San Juan

Puerto Rico's first inhabitants were the Taino Indians, who encountered Columbus in 1493. The Spanish quickly settled, defending their territory against the Dutch and British. This is evident by the imposing fortresses of Old San Juan, namely the El Morro Castle, dominating the old section of this capital city. In 1897, Spain declared Puerto Rico an autonomous state. Spain later ceded Puerto Rico to the U.S. and residents were granted American citizenship in 1917.

The following Shore Excursions are available for this port on this cruise, and may be reserved beginning 180 days before the cruise begins.

Rainforest Nature Walk
Tour Code: SJU-4639
Duration: 4 1/4 hours
Retail Value: $99.00
Price: Free

Explore the flora, fauna and wildlife of Puerto Rico's idyllic rainforest during scenic visits to El Yunque and El Portal.

Depart from the pier for the transfer to the Caribbean National Forest, a 28,000-acre rainforest and bird sanctuary that comprises 75% of the virgin forests left in Puerto Rico, and is the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System. The region's substantial annual rainfall helps sustain 50 types of ferns, 20 varieties of wild orchids and 250 species of trees, some over 1,000 years old and 100 feet tall. El Yunque, named for its 3,500-foot anvil-shaped peak, is situated within the forest.

Upon arrival, you and your driver/guide will visit the beautiful El Portal Visitor's Center. This modern and airy 12,000-square-foot facility was constructed to blend into the natural surroundings, and features large, open plazas and patios overlooking the forest and Atlantic Ocean. During your visit, sounds of the nearby stream and jungle play over the audio system, and mood lighting appears on the foliage. Here, you'll learn about the needs, complexities, management and preservation of tropical forests. Inside El Portal, you'll see interactive exhibits and bilingual displays, and view a 12-minute film about the tropical forest. Before you leave, a brief stop will be made at El Portal's gift shop.

Next, you will discover El Yunque's diverse wildlife, including birds, lizards and other small creatures. A photo stop will be made at the beautiful La Coca Falls, and at the 69-foot Yokahu Lookout Tower for expansive views of the lush foliage, mountain peaks and distant ocean. You will then begin a low-impact, 25-minute nature walk on the Baño Grande Hiking Trail. You will begin at the Palo Colorado Information Center, pass the Baño Grande, a large man-made pool built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, and enter the Palo Colorado Forest, one of four types of forests in the El Yunque rainforest. Along the way, you will get an up-close look at the various types of flora and fauna, see local birds and cross a picturesque stream.

At the conclusion of your tour, you will be served a complimentary beverage and snack before re-boarding your coach for the return drive to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves moderate walking on bumpy and uneven surfaces. This tour is only recommended for active guests in good physical conditions. This tour is not recommended for guests with limited mobility or guests who utilize a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear comfortable clothing and sturdy, closed-toe walking shoes, as the trails can be muddy at times. Guests are also advised to bring a poncho, light rain jacket or umbrella from the ship.

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Terms & Conditions:

Free Unlimited Shore Excursions are for full fare guests only, capacity controlled and subject to availability. Requested excursions may not be available at time of booking. Supplement will apply on Regent Choice excursions (indicated by the above) and excludes Private Arrangements and all Adventures Ashore programs. In order to ensure quality guides and sufficient transportation, we must provide the tour operator with passenger counts at least 36 hours in advance. Therefore no refunds will be given within 36 hours of tour departure for cancellations or no-shows. Please pay special attention to scheduling and tour lengths when booking your shore excursions. In many cases, it is not possible to participate in more than one tour per day in a given port. Tours operate rain or shine. Tours require minimum participation levels to operate so please sign up as early as possible. Tours may be cancelled if minimum participation levels are not met. Prices, Itineraries and General Information shore excursion prices are subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases or currency fluctuations. Please consult the Destination Services Desk onboard for information. During local or national holidays, access to certain facilities (such as museums or archaeological sites) may be limited or denied. In such instances, adjustments will be made to minimize inconvenience to guests. Some tours have limited availability. Tours are generally available for reserving 180 days prior to the beginning of a cruise. Please sign up early to avoid disappointment. Regent Seven Seas Cruises reserves the right to require guests to complete a liability waiver for select shore excursions. For more information, please visit the Destination Services Desk onboard.