San Juan is a culturally rich city and world-renowned boating destination in Puerto Rico, an unincorporated United States territory.
The lush Caribbean region and its Spanish heritage attract millions of tourists annually. It can be frustrating squeezing through the crowds during the busy seasons to catch a glimpse of the historical sites and attractions.
The best way to see the island is to sail around the turquoise Caribbean waters. Whether you prefer a relaxing day trip on a luxury catamaran, an overnight moorage, or a swashbuckling adventure aboard a 19th-century style, there is something for everyone.
You can hop on a party boat for an all-you-can-drink “booze cruise” with your entire crew or embark on an intimate journey for two. Read the list below to find the perfect San Juan boat tour for your needs.
Know before you book:
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers or anyone with heart conditions, back problems, or other severe medical conditions
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Not suitable for children under four years
- The minimum drinking age is 18 years old
- Wear casual clothes and comfortable shoes
- Some tours are subject to favorable weather conditions
- If you tend to get seasick, there is an over-the-counter remedy you can take with food at least 1 hour before the trip
Highlights:
- Observe whales and other marine life in their natural habitat
- Food and drink are complimentary on some tours
- Panoramic views of San Juan
Puerto Rico’s unique blend of ancient architecture, tropical rainforests, and white-sand beaches draws tourists from all walks of life. Its capital city, San Juan, is known for its vibrant residents and warm hospitality.
The island is home to many historical buildings, like century-old castles and former defensive forts. Visitors can stroll around the cobblestone streets of Old San Juan or visit the trendy Isla Verde beach resort strip, famous for its casinos, bars, and nightlife.
Sightseeing boat cruises along San Juan Bay allow travelers to see the beauty of San Juan from a unique perspective. You can book a tour on a sailboat or catamaran and sail past famous landmarks such as El Morro and La Fortaleza or catch a glimpse of the humpback whales when the waters around San Juan become their breeding grounds between mid-January and mid-March.
The weather in San Juan is warm all year round, with temperatures ranging from 75°F to 85°. And the crystal-clear waters are usually calm, making it an ideal location for sailing throughout the year.
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Boat Tour Prices 2024
The tour prices range between $80 and $250 USD per person. The length of the trips varies and can be anywhere from 1.5 hours to 9 hours long. Some tours include complimentary drinks, snacks, or meals, but the price almost always excludes gratuities and hotel pick-ups and drop-offs.
Compare prices across the tour providers below:
Daily Boat Tour Times
San Juan boat tours depart every day of the week at various times, depending on the activity provider and the type of tour.
Full-day tours typically begin at 9:00 am. For shorter trips, some tour providers allow you to pick a time slot in the morning, mid-afternoon, or late afternoon.
Tours to the Bioluminescent Bay leave San Juan around 02:00 pm, and sunset cruises start approximately one hour before sunset.
Best Time to Go on a Boat Tour in San Juan
Puerto Rico has a tropical climate and good wind conditions, so boat tours are available all year round. However, you may want to avoid planning your sailing holiday during the rainy season from April to November.
The best time of the year for boating in San Juan is during the dry season, from December to March.
The best time of the day to sail around San Juan depends on your itinerary. You’re more likely to spot dolphins in the mid-morning or late afternoon. For a romantic cruise with your significant other, consider going at around 05:00 pm so that you can watch the sunset.
Boat Charters in Puerto Rico
If you want more time and freedom to explore the Caribbean island, marvel at the white sand beaches or swim in the turquoise waters, a boat tour may not suit your needs. Instead, you can rent a boat or catamaran in San Juan, with or without a skipper.
The price of charter boats in Puerto Rico depends on the size and model of the vessel and the length of your trip. Motorboat rental is the cheapest and costs around $3,500 USD per week.
You can expect to pay at least $4,100 to rent a sailboat for a week and $5,500 for a catamaran. Yacht rentals in Puerto Rico are more expensive and can cost anywhere from $4,000 per day or $28,000 per week.
You will need a boating license if you’re prepared to hire a boat without a captain or crew. However, if you want a local, experienced skipper to guide you through the area, the charter will cost an additional $260 per day, at least.
Half-Day Private Sailing Excursions
This sailboat charter is suitable for a small group of friends or family who want to spend a few hours on the waters, relaxing or learning about sailing in San Juan. Whether you’re interested in owning a boat or sailing on your own, an experienced captain and crew will be at the helm and can answer all your boating questions.
If you’d prefer to relax and enjoy the ride, you could lounge on the deck and sip on your beverage of choice. The tour doesn’t include drinks, but you can bring your own. There is also the option to go snorkeling if the conditions allow.
What we liked: Learn from the crew and help them sail, or relax with your own drinks and enjoy the scenery.
- Restrooms
- Equipment and safety gear
- Coolers with ice
- Snorkel gear on board
- Fuel surcharge
- Landing and facility fees
- Ground transportation and hotel transfers
- Gratuities
- Snacks and meals
- Drinks
San Juan Boat Tours
Renting a boat in Puerto Rico is easy, but if you’re planning to have a drinking party, we would recommend booking a tour on a party boat. The crew will look after you and share exciting facts about the landmarks you pass.
If the standard one-and-a-half-hour boat cruise is too short for your needs, you can choose a half-day or full-day tour.
Sailing Adventures on a 19th-Century Style Ship
These shorter tours are not only budget-friendly, but they also give you a taste of life as a pirate. Choose between afternoon tours (and hopefully spot dolphins) or romantic sunset tours.
You’ll cruise around Old San Juan and pass many historical attractions along the way. A local guide will tell you all the fascinating facts about the region’s history while you sip on cocktails or soft drinks.
What we liked: You get a brief and affordable experience aboard a schooner, a vessel like those used in history to fight in wars.
- Sightseeing cruise
- Local tour guide
- Cocktails and refreshments
- Music (on some tours)
- Ground transportation and hotel transfers
- Gratuities
- Snacks and meals
This tour is perfect for couples or small groups who want to spend 1-2 hours on the pristine waters before heading back to enjoy the rest of the day in San Juan.
Check Price & BookFull-Day Catamaran Puerto Rico Tours
This full-day catamaran cruise sets sail at 09:00 am from Marina Puerto del Rey, a harbor in Fajardo, approximately one hour from San Juan.
You will sail to a nearby deserted island where you can spend a few hours walking on the white beach sand, soaking up the sun, and swimming in crystal-clear waters. The crew will serve you a delicious lunch with drinks on board. Both alcoholic and non-alcoholic tours are available.
Spend the rest of the afternoon swimming or snorkeling a short distance from the shore before returning to the dock in Fajardo at around 03:00 pm.
What we liked: You can enjoy a full day relaxing on a deserted island and swimming in the pristine Caribbean waters.
- Some tours include hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Pre-packed lunch or sandwich buffet
- Sodas and water
- Some tours include alcoholic beverages, while others are alcohol-free
- Snorkeling equipment (available for purchase on-site)
- Gratuities
Bioluminescent Bay Puerto Rico Boat Tours
A bioluminescent bay (or bio bay) is a body of water that glows bright blue-green at night due to a type of phytoplankton. There are only five bio bays worldwide, but there are multiple bio beaches like the glowing beach in the Maldives.
Puerto Rico has three bio bays, and they’re all open for tours. Kayak or swim in the bay at La Parguera at night, under the starlight.
The natural phenomenon is rare, but it can happen at any time of the year. The darker the night, the brighter the bioluminescent glow. If you’re afraid of the dark, you may want to try a different tour.
What we liked: Learn about the local flora and fauna and have a chance to witness the magical phenomenon of a bio bay.
- Hotel transfers (within the San Juan area)
- Certified tour guide
- Light snacks or dinner
- Bottled water
- Gratuities
- Alcoholic drinks
Specification: San Juan Boat Tours (Cruises, Charters & Prices 2024)
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Julie_Y –
We had a lovely time! We were with two young toddlers and it was was a great experience. Captain William and Hector were very friendly and knowledgeable, with great recommendations for restaurants and activities. We did the early sail and it was a perfect way to spend the morning. Highly recommended!
Aida_T –
Staff was awesome and made the experience super fun and safety came first and I love it !!! Worth every dollar because the ride was extremely long and super fun.
P_W –
When I booked this tour I called and had them put notes on my account that we were coming in on a cruise and I did not know if I would have cell phone service. Sure enough, no service. When we arrived in San Juan we promptly got off the ship and searched for these clowns for almost 45 minutes. After that I called VIATOR asking where they were. I was told they made multiple attempts to contact me and they came 15 minutes early. We weren’t there so they marked us as no shows and refused us a refund. Went back through my credit card company for paid services not rendered. I wonder how many other people they’ve tried to rip off in this fashion. Just don’t do it!!! Book local and bypass this Company. You will be much better off. If I could give zero stars I would.