The locals call the Catano Ferry, La Lancha de Catano and it crosses the San Juan Bay between Pier 2 in Old San Juan over to the ferry terminal in Catano. It’s a short 5 minute ferry ride with the ferry running every 15 to 30 minutes depending on the day of the week and time of day.
The ferries are not that big and hold around 100 people, with passengers seated inside the cabin (there is no outside seating or standing). Depending on the ferry, there will either be air conditioning or no air conditioning. If you happen to take the non air conditioned ferry, just open a window to let in some fresh air.
Most visitors will take the Catano Ferry to see the Bacardi Rum Factory tour. From the Catano Ferry Terminal taxis will take you to the Bacardi Factory for a fee of around $3 per person. There is usually a man waiting outside the terminal directing people to the taxis.
Also across from the Catano Ferry Terminal you will find the Don Tello restaurant, which I have been told is worth checking out.
Even though the ferry ride is short and does not go close to any of the major sites of Old San Juan, it is worth taking as it gives you a different view of Old San Juan with views of El Morro Fort, La Fortaleza, as well as the Bacardi Factory, Isla de Cabras and more. For $1 per person round trip it’s worth the trip if you have the time.
TIP: If you happen to be in Old San Juan close to sunset then the Catano Ferry will give you the chance to take some cool sunset shots from the water. Other cool spots for sunset photos in Old San Juan are: El Morro Fort, Paseo de La Princesa and Paseo del Morro.
You can find the latest sunset times for San Juan here.
Note: at the Old San Juan terminal make sure you take the right ferry as the terminal also serves the Hato Rey Ferry.
What: Catano Ferry
Where: Old San Juan Pier 2
When: 6:00am – 10:00pm 7 days a week. (Between 5:30am-9:30am and 3:30pm-6:30pm Monday to Friday the ferry runs every 15 minutes. During non-rush hour, weekends and holidays it is every 30 minutes).
Cost: $0.50 each way
