Disney Destiny's First Stop in San Juan, Puerto Rico: Kayaking Condado Lagoon and Sailing Past El Morro

Being there for a first

There is something special about pulling into a port the ship has never visited before. On June 30, 2026, the Disney Destiny made its very first stop in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and we got to be part of it.

We watched the arrival from our verandah, which turned out to be a great spot to take it all in before heading ashore.

Our excursion: kayaking and paddleboarding Condado Lagoon

We booked a kayaking and paddleboarding excursion on the Condado Lagoon. It is a short ride from the pier, and the drive takes you through Old San Juan and along the Condado hotel strip, so you get a little sightseeing on the way.

The water is shallow, calm, and clear enough that we could see the seagrass under us the whole way out. If you have never kayaked or paddleboarded before, this is a gentle place to try it.

A lagoon that protects leatherback turtles

The best surprise was learning that the lagoon is a protected leatherback turtle nesting area. Our guide walked us through the conservation work happening there and explained just how big these turtles actually get.

There are even signs posted right on the beach for reporting a sighting, which made the whole place feel looked after.

Back on board, and the view of El Morro

After the paddle we headed back to the ship for lunch and some time at the pool. It was a nice, slow way to spend the afternoon.

Then came one of the best views of the whole trip. As the ship pulled away, El Morro stood over the harbor entrance, and we stayed out to watch it go by. The day wrapped up with dinner and the show at our rotational restaurant.

Choosing how to spend your San Juan day

If you have a San Juan stop coming up on a Disney cruise, you are probably weighing Old San Juan on your own, a fort visit, or getting out on the water. We went with the water, and it gave us an easy, calm morning that still left plenty of the day for the ship.