Puerto Rico and the Spanish Virgin Islands: so accessible!

LOG BOOK

Whenever the Virgin Islands are mentioned, it is invariably the British ones that we think about. Over the last forty years, they have become a veritable mecca for chartering. Of course, the BVI do offer everything that you could wish for when renting a boat: many anchorages; great partying opportunities; a sea bed which is still interesting, and especially easy and well-protected sailing. In short, it's the ideal spot to discover sailing and to have a great time. However, for those of you who are looking for a little more authenticity and in particular, quieter anchorages and a well-protected sea life, the Spanish Virgin Islands, around forty miles from their British cousins are the new paradise. The Moorings have just opened a new base in Puerto Rico, which offers a real Latino atmosphere as well as the Caribbean culture which is to be found all across the West Indies. The Spanish Virgin Islands are less well known to sailors, whether they are in the area in their own boat or chartering. Situated within close proximity to each other, the islands are a true natural paradise: beautifully preserved islands, with white sandy beaches, deserted islets and especially, crystal clear waters which harbor shimmering coral reefs that are full of sea life. Just off Puerto Rico, one can find several islands, but the most interesting amongst them are Culebra and Vieques. Vieques is the largest of the Spanish Virgin Islands. It is home to marvelous beaches, including the famous Mosquito Bay and its bioluminescence, but also for the lovely village of Esperanza, with its typically Caribbean sea front promenade. It's wonderfully charming and the ambiance is unique! Just off the island of Culebra, you will find one of the best fishing and diving locations in the whole of the Caribbean. It's somewhere that all divers and fishing enthusiasts should try at least once. Also on Culebra, is Ensenada, a pretty anchorage where you can get a feel for the unique atmosphere of the open air bars and restaurants of the Caribbean… One other advantage of choosing this destination, is that you can discover the magnificent old town of San Juan at the start or the end of your cruise, or even visit the El Yunque rainforest and the grottos in the Rio Camuy park. Unmissable! Puerto Rico is a complicated country. It was bought from Spain by the United States in 1898 after the Spanish-American War. In 1952 the island obtained partial independence from the US. Today, Puerto Rico is an independent state, although associated to the United States. This means that the inhabitants have American nationality (since 1917) but not citizenship… They cannot vote in the presidential election, but can vote in the primaries for a non-voting member of the House of Representatives! At the last referendum in 2012, over 60% of the population voted in favor of changing the country's status and becoming completely independent of the United States.

The crystal clear waters of the Spanish Virgin Islands await your arrival.

 

PUERTO RICO: GOOD TO KNOW

• Formalities:
  When travelling to Puerto Rico, the entry formalities are the same as for the United States (Puerto Rico is an unincorporated territory of the USA). So a passport and ESTA formalities are essential, as well as a visa depending upon your country of origin.

• Getting There:
  Puerto Rico's main airport - San Juan Luis Muñoz Marin International Airport (SJU) - is an international airport which is easily accessible from the US (Miami, New York, Atlanta). The trip by taxi from the airport to the marina takes under an hour (US$85)

• Weather:
  You're in the West Indies, so the weather is sunny and hot year round. The ideal period for sailing is from December to June. The summer is more humid, and there is a hurricane risk in the fall.

• Currency:
  The local currency in Puerto Rico is the US dollar. Good to know: The electric current is 110 volts, like the US. Tipping is normal in Puerto Rico (15-20%). English and Spanish are spoken everywhere and by everyone.

• Local Boat Charter Companies :
  The Moorings - Sail Caribe - Charters Puerto Rico - Sail Away Catamarans

A TYPICAL ITINERARY

The Moorings has just opened a new base and is offering mainly motor catamarans: the Moorings 514 PC; the version of the Leopard 51 built specially for them; Moorings 4800 available for bareboat charter, or Moorings 4800 or 5800 (Leopard 48 and 58) sailboats with a crew for maximum comfort and to allow you to be able to make the most of the destination.
Here's a typical itinerary to help you discover the Spanish Virgin Islands, put together by local crews used by the company.