CURRENT LOCATION: Tied to a mooring ball near Cayo Pirata, in Ensenada Honda, Culebra, Puerto Rico

18 18.400' N, 065 17.842' W

Armed with a tip from some fellow cruisers, we decided to make a long kayak journey, today, up toward Carlos Rosario Beach. Once there, we hoped to check out a new snorkel spot just north of that beach (note: last time we were up there by dinghy, we explored the snorkel grounds to the south of the beach).

You can see our kayak route mapped out on the satellite image above. Each direction required 4 miles of paddling (8 miles round trip), and we both felt it by the time we had returned to the big boat. However, our mission du jour was accomplished. We found another snorkel spot to add to our map (note the mask/snorkel tube icons below):



Although the region between Punta Melones and Punta Tamarindo Chico remains our favorite snorkel spot, the reefs adjacent to the mooring balls north of Carlos Rosario Beach are a nice change of pace. These reefs vary between some very shallow but still navigatable coral to a sloping drop-off where the coral leads to deep water. If you like to swim within the coral, this is the place for you. If you like to dive deep and watch the schools of fish swim at you from the big blue, we have found your spot. Heck, even if you just like a nice long kayak trip with a chance to go swimming and enjoy lunch on a less-frequented beach, we have you covered.

And, because a snorkel trip would not be a snorkel trip without Sheryl's patented fish photos, here you go...

Barred Hamlet:


Butter Hamlet:


Foureye Butterfly (top, facing camera) & Stoplight Parrotfish (center):


School of juvenile Bluehead Wrasse:


Puddingwife:


Yellow Damselfish Juvenile:


Yellowtail Damselfish:


Yellowtail Snapper:




...On a final note, a word of caution: when you are out kayaking you've got to watch out for those rocks. They will sneak up on you.