fbpx
9
USA

San Juan Boat Tours (Cruises, Charters & Prices 2024)

(15 customer reviews)

$99.00

Last updated on March 27, 2024 8:59 pm
Add to wishlistAdded to wishlistRemoved from wishlist 0
Add to compare

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

A view of San Juan, Puerto Rico, showing buildings, greenery, and the sea

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.

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

Sunset at a beach in San Juan, Puerto Rico

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

Sail Snorkel Party sailboat tour on Caribbean Sea in Puerto Rico

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.


INCLUDES:
  • Restrooms
  • Equipment and safety gear
  • Coolers with ice
  • Snorkel gear on board
  • Fuel surcharge
  • Landing and facility fees

EXCLUDES:
  • Ground transportation and hotel transfers
  • Gratuities
  • Snacks and meals
  • Drinks

Check Price & Book

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

19th century ship called "Amazing Grace" sailing in San Juan, Puerto Rico

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.


INCLUDES:
  • Sightseeing cruise
  • Local tour guide
  • Cocktails and refreshments
  • Music (on some tours)

EXCLUDES:
  • 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 & Book

Full-Day Catamaran Puerto Rico Tours

Passengers aboard an East Islander catamaran tour boat with other boats docked in Puerto Rico

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.


INCLUDES:
  • 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

EXCLUDES:
  • Snorkeling equipment (available for purchase on-site)
  • Gratuities

Check Price & Book

Bioluminescent Bay Puerto Rico Boat Tours

Kayakers paddling in a bioluminescent bay in Puerto Rico at night on San Juan boat tour

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.


INCLUDES:
  • Hotel transfers (within the San Juan area)
  • Certified tour guide
  • Light snacks or dinner
  • Bottled water

EXCLUDES:
  • Gratuities
  • Alcoholic drinks

Check Price & Book

 

9Expert Score
Editor Review
Boat tours and charters in San Juan are the perfect way to unwind with your loved ones while learning more about the city’s rich history. If you’re in good health and love unforgettable adventures, put this activity on your bucket list.
Location
10
Value For Money
8
Convenience
8
Fun
10
PROS
  • Beautiful views of San Juan
  • Close-up marine life encounters
  • Variety of options to suit your needs
  • Most tours include food and drinks
CONS
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Not for kids under four years

Specification: San Juan Boat Tours (Cruises, Charters & Prices 2024)

Accessible

Not wheelchair accessible

Duration

1 – 6 hours

Inclusions

Boat cruise/tour, English-speaking tour guide

Exclusions

Snorkeling equipment, Gratuities, Hotel transfers

Meals & Drinks

Bottled water, sodas, alcoholic beverages, snacks

Hotel pick-up

Not included in most tours

Suited For

Couples, small groups of friends or families, boating enthusiasts

15 reviews for San Juan Boat Tours (Cruises, Charters & Prices 2024)

4.7 out of 5
13
1
0
0
1
Write a review
Show all Most Helpful Highest Rating Lowest Rating
  1. Avatar

    soul_3

    The host was excellent and knowledgeable about the surrounding areas. Also the activity was very entertaining and exciting.

    Helpful(0) Unhelpful(0)You have already voted this
  2. Avatar

    Esther_O

    Very calm sailing excursion with some history tips on San Juan. We had an amazing time with Captain Jimbo. Highly recommend.

    Helpful(0) Unhelpful(0)You have already voted this
  3. Avatar

    George_F

    Awesome experience and the views were spectacular. The trip was a good solid one hour and a half and we had a lot of time on the water.

    Helpful(0) Unhelpful(0)You have already voted this
  4. Avatar

    vic

    Excellent trip. The captain was incredibly knowledgeable of the history and was a good teacher for those that wanted to take a turn at the helm.

    Helpful(0) Unhelpful(0)You have already voted this

    Add a review

    Your email address will not be published.

    San Juan Boat Tours (Cruises, Charters & Prices 2024)
    San Juan Boat Tours (Cruises, Charters & Prices 2024)
    Tickets 'n Tour
    Logo
    Enable registration in settings - general
    Compare items
    • Total (0)
    Compare