Search results matching tag 'Snorkeling'

Anna Maria Island Has the Water Sports You Crave

Jennifer — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 19:33:00 GMT

If you are into water sports, Anna Maria Island is the perfect place to get away. Snorkeling, scuba diving, parasailing, sailing, power boating, fishing, jetskiing, kayaking, fishing, swimming: you won't find a more beautiful, unspoiled environment to enjoy sports on the water than at Anna Maria Island.

Great snorkeling is available right from shore at the piers on Coquina Beach and the southern tip of the island. Here, you'll see a huge variety of small and large saltwater fish underneath the piers. For rental equipment, Sea Trek Divers (941-779-1506) is the only full-service dive operation on the island. For an even greater adventure, take a guided scuba tour of the Regina, a 247-foot steel tanker that was cast ashore in 1940 during a storm, and is now a State Underwater Archeological Preserve only 75 yards from shore.

What's a beach vacation without parasailing? On Anna Maria Island, several local outfits will launch you up into the air for a scenic rush. Unlike the crowded tourist beaches on the mainland, the island's coastline is free of high-rise condos, so your view is unimpeded for miles.

Whether you like the excitement of sailing on a small catamaran or chartering a large family sailboat, the clear waters and coastal wind conditions around Anna Maria Island are perfect for a sail. Catamarans are available from Coastal Water Sports (941-778-4969), and crewed or uncrewed charter sailboats can be arranged through Spice Sailing Charters (941-704-0773). The sailing out of Anna Maria Island is unencumbered by obstacles, and there is little fear of running aground for keeled sailboats, because channels are well-marked. Enjoy spotting dolphins and seabirds from a sailboat, or take in a fantastic sunset with a sunset cruise.

Or, go faster: rent a jetski on the beach and feel the joy of whipping over waves from any one of several vendors. If you just want to take the family on a quick boat ride, try Captain Kim's Boat Rides (941-920-3307).

Chartered fishing trips are one of the main attractions on Anna Maria Island, and there are quite a few professional charter operations to choose from. Whether you go out on a party boat or take a private charter, you are sure to come back with a locker full of saltwater fish.

Kayaking has become more and more popular in recent years, and the protected coves and little inlets on Anna Maria Island offer the kayaker plenty of beautiful scenery to explore. The entire island is only seven miles in length, and can be circumnavigated in a leisurely day. For kayak rentals, there are several places on the island where they can be rented, or Almost Heaven Kayak Adventures (941-504-6296) offers free delivery.

A leisurely day soaking up sun on an uncrowded, white sandy beach or a rush of adrenaline with the best in adventure water sports Anna Maria Island offers it all.

This guide to Anna Maria's water sports was brought to you by M. Halyard

Season by Season: A Guide to the Weather of Cancun, Mexico

Jennifer — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 03:53:00 GMT

Cancun's semi-tropical climate makes it a year-round vacation destination. With more than 200 days of sunshine each year and an average temperature of 80 degrees Fahrenheit, chances are high for fun in the sun. However, Cancun is not exempt from the occasional rain shower or even hurricane. Here is an overview of Cancun's seasonal weather and how it may affect your travel plans.

The Calm of Spring

Cancun is in bloom during the dry period from February to May. The ocean water is calm as temperatures start to rise. The average water temperature is 82 degrees Fahrenheit, warm enough to enjoy year round. The weather is perfect for a round or two at one of Cancun's many golf courses.

Hot, Hot, Hot!

Peak temperatures occur from July to September, when the thermometer reaches the mid 90s but can spike in the triple digits. This region is also humid, although perhaps not as much as other parts of Mexico. Along the oceanfront, the breeze off the water can make things feel cooler, but the heat can feel extreme during inland excursions--try to schedule such excursions in the evening hours, if possible.

Water temperatures hit a high mark during this time of year, making a dip in the ocean feel much like relaxing in a warm bath. Aquatic life likes the warm water, and combined with underwater visibility that can reach 100 feet in some places, creates ideal conditions for snorkeling and scuba diving

Have an Umbrella Handy

Summer months are also the rainy season. Mid-afternoon thundershowers are common but brief, often accompanied by high winds and driving rains. The storms usually pass through fairly quickly, leaving the sun to shine brightly again.

Keep an Eye out for Hurricanes

On the heels of the rainy season is hurricane season, which officially begins June 1 and lasts well into autumn. The Yucatan Peninsula, where Cancun is located, has been in the path of these havoc-wreaking storms in the past, but they are usually few and far between. High winds and rains can be associated with these storms, even if Cancun is not a direct target.

Sweater Weather

Cancun winters are generally mild and comfortable, but the nighttime air may feel chilly as temperatures dip into the mid-60s, so carrying a sweater is advised. This is the perfect time for taking advantage of the many guided tours of the area's archaeological treasures.

Cancun offers a variety of attractions, from beachside lounging and water activities to land-based excursions, shopping and dining. So no matter what Mother Nature has in store, you are guaranteed to have a terrific vacation!

This guide to the highs and lows (climate wise!) of Cancun was brought to you by Suzanne Feinberg.

Bio Bay and Sun Bay--Two Amazing Puerto Rico Experiences

Jennifer — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 07:06:00 GMT

What makes Vieques Island so great? The bays. Sun Bay and Bioluminescent Bay are located on Vieques Island, just off the coast of Puerto Rico, and are only accessible by plane, or by ferry boat. This is an incredibly unique situation because you have Sun Bay that is a beach area, and Bio Bay that is a nature preserve. They both are incredibly beautiful and very different in their own special way, and located in close proximity to each other.

Sun Bay is a stunning beach near the fishing village of Esperanza. Endless beauty thrives here with the lush vegetation, the tall swaying palm trees, and the coral white sand. Ah, yes, who could forget the clear, green-blue water, the warmth of the sun, and the sweet island breezes softly caressing your face. What makes it even better is that the world has not yet discovered the Island of Vieques, so there are not huge crowds at Sun Beach. On some days there could just be several people--not several thousand people, jockeying for room on the sand.

Here at Sun Bay it is more of a tranquil, relaxing beach experience, where you can rest, and soak up the warmth of the sun. Sun Bay is more of a family beach than anything else, due to the fact that the beach is protected by land, and the stronger easterly trade winds won't be lashing at you here. So if you're looking for loud music, and a major party experience, you won't find it here.

Kids swimming at Sun Bay can do so with relative ease because they won't be pounded by sea waves, or rough winds. Kayaking, parasailing and snorkeling are the favorite pastimes of vacationers at Sun Bay. While you're snorkeling you'll see fish such as giant manta rays or rare leatherback turtles you won't see anywhere else in the world. That's because the bay protects them, without sea creatures coming in and gobbling them up.

Taking a boat to the coral reefs, that are just a few miles out, will be one of the many highlights of your trip to Sun Bay and while you're snorkeling you'll see a wide variety of beautifully colored fish, such as blue marlin, and yellow and black striped angel fish. Catch some of the fish at Sun Bay and eat lunch for free.

Although, it is not a typical island beach in that Sun Bay has many little inlets where you can play in the surf, it does offer restrooms, changing rooms, a modern picnic area, and plenty of shade from the coconut trees.

Sun Bay is located near Bioluminescent Bay, (also called Mosquito Bay), where on a moonless night, you can see tiny organisms that actually light up when they are disturbed. While swimming with these organisms, they light up all around you, and it looks like you are glowing. When fish eat them they light up and you can their insides. People who live on the Island of Vieques say, "Swimming in the water on a balmy night is a magical experience, and that it is like floating through stardust."

How does this happen? Bio Bay contains up to 720,000 single-celled bioluminescent dinoflagellates per each gallon of water. They are half- plant and half- animal organisms
that emits a flash of bluish light when they are agitated at night. It has been said that they create enough light to read a book by. The light they create actually reflects from the clouds. By the way, these tiny organisms are harmless, so you won't be glowing for a week after swimming in Bio Bay.

In case you get hungry from all that hard work of swimming, snorkeling, and wandering around discovering the various butterflies and the many different species of birds, there are several nearby restaurants on the Island of Vieques. In the village of Isabela there are restaurants such as Ocean Front Restaurant that serves steaks and seafood, and the Eclipse Restaurant and Bar serves more traditional fare.

If it's relaxation you crave then Sun Bay and Bio Bay are ready to soothe your frayed nerves. Listen to the calm waters, and the soft whispery sounds the palms of the coconut trees make. Light up your night by swimming at Bio Bay and you'll want to come back again and again, to experience only what nature can offer.

This guide to Puerto Rico's bays was brought to you by Kate Johns.

Tamarindo--More Water Sports Than You Can Shake an Eel At

Jennifer — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 21:20:00 GMT

Tamarindo, Costa Rica, is located on the country's northern Pacific shore and is a haven for water lovers. With year-round balmy temperatures ranging from 80-100 degrees, warm clear seas, and practically 365 days of sunshine a year, you may never want to leave the water!

As a renowned surfing town, "hanging ten" is the most popular water sport in the area, but the fun doesn't stop there. This tropical paradise is loaded with an amazing array of water-related activities that will keep visitors happy and provide them with lifelong memories! In addition to the usual swimming, parasailing, and windsurfing, you'll want to take advantage of Tamarindo's unique activities:

Scuba Diving: Take a dive tour to the Catalina Islands or the Bat Islands to view the abundant marine life. You'll explore caverns, reefs, rocky bottoms, and steep drop-offs in the clear water. Diving is great off the coast of Tamarindo any time of year, but the visibility is best between the months of May and October. You'll have the opportunity to see white tip sharks, tiger sharks, sponges, moray eels, giant manta rays, and schools of colorful fish. An especially exciting dive is a night dive, where tiny plankton glow in the dark to give the underwater world a surreal effect. You'll find dives for beginners and experienced divers.

Snorkeling: Many snorkeling adventures await in the Tamarindo area, but one of the best is in the waters of Isla El Capitan. You and your guide will paddle kayaks for about 20 minutes out to the site, which is an adventure in itself! Once you arrive, you'll explore the volcanic rock, shells, varied marine life surrounding the island. Snorkeling the estuary is another great activity. There you'll see crocodiles, iguanas, and a plethora of tropical birds, and under the surface, a diverse aquatic community will be on display. Both of these adventures are perfect for the whole family!

Kayaking: A kayak can take you to places you could never see by car. Tamarindo has a beautiful estuary, brimming with life. Paddling among the mangroves will reward visitors with views of kingfishers, herons, white ibis, egrets, and iguanas, and you might just spot a croc or two sunning on the banks. This is a great way to see the natural flora and fauna up close and personal!

Fishing: Sport fishing in Tamarindo is legendary. Comfortable boats with state-of-the-art equipment and experienced captains and crew can take you out to where the fish are. Ususal catches include snapper, huge tuna, dorado, sailfish, and blue, black, and striped marlin. Even if you've never fished a day in your life, this will be a wonderful experience - the crew will see to that!

Tamarindo has the activities for you, your family, your friends, the strangers you meet on the beach, and anyone else in between. Just remember the sunblock, and be sure to end me a picture!

This tidbit of real travel advice was brought to you by Holle Abee.

Sure, some people like scuba diving, and others crave the fishing experience. You know what we like? Full kitchens and scandalously jetted bathtubs. And high thread-count sheets on a luxurious bed. Ooh, and amenities like gyms and concierge. Luckily for you, you can have the best of both worlds when you stay in a fabulous Tamarindo vacation home while on your Costa Rican dream getaway. (See--we can all be winners!)

Sonora, for the Explorer: Things to Do in Rocky Point, Mexico

Elisabeth — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 20:58:00 GMT

If you happen to surf (on the web, that is) to the Rocky Point Times Newspaper's website (www.rptimes.com), you will come face-to-face with three grand announcements about Puerto Penasco, Mexico, also known as "Rocky Point":

No passport is needed to get in!
There is actually a Burger King in the town for those American fast food addicts who tremble at the thought of leaving their Whoppers behind in the USA.
A hand car wash is open and available. Because after all, if you have driven through the desert on your journey to Puerto Penasco, your car will certainly need rinsing offf.

Since it is a relatively short trip from Arizona and California, American influence certainly spills over into the small town of Puerto Penasco, which is a tiny city in Sonora, Mexico. English and Spanish are both spoken within its borders. But Puerto Penasco's rocky reefs, abundant sea life, and efforts to promote nautical tourism, combined with alluring beaches and deserts of the area, have positioned it as an inviting getaway for sightseers.

Flickr, frekur The Sea of Cortez dances just off the shore of Puerto Penasco, and the rest of the area is surrounded by the Sonoran Desert, making for quite unusual terrain and variety of activities and adventures to explore throughout the region. For landlubbers, Puerto Penasco boasts two main beach areas. To the west of the Old Port area sits Sandy Beach, home to a group of resorts, with more hotels under construction. To the east of the town is a strip of beach areas with different names including La Mirador, Las Conchas, and Playa del Oro. These tourist locales are home to beachfront and near-to-beach condos, vacation rental homes and timeshares.

Beaches are a big draw for Rocky Point, and visitors can frequently be found frolicking in the waters of the Sea of Cortez or sculpting sand statues on the shore. Playa Hermosa is the most traditional "bring-the-family" type beach, while Sandy Beach's rocks and tides sometimes uncover whale bones and other treasures.

Beyond Rocky Point's Beaches

When excursionists grow tired of the sand and salt, they can check out the CET MAR aquarium near Las Conchas, a local visitor spot home to sea turtles and sea lions that can be fed by hand, plus octopus, sea horses, and shrimp. At a cost of just $2 per adult, it's probably cheaper than a Mexican beer! Intellectuals will gravitate towards the nearby Center for the Study of Deserts and Oceans (CEDO), also in Las Conchas, which exists both as a natural history museum as well as to preserve the pristine Sea of Cortez. A giant fin whale skeleton highlights the building, which additionally serves as an educational center for researchers and classes, plus features a library and laboratories, a book store, and a gift shop. Tours are free and are held multiple times daily.

OuttaTown Productions, a Phoenix outdoor entertainment group, hosts a bi-annual beach volleyball tournament in Rocky Point that draws spectators for watching and socializing, not to mention drawing close to 100 teams of all competition levels to each tournament. The tournaments are typically held in spring and fall. For those whose interest is not spiked by the idea of volleyball, other sporting opportunities abound across Puerto Penasco, including pier fishing, kite surfing, yachting, kayaking, beachcombing, hiking, paddleboating, windsurfing, and deep sea fishing. Plenty of mom-and-pop outfits will put a fishing rod in your hands or put you in a boat, and you'll be off on your adventure.

For those who feel an overwhelming urge to commune with nature, the waters of the Sea of Cortez teem with species unique to the area, including barred pargo, pacific purgy, and pompano. Pjaros Island (or Bird Island, in gringo-speak) provides a relaxing place to scuba dive or snorkel with groups of sea lions and unusual aquatic life. The more daredevil traveler can opt to parachute high above the scenic landscape. El Pinacate National Park, currently housing an ecological reserve, is approximately 45km northeast of the town and offers mountains, volcanoes, dunes, and flora and fauna which astoundingly survive with scarcely any water. This park has actually been used to introduce American astronauts to a type of landscape which they might encounter on the moon. The Grand Pinacate and Grand Desierto de Altar Biosphere Reserve's giant craters date to ancient periods and are carefully conserved (for more information, see www.conanp.gob.mx). Daily self guided tours are available from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Exploring the vast topography that is Puerto Penasco will no doubt work up one's appetite, and no fresher fish can be found in the area that at the Seafood Market in Old Port, which proffers fish, shrimp, oyster, flounder and more, straight from the sea close by. Some may not be up to frying their own fish, and in that case can try one of many nearby restaurants, such as Bakal, in the Mayan Palace, or Hacienda las Fuentes, which leaves guests feel fully immersed in the Mexican culture.

It might be just across the border, but Puerto Penasco provides a tourist destination that feels worlds away. And for those Americans who aren't quite sure how to pronounce "Puerto Penasco", remember that "Rocky Point" will work just as well.

Things to do in Rocky Point, Mexico, courtesy of explorer and activity seeker, Logan Stewart.

Ondele! That's spanish for get your butt going to Rocky Point, Mexico. Spend a day exploring the local areas, playing in the sun or soaking in the Sea of Cortez. Once you're done, order up a fresh fish taco, sit back with your favorite Mexican cerveza, and relax on the deck of your beachfront villa or oceanview condo.

Mexico has a Point to Make: Puerto Penasco Stands Out as a Vacation Spot

Elisabeth — Thu, 08 May 2008 22:18:00 GMT

Puerto Penasco, Mexico, or as most of its adoring fans call it, Rocky Point, offers a quick and easy escape from the daily grind. Its convenient location, in the neighborhood of four hours drive from Phoenix or Tucson, AZ - has made it a favorite bolt hole of beach lovers from the Arizona area. With wide sandy beaches and spectacular views over the Sea of Cortez, this Mexican hideaway is a sure winner.

There are plenty of resort hotels in Puerto Penasco to choose from. Ranging from the luxurious spa retreats of the super rich, to the sometimes seedy spring break hangouts of all those wild young things. Fortunately, there are also plenty of spectacular beachfront condos and vacation homes for rent. Renting a private, spacious vacation villa is the way to go if you are looking for that touch of luxury but want to avoid the crowds. Most of the vacation rentals in Puerto Penasco are really well appointed. The most charming homes and condos manage to successfully blend traditional Mexican craftsmanship, such as hand crafted painted tiles, with state of the art kitchens and bathrooms. There is little to beat relaxing on your own terrace watching the sun slip down into the Sea of Cortez with a margarita in hand.

With a name like Rocky Point, you may not expect much of a beach. However, there is a clean wide beach of soft golden sand. It is the perfect beach to build sand castles with the kids, and to search for shells or buried treasure. Your little pirates may not find much in the way of treasure buried on the beach, but the whole family will love all the beach side activities. Everything from a sunset pirate themed cruise, to the cheesy old banana boat ride or the excitement of kite surfing is there for you to enjoy.

There are plenty of locations to rent kayaks to explore the Sea of Cortez on a calm day. If you are lucky, you may spy the dolphins playing or encounter those noisy sea lions. If you want to pick up the pace a little, try renting wave runners or exploring the area by parasailing for a thrilling birds eye view.

On land, there are activities to amuse everyone, even those that are just big kids at heart. Rent an ATV or dune buggy and zip along the trails through the towering Dunes. Be smart, wear the safety equipment, as a trip to the emergency room rarely improves any vacation.

The stark black volcanic landscape of Sierra Del Pinacate Reserve offers a sharp contrast to the neighboring vast golden sand dunes. This is an outdoor lovers dream. With plenty of great hikes of all lengths and intensity, the stunning scenery makes it well worth the effort. Pinacate Reserve takes its name from the skunk like pinacate beetle, and the area is home to a diverse collection of intriguing and wonderful creatures. Watch where you step!

February and March see the floor of the Sonoran Desert burst to life, as a sea of desert flowers bloom. The effect is spectacular, making this wonderful time to visit the area. However, if your taste is more for relaxing by the pool admiring a parade of cocktails decorated with flowers, then pick a time of year when the mercury is a little higher and the water has had time to warm up.

Puerto Penasco, Mexico has something for everyone and for every season. Pack your swimsuit, snorkel and a good pair of walking shoes and head south of the border - where the sun shines, the Mariachi bands play and the margaritas beckon.

Ole! This advice for traveling to Puerto Penasco Mexico was contributed by our resident sun seeker Julie Wood.

Boomers on an Adventure--Puerto Rico Style

Jennifer — Tue, 06 May 2008 02:27:00 GMT

Puerto Rico Island offers plenty of activities that will make active baby boomers have fun on their tropical vacation. The options are very exciting and adventurous like water sports, skydiving, rappelling, rock climbing, surfing, para sailing, diving, and a lot of activities. The only thing that you need is enough time to have fun, because the adventure is always included.

Puerto Rico has several private services that offer adventure packages that include rappelling, hiking, cave exploration, free jumps, camping, and more. There are also caves and caverns for spelunking and exploring, located in the town of Camuy. After your trek in the underground world, you will be glad to breathe the fresh (above ground!) air in the forest and conservations in the island, especially in the Yunque rainforest in Luquillo.

For some time off your feet, try some saddle-time. Horses are very common in almost every area of Puerto Rico, and horseback services are offered in most of the island resorts and hotels. There are also private services that offer a great horseback riding experience.

After you ride along the beach, why not check out what is underneath the sparkling blue waters? The beauty of the reefs and diversity of species under the sea offers a great adventure for those who love scuba diving. Some great places for this activity are in the towns of Culebra Island, Cabo Rojo, and la Parguera in Lajas. Never tried scuba before? Start with a snorkeling lesson and get used to the underwater experience. There are lessons, rentlas, and full excursions available just about everywhere along the beach. Still not ready to put your head under? You can still view the ocean life from above--the island offers great world class fishing sites that can be found in the coastal towns of Cabo Rojo, Fajardo, Salinas, Palmas del Mar in Humacao, and la Parguera in Lajas. Depending on the time of the year you are assured of reeling at least one blackfin tuna, sailfish, wahoo, or a bonito.

Other water options are plentiful in Puerto Rico. The Isla Verde area (near the airport in San Juan) has tons of opportunities for Jet Skiing, para sail rides, banana boating, hobie cat rides, and kayak rentals. (The parasail rides are extremely great. Extremely.) For those who love the sea, the sailing options are among the best that can be found. Daily tours are available in various places of the island to practice snorkeling. If you want to sail go to La Parguera in Lajas, Salinas, Ponce, Cabo Rojo, Rincon, Fajardo, Humacao, and San Juan.

Exhausted yet? How about a relaxing day of sightseeing? As worldwide tourist destination, Puerto Rico has some world class tours. There are tons of options: Old San Juan with more than 500 year old fortifications; the famous Bacardi Rum plant; the beautiful southern city of Ponce; the el Yunque rain forest; the Arecibo Radio Telescope; and the western city of Mayaguez, home of the only zoo of the Caribbean are only a few of the things you can do at the island. For something less structured, you can hit the museums and monuments and take some great vacation pictures.

A special note for those cruisers who plan to spend a day or two on the island--if you arrive by cruise and have not made plans for all these adventures get information at the little yellow house called "La Casita" near Pier 1 to get all the information of all the mentioned great adventures. If you arrive at the airport you can ask for information there or just wait to arrive at the hotel and get the information there. Plan ahead and get a jump on the activities!

This guide to Puerto Rico fun has been brought to you by Josue.

No matter what you choose to do on your vacation, ensure that there is a cozy bed waiting for you on your corner of the island. Rent a condo, villa, or resort home near the action (or away from it in a quaint and quiet corner) and realize that retirement doesn't mean slowing down!

Snorkeling Adventures in Puerto Rico

Jennifer — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 02:52:00 GMT

With Puerto Rico's sparkling clear waters and beautiful coral reefs it is no wonder that snorkeling is a favorite activity among tourists. The northeastern and eastern coasts are home to many snorkeling tour boats. While varying in price almost all offer a sail, picnic, basic snorkeling instruction, and a bottomless cup of rum punch.

I went on my first snorkeling excursion near the end of my stay in Puerto Rico. Based on this I recommend, especially for first time snorkelers, to go as early in your trip as possible since you may enjoy it so much that you want to go again before you leave.

My experience with snorkeling started in Fajardo. Once aboard the catamaran, complimentary snacks and the first of a never ending cup of rum punch were offered. Wanting to keep the customers happy, the captain and crew kept the platters stocked and the cups full.

The day was clear and cloudless. It seemed like we could see forever. While we couldn't see quite that far, we did see the island of St. Thomas which was approximately 40 miles away. We sailed the Caribbean to a spot where the captain intended to have us snorkel. Unfortunately there were too many jellyfish in the water and the captain didn't feel it was safe to put a group of tourists in the middle of them. We sailed on to the uninhabited Icacos Island where we had lunch, and more rum punch, on board and then explored the island.

On Icacos Island I collected shells and bits of coral from the shore. The water was warm and many enjoyed a swim before returning to the catamaran. After we reboarded our cups were once again filled and we listened to our captain tell tales of piracy on the high seas.

Upon reaching our snorkeling destination we were given masks coated with toothpaste to prevent fogging, snorkels, and flippers. We were told to keep the snorkels above water, that we had about an hour to spend in the water, and to have fun.

The clear water made everything look closer than it really was. This led to more than one mouthful of salt water before I learned my limitations. I saw various types of fish and coral during my snorkeling adventure, but my most memorable moment was when I almost ran into a jellyfish. I was swimming along looking at the scenery below me when I looked up and almost collided with a mass of clear jelly edged in purple with the purple outline of a shamrock in the center. As I looked around I saw more of these creatures and decided that it was time to go back to the boat.

Once I reboarded the ship I was hosed down with fresh water and I gratefully accepted a new cup of rum punch before settling down to enjoy the scenery. And I started planning my next Puerto Rico snorkeling trip!

This first-hand account of Puerto Rico adventure was brought to you by Jennifer Flood.

After your glorious expedition, you will be glad to snuggle down into a comfy bed in your luxurious condo. Or you can head back to your Puerto Rico villa and ready yourself for a night of clubbing. Or maybe you want to just get some more rum punch...

Puerto Rico Dreamin'

Jennifer — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 02:34:00 GMT

Located a mere thirty minutes outside Puerto Rico's capital city of San Juan, Rio Grande offers the perfect mix of resort luxury and all-natural beauty, allowing you to reconnect with nature while not having to rough-it!

Rio Grande is the all-natural escape you've been searching for. Large expanses of natural green areas and enormous strips of pristine beach welcome you to one of Puerto Rico's most enticing regions.

Home to El Yunque National Forest (also known as Caribbean National Forest), Rio Grande is proud to claim the only tropical rain forest in the United States Forest System. Add to the natural surroundings a number of man-made lakes and you've got plenty of room for water sports too!

Fore!:
If golf is your game, there is no shortage of courses to explore. Rio Grande has a number of world-class golf courses that take you through a wide variety of its all-natural environment. Courses weave their way through beaches, forests, jungles and waterways. There's nothing quite like taking in the spectacular surroundings as you ease into a well-deserved round.

Active Escapes:
If you'd rather take to a sport a little more active in nature hit the water for kayaking or sailing. If you prefer to stay dry, there's mountain biking, horseback riding and hiking at some of the Caribbean's most lush natural areas.

Don't Miss:
When you're in Rio Grande be sure to check out the Bahia Beach Plantation Golf Course. Offering 18 holes of challenging play, Bahia Beach Plantation Golf Course also offers amazing views of the El Yunque Rain forest. Work your way through the course and you'll see 75 acres of freshwater lakes, 13 water holes and even a large section of beach. This amazing golf course is challenging to play, but serene to explore.

Connect with Nature:
El Yunque's 28,000 acres of tropical rain forest is enough to inspire every traveler. In El Yunque Tropical Rain Forest you'll discover more than 240 types of trees, wild orchids, trumpet trees and giant ferns. El Portal Tropical Forest Center provides an education to visitors and serves as an entry point to the forest. El Yunque has hiking trails and rest points throughout. If you visit Rio Grande, you have to spend a day in El Yunque.

Rio Grande finds a unique balance of tropical relaxation, natural beauty and exciting activities - a dream come true for Caribbean travel.

This guide to Rio Grande vacation bliss was brought to you by Jeffrey Abrams.

Oh, Puerto Rico, we love you so much. We love your beaches and golfing and surfing and scuba. And we love your amazing condos and villas--right on the beaches and golf courses...

On a Puerto Rico Vacation, Sixty is the New Twenty.

Jennifer — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 02:01:00 GMT

Puerto Rico is a virtual "playground in paradise" for today's baby boomer generation. With its spectacular scenery, rich history, exciting activities, and world-class dining and shopping, the island meets and even exceeds the discriminating tastes of the over-50 crowd.

The most important element in Puerto Rico is the beach. The island has miles and miles of shore, ranging from crowded, noisy beaches to secluded stretches of white sand to intimate little coves and inlets. There a few beaches that you'll find totally deserted, especially on weekdays. You can rent a jet ski, para sail, snorkel, surf, kayak, sunbathe, or just take a relaxing stroll along the palm-lined strand.

Many boomers enjoy golf, and Puerto Rico is well-known as the "Golf Capital of the Caribbean." Over 20 beautiful courses, designed by greats like Jack Nicklaus, Robert Trent Jones, and Greg Norman, offer an enjoyable round for all skill levels, whether you're a beginner or a pro. The courses provide scenic views of mountains, lakes, and the blue ocean waters, and are all well maintained.

The island is a real delight for shoppers, from sprawling malls in the big cities to fascinating little shops in the quaint towns and villages. Old San Juan offers trendy boutiques with chic styles, local art, and handmade native crafts.

Historical sightseeing in Puerto Rico is superb. Amble along the cobbled lanes of the old city, viewing numerous monuments, cathedrals, museums, galleries, and forts. A must-see is El Morro, a 500-year-old stone fortress with turrets, dungeons, secret chambers, and winding hallways and stairs. Nearby is the Cathedral de San Juan, one of the few examples of medieval architecture in the New World.

At Caparra, you can view the ruins of a 1508 colony. The Tibes Indian Ceremonial Center in Ponce have the mostly-intact remains of a 1500-year-old Taino village and is considered the most important archaeological site in the entire Caribbean.

Dining in Puerto Rico will prove to be a true culinary adventure. A plethora of restaurants offer every type of food imaginable, from burgers to chicken to succulent lobster and prime beef. Choose from sidewalk cafes, seafood shacks, or 5-star dining. Some of the best food on the island is actually found at the little roadside grills, where fresh seafood is cooked over an open fire. Be sure to try these delicacies!

There are plenty of natural sites you'll want to fit into your vacation, too, like El Yunque National Rain Forest, with its colorful birds and flowers, towering trees, misty mountains, and waterfalls. Or explore caves and sink holes at Cumuy Cave Park. Bio Bay offers nighttime visitors a natural light show, performed by aquatic phosphorescent creatures that shine a bright neon blue in the dark water.

For the more adventurous, ride horses along the beach or through mountain trails, learn to surf or sail, explore underwater caverns and reefs at numerous dive sites, climb a mountain, go rappelling or zip-lining, kayak through winding mangrove-lined lagoons, or cycle along some challenging terrain on the mountain bike paths.

Many baby boomers travel extensively. If you haven't visited the warm, welcoming shores of Puerto Rico, put it on your travel agenda. If you've already been a visitor to this tropical island, I'm sure you can't wait to return!

This guide to Booming in Puerto Rico was brought to you by Holle Abee.

There is nothing like living up your retirement by zipping through a tropical rain forest attached to a giant cable. And there is nothing like relaxing in your gorgeous Puerto Rico holiday home while you thank your lucky stars that you survived zipping through the forest attached to a giant cable.