This is the first of a series of Posts from the North side of the island… an area I don’t get out to very often. So here we go.
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I’ve mentioned Cataño in several of my stories over the last 2 years, but never addressed it directly. Today, I will.
From a tourist’s perspective, the most outstanding thing about Cataño is that this is where the Bacardi Distillery is located. Cataño maintains the only ferry shuttle service to Old San Juan. The ferry terminal (La Lancha de Cataño) in Cataño is undergoing a major update so I expect they will be able to accommodate larger crowds soon. The current version of the service was launched in the 1950’s. It runs from 5AM to 10PM most days and runs 7 days a week. It only takes a few minutes to make the crossing from Cataño to Old San Juan.
The Bacardi tour itself is free so it is worth the cost of the ferry ride and shuttle bus fee to get there and back. The Bacardi tour is in my top 10 list of things to do in Old San Juan.
That said, there is more to Cataño than just Bacardi.
Cataño is located across the bay from Old San Juan, off Highway 165. It happens to be the smallest ‘municipio’ (municipality) in Puerto Rico… half the size of the next smallest town. About 30,000 folks live here.
Historically Speaking-
Cataño was originally settled by Dr. Hernando de Cataño who was awarded the property for his medical services by the Governor of Puerto Rico, Francisco Bahamonde de Lugo (1564-1568). This was during the early colonization of the island. 
The Doctor’s name stuck and it’s remained Cataño ever since.
The 1st ferry service to Old San Juan was started in the mid 19th century. Because of this, Cataño prospered. A Catholic parish was established in 1893. Cataño became a municipio in 1927. 
In 2009, Cataño experienced a huge tank-farm fire that devastated part of its industrial zone.
As a side note, while doing my research, I discovered a major error on “the Official Website”– puertorico.com regarding Cataño. They claim Cataño was founded in 1927 by Hernando Cantano. I won’t hang them on spelling errors because a few get past me too, but this is something they need to fix.
The Plaza-
We reached the Plaza about 11AM on a Saturday.
The plaza is typical for Puerto Rico with a Catholic church standing just off the square. It features several interesting art works and is open to the boardwalk, about a block off. The ferry terminal is only 2 blocks from the boardwalk area. The boardwalk and parking continue down the shoreline to the main municipal building… a small high-rise structure. I use the term ‘boardwalk’ somewhat loosely as the promenade is constructed entirely of concrete.
Some of the locals had already gathered for dominoes. A scene I’ve witnessed many, many times. It has to be the unofficial passtime of Puerto Rico.
I was particularly amused by the black obelisk sculpture at the center of the plaza and the steel spiked ball atop a long spire, located between the plaza and the boardwalk. Most eclectic.
The Boardwalk
We made the short walk over to Avenue Las Nereidas where the boardwalk is, to check out another abstract sculpture featured on several travel Sites. The Monument to Taino Culture was very impressive. The view from here includes the entire bay with El Morro and Old San Juan on the opposite side.
There are several local restaurants and bars in the area and a Subway too.
If you have the time, it’s an area worth exploring. We took Las Nereidas further out which eventually becomes Highway 888 and then reconnected with Highway 165. 
It’s a beautiful area with great views of the Atlantic Ocean.
The 350 Foot Columbus Phantom
Another bizarre story relating to Cataño is the 350 feet tall statue of Christopher Columbus that was scored from Russia in 1998 and delivered to Cataño by the mayor for $2.4 million, but never erected. They ran out of money to finish the project. There was some discussion of Mayagüez doing something with it, but nothing yet. The parts were delivered to the Port of Mayagüez in 2010, but never assembled. Now, the 2,700 pieces have since been moved to the town of Arecibo where they might actually get put together. I would love to see it standing.
As a point of reference, the Statue of Liberty stands 305 feet tall from the bottom of the base to the top of the torch.
It would look quite grand, if it’s ever assembled.
Cataño is a charming place, well worth an extended visit.
As always, larger photos from this post may be seen over on the dedicated Facebook Page for Robertos Puerto Rico.
Next up: On Down Highway 165 to Isla De Cabras
anónimo says
It is going to rise up in Arecibo. You may quote me!! Anónimo
Fran and Steve says
We find it interesting that Puerto Ricans embrace their Spanish heritage, as evidenced by Christopher Columbus monuments, whereas the Mexicans are not proud of their few statues of the Spanish colonizers, since they are widely considered enslavers and murderers. If I recall well, this giant statue of CC has not found a home, not only for financial reasons, but also because there was some protest about continuing to glorify the conquistadores who were responsible for wiping out the pure Taíno population. I’m sure it would be something to behold, if it is ever assembled! — Fran S. Dog- There is still a lot of resentment toward Spanish history (and US too) here in PR, but I think if one could embrace the positive points and put it to work for you, then you could have your revenge… Make good on what they could not.
darryl says
Great pictures Robert!!