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It was my first time to this island. There are some nice places and areas, but overall, the island is extremely run down and dirty. I stayed at the Caribe Hilton resort which is just outside Old San Juan and it was nice enough (they may want to focus on customer service initiatives).
Anyways, it was not a terrible flight from SLC to Atlanta and then Atlanta to San Juan. I arrived on a Sunday afternoon and went straight to the hotel. Checked in and started to relax. I did discover the tour desk at the hotel and checked out what was offered.
SIDENOTE: I did find that most things are fairly economical on the island, but the cost of food everywhere was RIDICULOUS!
Back to the tour desk... this desk became my good friend as I was happy to relax on the beach or by the pool, I was also anxious to have some fun and get out and explore.
My first adventure involved surfing lessons. I made an appointment for the next day and ventured forth into two hours of surfing lessons. Now those who may not be familiar with the "roaring" waves that "crash" against the islands, surfing in Puerto Rico is extremely satisfying. I kid..actually it's enough to learn and get on the surfboard, but beyond that..not the greatest.
One of the guys in my surfing class was also down on vacation and we
ended up hanging out during the days an exploring what the island had to offer.
The next day I signed up for the Bacardi Rum/Old San Juan Tour. It was a tour that involved seeing the Bacardi Rum factory as well as seeing Old San Juan and some of the forts surrounding the area. The Bacardi tour was rather underwhelming...we were taken to their visitor center...watched a movie...walked through a mock up of the storage facilities where they keep the rum and then off to the gift shop. Yes..folks, the tour was that riveting.
The next few days I spent laying on the beach, or in a hammock reading and just enjoying the island weather.
I booked Thursday for sailing and snorkeling with the Spread Eagle catamaran tour (yes..that is their name..and it's okay to snicker)
It was a gorgeous day to go sailing and snorkeling. Large fluffy clouds in the sky and perfectly blue water.
Spread Eagle sailing was a great experience. Great boat, staff and food. The cost of the trip included snacks, lunch buffet, and drinks (with or without alcohol).
We sailed out to the first island, went snorkeling, waded in the water and then ate lunch while anchored on the shore. We then sailed to a private island where the snorkeling was much better and we used left over bread from lunch to attract large schools of fish. After that snorkeling adventure it was time to head back. It really was a great day to be on the water.
The trip overall was really great and I enjoyed my time on the island.
Places to check out when visiting Puerto Rico: The Parrot Club restaurant in Old San Juan has great food. Cold Stone Creamery down by the pier is always a refreshing treat. Guachos restaurant on FDR Freeway near the mall has FANTASTIC food (Argentinian cuisine)
