[CastleFish]

I thought it would be fun for us to share the stuff that we would like to do in San Juan on either side of the cruise. What looks fun to you?

[Dustin]

I'm sure I could find a website link to at least one of the two forts that are still in San Juan, but either one of them really is something to see if you get the chance. I want to say the price was around $10 per person to go through them, and you could easily spend several hours there just taking in the "old" history! One was erected in the 1400's and the other was in the 1500's; Locally known as the new or the old fort. These also offer some amazing, breath taking views (hint to the photographers in the group) of the beaches and old historic areas of what San Juan really has to offer scenic wise. If you plan to visit either one of them, make sure to bring your camera!

Dustin

[CastleFish]

I know that one thing I would like to do for sure is check out the Bioluminescent Bay.....What would be cooler that swimming/kayaking on water that glows all around you.

http://www.biobay.com/

I will post some tour/cost info when I have time to look it up.

Update: On further review, it looks like this adventure requires an overnight stay on the island of Vieques. There are tons of ways to get over there, including ferry, charter plane, and regular plane. The regular plane is very short flight, and about $150 RT. But, there are B&Bs and hotels there that are well under $150/night. Mike and I are looking into it, but we may be able to work out better rates if others are also coming in early (or staying a few days after) and are interested.

[CastleFish]

ok.....so on further review, I found this awesome looking tour of the rainforest and the bioluminescent lagoon that is actually on the main island:

http://www.kayakingp...rainforest.html

It is about $109/person and is an all day tour, including hiking, waterfalls, and kayaking the lagoon. Water, snacks, and transportation to/from the hotel in San Juan is included in the price. There is a stop at a restaurant for lunch that is extra. I am really, really, really, interested in this. Anyone?

If not interested in the full day trip, you can do just the bay for about $45/person (with another $20 for transportation):
http://www.kayakingp...ges/biobay.html

[CastleFish]

Walking tour of old San Juan:

http://gopuertorico....lkingTour_6.htm

Walking around Old San Juan is the best way to immerse yourself in its timeless beauty and charm. Even the most determined tourist can't cover all there is to see and do here in one day; among the more celebrated monuments and memorials are countless small wonders that will tempt the historian, the shopper, the diner, and the curious child in you.

This walking tour covers the major points of interest, focusing on the historic buildings that make up the character of the old city. How long the tour takes will depend on how much time you want to devote to each stop, but you should be able to cover it all in one day. If you don't want to walk, there are free trolleys that you can pick up at various points in the city that cover all of these stops. But I'd recommend hitting the streets.

Before you get going, make sure you have:

A hat, sun block, and water: the Caribbean sun can be merciless, especially in the summer, and you'll want to be shaded and hydrated.
Comfortable walking shoes: you'll be covering a lot of territory, some of it along steep inclines, much of it on cobblestone streets.
Your camera and plenty of batteries and film, if you use film.
A map: if you don't have one already, you can pick one up at the tour's starting point.

We begin our tour at the Plaza de la Dársena, at the foot of the city. Why here? Two reasons: one, if you're coming off a cruise ship, the plaza is on your left as you make your way into the city. And two, this is where you'll find the La Casita Tourism Information Center, where you can pick up maps and other useful information. From here, you'll head towards your first stop: the imposing Castillo de San Cristóbal.