Wonder of the Seas — Caribbean

Most cruise ships dock directly at the piers in Old San Juan, placing passengers within a very short walk of the historic district. Walking is the most realistic way to access the city center. Ships rarely anchor offshore, but tendering can occur if multiple large vessels are in port or at specific locations, which would add a tender boat ride to your journey ashore.

• Walk5-15 minutesFree

  The historic sites, shops, and restaurants of Old San Juan are immediately accessible from the cruise piers on foot.

• Old San Juan Trolley15-30 minutes, depending on destinationFree

  This complimentary hop-on, hop-off trolley service circles Old San Juan, with stops near major attractions; check for current routes and operating hours on the day.

• Taxi or Rideshare10-20 minutesTypically around $15-25 USD per car

  Taxis are available near the piers, and rideshares like Uber and Lyft operate throughout the city for travel beyond Old San Juan, such as to Condado or Isla Verde.

Watch out. San Juan's tropical heat and high humidity can make extensive walking tiring, especially during the middle of the day; stay hydrated and seek shaded routes.

Worth doing here

• Explore the Historic Streets of Old San Juan

  This allows every kind of traveller to find something of interest, from historic architecture to local shops and cafes, all within easy reach.

  The main cruise terminals are right at the edge of Old San Juan, making it free to walk and explore the colorful streets for a few hours. Budget for any purchases or meals.

• Visit El Morro Fortress

  It offers a significant historical experience with impressive architecture, vast green lawns, and scenic ocean views for all ages and interests.

  It is a moderate walk from the main cruise docks, typically 20-30 minutes, or a short trolley or taxi ride. Admission to El Morro and San Cristobal Fort is usually around $10 per adult, valid for 24 hours; confirm the current price when you arrive. Allow 2-3 hours to explore.

• Enjoy Puerto Rican Cuisine

  A great way for diverse palates to experience local culture through food, offering a taste of authentic dishes like mofongo and empanadillas.

  Many local eateries are scattered throughout Old San Juan, easily found on foot. You can spend an hour or two trying different small plates, with individual dishes typically costing around $8-15 each. Organized food tours are also an option, usually costing around $80-120 per person for 2-3 hours.

Cruise ships dock at Prince George Wharf, directly adjacent to downtown Nassau. The main attractions are typically a 5 to 10-minute walk from the gangway. Tendering is uncommon here unless many ships are in port, in which case confirm arrangements with your cruise line.

• Walk5 to 10 minutesfree

  The main shopping areas, restaurants, and historical sites are directly accessible on foot from the pier.

• Taxi5 to 15 minutes, depending on destinationaround $15-25 USD per car for short distances

  Taxis are available at the terminal for destinations further afield, like Paradise Island or other beaches. Prices are per car, not per person.

• Jitney (Public Bus)15 to 30 minutes, depending on routetypically around $1.25-$2.50 USD per person, each way

  Local jitney buses offer an affordable way to explore areas beyond the immediate downtown. They generally require exact cash in Bahamian or US dollars.

Watch out. Always confirm taxi fares with the driver before beginning your journey, as meters are not commonly used and prices should be agreed upon upfront.

Worth doing here

• Relax at Junkanoo Beach

  This beach offers a convenient spot to swim, sunbathe, and enjoy the Bahamian sunshine within easy reach of the port.

  It is a short walk, typically around 15-20 minutes, from the cruise terminal; access to the beach is free, though chair rentals might be available for about $10-15 USD for the day.

• Explore Downtown Nassau and the Straw Market

  Travellers can experience local culture, find souvenirs, and enjoy Bahamian food and drinks right near the ship.

  The area is directly adjacent to the cruise port, allowing for a leisurely walk through shops and the market for several hours; browsing the market is free, but any purchases are at your discretion.

• Visit the Queen's Staircase and Fort Fincastle

  These historical sites offer a glimpse into Nassau's past and provide panoramic views of the island after a gentle climb.

  The Queen's Staircase is about a 20-30 minute walk from the port, and Fort Fincastle is at the top; entry to the fort is usually around $1-3 USD per person, so confirm with the site when you arrive.

• Discover Ardastra Gardens, Zoo and Conservation Centre

  This unique zoo allows visitors to see flamingos march, interact with friendly Lory parrots, and enjoy tropical gardens.

  A taxi ride from the port typically takes about 10-15 minutes, with fares often around $10-15 USD each way; admission is usually about $20-22 USD for adults and $10-12 USD for children, so confirm current prices on arrival.

Cruise ships typically dock at either Havensight (West Indian Company Dock) or Crown Bay. Havensight is about a 20-30 minute walk to downtown Charlotte Amalie, mostly along a main road, while Crown Bay is further, roughly a 40-50 minute walk, making walking to the town centre generally unrealistic. Occasionally, ships may anchor offshore and tender passengers ashore, usually to the Havensight area.

• Shared Taxi or Safari Bus10-20 minutestypically around $4-8 per person, one way

  These open-air 'safari' buses or shared taxis are common just outside the terminal areas, and often wait until full before departing. Confirm the fare and destination before boarding.

• Private Taxi5-15 minutestypically around $10-15 per car (for 1-2 people), one way

  Private taxis are readily available at both terminals. Fares are usually set per destination, not metered. Confirm the price with the driver before beginning the trip.

Watch out. Always confirm the taxi fare and whether it is per person or per car before starting your journey, as pricing can vary and is not always metered.

Worth doing here

• Magen's Bay Beach

  This famous white-sand beach offers calm waters ideal for swimming and relaxation, suitable for nearly all ages and activity levels.

  A taxi ride is typically needed, taking about 20-30 minutes each way from the cruise terminals. Expect taxi fares around $10-15 per person each way, and an admission fee of about $5-8 per person to enter the beach; confirm all prices with drivers and at the entrance. Plan for 3-4 hours including travel.

• Skyride to Paradise Point

  Enjoy panoramic views of Charlotte Amalie harbor and neighboring islands from a mountaintop vantage point, accessible to most travellers.

  The Skyride is located near the Havensight cruise terminal, often walkable within 15-20 minutes, or a very short taxi ride. Admission is usually around $25-30 for adults; confirm current prices at the ticket booth. Allow 1-2 hours for the ride and time at the top.

• Explore Historic Charlotte Amalie & Duty-Free Shopping

  Wander through historic streets, admire Danish colonial architecture, and browse a wide array of duty-free shops for souvenirs or luxury items.

  From Havensight, a short taxi or open-air safari bus ride into town is available, typically about $4-6 per person each way; confirm current rates with the driver. If docked at Crown Bay, a taxi is generally required. This activity can take 2-4 hours, depending on your interest in shopping and exploring on foot.

Cruise ships berth at one of several dedicated terminals in Port Canaveral. The port is a large industrial and tourist complex, not directly walkable to a town or city center. Cocoa Beach is about 5-8 miles (8-13 km) away, and walking is not practical due to distance and main roads.

• Rideshare or TaxiApproximately 15-20 minutes to Cocoa Beach, 20-30 minutes to Kennedy Space CenterTypically around $15-25 USD per car to Cocoa Beach, or $30-50 USD per car to Kennedy Space Center. Taxi fares might be slightly higher.

  Rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft are usually active and convenient. Taxis are available, confirm the fare or agree on a meter before departing.

• Independent Local ShuttleApproximately 15-25 minutes to Cocoa Beach, or 25-40 minutes to Kennedy Space Center, plus any waiting time.Often about $10-15 USD per person for a one-way trip to Cocoa Beach, or $25-35 USD per person for a round trip to Kennedy Space Center.

  Several local companies offer shared shuttle services; look for their representatives or signage near the terminal exit, or inquire with port staff. Confirm drop-off and return times when booking.

• Cruise Line ShuttleVaries depending on destination and schedule.If offered, it could be around $15-30 USD per person for a round trip to a specific drop-off point, or included in an excursion package.

  Some cruise lines provide a shuttle service to Cocoa Beach or the Kennedy Space Center. Check with your cruise line on board for availability and schedules.

Watch out. The port area is very spread out and not pedestrian-friendly. Always arrange transport from the terminal exit, as walking to off-port attractions or towns is not feasible or safe.

Worth doing here

• Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

  It provides an immersive experience into space exploration history and future missions, appealing to a wide range of interests and ages.

  This is an all-day activity, typically requiring 6 to 8 hours to fully experience. Admission is usually around $75-85 USD for adults, check their website for current pricing. For assured transportation and timely return, consider booking a ship's excursion, or arrange independent transport well in advance.

• Relax at Cocoa Beach

  It offers a classic Florida beach experience for relaxation, swimming, or simply enjoying the ocean breeze.

  A taxi or shuttle ride to Cocoa Beach typically takes 15-20 minutes and might cost around $10-20 USD per person each way; confirm the current price on the day. Beach access is generally free, allowing for a half-day or full-day visit.

• Visit Manatee Sanctuary Park

  This park provides a peaceful setting to potentially observe local wildlife, especially manatees during cooler months, close to the port.

  The park is a short 5-10 minute taxi ride from the cruise terminal. Entry is free, and you can spend 1-2 hours walking the boardwalks and enjoying the natural surroundings.

Cruise ships berth at one of several dedicated terminals in Port Canaveral. The port is a large industrial and tourist complex, not directly walkable to a town or city center. Cocoa Beach is about 5-8 miles (8-13 km) away, and walking is not practical due to distance and main roads.

• Rideshare or TaxiApproximately 15-20 minutes to Cocoa Beach, 20-30 minutes to Kennedy Space CenterTypically around $15-25 USD per car to Cocoa Beach, or $30-50 USD per car to Kennedy Space Center. Taxi fares might be slightly higher.

  Rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft are usually active and convenient. Taxis are available, confirm the fare or agree on a meter before departing.

• Independent Local ShuttleApproximately 15-25 minutes to Cocoa Beach, or 25-40 minutes to Kennedy Space Center, plus any waiting time.Often about $10-15 USD per person for a one-way trip to Cocoa Beach, or $25-35 USD per person for a round trip to Kennedy Space Center.

  Several local companies offer shared shuttle services; look for their representatives or signage near the terminal exit, or inquire with port staff. Confirm drop-off and return times when booking.

• Cruise Line ShuttleVaries depending on destination and schedule.If offered, it could be around $15-30 USD per person for a round trip to a specific drop-off point, or included in an excursion package.

  Some cruise lines provide a shuttle service to Cocoa Beach or the Kennedy Space Center. Check with your cruise line on board for availability and schedules.

Watch out. The port area is very spread out and not pedestrian-friendly. Always arrange transport from the terminal exit, as walking to off-port attractions or towns is not feasible or safe.

Worth doing here

• Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

  It provides an immersive experience into space exploration history and future missions, appealing to a wide range of interests and ages.

  This is an all-day activity, typically requiring 6 to 8 hours to fully experience. Admission is usually around $75-85 USD for adults, check their website for current pricing. For assured transportation and timely return, consider booking a ship's excursion, or arrange independent transport well in advance.

• Relax at Cocoa Beach

  It offers a classic Florida beach experience for relaxation, swimming, or simply enjoying the ocean breeze.

  A taxi or shuttle ride to Cocoa Beach typically takes 15-20 minutes and might cost around $10-20 USD per person each way; confirm the current price on the day. Beach access is generally free, allowing for a half-day or full-day visit.

• Visit Manatee Sanctuary Park

  This park provides a peaceful setting to potentially observe local wildlife, especially manatees during cooler months, close to the port.

  The park is a short 5-10 minute taxi ride from the cruise terminal. Entry is free, and you can spend 1-2 hours walking the boardwalks and enjoying the natural surroundings.