Getting To and Around Puerto Rico

Most major airlines service San Juan; lately I have been using Southwest they have a new service that started March of 2013. Luis Munoz Marin International is a modern day airport with connecting flights throughout the Caribbean.   Once arriving, you can take a taxi to any destination on the Island or shuttles to rental car agencies. The least expensive option is the San Juan Metro Bus Stop.   All will be right outside baggage pick up.  A taxi to downtown San Juan will cost around $20 and take 10-20 minutes.  The AMA Bus #B-53 to San Juan, $1.50 and travel time will be 40 minutes to 1 hour.

Old San Juan

If you are taking a cruise in the Caribbean you will dock in Old San Juan if a port of call is in Puerto Rico. If your cruise originates from the Island and you will fly into Luis Munoz Marin.   There will be people holding direction signs for your shuttle to old San Juan.

Bacardi Rum Distillery 

Most of the major rental car agencies are located on Calle Marginal across the highway 26 freeway next to the airport.  Once you take the shuttle and rent your car I recommend a lunch at Bebbo’s Barbeque.   This place has the best Island Barbeque in or near San Juan.  Along with the meat try the cooked sweet plantains and Yucca.  You should start your adventure on a full stomach and a taste of the Island.   There will be long lines but it is well worth the wait.   It shares a parking lot with the McDonalds next store so there is plenty of parking.

Remember Puerto Rico is a US Territory and all Puerto Ricans are US citizens.  Commercially the Island is a lot like the US, you will see all the major box stores and fast food restaurants.  They are easy to avoid, but it is nice to see them if you need to drop in to get batteries for a camera for example. 

Like most of the United States it has a poor public transportation system.  To get around the Island a rental car is recommended.   Although the roads and traffic signs are much like the US the diving habits of people seemed to be much more erratic.   This is nothing to be afraid of just drive defensively and things will be fine.  Traffic on the major thoroughfares seem to be much slower between 55 and 60 MPH. 

While driving on the Island you can use Google and Bing to navigate, along with the directions that I provided for each one of the individual snorkeling destinations.    You should have no problems, but expected to get mildly lost on occasion, but this the great fun of travelling.  Remember you are on an adventure.   I have seen some fascinating things after becoming lost or what I like to call getting turned around.