The Puertorican mainland from the mysterious (and forbidden) Cayo Santiago or "Monkey Island" off the eastern coast of Puerto Rico.
Although Puerto Rico has given the world the chupacabra (and like many cryptozoological entities, they have a devout if dubious following) it is sometimes more desirable to observe real (or at least observable) animals in what seems to be a cryptozoological setting.
If all this sounds a bit Michael Crichton to you, you're not far from the mark: In 1938, hundreds of rhesus macaques moneys were rounded up in India and exported to Puerto Rico for research projects, and now-- over eighty years later-- they have grown into a colony of 2,000 who lord over a 38 acre island about a mile off the coast.
If you dream of being a modern day Jane Goodall where you go and camp among the primates, Monkey Island is not for you-- since access to the tiny key is tightly guarded. If however, the idea of getting to the island's coastal waters with a charismatic conch playing captain is more your speed-- well. Have we got some Wednesday Fun for you!!!
Captain Paco of the La Paseodora is that freewheeling, conch playing skipper; and for between $35 and $50 per person (depending upon the number of passengers) he will get you to within safe observing distance of the island, and throw in a little kayaking, snorkeling, a ham & cheese sandwich (made on fresh, local bread), and the ability to accompany him in his conch playing serenade with a collection of traditional Puertorican instruments. I have certainly passed worse voyages than playing a gourd while the captain navigates a surrey boat across a smooth channel of pristine, turquoise water.
La Paseodora departs from Naguabo harbor at PR 3 at KM 66.8 (near the Playa Hucares Malecon) in Naguabo, Puerto Rico, 00718, PR which is about a 90 minute drive from the Casa Clara Vista Guest House. You can call for reservations (in English or Spanish) at 787.316.0441. You can also view his website at http://lapaseodora.yolasite.com/ or find him on Facebook. Please make sure you tell him you read about it at ClaraVistaRevista.com and have a great time!!!
For more information about Naguabo make sure you checkout:
1. This edition's "City of the Week" feature at Clara Vista Revista.
2. Want to know more about what's its like to really visit Puerto Rico's eastern coast? Check out Robert's Commentary: this week:"Why You Rarely Hear 'Go East Young Man'" at Clara Vista Revista.
3. Feeling peckish after your voyage? Don't forget El Makito was this week's Restaurant of the Week.
4. Feeling beachy? Don't forget Playa la Fanduca is just a hop skip and a jump down the road.
For more information about "Monkey Island" we recommend a piece by Jim Dobson, Senior travel Contributor for Forbes entitled: "The Amazing Monkey Island In Puerto Rico Where Humans Are The Ones In Cages," (December 26, 2019: Forbes Magazine).
For more information about "La Paseodora" we recommend an excellent review by TripAdvisor entitled: "La Paseadora Cruise to Monkey Island".
Look far, see clearly... every day!!!
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