If time and money were of no consequence, I could spend everyday sailing these waters in a catamaran. But alas, my children need to be fed and someone has to meet the school bus and help with homework and do the laundry…. AND, well, money doesn’t grow on trees – not even in paradise.
So, our sailing days are special occasions. Our $$$ are saved for when loved ones come to visit and we want to show them one of the prettiest places on this earth.
We go through Castillo Tours http://www.castillotours.com/ and they pick us up right at our hotel. $89 per person covers transportation to the docks (Fajardo, about 1 hour away) the boat trip, snorkeling equipment, lunch and all the rum (and non rum) drinks you can drink. (It is slightly lower for kids – but only by about $10)
We start out getting fitted for equipment.
Then we sail for about 1 hour to a small island – white sand, palm trees, water 18 different shades of blue. You really couldn’t dream up something more beautiful.
This is stop #1. Here we all have the opportunity to learn how to snorkel right from the beach. Beginners can get comfortable using the equipment, and experienced snorkelers can take off.
In just two trips Harry and Grace went from timid beginners to explorers extraordinaire! On the last trip Harry and Dad went out far enough to see sting rays.
After plenty of time to snorkel, play on the beach and enjoy lunch, it is time to move out to deeper waters.
The boat drops anchor near a very large reef and we all prep for another hour of snorkeling. Most of the boats have steps down into the water, or the option of a water slide or jumping. Can you guess which option is most popular?
Between the jumping and the swimming and the sunshine…. another hour of play leaves everyone ready for a siesta. All the swimmers are called back to the boat by the blowing of a conch.
With tight salty skin and heavy eyes, it is time to leave paradise and head for the mainland.
We hate to see the day end, but a day of sea and sun is exhausting, and to be honest, there is only so much rum a person can drink. All 6 Clintons give this full day of snorkeling rave reviews.
