This all started when we learned our cruise would stop in San Juan, Puerto Rico. We have visited here several times before and have done many of the traditional tours and excursions. For this cruise, I wanted to find something unique and special.
Courtyard Isla Verde Beach Resort Day Pass
As our sailing date approached, I looked at all the options for San Juan and the surrounding area. During my search, I stumbled on a brand new offering that was not too far from the port.
It was at the Courtyard Isla Verde Beach Resort. The resort was only about 15 minutes away from the cruise terminal via a taxi and looked to offer everything my family and I were looking for in a resort day pass.
How To Book Your Day Pass
Unfortunately, We have been notified the Day Pass program is no longer available until further notice. (9/13/22)
What Does It Cost?
The resort’s Day pass costs $75.00+tax and includes two adults and up to three kids under twelve years of age. If your family or group ages differ, the resort will give you an updated price based on the ages you provide them.
On the day you arrive at the hotel, you will check-in at the hotel’s front desk. During check-in, they will give you wristbands, two free drinks coupons, and instructions on what it is included with your day pass.
If you have customized your day pass with any add-ons, they will also go over your scheduled excursions (Jet Ski’s, Banana Boat Rides, etc).
What’s Included:
- One self-parking
- Two welcome drinks
- Access to the pool and beach
- Towels, beach chairs and umbrellas
- Gym key with access to baths and lockers
- Optional excursions (Jet Ski’s, Banana Boat rides, etc) available to book
What’s Not Included:
TIP: We used the taxi cab station at the end of the pier and made our way directly to the resort. Be sure to come as early as you can to enjoy the resort as much as possible. The front desk can call you a cab when you are ready to return to the ship.
Give yourself extra time when returning to the ship, because of traffic jams or other issues so you are NOT late getting back to the ship.
How To Get There?
Isla Verde (Spanish for Green Isle or Green Island) is an area located next to Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport and just outside the eastern border of San Juan and only a short 15-minute cab ride from the San Juan cruise terminal. If you’re looking for added convenience and flexibility to explore beyond the port, consider renting a car on Rental24h.com for a seamless journey to the Courtyard Isla Verde Beach Resort.
As we pulled into the driveway of the hotel and were greeted we were immediately impressed. It excited our family to try something new and unique on our visit to Puerto Rico.
Our Experience
After a brief check-in at the front desk, they gave us a quick tour of the lobby and escorted us to the pool area and showed us how to access the gym. The gym is where we could get changed, or use the bathrooms.
We picked up our towels and sat down to enjoy all the beauty this resort offered. Our first impressions, it is exquisite and peaceful. We arrived early so no other guests were at the pool yet and it was very serene with its tropical foliage, swim-up bar, and the beautiful beach only steps away.
During our stay, everyone was accommodating and friendly. We found the hotel grounds clean and inviting as we explored. We found some comfortable chairs under some umbrellas right by the pools steps.
TIP: The hotel has many amenities such as a coffee bar, several restaurants, a casino and much more. So be sure to enjoy everything the hotel has to offer. Just be sure you are properly dressed when entering the respected areas.
A Jet Ski Adventure
We had pre-arranged for an optional Jet Ski tour and they let us know what time the tour would begin. Before long the time had arrived, and we walked over to the beach to take a short boat ride over to a nearby cove where it was calm enough to ride Jet Skis.
The ride over was beautiful, and it was a great chance to experience another part of Puerto Rico. After a brief sign-in, we were soon aboard Jet Skis riding along the coastline. My wife and I both love Jet Skiing and have not ridden together since our honeymoon cruise back in 2005 at St. Thomas, USVI. So this was a real treat to us both, especially sharing this with our two girls.
It’s not every day you get to have the wind and sea spray in your face as you race along the coastline of such a beautiful place. It was choppy out this day but we all enjoyed ourselves very much. Once our time had expired, we took a boat ride back to the hotel, jumped into the water and walked ashore.
The whole experience made our day extra special. The tour guides were wonderful and very caring to my whole family. We all really enjoyed the experience and we hope to do it again someday.
Back On Shore
As we walked from the beach to our pool lounge chairs, we noticed it was getting close to the Lunchtime reservations we made at the hotel’s restaurant. We soon dried off, cleaned up and made our way to the Sirena Restaurant for lunch. Our table had a beautiful view that overlooked the ocean.
It was time to order our complimentary drinks. Since we were in Puerto Rico, I had to order a Mojito! It was honestly one of the best I have ever had.
We ordered an assortment of items so we could sample the many options available on the Lunch Menu. We ordered everything from soup, pizza, crab cakes, and even a burger. Everything was prepared perfectly and tasted wonderful.
We felt the beachfront ambiance along with the great food and drinks at the Courtyard Isla Verde Resort were so good, this would be reason enough to plan a trip here. It doesn’t get much better when you have such a beautiful ocean view, a great drink in hand and family by your side.
The whole experience at the Courtyard Isla Verde Beach Resort was remarkable. The hospitality and the quality of everything was second to none. We left feeling we have found a hidden gem ready to be discovered by anyone visiting San Juan.
Before long we had to leave and make sure we got back to the ship on time. Our previous cab driver gave me his number, so I called him up and he came back and picked us up.
On the drive back to the cruise terminal, we talked about all things Puerto Rico. We thanked our driver and wished him well as we said goodbye. The day was an overall wonderful experience we won’t soon forget.
If you book this Day Pass please let us know about your experience, by sharing your comments and photos below. We would love to hear from you.
Recommended:
- 7 Mistakes to Never Make When Booking Your Cruise
- Miami Cruise Parking Guide 2020
- 7 Canada and New England Cruise Ports that You’re Going to Love
- Tips and Tricks for a Hassle-Free Cruise with a Baby
This article is brought to by Cruise Compete. CruiseCompete.com allows you to easily compare multiple offers from Cruise Experts
