Sail Away to Cayo Icacos, Puerto Rico

Cayo Icacos is a small, uninhabited island approximately 1 mile wide and over 1 mile long located 3 miles off the northeast coast of Puerto Rico. There are no restaurants, no shopping centers or vendors, no electricity, and no facilities of any kind.  The little island is just lush green foliage and perfect white sand beaches.

Day Sail to the Pristine White Sand Beaches of Cayo Icacos

The best option to visit this tropical paradise is by boat.  There is a water taxi service that departs just north of the El Conquistador resort in Las Croabas neighborhood of Fajardo, providing drop off and pick up service to Icacos as the least expensive option.  A slightly more expensive option is the powered Catamaran sailboats that provide transportation, snorkel gear, shade, food & drinks, and (darn important) onboard bathrooms.

For us, the decision was easy – comfort and leisure on a Catamaran!

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St Regis Bahia Beach Resort, Puerto Rico Review

The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort is the only Five Diamond resort property on the island of Puerto Rico. And that is exactly what I had in mind for a luxury getaway break.

I have been to the St. Regis Bahia resort Spa several times, but this was our first overnight stay at the property.  I booked a 4 day, 3 night reservation over Thanksgiving weekend, which also happens to be our Anniversary.  November is still considered off-peak for tourist season, which officially kicks off mid-December through April.

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Fern Winter Tasting Menu | St Regis Resort Puerto Rico

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During our recent four-day stay at the St Regis Bahia Beach Resort, we ate a fantastic meal at Fern restaurant:  a six course Tasting Menu with wine pairings for a Friday night dinner.

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Puerto Del Rey Marina, Puerto Rico

Puerto del Rey is the largest marina in Puerto Rico, and even the largest in the Caribbean!  I am slowly falling in love with this marina and all of the businesses and events hosted there.  I am a certified scuba diver and all around fan of boats and water, sadly I am not a boat owner (yet).  I still manage to visit the marina and enjoy the boats on a regular basis.  Here is a quick guide of the services and facilities at Puerto Del Rey for non-boat owners.puerto-del-rey-marina-guide

Sea Ventures is 5 star PADI scuba company, and recently awarded the blue flag for Sustainable Boating Tourism Operator.  They are active with Project Aware and PADI events.  Sea Ventures is the #1 reason that I go to the Marina.  There are a fantastic group of instructions and scuba divers.  I feel safe and welcome every time I dive with Sea Ventures!  With only 20 dives logged, I am still considered a newbie diver and I will continue my advanced certifications and instructions with the knowledgeable staff at Sea Ventures.

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Charco Azul, Patillas | Fresh Water Natural Pool Puerto Rico Travel Guide

Travel Guide for Charco Azul fresh water pool in Patillas, Puerto Rico. Hiking, swimming, picnic and camping guide.

Ever since moving to Puerto Rico earlier this year, I am beach and water obsessed.   Coming from the hot, dry desert the beach is still a magical, mysterious place.  I am always on the hunt for special, secluded little places and ask all of the long-term residents about their favorite spots.  So I was surprised when multiple trusted locals told me about the secret mountain pools around the island.  Intrigued by other natural water activities, we decided on a visit to Charco Azul.

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Charco Azul is a fresh water, natural swimming pool located in the southeast mountain region of Puerto Rico.   It is close  to our neighborhood in Palmas Del Mar.  It is also the most popular natural pool on the island.   We braced ourselves for huge crowds and (possible) disappointment, then drove out Sunday morning in the off season (August – November) to explore.

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