Things to see and do Fajardo

The most famous beach in Fajardo is called Seven Seas. There is a balneario (beach resort) along it, on Route 195, at km 4. Less than a kilometer from Seven Seas Beach, heading north, you will find Playa Escondida ("hidden beach"), but beware that the waves are often violent there. The destination is favored by surfers. It is part of the territory of the National Reserve of Las Cabezas de San Juan. Finally, Playa Colorá, less known and less frequented, is a 15-20 minute walk from Seven Seas.

The bioluminescent bay of Fajardo is the one that attracts the most people in Puerto Rico. Its proximity to San Juan alone explains its great popularity. The phenomenon of bioluminescent bays is not very common: there are 5 in the world, including 3 in Puerto Rico. At night, a luminosity is perceived in the water as soon as a body is in motion. It is caused by micro-organisms called dinoflagellates that react with a small neon light as soon as the water is agitated. There is no point in simply looking at the water from the shore. No agitation, no reaction. In terms of dinoflagellate concentration, Vieques Bay is now far superior. Pollution and climate change have affected the biological environment of these very fragile microorganisms. Many conditions are necessary to ensure their survival, such as the presence of mangroves that allow them to feed on dead leaves. The water temperature must be maintained around a stable value. The human pollution around, such as artificial lights or the discharge of products, should not change the quality of the water. Anyone who cares about the survival of this biological treasure will be content to visit it by canoe. Swimming causes pollution of the water by perfume, sun protection creams or mosquito repellent, which visitors often carry with them when entering the water.

The islets of La Cordillera are located just off the coast of Fajardo, 4 km from the embarkation point of Las Croabas. These small islands are known for their pristine beaches and rich underwater life. Several companies offer day trips to the small islands of Icacos, Palomino, Barranquillas, Lobos and others from the beach in Las Croabas. Among them, East Island Excursions (www.eastislandpr.com) offers day trips by catamaran to the island of Icacos, departing from the Marina Puerto del Rey.