Wednesday, August 15, 2007

Bio Bay

The bio (bio luminescent) bay is often referred to as the 8th wonder of the world. It truly is a magical, natural creation that needs to be experienced.

Swimming in the warm water and seeing the jewels glisten on your skin, hair and clothing is awesome!

We have only experienced the bio bay with Island Adventures travelling on their electric boats. But I've read the kayak trip is awesome as well.

Recently I've heard it's possible they'll stop allowing swimming in the bay to help preserve it. I know environmentalists are trying to educate residents and builders because one destructive element is too much light. The more houses that are built on the land around the bay providing unnatural light slowly destroys the elements needed for the "dinos" to exist.

Help Preserve the Bay
Remember to apply insect repellent that DOES NOT CONTAIN DEET - this kills the "dinos" and will destroy this wonderful natural wonder.

Getting to Vieques

There are several options to travel to Vieques from Puerto Rico

First let me say that once you arrive in San Juan you are on island time - and this is not simply a saying. Most of the airlines to Vieques are commuter jets and the rules/regulations are not as strict as you may be used to.

Easiest/Fastest Option
Take a commuter jet from San Juan International straight to Vieques. The latest one is around 6pm depending on the airline so make sure you make reservations ahead of time. As Vieques becomes more popular, it gets harder to walk up and get a flight.

**Please be aware that you will have to retrieve your luggage from baggage claim and re-enter the airport to get to the airlines. One thing to note here is that you MUST have your luggage tickets (that you receive when you check your bags) to match to your luggage before you can remove them from the baggage area. Once you exit the baggage area, re-enter the airport (upstairs) and find the commuter jet counters. If no one is immediately available, just be patient as they usually only have 1 or 2 people working and they may be loading another flight.

Optional San Juan Flight
There is another airport in San Juan, Isla Grande which also offers commuters to Vieques. With San Juan International getting so popular, this airport is an option that offers lower fares. Be sure to contact the airlines to find out who offers flights from Isla Grande to Vieques and their flight options.

San Juan Ferry Option
There is a ferry option from San Juan as well. If you wish to travel a little slower and less expensively, this may be an option. The Hi-Speed Ferry can be reached at 787-724-6600 or 877-733-9425. Travel time is around 3 hrs as the ferry stops at Culebra before heading to Vieques. The ferry does not usually run year round so please call for details and schedules.

Least Expensive yet Most Adventurous Option
The town of Fajardo is about a 60-90 minute drive from San Juan (depending on weather and/or traffic). In Fajardo you have the option of either the ferry or a commuter plane to Vieques. The flight is much less expensive than San Juan and the ferry is only $2 per person. You can rent a car in San Juan and drive to Fajardo. Some car rentals offer a discounted "drop off fee" if you return the car from Fajardo. Please check with your rental agency to see if they offer this.

Lastly, keep in mind that commuters do not charge overly expensive one-way flights so if you want to travel to Fajardo either on your trip over or back, this is also an option. If you do choose to travel to Fajardo, you will be passing right by the El Yunque rain forest which is certainly something to experience if you have the time. Please be sure to give yourself enough time between flights.