Sailing the Island of Enchantment, and Much More Besides
Puerto Rico is an understated destination, not just for what it has but for what it puts you in reach of: magical places inviting you to explore by sailboat, A yacht charter in Puerto Rico usually includes the archipelago known as the Spanish Virgin islands, the region's main sailing destination.
As an unincorporated territory of the United States, Puerto Rico is easy to access and get around. The currency is the US dollar and English is widely used along with Spanish. Puerto Rico and the islands to its east enjoy a Caribbean climate and are very welcoming of visitors.
A number of operators supply bareboat and crewed charters from marinas at the eastern end of Puerto Rico island, about a one-hour drive from San Juan International Airport. However most charter visits to the eastern islands are incorporated in charters out of the US Virgin Islands.
Refer our blog on detailed requirements for sailing between the different Virgin Islands on charter.
Fun and Adventure on a Puerto Rico Sailing Vacation
Easily accessible from the USA and with the full range of expected Caribbean attractions, Puerto Rico is another fine charter destination.
Your trip to Puerto Rico for a sailboat holiday may start in the capital city San Juan for some cultural experience and historical context. But as the sailing focus is squarely on the archipelago traditionally known as the Spanish Virgin Islands, your travels may well take you straight to Puerto Del Rey Marina adjacent to the town of Fajardo and Puerto Del Rey marina, one of the Caribbean's largest boat harbors.
From Fajardo the waters of the Caribbean open up, and a short sail east brings you to the first of a string of islands that stretch all the way to South America.
Visit the Spanish Virgin Islands
Your Puerto Rico charter boat vacation will likely concentrate around the Spanish Virgin Islands, all part of the US-administered territory. The largest island is Vieques, a short sail from the mainland where you may like to spend your first (or last) night aboard. A series of fine anchorages dot the southern side of the island, one of the most popular being Ensenada Honda at the eastern end.
Increasingly, SVI visits are combined with USVI charters due to the greater number of charter boats based in USVI.
Anchor in the azure waters off a white sandy Vieques beach, and your presence in the Caribbean strikes home. The island is a wonderful setting, with a scattering of barrios and a large wildlife refuge where the US Navy's bomb testing range is consigned firmly to history. Mosquito Bay is a special place, the brightest bio-luminescent bay in the world where the conditions are just right for the trapped organisms to shine.
Enjoy the Caribbean's natural island beauty
Sailing northward a short distance brings you to the group of islands centered on Culebra. There are numerous places to explore around here, both in the water and out. Nature is at its finest in this relatively undeveloped place, and the waters teem with marine life. Of the world's seven turtle species, three make the Virgin islands home.
Among the most popular spots for a charter stopover in this corner of the Spanish Virgin Islands are Culebrita, Cayo Luis Pena and the fine anchorage at the town of Culebra itself. This is the place to indulge in some local shopping and take the opportunity to re-provision.
From Culabrita it should only take three to four hours to get back to base at Fajardo. But to extend your stay among the islands, spend a final night at Isla Palaminos. The island is highly developed with resorts, and day-trippers visit by ferry. But there's still a nice peaceful bay or two where you can tuck in for the night and watch the sun set, before returning to the marina for your 10.00am disembarkation. Perhaps to see more of what Puerto Rico has to offer.
The map below has been produced using internet tools, and pin placements may not be exact. It is intended as a rough a guide. For further research and preparing itineraries, we suggest you refer to quality on-line maps and charts.
Should I start my Virgin Islands charter from St Thomas, Tortola or Puerto Rico?
The best departure point depends on where you want to sail. St Thomas is ideal for exploring the US Virgin Islands, Tortola is generally more convenient for the British Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico offers access to the Spanish Virgin Islands. Flight connections, yacht availability and cruising permissions should also influence your choice.
When is the best time to charter in the Virgin Islands?
December to April is the principal yacht charter season in the Virgin Islands, with warm weather and generally reliable trade winds. May and June can also be attractive, with fewer visitors. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June to November, making late summer and autumn less suitable for charter holidays.
What are the sailing conditions like in the Virgin Islands?
The Virgin Islands offer some of the Caribbean's most enjoyable sailing, with generally reliable easterly trade winds, warm temperatures and relatively short passages between islands. Much of the cruising is in sheltered waters, although stronger winds, Atlantic swells and exposed passages can present challenges. Conditions are generally suitable for competent recreational sailors.
Can I visit the Spanish Virgin Islands on a charter from St Thomas?
Some charter yachts based on St Thomas are permitted to visit Culebra and Vieques in the Spanish Virgin Islands, which form part of Puerto Rico. However, operating restrictions vary between companies. If these islands are your main destination, a charter departing from eastern Puerto Rico may be more convenient.
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