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Holiday Cheer on the Island

The holidays are the perfect time to cherish and rekindle memories with loved ones. Puerto Rico is known for having the world’s longest holidays, starting from November, in preparation for Thanksgiving until January, between the Epiphany (or also known as The Three Kings Day) and concluding with the beloved street festival San Sebastián (or SanSe). Christmastime on the Island is regarded as the cultural peak on the calendar of every Puerto Rican. Endless parties fill the neighborhoods and hotels with effervescent joy, and unique traditions and customs that distinguish the occasion in this Caribbean corner. Part of the cultural endeavor is the festive cuisine. A plethora of desserts decorate the tables of the people, regardless of class. For example, for every eggnog in the United States, there are coquitos in Puerto Rico. This iconic beverage is made from condensed milk, coconut cream, cinnamon and is occasionally spiked with rum, although most families have their own variations and secret ingredients.Other iconic desserts like the tembleque or arroz con dulce also contain similar ingredients with different preparations in their recipes, which could raise an intriguing idea on how the element of coconut in Puerto Rican food has become part of its culinary stamp or trademark (which can be dated to as early as the piña colada, invented in Puerto Rico in Old San Juan in 1962, although many sources allege that it was invented at the Caribe Hilton of the San Juan district in 1954). Over the main course of meals, people can enjoy the famous criollo dishes like arroz con gandules (rice with pigeon peas) accompanied by amarillos (sweet plantains), lechón (pork) and so much more. Many residents wish to relish such delicacies through fun activities that enhance their experience such as the beloved chinchorreo. This activity has accumulated impetus over the last few years due to its wide range of demographic appeal, from family-friendly to adults-only approaches. The chinchorreo is usually done with a rented bus to fit 20-50 people, rounding up a trip of different stops with fried food kiosks as well as the lechoneras or pork restaurants. Four wheels and the open road do not limit the individuals inside the bus, who never hesitate to celebrate between each stop. Anyone lost on creating a route for this trip should not fret. A good rendezvous to kick start the trip can be found in the heart of Guavate, located in the municipality of Cayey. Some of the best rated and most popular pork restaurants on the Island are “Lechonera Los Amigos” and “Lechonera Los Pinos”. Both restaurants offer dozens of main dishes and sides with easy access and even a small café for coffee and dessert lovers alike in “Café Prieto” by Lechonera Los Amigos. Such an adventure, for residents and tourists alike, allows you to bask in the culinary aspect of the Puerto Rican holiday extravaganza. The taste of holiday flavor is only the beginning of tapping into the spirit of Christmas and far beyond.

Boat Charters for the South and West Sides of Puerto Rico

For charters in the San Juan and East side of PR, check out our article here. La PargueraLa Parguera is strongly connected to the boating community. It is a primary reason for people living and visiting the area. With the clear water and numerous keys to visit you will see why. You may even see dolphins and manatees in the water so keep an eye out!Water Taxi ServiceYour most economical option for getting out to one of the keys is via the Water Taxi Service. It is $15 round trip per person and will take you to three keys: Cayo Caracoles, Isla Mata La Gata and Cayo Enrique. They will drop you off and you can tell them when you want to be picked up. Pack everything you need for the day! Umbrella, chair, cooler, food, etc. Mata La Gata has a pier and picnic/barbecue area and restroom facilities, however, it has been impacted by a recent hurricane so if you need those facilities check with the tour operator to make sure they are back open. It is an instagrammable spot with clear water and a Puerto Rican flag to pose in front of. Available 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. You can also rent a boat for 6 hours through this same company. For 5-6 people it is $240 for the day, 8 people is $320, 10 people is $380. You’ll need a boaters license with the requisite experience to rent and must be over 21. Call to book: 787-899-5891https://fondodecristal.com/itinerary/servicio-de-taxi-acuatico/?lang=esParguera Eco Tours & Bio Bay Parguera Eco Tours offers swimming tours of the nearby bio-bay, snorkeling tours, boat transportation and kayaks for rent. The bio-bay swimming tour is $45 per person. The tour is two hours long with about an hour of swim time in the bioluminescent water. Snorkeling tours are $40 per person. They include snorkel gear or you can bring your own. You have the option to snorkel the clear mangroves which is great for beginners. More experienced snorkelers can swim the deeper reef teeming with fish and wildlife. Kayak rentals are available for $25 per person, $10 for a child. They rent out two seater kayaks from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.787-709-2384Book here: https://pargueraecotours.com/page/Puerto Rico Fishing ChartersFor a deep sea fishing experience, call Puerto Rico Fishing Charters. The waters surrounding La Parguera are home to one of the largest Dorado runs in the world. The area is also known for Blue Marlin and Wahoo. Captain Mickey Amador is a marine biologist and coast guard certified captain. He operates a 31’ twin yanmar diesel Bertram sport fisherman vessel. All charters include bait, tackle, snacks, water, beverages and lunch. Charters accommodate up to 6 guests. The boat has a full cabin with head, shade and seating so you are comfortable for the day. Full day charter is $1150 for up to 4 people. There is an extra charge for 2 additional people. Charter runs from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.A 6 hour charter is $950 for up to 4, $35 for additional people. The maximum capacity is 6 passengers.Half day charters leave at 8:00 am and return at 12:00 pm. Afternoon half day charter leaves at 1:00 pm and returns at 5:00 pm. It is $750 for 4 people and $25 for additional passengers up to 6 passengers maximum. captmareja@gmail.comCall to book: (787) 382-4698‍https://puertoricofishingcharters.com/‍La Barra Salada PRLa Barra Salada translates to the salt bar. The vessel is a pontoon boat that has been dressed up as a bar complete with tiki roof, seating, and barbecue. They take you to Cayo Caracoles and Isla Mata La Gata where you can float in the warm water, enjoy your beverages and dance to the music pumping from the boat. You provide the food and drinks, your captain will grill your food and serve your drinks. He also doubles as your DJ, photographer and entertainer. The charter includes captain, music, refrigerator and grill. Hang out, float, dance, take photos and enjoy your day. They offer three time options from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm or 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. It is $80 per person or $320 for up to 6 individuals. You’ll depart from Rampa las Crayolas in La Parguera. Book here: https://labarrasaladapr.com/West Side The main island to visit from the west side of Puerto Rico is Desecheo Island. It is 13 miles off shore, previously used as a bomb site it is now a national wildlife refuge. It is illegal to set foot on the island due to the unexploded ordnance, but the preserve surrounding it is relatively unspoiled. The snorkeling and diving is some of the best in Puerto Rico with visibility up to 100 feet. Taino DiversTaino Divers is the only vendor on the west side that offers regular charters out to Desecheo Island. They offer several tour options both offshore and to the island. Snorkel and dive tours to Desecheo Island depart from Black Rock Marina. Tour times are 8:00 am for departure and return around 2:00 pm. Beverages and snacks are included. Ages 10 and up are welcome. Snorkeling is $120 per person. For certified divers, they offer 2-tank dives for $150 per person. For those that want to try out scuba diving but are not yet certified, you can do what is called a “discover scuba” one tank experience for $195 per person. Not included is the marine park fee of $20.Afternoon local charters go right off shore and depart Black Rock Marina at 3:00 pm. Scuba dive or snorkel options available. For snorkelers it is $65 per person. One tank scuba dive is $120 per person. The “discover scuba” one tank dive is $170 per person. Dive gear is available for all scuba trips at $35 per rental. Dive computer is available for $20. A two-hour sunset cruise option is available in fall and winter only. It is a 6 person minimum per charter. It departs at 4:30 pm from Taino Divers marina storefront. Meet there 30 minutes prior to departure and return after the sun sets. Soft drinks and water are included. $65 per person. January through March is whale season and you may see them on this tour, although it is not guaranteed. (787) 823-6429Book here: https://www.tainodivers.com/ourcharters

Guide to Comic-Con PR 2023

There’s a place once known for attracting nerds and outcasts to call home every year. It is an event that has grown immensely popular in Puerto Rico over the last decade: Comic-Con. Originally intended to exhibit the talents of comic-book artists and pop art creators in San Diego, California in 1979, the concept of Comic-Con has expanded beyond the United States West Coast. In 2002, Puerto Rico held its first ever Comic-Con in the YMCA building in Santurce, with just 1,000 people attending. Twenty-one years later and now in the Convention Center, the event has welcomed thousands of guests who can express their love for popular culture and arts freely right in the heart of the Caribbean. Where to start at such a massive event? Anyone can follow this guide to the coolest event of the year, including tips to jolt that adrenaline for the upcoming days. Comic-Con in Puerto Rico lasts three days, and fans can choose whether to go one day, two days or buy tickets for the 3-Day Pass. Buy tickets here. First Things First: After the tickets are bought, there is an extensive line to enter. . Patience is highly required as all fans are just as eager as the others to explore and enjoy every activity the event has to offer. Cosplay in Comic-Con Culture: Up next, a plethora of color blends donned by the cosplays (costumes of a fan’s favorite character worn by them) kickstart the buzz of the environment. A Comic-Con tradition long honored by fans and their loved ones, cosplaying has become an art, with hundreds of fans spending a lot of time working laboriously on their costumes, sometimes beginning many months in advance. (Tip: Keep in mind that any props used will be checked at the entrance. It is advised that despite the organization’s flexibility that the cosplays be appropriate for the event. For more information, see Prop Rules on their website). Vendors and Kiosks: The next aspect involves the exhibitions of vendors from all over the Island. Many of these are up and coming local artists or small businesses searching for a larger demographic of customers within this bustling crowd. While some artists and vendors sell their pop culture related work, other artists and entrepreneurs stray far from those themes and simply seize the day by using this great platform to snatch all the opportunities. The prices will vary according to the kiosk, so it all depends on what they’re looking for in products to consume. Quick Tip! All forms of paying methods are accepted but it depends on the vendor. However, due to the unstable internet connection that affected some areas in the event last year, it is recommended that fans bring extra cash in case the system is compromised and does not allow for credit and debit cards or digital payment such as ATH Móvil or Venmo. Let’s Not Forget Sponsors: A good entertainment event cannot come to fruition without attributing some of their success to the sponsors that are willing to invest in their initiative. Some of the sponsors are the following: Fanta, Atlantic University College, Monster Energy, Liberty, Pringles, Burger King, Malta India, among others. Main collaborators who help make geek dreams come true are CosplayPR (CosplayPR Instagram) and Otaku Shop (Otaku Shop Instagram). Pan Pepín, a famous Puerto Rican bread company, is considered an important patron of the Convention Center, which offers a range of meals with varying prices that can be found in its own fast food section at the far back of the site. Special Guests and Conferences: To add to all of the excitement, Comic-Con brings in special guests from some of the year’s most watched and beloved movies and television/streaming series. At additional prices, fans have the chance for special interaction with their favorite celebrities with photo opportunities and autographs (prices may vary per guest). The line-up is initially announced two months in advance, adding more guests to the list every three weeks or so. Due to the hectic and busy itinerary of these figures, the line-up is subject to change. Fortunately, this year fans can enjoy all of the special guests activities that were named previously plus the Q&A panels that were not available during last year’s event. Don’t Wait! Tickets Are Still Available! This is one of the most anticipated activities of the year. With a package of fun waiting for fans around and outside of the Island, Comic-Con offers every bit of the pop culture zeitgeist and so much more. Get your tickets for the upcoming Comic-Con from April 7th-9th here. Come to the weekend where everyone can enjoy and fraternize over their love for films, television, comics and video games.

The Best Times to Visit Puerto Rico: A Seasonal Guide

Puerto Rico is a stunning Caribbean island with a tropical climate, beautiful beaches, and friendly locals. The island is a popular destination for tourists who want to experience a unique blend of cultures, history, and natural wonders. However, the best time to visit Puerto Rico depends on what you want to do, see, and experience. This seasonal guide will explore the best times to visit Puerto Rico based on the weather, events, and activities. If you want to avoid crowds and save money, consider visiting in late spring or early fall. Check the weather forecast before you go, especially during hurricane season from June to November. When you visit, make sure to take advantage of Puerto Rico's unique blend of cultures, history, and natural wonders. Winter (December to February) Winter is the peak tourist season in Puerto Rico for good reasons. The weather is pleasant, with average temperatures ranging from 70°F to 85°F. The island experiences very little rainfall, making it perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking, swimming, and sunbathing. If you're a fan of water sports, winter is the best time to visit as the ocean is calm and clear. You can also attend events like the San Sebastián Street Festival and the Puerto Rico Open Golf Tournament. What to Do in Winter Winter is perfect for outdoor activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, and surfing. The ocean is calm and clear this season, making it ideal for beginners and experts alike. Rincón, Aguadilla, and Isabela are some of the best places to surf in Puerto Rico during winter. If you're not into water sports, you can enjoy other outdoor activities like hiking in El Yunque National Forest and exploring the caves in Camuy. Festivals and Events in Winter December: The Saborea Food Festival is one of the largest food festivals in Puerto Rico. The festival celebrates Puerto Rico's culinary heritage with cooking demonstrations, tastings, and live music. Early January: The Fiesta de los Reyes Magos celebrates Epiphany on January 6th, as part of Puerto Rico’s long holiday season. Late January: Festival de la Novilla celebrates Puerto Rican agriculture with an annual parade, food and music. Late January: The Fiestas de la Calle San Sebastián (San Sebastián Street Festival), held on the third weekend of January in Old San Juan, is the largest and most popular festival in Puerto Rico. The festival celebrates the San Sebastián patron saint with music, dancing, and food. Late February: Festival del Frío celebrates the peak of the Adjuntas mountains, the coldest part of the island; it happens in late February and has games, food, and live music. Spring (March to May) Spring is another great time to visit Puerto Rico as the weather is mild, and the crowds are fewer than in winter. The average temperatures range from 75°F to 85°F, and the island experiences occasional rain showers. Spring is the perfect time for nature lovers to visit Puerto Rico as many plants and trees are in bloom, and the wildlife is more active. You can also attend various events like the Saborea Food Festival and the Casals Festival, which celebrates classical music. What to Do in Spring Spring is the perfect time to explore Puerto Rico's natural beauty. You can hike in El Yunque National Forest, visit the bioluminescent bays in Fajardo, and explore the caves in Camuy. If you're into bird watching, Puerto Rico is home to over 300 species, including the Puerto Rican parrot, which is currently endangered. You can also enjoy water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding during this season. Festivals and Events in Spring Late February/Early March: The Carnaval Ponceño in Ponce is a week-long celebration of parades and activities ending the day before Ash Wednesday. Early March: The Puerto Rico Open Golf Tournament is another popular event during this season. The tournament attracts golfers worldwide to play on Puerto Rico's world-class golf courses. May - June: Festival de Teatro Puertorriqueño e Internacional (Puerto Rican International Theater Festival) happens in Santurce with local and international performances of varying styles and genres. Summer (June to August) Summer is the low season in Puerto Rico, which means fewer tourists and lower prices. However, the weather can be hot and humid, with average temperatures ranging from 80°F to 90°F. The island experiences occasional rain showers and thunderstorms, which can hamper outdoor activities. Despite the weather, summer is still a great time to visit Puerto Rico. What to Do in Summer Summer is the perfect time for beach lovers to visit Puerto Rico. You can enjoy the sun, sand, and surf at some of the best beaches in Puerto Rico, such as Luquillo Beach, Flamenco Beach, and Playa Sucia. You can also explore Puerto Rico's history and culture by visiting the old town of San Juan, the Bacardi Distillery, and the Arecibo Observatory. If you're into adventure sports, you can try zip-lining, ATV riding, hiking, and more during this season. Festivals and Events in Summer Late May / Early June: The Casals Festival is a popular event during this season. The festival celebrates classical music with concerts and performances by world-renowned musicians. Late June: Noche de San Juan, or Saint John’s Eve, is one of the season's most popular events. Every year, thousands of participants line the beaches at midnight on June 23rd and jump backward into the water for good luck. July: Festival de Santiago Apóstol, or Festival of Saint James, is known for its colorful parade, lively Bomba music, and traditional masks. July: The Puerto Rico Salsa Congress attracts performers from around the globe with the annual competition, the World Salsa Open. Fall (September to November) Fall is the rainy season in Puerto Rico, which means occasional hurricanes and tropical storms. However, the island experiences fewer tourists during this time, which can mean lower prices and fewer crowds. The average temperatures range from 75°F to 85°F, and the rain showers can make the landscape lush and green. Fall is the perfect time for adventure seekers to visit Puerto Rico as the weather is cooling down, making outdoor activities a breeze. Be careful not to swim or hike near rivers during the rain, as flash floods may occur. What to Do in Fall Fall is perfect for adventure sports like rock climbing, canyoning, and hiking. You can explore the lush rainforests of El Yunque National Forest and the Toro Negro State Forest. You can also enjoy water sports like surfing and kiteboarding during this season. If you're into history and culture, you can visit the old town of San Juan, the Ponce Museum of Art, and the Caguana Indigenous Ceremonial Park. Festivals and Events in Fall October: The Festival de la Palabra is one of the most significant literary festivals in Puerto Rico. The festival celebrates literature with readings, workshops, and discussions by local and international writers. May or November: A tradition since 2011, La Campechada is an arts festival where you can find everything from musicians to puppeteers, and conferences, workshops and other forms of artistic expression. The mission is to educate people about Puerto Rican art and culture. It is a great place to learn about the history of Puerto Rican art and culture. Late November: The Rincón Surf Fest attracts athletes from around the world. Conclusion Puerto Rico is a year-round destination that offers something for everyone, with the best time to visit Puerto Rico depending on your preferences and interests. If you're looking for good weather and activities, winter, and spring are the best seasons to visit. If you're looking for lower prices and local events, summer and fall are the best seasons to visit. Whenever you visit Puerto Rico, you're guaranteed to have a fantastic time on this beautiful island.

Visiting Culebra

Culebra is a ten-square-mile island that lies just 20 miles east of Fajardo. A haven for snorkeling, diving and enjoying the numerous beaches, it is surrounded by 20 cays; there’s plenty to explore. Check out our map of things to do, transportation options and places to stay: here. If you take the ferry to the island, you’ll be greeted by Hector the Protector, a Thomas Danbo troll made of pallets from the local junkyard over the course of five days. The artist has numerous trolls that span the globe so it’s pretty special that Culebra has its own! Things to Do Flamenco Beach The main draw on Culebra is Flamenco Beach, considered one of the top ten beaches in the world. The long stretch of powder white sand contrasts with the turquoise blue of the water and rolling green hills in the backdrop. The iconic tanks leftover from when Culebra was a naval base at one end of the beach and a reef on the other end make this a great spot for snorkeling. Tamarindo Beach For snorkeling, there are many pristine spots to explore on Culebra. Tamarindo Beach is a great location for spotting wildlife, especially sea turtles and a variety of tropical fish. Culebra National Wildlife Refuge The Culebra National Wildlife Refuge is home to many sea turtles and the largest nesting site of seabirds in the Caribbean. Bright Paddle Rent a Kayak or Stand Up Paddleboard from their website. They offer nighttime glow paddles as well as a variety of excursions on Culebra. Culebrita Lighthouse Visit Culebrita, which is also part of the wildlife refuge. There are pristine beaches and an abundance of snorkeling in the clear waters. The only man-made structure on the small cay is an abandoned lighthouse. You can reach the cay via one of the many local charter companies or with a water taxi: H20 Water Taxi. If the sea is calm and you are an experienced paddler, get there by kayak or stand-up paddleboarding. Culebra Historic Museum / Museo Histórico de Culebra When you need a break from the beach, visit the Museo Histórico de Culebra which contains documented Taíno artifacts as well as information on the military history of the island. Transportation For day trips to Culebra there are numerous boat charters that depart from Fajardo to take you on snorkeling, guided excursions and beach trips. Check out our article on boat charters on the east coast. To stay in Culebra for more than a day, you have a couple of options to get there, the ferry or flying. If you are on the main island of Puerto Rico and want to get to the ferry in Ceiba, you’ll need to either rent a car or take a taxi. If you can’t get to the ferry or are unable to procure tickets, another option is to fly from San Juan to Culebra. Taxi Isla Isla Taxi is based in the metro area and will take you to the Ceiba ferry. Luquillo Taxis and Tours Co. To reach the ferry terminal, Luquillo Taxi is a good option from just about anywhere on the East side of Puerto Rico. Terminal de Lanchas de Ceiba (Ceiba Ferry Terminal) To take the ferry, visit the Puerto Rico website for reservations. They make a block of tickets available for the following month approximately two weeks to three days before the end of the previous month. Tickets are $2.00 for adults and $1.00 for children and residents of the islands. Tickets for the ferry on the day of travel are available until sold out, except for cargo tickets which are for residents only. Ferries depart from Ceiba to Culebra as early as 3:30am and as late as 7:30pm. It is a 45-minute ferry ride. From Culebra back to Ceiba the boat departs as early as 6am and the last boat of the day is 9:30pm. If you can’t get ferry tickets, it may be worth flying to Culebra. For $45 roundtrip per person, you can fly on a commercial flight to Culebra from Ceiba. Flights are also available from San Juan for about $92 each. Vieques Air Link 1(787)741-8331 José Aponte Hernández Airport Taxi Aereo is a private airplane charter company. To charter a flight for 4 passengers it is $385 each way to fly from Ceiba to Culebra, making it less than $100 per person. Flights from San Juan are $945 for up to 4 passengers. Taxi Aereo Airline 1(787)718-8869 Once you are in Culebra, you have several options for transportation around the island. Jayleen Transportation is next to the ferry dock and if you call ahead of time they will pick you up and take you where you want to go. If you are day-tripping to Culebra, there are Público vans that will meet you at the ferry to take you to Flamenco Beach. At the port, it is possible to hire a private shuttle driver to take you around the island for about $150. They will take you to local beaches and sights, then take you back to the ferry at the end of the day. For more flexibility and multiple-day stays, it is recommended that you rent a vehicle from one of the local agencies: Choco’s Bronco Rental Choco’s Broncos have 2022 Broncos available for rent. You can take care of everything pertaining to your rental online and in advance so you don’t have to spend any time on Culebra dealing with paperwork. Carlos Jeep Rental Carlos Jeep Rental is a well-established rental agency in Culebra. They have offices at the Culebra airport and Ceiba airport (for rentals on the main island of Puerto Rico) in addition to their main office on Culebra. Jerry’s Jeep Rental Jerry’s has Jeep, SUV and golf cart rentals on Culebra. They are located across the street from the Culebra airport and will meet you at the ferry terminal or airport for pickup. Culebra UTV Rental With locations on Culebra and Vieques, UTV Rentals offer club cars, which are essentially souped-up golf carts on both islands. Lodging There are numerous places to stay on the island, from Airbnbs to villas. Some favorite options are listed below: Villa Flamenco Beach As it isn’t near any restaurants or amenities, you will need transportation. The guest rooms contain small kitchenettes so you can prepare your own meals if you wish. Make a reservation early, as they are often booked up far in advance. Walk through their front gates and you are on Flamenco Beach. Enjoy a stroll on the beach at sunrise or sunset, it is gorgeous anytime. Mamacitas Guest House Mamacitas Guest House is within walking distance of the main town, restaurants and the ferry. It is a convenient central location if you want the ease of going out to restaurants and not having to cook. Melones Beach is about one mile away. Marbella House Casa Marbella has amazing views of Culebrita and is within walking distance of Zoni Beach. Car or golf cart rental for this location is recommended. If you don’t want to rent a vehicle, they will pick you up and give you a ride to the house. There aren’t restaurants nearby, so be sure to pick up groceries on the way there.