Cataño Ferry Puerto Rico
An incredibly affordable and scenic ferry ride connecting Old San Juan to Cataño, offering bay views and access to Casa Bacardi.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather
Cataño Ferry Puerto Rico
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An incredibly affordable and scenic ferry ride connecting Old San Juan to Cataño, offering bay views and access to Casa Bacardi.
"The ferry is very inexpensive compared to any other way to get to Bacardi."
💰 Ultra-Cheap Fare
The ferry is incredibly affordable at $0.50 USD round trip for most adults. Seniors 70+ pay $0.50, and 72+ ride free! :moneybag:
⏰ Weather Delays Happen
Ferry service can be suspended due to weather. Have a backup plan like Uber for your return trip. :warning:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Scenic Old San Juan Views
Ferry Deck
Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the historic Old San Juan skyline and harbor during the short, scenic 15-minute ride.
Affordable Commute
Ferry Terminal
Experience a unique and inexpensive mode of transport, costing only $0.50 USD round trip for most adults.
Gateway to Casa Bacardi
Cataño Terminal
The ferry is the most economical way to reach the famous Casa Bacardi distillery for a tour.
Cataño Park Fun
Parque de la Esperanza
A pleasant park awaits in Cataño, offering a relaxing spot for families and a break from the city bustle.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Budget-Friendly Bay Crossing
Weather Watch is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💰 Ultra-Cheap Fare
The ferry is incredibly affordable at $0.50 USD round trip for most adults. Seniors 70+ pay $0.50, and 72+ ride free! :moneybag:
⏰ Weather Delays Happen
Ferry service can be suspended due to weather. Have a backup plan like Uber for your return trip. :warning:
➡️ Direct to Casa Bacardi
Take the ferry to Cataño, then an Uber ($6) to Casa Bacardi for a much cheaper trip than Ubering from Old San Juan. :cocktail:
💨 Cool Ride on Hot Days
The ferry offers a refreshing escape from the heat of Old San Juan with excellent air conditioning. :windblowingface:
Tips
from all over the internet
💰 Ultra-Cheap Fare
The ferry is incredibly affordable at $0.50 USD round trip for most adults. Seniors 70+ pay $0.50, and 72+ ride free! :moneybag:
⏰ Weather Delays Happen
Ferry service can be suspended due to weather. Have a backup plan like Uber for your return trip. :warning:
➡️ Direct to Casa Bacardi
Take the ferry to Cataño, then an Uber ($6) to Casa Bacardi for a much cheaper trip than Ubering from Old San Juan. :cocktail:
💨 Cool Ride on Hot Days
The ferry offers a refreshing escape from the heat of Old San Juan with excellent air conditioning. :windblowingface:
📍 Easy Old San Juan Access
Conveniently located at the waterfront in Old San Juan, making it easy to find and board. :round_pushpin:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Travelers praise the Cataño Ferry for its incredibly low cost and scenic views of Old San Juan, making it a highly recommended budget-friendly option. While generally clean and organized, some visitors have experienced significant delays or cancellations due to weather, leading to unexpected transportation needs.
"Sharp on time
Clean vessel
Organized
Lots of security
Very accessible economically"
J L
"Walking through the shopping streets of Old San Juan and saw the ferry. Went in to see the schedule and fee. To my surprise we only was 20 minutes out from the next departure and it was on 50 cents USD per person. We landed in Cataño. The kids enjoyed the park. Although the ferry was an hour and a half late, it was a cool experience."
Brenetta D
"Excellent service. The ferry was clean and had amazing air conditioning. The perfect way to catch your breath after a long walk through old San Juan on a hot day."
Fernando Orrego
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Cataño Ferry terminal is located at the waterfront in Old San Juan, easily accessible by walking from most popular areas. The ferry itself provides the transportation to Cataño.
The ferry ride is approximately 15 minutes each way, offering a quick and scenic journey across the bay.
The ferry is generally accessible, but it's always a good idea to check with the ferry operator for specific accessibility needs.
Operating hours can vary and are subject to weather conditions. It's best to check the latest schedule upon arrival or inquire locally, as service can be suspended.
From the Cataño terminal, you can easily take an Uber or taxi to nearby attractions like Casa Bacardi, which is a short and inexpensive ride.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The ferry is extremely affordable, typically costing $0.50 USD per person for a round trip. Seniors aged 70 and over pay $0.50, and those 72 and over ride for free.
Tickets can usually be purchased directly at the ferry terminal in Old San Juan before boarding.
Yes, seniors aged 70 and over have a discounted fare, and those 72 and over ride for free.
It's advisable to carry cash for ferry tickets, as payment methods can vary.
If the ferry is canceled due to weather, you may need to arrange alternative transportation, such as an Uber or taxi, back to Old San Juan.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Cataño offers a local experience, including the Parque de la Esperanza, and serves as a convenient jumping-off point for attractions like Casa Bacardi.
Many travelers find the ferry ride enjoyable, especially for the views of Old San Juan and the refreshing break it offers on hot days.
The ferry vessels are generally clean and equipped with air conditioning, providing a comfortable ride.
Absolutely! The ferry provides excellent views of the Old San Juan harbor and skyline, making for great photo opportunities.
Yes, it's a perfect short excursion, especially if you're looking for an inexpensive way to see the coastline and visit Casa Bacardi.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Typically, there are no extensive food services available on the ferry itself. It's a short ride, so it's best to eat before or after your journey.
While the Old San Juan terminal has many dining options, Cataño itself offers a more local culinary scene. Consider dining in Old San Juan before or after your trip.
Cataño offers a more authentic, local dining experience compared to the tourist hubs. If you're adventurous, you might find some hidden gems.
📸 📸 Photography
The most iconic shots are of the Old San Juan skyline, the San Juan Bay, and the ferry itself against the water.
Late afternoon or early evening can offer beautiful golden hour light for capturing the skyline.
A smartphone camera is usually sufficient for capturing great shots, but a camera with good zoom can help capture details of Old San Juan from afar.
Generally, personal photography is allowed, but always be mindful of other passengers and any posted regulations.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider combining the ferry trip with a visit to Casa Bacardi. While the distillery tours might be more geared towards adults, the journey there via the ferry is an experience in itself. Remember to check the ferry's schedule, as weather can sometimes cause delays or cancellations, so having a flexible plan is always a good idea.
💰 Budget Travelers
This ferry is also your economical ticket to Casa Bacardi. By taking the ferry to Cataño and then a short Uber, you bypass the much more expensive direct Uber from Old San Juan. This smart travel hack is frequently shared by savvy travelers looking to save money on excursions. Just be mindful of potential weather-related service interruptions and have a backup transport option in mind.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Cataño Ferry Experience
One of the most practical uses of the ferry is its role as a gateway to Casa Bacardi. Instead of expensive Ubers from Old San Juan, taking the ferry to Cataño and then a short Uber ride to the distillery is significantly cheaper, saving travelers a substantial amount of money. This cost-effective strategy is frequently recommended by those who have experienced it.
However, it's crucial to be aware of potential disruptions. Weather conditions can lead to ferry suspensions, sometimes unexpectedly. Travelers have reported being stranded and needing to find alternative transport, like Ubers, when the ferry service is halted. It's advisable to have a backup plan and check the ferry's operational status, especially if your itinerary is time-sensitive.
Beyond the Ride: Exploring Cataño
For those interested in the island's rum heritage, Cataño is the home of Casa Bacardi. The ferry provides the most economical access to the distillery, where visitors can take tours and learn about the rum-making process. This combination of a scenic ferry ride and a world-renowned distillery tour makes for a popular and worthwhile day trip.
When planning your visit to Cataño, remember that it's a less tourist-centric area. While this offers an authentic experience, amenities might be more basic than in Old San Juan. The ferry's schedule can also be affected by local events or operational changes, so staying informed is key to a smooth visit.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit