Making the most of Ponce
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Central Ponce lies about 5 mi/8 km north of the port across an expressway. Transport is required for all city attractions.
The municipality wants to build a tourist wharf on Eugenio Maria de Hostos Street, 1,200 feet long and 160 feet wide, capable of berthing two mega cruise ships at once. Estimated at $57.6M USD, it is expected to create 600 jobs, but the completion date is uncertain.
Ponce is Puerto Rico's second-largest city.
Ponce appeals through history and distinctive architecture. Its charm is laid-back compared with San Juan's busy economic and nightlife districts; despite being the island's second city, downtown is only one quaint square without steady nightlife for visitors.
Getting around
The compact, attractive downtown is easy to explore on foot.
A free tourist train loops through downtown. Its trolleys stop around the city, letting passengers hop on and off freely.
Puerto Rico's public transport is fairly poor: outside San Juan there are no scheduled buses or trains, while taxis are very costly.
Hire cars begin at $30 per day.
Nearby places
Caja de Muertos, or Coffin Island, is an uninhabited offshore island with an abandoned lighthouse, empty beaches and a marked underwater snorkel trail. Weekend ferries leave from the pier.
Food and shopping
Puerto Rico has maintained lower import tax rates and duty-free VAT rates. For wine, spirits and especially Puerto Rican rum, it can be an excellent place to stock up. Shops open 7 days each week.
Money
The currency is $US.
Staying connected
Spanish and English are Puerto Rico's official languages, though Spanish is unquestionably dominant.
Free high-speed public wireless internet is growing in coffee shops, restaurants, hotels and malls, and is available in most places.
Opening Hours and
General business hours are Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5.30pm. On public holidays, government offices, banks and schools close, and museum times and transport schedules can change.