Sailing westward along the south coast of Puerto Rico, the massive fortifications protect the natural harbor of San Juan Bay. Since the town’s founding in 1508 by Ponce de Leon, Puerto Rico’s capital city has been one of the most important ports in the Caribbean, and a pair of huge stone forts tower over the entrance to the harbor.
Once inside, San Juan’s modern commercial district comes into focus, with large berths for cruise ships, freighters, and navy vessels dotting the waterfront beneath the well-preserved colonial buildings of Old Town. A channel reaches further into town, and a basin at the end offers a pair of marinas as well as anchorage for 30 or so cruising boats.
For many visiting sailors, San Juan is the first real metropolitan area since traversing the Caribbean. Large supermarkets, multiple chandleries, and good restaurants are all within easy walking distance of the anchorage.
While totally different from the sand beaches and swaying palms of the smaller Caribbean islands, a few nights in the big city is a nice change before moving on.
