We had noticed that there was a ferry running from the harbor in Old San Juan to Cataño on the opposite side of San Juan Bay. It felt like an easy way to see a different part of the area, so after visiting El Morro, we decided to take the ferry across to Cataño.
The crossing is short, about ten minutes, and the ticket costs only a couple of dollars. We were among the first to board, so we headed straight up to the upper deck. From there, you sit out in the open air with views of the cruise ships docked in the harbor and the San Juan skyline stretching behind you. The ferry was far from full, and most of the other passengers seemed to be either commuters or tourists heading onward. We later realized that several of them were on their way to visit Casa Bacardí, which is located in Cataño.
The ride itself is brief, but genuinely pleasant. It is always refreshing to get out on the water, even if only for a moment, and this was just enough time to feel the breeze before arriving on the other side.
The ferry between Old San Juan and Cataño is part of the local public transport system and is used daily by both residents and visitors. On weekdays, it generally runs once an hour, with a slightly longer break early in the afternoon. The trip is quick, inexpensive, and requires no planning. You simply show up at the ferry terminal in Old San Juan and buy your ticket at the booth before departure.
