Fajardo
Fajardo is known as
"La
Metrópolis del Sol Naciente" (the city that guards the sun of
the Caribbean). Fajardo was founded in 1772. It was originally named Santiago
de Fajardo. It was one of the locations used by the Americans to invade Puerto
Rico. On August 1, 1898 the USS Puritan under the command of Captain Frederic
W. Rodgers, was sailing by the coastline of the city of Fajardo, when Rogers
noticed the "Faro de Las Cabezas de San Juan" (Cape San Juan
lighthouse) which was supposed to be the landing site for the US Army in Puerto
Rico. Rodgers ordered some of his men ashore, which included Puerto Rican
volunteers, with the mission of posting the American Flag atop the lighthouse.
Geography
Fajardo is a small city and municipality in Puerto Rico
located in the east region of the island, bordering the Atlantic Ocean, north
of Ceiba and east of Luquillo. Area: 60.41 sq miles (156.4 km²), Population: 36,499 (2011).Isleta Marina pictured here
Attractions
One of the main attractions is the Bio-Luminescent Bay. A
1.5 hour tour, you will kayak in through a Mangrove forest at night to the bay,
where luminescent plankton glow bright blue every time the water is disturbed.
Most tours cost $45, and combo packages with tours of El Yunque Rainforest are
available and quite a good full-day trip. Other attractions/locations are listed below...
- Faro de Fajardo, Route 987, 860-2560. Featuring a nature center and working 19th century lighthouse. Watch your step in the neighborhoods around the ferry terminal, there is an iguana infestation and many dead three foot long lizards litter the streets. The locals just step over them as if it's no big deal.
- Icaco, Palomino and other offshore islands of Puerto Rico.
- El Yunque Rain Forest. El Yunque Caribbean National Forest is the only tropical rain forest in the US National Forest System. El Yunque occupies 28,000 acres and it is more than 3,500 feet above sea level. The annual rainfall is extremely heavy. It receives more than 100 billion gallons per year.
- Puerto del Rey Marina is a marina located in Fajardo, Puerto Rico. With a capacity of 1,100 boats, it is one of the largest marinas in the Caribbean.
- Laguna Grande - One of the few Bioluminescent bays in the world.
- U.S. Customs House - Constructed in 1930 still in use by the U.S. Customs & Border protection.
- Santiago Apostol Cathedral
- El Conquistador Resort - One of Puerto Rico's most luxurious resorts, complete with its own private, 3 ft 10 in (1,168 mm) narrow gauge funicular railway connecting its main hotel building with its marina.
- Seven Seas Beach - One of the most beautiful beaches on the island. Classified Blue Flag for its sanitary health guarantees.
- Las Cabezas de San Juan Reserve - Home to mangroves and to the lighthouse.
- Fajardo Port - Used by locals and tourists to visit the island municipalities of Vieques and Culebras.
- Town Square - One of the most charming, antique styled, town squares of Puerto Rico. It has free wireless internet.
- Old Fajardo Sugar Cane Refinery
- Isleta Marina
- Natural Reserve Las Croabas
- Las Croabas Recreational Park
- Hipolito Robles Sports Complex
Beaches
Fajardo's beaches are bounded by calm, clear water ideal for
snorkeling. Seven Seas Beach offers plentiful water sports facilities, offshore
points for sailing, snorkeling and plenty of scuba diving.
Seven Seas Beach, with crystal blue waters and a beautiful
sand beach located at Las Cabezas de San Juan, 5 minutes from the town of
Fajardo and in the Las Croabas sector. The clear shallow water is teeming with
vibrant tropical fish and coral reefs and is protected by offshore reefs. The region
is part of the National Parks system and is considered a "World Blue Flag
Beach". In order to obtain the Blue Flag distinction, a beach has to
comply with a set of very strict standards in terms of water quality, safety
and services, environmental education and information. Blue Flag Beaches are
continually monitored for water and land environmental safety.
Playa Escondida and Playa Colora are two of the most
secluded beaches you can find. This means that it is a romantic spot, it's
certainly a great place for snorkelling and just to relax. Playa Escondida
means "hidden" and Playa Colora "hot beach" in Spanish. In
order for it to be hidden, and virtually unused, it is in an out-of-the way
place — you have to walk about 15 to 20 minutes through a mangrove forest to
get there. But the prize at the end is worth it — finding a pretty, secluded
strip of beach like this one is always a pleasure. Also the Governor's
summerhouse is at Playa Escondida. Playa Escondida is very safe for
snorkelling, swimming and/or just to contemplate the beautiful views in very
calm non-wave waters.
Map of Fajardo
Articles
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Stay with us at Villas de Costa Mar for clean, safe, secure, comfortable accommodations in Dorado Puerto Rico and do day trips to anywhere in the island. Directions and instructions in our rentals and on our website...VillasdeCostamar.com
