Puerto Rico, in one well-chosen Spanish word would be “fantasia!”, and how apt it is that the name ‘Puerto Rico’ translates to mean ‘Rich Port’. With refreshing sea-breezes and sun-soaked beaches, this sailor’s destination offers it all, for every type of traveller – from those who seek afternoons of siestas and slow swims, to others who revel in adrenaline-rousing sports. Get set for salsa beats, a deliciously colourful culture and the smell of slow-roasted suckling pig.
The Spanish Virgin Islands consist of three islands: Culebra, Culebrita and Vieques. These were previously known as the Passage Islands or the Virgin Passage, and are still noted as such on some charts. For sailors, they present a pristine cruise, unspoilt beaches and secure anchorages (quite unusually for the Caribbean, there are even free moorings to be found in some locations). If you’re looking for a calm cruise, with peaceful anchorages and panoramic views of the closet thing to paradise, then it is to the Spanish Virgin Islands that you should travel. Yacht charters in Puerto Rico offers stunning vistas ashore and afloat.
Key anchorages in Puerto Rico
Puerto del Rey Marina, Fajardo – Sail into one of the largest marinas in the Caribbean. Here, you may be amongst 1999 other boats, each sailor of which enjoys superb staff assistance, and a long list of facilities, including: fuel, clearance services, laundry, chandlery, provisions, and a restaurant.
Puerto Rico ashore
Fajardo, situated to the east most side of Puerto Rico, is a small city with a big personality. From the modest ferry port to the sparkling yacht harbour, this is a city of dramatically different outlooks – the pinnacle of which is the awe-inspiring nature preserve and the tranquil beach landscapes.
The Arrecifes de la Cordillera Natural Reserve covers some ten different islands, which are completely uninhabited, and are collectively known as ‘La Cordillera’. The various islands are: Los Farallones, Cayo Icacos, Cayo Cucaracha, Cayo Icacos, Cayo Lobos, Cayo Ratones, Cayo Diablo and la Banquilla, Arrecifes Hermanos, Arrecifes Barriles, Isla Palominos and Isla Palominitos. Expect the obligatory deep blue waters, coral reefs and bright white beaches (complete with swaying palm trees and turtles just a little further in-land).
Islas Palominos – is an oasis straight out a daydream. Stretching to some 100 acres, Islas Palominos is island is privately owned, and you need to be a registered guest at the El Conquistador, Waldorf Astoria Resort to step on land, although exploring the waters that surround the island are perfectly prohibited (just remember to look out for the native sea lions!).
Vieques, or the Isle De Vieques, is more than a worthy temptation for a quick island hop from Puerto Rico. Located XX kilometres to the east of Puerto Rico, the beach here is untouched by tourism, (and given how quiet it is, you could well enjoy stretches of sand all to yourself). In-land on this isle, are stylish restaurants, a buzzy atmosphere and semi-wild horses.
Yacht charters in Puerto Rico, offer an exciting, tropical paradise, for sailing for the intrepid sailor in you.