San Juan | Cerveza Old Harbor | Puerto Rico

Memorandum
To all cruise-bound summer vacationers who (wisely) selected — as many travelers do —
San Juan, Puerto Rico , as their launch point: Stay a while. Whether you’re traveling with the kids, with a group or by yourself, there are more than a few good reasons to pad your itinerary with extra days before the ship sets sail or after it docks. Expect the unexpected. Here, a short guide (ship style) to get you started:

Daily Activities

Toro Verde Nature Adventure Park
The new 316-acre ecotourism park in Orocovis features mountain biking, a chills-and-thrills hike across hanging bridges and La Bestia (“the beast”), a 4,745-foot-long zip line (one of the world’s longest) suspended 853 feet off the ground. (787) 867-7020, www.toroverdepr.com

Bioluminescent Bay Puerto Rico has three of the world’s five bio bays, and this one, in Mosquito Bay on the island of Vieques, is the brightest. At night, kayaking through waters that are lit from within is akin to experiencing underwater fireworks. Go — now.
(787) 741-0800, http://www.viequestravelguide.com/mosquito-bioluminescent-bay.html

Flavors of San Juan
A festive, progressive dinner through Old San Juan’s restaurants, plus a historical tour (see two of the world’s narrowest apartments). (787) 964-2447, www.sanjuanfoodtours.com

The Poet’s Passage
A magical, artsy shop adorned with elegant ceramic tiles decorated with emotionally resonant poetry by local poet Lady Lee Andrews. 203 Calle Cruz, Old San Juan; (787) 721-0564

Cocktail Hour

Old Harbor Brewery
Experience award-winning beer at this microbrewery (with on-site fermentation) in Old San Juan. Our picks of what to sip: the Cerveza Old Harbor and the rum stout (mix it with champagne for a yummy, chocolaty black velvet). (787) 721-2100, www.oldharborbrewery.com

Sup and Snooze

El Convento
This 350-year-old former Carmelite convent was transformed into a luxurious boutique hotel in Old San Juan, and it’s one of the oldest of the Historic Hotels of America. The ethereal and tasty wine and tapas bar completes the study in the art of the stay. (787) 723-9020, www.elconvento.com