Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
protected waters that are great
for snorkeling. Playa Luquillo has
a section known as Mar Sin
Barreras, which is equipped for
handicapped visitors. Further
east, wind-whipped Playa Azul
and Playa La Selva are washed
by breakers that are good for
surfing.
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Map N2 • Mar Sin Barreras:
787 889 4329; open 8:30am-5pm
Ousting the Navy
During World War II, the US Navy
began using Culebra and Vieques
for target practice and amphibious
assault training. On “red flag”
days, locals were denied access
to their own beaches. In the
1970s, they began “sit-ins” on
the beach. Others even organized
violent attacks on navy facilities.
After being elected in 2000, Sila
Calderón (the island's first female
governor) campaigned for the
navy's withdrawal, and in 2003, it
finally withdrew.
&
Reserva Natural La
Cordillera
This group of coral cays,
sprinkled across the Atlantic
in a chain northeast of Fajardo,
protects the nesting sites of
seabirds and marine turtles.
Dolphins are often seen on boat
excursions from Fajardo, and the
turquoise waters of the preserve
are a snorkeler's delight. El
Conquistador Resort has an
exclusive lease on Isla
Palominos, where watersports
are offered for guests.
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Map P2
• Erin Go Bragh Sailing and Snorkeling
Charters; 787 860 4401; www.egbc.net
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Río Grande
This beach resort was once
a giant coconut and sugarcane
plantation. Today it boasts
magnificent golf courses and
hotels lining lovely beaches. The
river after which the resort is
named winds through the nearby
marshland and mangroves, which
can be explored on boat trips.
The town of Río Grande comes
alive with music and dance during
the Carnaval Ciudad de El Yunque,
held here each June.
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Map M2
^
Luquillo
*
El Conquistador Resort
This fabulous hilltop resort in
Fajardo overlooks Playa las
Croabas and Vieques Sound, and
with 910 rooms, is Puerto Rico's
largest hotel. Every half an hour,
water taxis depart the resort's
marina for Isla Palominos, where
The beauty of this beachside
town is enhanced by the brooding
Sierra Luquillo mountains, which
form a dramatic backdrop. The
sand here melds into warm, reef-
El Conquistador Resort's pool area
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