- Uncover the hidden treasures of Puerto Rico’s coastline, from charming marinas to secluded anchorages.
- Experience the warmth of Puerto Rico’s people and its diverse range of attractions, from pristine beaches to historic cities.
- Plan your sailing adventure with tips on customs clearance and a suggested sailing itinerary.
Located between the USVIs and the Dominican Republic, with hundreds of miles of coastline, and eternal summer-like weather, Puerto Rico offers something for everyone.
The Island of Enchantment, as we call our beloved island, has beautiful beaches, a tropical rainforest, bio bays, a cave system, colonial cities with old world charm, museums, and an active nightlife … but the best part of Puerto Rico lies in the warmth and the charm of its people.
Puerto Rico is only 100 miles by 35 miles and can be sailed all the way around in a few days, but why rush. So, come visit us, go marina hopping around the island, rent a car, explore our coasts, valleys and mountains, and see for yourself.
Your adventure can begin from anywhere on the island, it all depends where you are sailing from. If coming from another country, even the USVIs, you must clear customs in one of these ports: Culebra, Fajardo, Guánica, Mayaguez, Ponce or San Juan.
For example, you could start from Puerto del Rey Marina in Fajardo, from there sail west to San Juan stopping at San Juan Bay Marina (40 miles). Then sail to the bay of Aguadilla (65 miles) or Mayaguez (80 miles) then south to Cabo Rojo (35 miles), then east to Ponce (35 miles) and then continue east to Salinas (22 miles), and finally to Humacao (35 miles) before heading back to Fajardo (20 miles).
Fajardo (East) – Puerto del Rey Marina (www.puertodelrey.com) is the gateway to the Spanish VIs. They have a boatyard, dry stack, land storage with concrete tie downs, fuel dock, pump out service, concierge, free Wi-Fi, cable TV, security, heliport, laundry facilities, general store and restaurants. For reservations call 787.860.1000. Attractions nearby include El Yunque Rain Forest, Luquillo Beach and the Fajardo Bio Bay.
San Juan (North) – San Juan Bay Marina (www.sjbaymarina.com) – They have slips of different sizes including four for mega yachts. All slips have satellite TV, telephone, electricity, water, and diesel lines so you can fuel up on your slip. For reservations call 787.721.8062. Make sure to visit Old San Juan where you can go back in time as you explore El Morro or the San Cristobal Castles. The city is lined with outdoor cafes and a large eclectic mix of restaurants.
Aguadilla (West) – Discovery Bay Resort and Marina (Planned) (www.discoverybay-pr.com) will be a world class resort and marina between the towns of Aguada and Aguadilla. The marina will have slips for vessels of up to 180 feet, a repair yard, and a dry-stack facility. The resort will include residential units, a hotel, a casino, spa, conference center, beach club, helipad, pools, restaurants and commercial entertainment. For information call 787.691.3537. Until Discovery Bay is built you may want to sail another 18 miles to Mayaguez. When in this area make sure you visit the Arecibo Observatory and the Camuy Caves.
Cabo Rojo/Boqueron (Southwest) – Marina Pescaderia (www.marinapescaderia.com) opened in 2010. It has 93 slips, fuel dock, pump out station, fresh water and ice, bathrooms with showers and a mini market. For information call 787.717.3638. While in this area visit the village of Boquerón, the Bio Bay at La Parguera and the many outer cays.
Ponce (South) – Ponce Yacht and Fishing Club (www.ponceyachtandfishingclub.com) has a gym, two pools, tennis courts, basketball court, small golf course, running track, playground, small beach, bar and restaurant, fuel dock, boat yard, and 168 slips. Known as the ‘Pearl of the South,’ Ponce is a major cosmopolitan and cultural hub in Puerto Rico. This architecturally rich city houses several museums worth exploring.
Salinas (South) – Marina de Salinas (www.marinadesalinas.com) Salinas is known for its mangrove cays and great harbors. The marina has 103 slips located in a well protected bay lined with mangroves. They also have a hotel with pool, snack bar and a restaurant which serves international cuisine. Many sailors use this bay as a ‘hurricane hole‘. For information call 787.824.5973.
Humacao (Southeast) – Palmas del Mar Yacht Club (www.palmasdelmaryachtclub.com) is the newest marina in Puerto Rico with slips for yachts up to 175 feet. It has expertly trained staff, a business center, concierge, Wi Fi, cable TV, pool, Jacuzzi, 24-hour security, restrooms with showers, laundry service and ice. In-dock fueling and waste pumps also available along with a fuel dock and a fish cleaning station. They monitor VHF channels 11 and 16. For information call 787.656.7300. Palmas del Mar just opened a fabulous ocean front bar and grill and told us that a Pusser’s Landing Restaurant is in the works.
My family and I have stayed at most of the marinas mentioned above, so if you need any additional information please contact us at tonymiro@gmail.com.
Capt. Tony Miro is a life-long sailor, photographer and web developer who currently lives in Puerto Rico with his family, where they sail aboard their Hunter 376 Nada Mas. He runs caribesailingadventures.com and tonymiro.com
