Off to Icacos /Frazier Nivens
Sailing & Watersports August-2006, By:Travel and Sports Staff
Sailing, Snorkeling and Kayaking
From the dugout canoes of the Taino Indians and the sailing ships of Columbus to the cruise ships of our time, Puerto Rico and boating have always gone hand in hand. For centuries, fishing boats and trade ships kept islanders alive. Today boating is mostly a recreational activity with people taking to the sea for the sheer fun of it.
Visitors who want to explore the waters around Puerto Rico have a wide range of choices. If deep-sea fishing is your passion, take a powerboat trip to the nearby ocean trenches. If you prefer shallow water fishing, board a skiff and head into the coastal mangroves. If you are looking to combine sailing and snorkeling, hop on a sailing catamaran. If you prefer a hands-on activity, power your own ocean kayak.
When most Puerto Ricans think of sailing and snorkeling, they think of the northeastern town of Fajardo. Fajardo is nicknamed the boating capital of Puerto Rico, and from here to Humacao you find several modern marinas and thousands of privately owned boats. Among them are excursion boats -- large sailing or powered catamarans as well as smaller single-hulled sailboats. These boats take passengers on day-long sailing and snorkeling trips to beautiful offshore cays. The faster powerboats can provide day-trips to the islands of Vieques and Culebra islands as well.
Fajardo’s operations provide the easiest and most inexpensive way to get out on the water. Many operators arrange round-trip transportation from your hotel in San Juan. The boats typically leave the docks in Fajardo by 10 a.m. and sail to the cays where conditions are best that day. Passengers slip on snorkeling gear (provided at no extra charge) and enter the world of calm waters and colorful fish. Or you can merely stroll on the beach. Most operators provide a buffet lunch.
Outside Fajardo, virtually every seaside town that has tourism has sailboat or power boat operators. Check at your hotel.
Kayaking For those who want a serene, up-close, and environmentally friendly way to view tropical waters, there is no better craft than a kayak. Several operators specialize in providing kayak rentals and/or excursions. The most popular sites include the mangrove channels along La Parguera and Salinas and the bioluminescent bays in Vieques, La Parguera and Fajardo. In addition to kayak operators, a number of the nature/adventure groups include kayak trips as part of their offerings.
However you enjoy the waters of Puerto Rico – by powerboat or paddle boat, sailboat or kayak – your adventure is sure to create lifelong memories.
| Latest Island-Wide Feature Articles: Attractions & Sights Kid's Stuff
Beaches Destination Beach
Business Center AAAction - Making Movies in Paradise
Casinos Blackjack 101
Diving & Snorkeling Down Under
Events Gallery Nights in Old San Juan
Fishing Fishing in Paradise
Forests Puerto Rican Parrot (Amazona vittata) Recovery Program
Golf Legendary Courses
Information Masthead
Nature/Adventure Nature Adventure Caribbean Style
Restaurants & Clubs Kiosk Cooking
Sailing & Watersports Sailing, Snorkeling and Kayaking
Shopping The Coffee Craze
Spas Spa-tacular
Sailing & Watersports Article Archive 2006-08 Sailing, Snorkeling and Kayaking
2005-08 Sailing, Snorkeling and Kayaking
2004-08 Sail Away
All Archives
Sailing & Watersports
Sponsors
Action Airborne Executive Sailing 787-728-6606
Fajardo. The "Airborne" is a 35' Pearson sloop. We can take you out for a day just to soak up the Caribbean weather, or actually let YOU sail her! She takes no more than six passengers so; this can be your private tour!
Action Catamaran Funcat 787-728-6606
Fajardo. See the most and do the most on this all day land and sea tour. We include bus transportation, snorkeling,equipment, instruction, (floats for non-swimmers) sailing, lunch and, free rum drinks on our return FUN CAT party, 8am-5pm.
Action Diveboat Innovation 787-728-6606
Fajardo. Scuba, Snorkel or Charter this 30 passenger, USCG certified boat for whatever you want!
Casa del Mar Luxury Charters 787-860-3483
Fajardo. Are you looking for a Luxury Yacht Charter? WE are proud to offer the ONLY Luxury crewd yacht available for charters in Puerto Rico. We offer private luxury yachts and speed boats from 36’ to 60’ with a professional crew and Gourmet chef.
Castillo Tours & Watersports 787-791-6195
Fajardo. Catamaran sailing & snorkeling, gear, instruction, lunch, piña coladas. Deep-sea fishing: blue marlin, wahoo, tuna, mahi-mahi on 48' Hatteras. Sightseeing: Bio Bay, Hiking, Rainforest, Old City, Caves, Ponce, Bacardi.
East Island Excursions 877-937-4386
Fajardo. 62’ "East Wind" catamaran w/glass-bottom windows, water slide; sailing to deserted islands for beachcombing & snorkeling. Private charters for up to 78. "Island Flyer", "Eco Isleño"-high speed power catamarans-Culebra snorkeling or Vieques bio-bay.
Island Flyer 787-860-3434
Fajardo. "Island Flyer" - high speed power catamarans - Culebra snorkeling or Vieques bio-bay. 62’ "East Wind" catamaran - glass-bottom windows, water slide - sailing to deserted islands for beachcombing & snorkeling. Also private charters for up to 78.
Traveler Catamaran / Fajardo Tours 787-863-2821
Fajardo. Sail on a 54' catamaran for snorkeling, lunch included. Also offering sunset cruises, charters and fishing on a 36' boat. Chartered trips to Vieques and Culebra.
|