Puerto Rico has a little bit of everything for each type of adventure seeker. Of course we love the waves that the Caribbean produces, but this 90-mile-wide commonwealth island is chalk full of surprises… including 143 other islands, cays, and inlets.
Being one of greatest surf experiences on the island, naturally we love our waves BUT there is so much more to see, explore, and try out on the beautiful island of Puerto Rico. The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico has over 143 islands, cays, islets, and atolls. Only the main island of Puerto Rico and the islands of Vieques, and Culebra are inhabited. Mona Island has personnel from the Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DNER) stationed year-around but no private citizens inhabit it (other than overnight camping guests and nature enthusiasts). Isla Desecheo, due west from el pueblo Rincón, is a National Wildlife Refuge administrated by the US Fish and Wildlife Service. The other 140 islands, cays, islets and atolls are not inhabited and are waiting to be explored by you.
La Parguera Nature Reserve
Located on the southwestern pueblo of Lajas, Puerto Rico; La Parguera Nature Reserve isn’t your typical nature reserve destination, you probably won’t even be able to find it on a map but I have to show you the insider’s knowledge. La Parguera Nature Reserve is one of the most biologically diverse ecosystems in Puerto Rico; characterized by one of the most extensive and well developed coral reefs on the island. Here you can observe mangrove forests, red and white mangroves are most prevalent species here.
Explore the salt marshes, cays, islets and seagrass beds where schools of tiny tropical fish love to play. The reserve was created to protect all these natural treasures and it’s currently managed by DRNA. Dolphins, manatees and turtles love these waters, so count on having an interesting underwater experience. One of my favorite tours in La Parguera is the Bioluminescence Bay Tour. A must see when you’re in Puerto Rico.
You’ll start off the trip with an introduction to the bay by your guides who will explain the natural phenomenon of the bioluminescence while you enjoy a light dinner of homemade empanadillas, soda and beer. Just after the sun goes down you’ll head out on a comfortable dive boat for a 20 minute boat ride through the mangrove channels, as you head to the bioluminescent bay.
Once you reach the bay you’ll have 30 – 45 minutes to swim and snorkel before you return to shore. All snorkel gear and dinner is included. Truly a must do tour when you visit Puerto Rico.
Isla de Vieques
The larger of the 3 inhabited islands of Puerto Rico, Vieques is a short ferry 8-mile ferry ride from the east coast of the mainland. Home to roughly 9,000 people, this unique island host an abundance of fun. Being 21 miles long, you can explore the secluded beaches during the day, and at night head into downtown for a more upbeat vibe. Some of the most popular activities to enjoy would be the bioluminescence bay, white sandy swimming and surfing beaches, snorkeling crystal clear reefs, the Puerto Ferro lighthouse, multiple sailing options and so much more. Hosting a plethora of bars, restaurants, and street vendors, Vieques has a little bit of everything for everybody. Imagine the mainland’s little sister, that’s what the island’s nickname translates to en Español.
Isla de Culebra
Most vacationers who visit Culebra simply want to do nothing but lounge around. This smaller island is located off the west coast of Puerto Rico, just north of Isla de Vieques. Pack up your golf-cart, ATV, or Jeep with cooler full of drinks, a few beach chairs, and a hammock to start your secluded beach getaway. At the end of your day exploring, head into town to visit the gift shops and check out the local restaurants. There’s something in Culebra for everybody from exotic destination weddings, to diving preserved reefs, to off-road jungle exploration.
Before you lock in dates and fly into either airport, make sure you know what is around you. For more vacation packages, trips, tours, and recommendations feel free to give us a call. From surf lessons, horseback riding, yoga retreats, bio bay tours, waterfall tours, fishing charters, and sailing expeditions click here to talk with the most competent tour service on the island.
Jay Deschene
SASS Global Travel