Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ISLA DESECHEO
The island appearing alluringly on the horizon in spectacular Rincón sunsets is Isla
Desecheo, a 1-sq-mile knob of prickly cacti and bushy scrub situated 13 miles off
Puerto Rico's northwest coast. One of four outlying islands that make up the Puerto
Rican archipelago (the others are Culebra, Vieques and Mona), Desecheo was 'dis-
covered' by Columbus in 1493 but remained unnamed until Spanish explorer Nuñez
Alvarez de Aragón passed through in 1517. Buccaneers and pirates frequented it dur-
ing the 16th and 17th centuries to hoard booty and hunt the feral goats introduced by
the Spanish, but over the years it's been home to lizards, seabirds and a few mon-
keys, introduced for an adaptation experiment. From WWII to the early 1950s,
Desecheo was - surprise, surprise - used as a bombing range by the US military who
left behind a cache of unexploded ordnance, a fact that makes the island remain offi-
cially off-limits to visitors (trespassers will be arrested).
But all is not lost. Thanks to its favorable position to the west of the geologically
important Puerto Rican Trench, the waters around Desecheo are free from murky
river run-off from the main island. As a result the sea here is unusually clear (visibil-
ity is generally 30m to 45m), making it one of the best spots for diving in the Carib-
bean. Desecheo was declared a US Fish and Wildlife Refuge in 1976 and a National
Wildlife Refuge in 1983.
Sleeping
Courtyard by Marriot Aguadilla
HOTEL $$
( 658-8000; cnr W Parade & W Belt; r $146-194; )
Although expect-
ations for a reliable chain are easily met with this newcomer to Aguadilla, two things put
it way over the top: a nice casino with a schedule of live performers and events, and a de-
lightful splash park in the courtyard. Parents can blow some of the vacation money in the
former, while younger travelers will adore the latter, with its brightly colored slides, foun-
tains and aquatic playground structures. There's also a pool with less toys for adults to en-
joy, a fitness room and a snack bar on-site. What the rooms lack in personality is made up
for by an exceptional, modern facility.
Cielo Mar Hotel
HOTEL $$
