La Parguera

2/12/2017

The view as we approached our anchorage behind the reef

We left Puerto Real and the Marina Pescaderia before sunrise on the morning of January 30. Our destination was La Parguera, about 28 nautical miles away. Because the strength of the prevailing easterlies is weakened overnight by the offshore breeze, taking advantage of this "night lee" makes our eastward travel more comfortable. In order to get the benefit of the night lee, we need to leave our anchorage well before dawn so that we can travel in lighter winds and be settled in our next anchorage by mid-morning when the trades strengthen again. Since we need to move in the dark, it is important to choose a spot that is easy to get out of without being able to see as well. Fortunately, we can use the chart plotter to follow our track from the day before, although night travel does require extra vigilance.

Unfortunately, on this day either the trades picked up earlier than expected, or we left later than we should have...or both, but our trip to La Parguera was pretty uncomfortable. Kendall and the kids weren't feeling well, and we were all glad to arrive and anchor in the calm water behind the reef. Once we were securely anchored, Brian went to explore in the dinghy while Kendall and the kids had school. In the afternoon, we all went out in the dinghy to look at the cottages in the mangroves and explore the town. La Parguera is a popular weekend destination for Puerto Ricans and we've heard that the town is one big party (Puerto Ricans love to party). We arrived on a Monday, and it was very quiet there. Most of the restaurants were closed, but we did find a place for an early dinner.

The major attraction for La Parguera (besides the party) is a small bay known for its bioluminescence. After dinner, Brian and the girls visited the bio bay and according to Marin, "the water sparkled without us touching it, and when we put our hands in the water and swished them around, there was an explosion of greenish sparkles."