? As always, thanks for your help :D

[rainforestgirl]

Coquishideaway,

question about the dance show...we are doing the segway tour at 3:00 on a Tues...I see there's a dance show at 6:00 at San Cristobal...how far is that from the Segway? walkable? I also saw they have the dance show on Sat nites on Ashford Ave. We're staying at the Radisson on Ashford on a Sat nite pre-cruise...do you know how close the show is to our hotel? Are they both the same shows? As always, thanks for your help :D

 

Hi have never been to the other show, but the 3 shows Le-lo-lai shows they do every week are all different, with 3 different dance companies that do them. It is not too far from your hotel (both are in Condado). The show is at Ventana al Mar just West of La Concha Hotel. Ask your concierge the best way to go. He might know if it is better to take a taxi/bus or if you can walk.

 

Yes, you can walk from the Segway place and get to San Cristobal no problem. It is about a 20 min walk, not far- maybe 7 blocks (about 1/4 mile).

[green eyed lady]

One more question...how long is the show? I was thinking of eating at Barrachina's after that...do I need a reservation?

[rainforestgirl]

The shows are about 45min- 1hr long.

 

I doubt you need a reservation at Barrachina's, but you can always call and make one, just in case. If it matters to you, you can reserve where you would prefer- they have an open air courtyard area and an inside AC'ed area.

 

Enjoy!

[green eyed lady]

Thanks...I love dining outdoors...we'll be there beginning of Aug...how hot is it around 7pm? Is their dining patio nice? :D

[rainforestgirl]

Thanks...I love dining outdoors...we'll be there beginning of Aug...how hot is it around 7pm? Is their dining patio nice? :D

It should be in the upper 70's, low 80's I guess. Comfortable for short sleeves/casual clothes.

I can't remember if they had fans, I think so (but it has been about a year since I have last been there). The courtyard area is nice. We hung out at the bar there....Pina Coladas are yummy! Another time we ate in the AC'ed part. Both are nice.

I think they have some Macaws or other parrots in cages in the back....

[toonjie]

Thanks...I love dining outdoors...we'll be there beginning of Aug...how hot is it around 7pm? Is their dining patio nice? :D

 

Here's a pic of that dining patio, it was raining so we ate indoors, but the patio looked nice. Make sure you get a Pina Colada!

 

[green eyed lady]

Thanks for the pic Toonjie...so when am I gonna get more info on the El San Juan??? ;) I'm leaving Aug 2...2 weeks from this Saturday...yeah :D

[Martin and Lindsey]

Are we likely to be bitten by mosquitos if we sit on the patio?

(I am tasty mosquito food!) :mad:

[toonjie]

Thanks for the pic Toonjie...so when am I gonna get more info on the El San Juan??? ;) I'm leaving Aug 2...2 weeks from this Saturday...yeah :D

 

LOL, sorry, I'm working on the last part of the review, your part is up next!

[toonjie]

Are we likely to be bitten by mosquitos if we sit on the patio?

(I am tasty mosquito food!) :mad:

 

I don't think so, it's smack dab in the middle of OSJ, you shouldn't have a problem.