San Juan is quickly earning a reputation for its craft beer scene, thanks to local breweries producing innovative and flavorful beers. The city’s combination of historic charm and growing brewing culture makes it a great place for beer lovers to explore. We especially like the Puerto Rico’s First and Only Craft Beer Brewery Tour because it offers personalized attention and visits to two unique breweries, perfect for those who want to learn and taste without the hassle of transport. Plus, it’s a small-group tour with included tastings, making it easy to relax and enjoy.
For those seeking a more private, luxe experience, the Craft Beer Private Tour in San Juan offers a tailored journey to two notable breweries with a dedicated guide. It’s more costly, but ideal if you prefer exclusivity and flexibility. Both tours showcase Puerto Rico’s emerging craft beer scene, but they cater to different preferences—one focuses on a communal, laid-back vibe, while the other offers a personalized, intimate outing.
Quick Overview
If you’re trying to decide which craft beer tour fits your style, here’s a quick summary: The Puerto Rico’s First and Only Craft Beer Brewery Tour is a small-group, semi-guided experience that emphasizes tasting a variety of local beers, with the convenience of included transport. It’s perfect for those who want a relaxed and social atmosphere.
The Craft Beer Private Tour in San Juan is more exclusive, offering a customized private experience for up to a few guests, with a dedicated guide and tailored visits. It’s better suited for travelers who prioritize privacy and personalized service, albeit at a higher price point.
1. Puerto Rico’s First and Only Craft Beer Brewery Tour!
This tour is a standout because it’s the only one in Puerto Rico that combines small-group intimacy with visits to two local breweries known for their craftsmanship and flavor. For around $150 per person, you’ll spend about five hours exploring San Juan’s burgeoning craft beer scene. The tour includes guided brewery visits, tastings of multiple beers, and safe transportation, removing the hassle of figuring out how to get from one brewery to another.
What makes this tour unique is the focus on local varieties and the chance to learn about the brewing process directly from the producers. Many reviews highlight the personable guide, Shelley, who is praised for her knowledge and friendly approach. One reviewer said, “Shelly showed me local lagers — super fun for me,” capturing the relaxed vibe.
This tour appeals most to beer enthusiasts eager to discover Puerto Rican brews without the stress of logistics. It’s also a great choice if you prefer small groups and personalized attention. The included tastings and the safety of transportation add to its good value.
Bottom Line: Perfect for beer lovers who want an authentic, relaxed experience with expert insights, all within a manageable half-day.
2. Craft Beer Private Tour in San Juan
For those who want a more exclusive experience, the Craft Beer Private Tour in San Juan offers a customized, private journey to two well-regarded breweries. Starting at around $648 per person, this four-hour tour is ideal for travelers who value privacy, flexibility, and a personalized itinerary.
Your day begins with a comfortable private vehicle picking you up at your hotel or a central location. The tour includes visits to FOK Brewing Co., known for its native artisan beers, and Old Harbor Brewery, the island’s first artisanal brewery, established in 1996. The itinerary allows ample time—about 1.5 hours at each stop—to sample a variety of beers and learn about their brewing techniques.
Reviews are sparse since it’s a newer tour, but the description emphasizes expert guidance and tailored experiences. This tour suits serious beer aficionados or groups celebrating special occasions who want to avoid crowds and have a flexible, curated experience. The main drawback is the higher price, which may not appeal to budget travelers.
Bottom Line: Best suited for those seeking privacy and customization, especially if they’re interested in learning about specific breweries or celebrating something special.
$647.92 per person
How to Choose
When selecting between these two options, consider your budget, preferred style, and how much you want to learn. The small-group tour offers a more relaxed, social vibe at a reasonable price, making it ideal for casual beer fans or first-timers. On the other hand, the private experience is perfect if you want a tailored tour with more control over your day or are traveling with a small, dedicated group.
Think about logistics too—if you prefer not to worry about transfers or planning, both tours include transportation, but the small-group option is more budget-friendly. For a special occasion or if you’re deeply interested in learning the craft behind the beers, the private tour offers an experience worth splurging on.
Final Thoughts
San Juan’s craft beer scene is growing quickly, and these tours offer a fantastic way to discover it firsthand. For an affordable, social experience, the first tour is hard to beat — especially if you’re eager to taste local lagers and meet fellow beer enthusiasts. If privacy and a personalized, in-depth journey are what you seek, the private tour provides a higher-end, more flexible option.
Both tours are excellent choices depending on your interests and budget. Remember to book early, especially in peak travel seasons, to secure your spot. Whatever you choose, exploring San Juan’s small breweries will give you a richer understanding of Puerto Rico’s vibrant brewing culture—cheers to that!