Palominitos, Fajardo /Frazier Nivens
Fajardo June-2008, By:Travel and Sports Staff
Fajardo
This is the day sailing capital of Puerto Rico.
Known as "La Metrópolis del Este" (Metropolis of the East), Fajardo is a major tourism and recreation area. The location is ideal, with easy access to the archipelago of Vieques, Culebra and the nearby day-sailing cays of Icacos, Diablo, Palominos and Palominitos.
In addition, there are a number of large marinas in the area as well as an airport and a major nature preserve. The 316-acre Las Cabezas de San Juan nature preserve features a lighthouse that has been in continuous operation since 1882. The tour of this area includes the lighthouse, the mangroves and the Bioluminescent Lagoon. Reservations are required to enter the grounds and take the tour.
Fajardo is well known for its excellent day sailing, snorkeling and diving. The day-sailing trips normally take you to one of the nearby cays for a day of snorkeling, sunbathing and feasting (food and soft drinks are part of the deal). For the divers, there is excellent clear water all around the cays, with plenty to explore.
For a nocturnal trip in the Bioluminescent Lagoon, contact one of the tour or nature/adventure tour operators. Of course, the seafood in this area is fresh and delicious.
>How to go: Most of the Sailing & Watersports operations in Fajardo will pick you up from your hotel in the major tourist areas, take you to Fajardo and return you to your hotel at day’s end. If you are taking advantage of their transportation, be ready to go when they arrive or cancel 24 hours beforehand.
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