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Set on the historic Caribbean island of Puerto Rico, this Biennial Conference marks the first time the event will be hosted in Latin America—a milestone recognizing the region’s essential contributions to marine mammal science and conservation. Founded in 1521, San Juan is the oldest European-established city in the Americas and blends colonial heritage with vibrant Caribbean culture, tropical beaches, lush rainforests, and a celebrated culinary scene. Its surrounding warm waters are home to dolphins, humpback and sperm whales, and the endangered Greater Caribbean manatee, making San Juan a compelling destination that unites cultural richness with extraordinary marine biodiversity and reinforces the importance of protecting these ecosystems for future generations.

GETTING TO PUERTO RICO

SMOOTH TOUCHDOWNS BY AIR

Arriving in San Juan, Puerto Rico, is simple and convenient. The city is served by Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU), offering a wide range of daily flights from across the U.S., the Caribbean, and international destinations, making it easy to plan your trip.

Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU)

• Located just 8 miles from San Juan’s city center and 10 miles from the Puerto Rico Convention Center.
• Serves more than 25 airlines, with nonstop flights to over 40 U.S. cities and numerous international destinations.
• Modern facilities and a range of amenities make arrivals and departures smooth and stress-free.

Other Nearby Airports

While SJU is the main gateway, smaller airports on the island provide additional options for domestic and regional travel.

UNITED STATES VISAS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

(Updated: January 28, 2026)

Puerto Rico is a Commonwealth of the United States of America (USA). Therefore, if you are a U.S. citizen or are lawfully present in the U.S., traveling to Puerto Rico is just like traveling to another state, and no visa is required.  

International attendees traveling to the USA for the SMM Conference must ensure they have the appropriate authorization to enter the country. Entry requirements can vary depending on your nationality, passport, and the length and purpose of your stay. We encourage attendees to check official government sources to ensure they have the most current information as they plan their travel.

Visa Waiver Program (VWP) & ESTA

Citizens of countries participating in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP) may travel to the United States for business or tourism for up to 90 days without a visa, provided they obtain an approved Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) prior to departure.

ESTA applications are completed online and should be submitted well in advance of travel. Approval is typically valid for two years (or until your passport expires).

Visitor Visas (B-1/B-2)

Attendees who are not eligible for the VWP, or who plan to stay longer than 90 days, will generally need a nonimmigrant visitor visa: B-1 (Business Visitor): for attending conferences, meetings, and professional events such as SMM; B-2 (Tourism Visitor): for tourism or personal travel.

Visa applications must be submitted through a U.S. Embassy or Consulate, and processing times can vary significantly by country. We strongly encourage attendees to apply as early as possible.

Important Notes

Visa and ESTA approval does not necessarily guarantee entry; final admission is determined by U.S. Customs and Border Protection upon arrival. Entry requirements are subject to change, so attendees should consult official government sources for the most current information.

For official and up-to-date information, please visit the U.S. Department of State and U.S. Customs and Border Protection websites.

DISCOVER PUERTO RICO

From the historic streets of San Juan to the diverse landscapes across the island, Puerto Rico offers an incredible range of places to explore. This image highlights key destinations beyond the capital, showcasing coastal towns, lush rainforests, cultural landmarks, and natural wonders that invite attendees to experience the island’s rich heritage, vibrant communities, and extraordinary biodiversity.

GETTING AROUND SAN JUAN

LOCAL TRAVEL IN SAN JUAN

Getting around San Juan is easy, with several transport options for visitors:

  • Public Transport: AMA buses provide local service within San Juan. Routes, fares, and accessibility information can be found at AMA Puerto Rico.
  • Taxis & Ride-Sharing: Taxis are readily available at the airport and throughout the city. Ride-share options such as Uber and Lyft also operate in San Juan.
  • Car Rentals & Private Transfers: For exploring beyond the city, car rental services and private charter options are plentiful.

EXPLORE SAN JUAN

Explore everything San Juan and Puerto Rico have to offer beyond the conference. Below are links to dining, nightlife, cultural experiences, history, music, tours, events, and natural attractions to help attendees plan their stay and make the most of their time on the island.

CARBON OFFSET PROGRAM

SMM2026 is committed to reducing the environmental impact of the conference by supporting carbon offset initiatives through Para la Naturaleza, a Puerto Rico–based non-profit dedicated to conserving and restoring the island’s ecosystems. Their innovative mangrove reforestation project cultivates and plants thousands of red, black, and white mangroves in priority coastal areas, strengthening climate resilience and protecting biodiversity.

By contributing, participants support the growth of critical coastal habitats while promoting sustainable practices within the scientific community. Travelers may voluntarily offset the carbon footprint of their flights based on travel distance: $10–$15 for short regional flights (Caribbean region), $20–$30 for medium-haul flights (North, Central, and South America), and $40–$60 for long-haul international flights (Europe, Oceania, Africa, and Asia).

To make a donation and offset your carbon footprint, please do so through the conference registration form. Login via SMM to add your contribution.

We encourage all conference attendees to support mangrove restoration in Puerto Rico and help reduce the environmental impact of their travel.

To learn more about Para la Naturaleza and their mangrove restoration efforts, click HERE.

CONFERENCE VENUE

Centro de Convenciones Pedro Roselló González
100 Blvd. Centro de Convenciones
San Juan, Puerto Rico 00907

CONFERENCE VENUE

Centro de Convenciones Pedro Roselló González
100 Blvd. Centro de Convenciones
San Juan, Puerto Rico 00907

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QUESTIONS?

Contact our conference team at conference@marinemammalscience.org