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Trip Review Part 1 - Fajardo Ferry
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: mmm112482 (---.bsfllp.com)
Date:   08-14-06 17:46

My girlfriend and I just got back from our trip to Culebra, and I wanted to share our experiences and give back to this forum, which was of immense help to us.

First off, let me just preface all of this by saying that we had an absolutely amazing time. Culebra has the most beautiful beaches I have even been to in my life. Having to leave broke my heart.

Also, let me add that while I may be critical of some of the places I mention in my review, you cant apply the critiques the same way you would to a mainland establishment. People who have never traveled there have to realize that the island is very laid back, and you cant expect the same level of service that you would at a five star resort. If you are a fun, adventurous person, and dont mind doing your own leg work, then this is the island for you. If you want to be waited on while sipping drinks in a private beach cabana, go to the virgin islands or Cabo. Culebra is only for the fun and adventrous at heart.

Review Part I: The Chaos that is the Fajardo Ferry (Sunday)

The ticket buying & boarding process was by far one of the worst experiences of my life. As suggested by many, we tried to arrive as early as possible. By the time we checked out of the El Conquistador, and arrived to the dock, it was 7:20. We were one of the last people on line. Not knowing what to expect, we were quite anxious about getting tickets. Would we make the cut? The line was complete chaos. Families of three and four on line ahead of us, quickly and randomally became families of 6, 7 or even 10, as new "family members" showed up. People from the back of the line were paying complete strangers to buy tickets for them. Dishonestly prevailed. We did get tickets, and saw no indication of tickets selling out, which makes me question the necessity of this cut-throat immorality.

Waiting, was well, just waiting. Its hot, its crowded, but its all worth it.

The boarding process is where everything fell apart. I've never seen a group of people act like such animals before in my entire life. As soon as they annouced that boarding was to begin, people packed themselves at the gates, as if it was the last boat to eternal salvation. Shoving, pushing, and outright undefendable mob behaviour prevailed. How any govermental organization can allow such chaos to reign on their watch is unbeknowst to me.

The actual boat ride was a bit choppy at times, but otherwise fine. I got a bit nauseous, but i'm prone to sea sickness. SIT UP TOP and get air.

PART 2: The arrival & (not so) Thrifty Car Rental - Coming Tonight.

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Re: Trip Review Part 1
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Michael (---.nyc.res.rr.com)
Date:   08-14-06 23:19

can't wait for part II

Enjoy Culebra!

Michael

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Re: Trip Review Part 1
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Doug (---.dsl.stlsmo.swbell.net)
Date:   08-15-06 10:10

It's fun to hear 1st timers tell their story. Looking forward to the rest.

Also, you make another compelling argument for flying!

Doug

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Re: Trip Review Part 1
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Debbie (---.asm.bellsouth.net)
Date:   08-15-06 22:02

Oh my - I am laughing my ass off here! It truly just depends on which day of the week and what time of the day as to whether it's chaotic or not. We missed the passenger ferry by one blow of the horn two weeks ago Thursday, and so hopped the 4pm cargo ferry. No line for the tickets, no line for the boarding, and only about 20 people on the ferry itself.

Note to Captain Guzman: I have now personally taken the cargo ferry without having a car on board, and so I can vouch that it can be done.

As part of our arrival story, Jerry of Jerry's Jeeps was on board with three jeeps and only two drivers and he had left our jeep at the airport thinking he had convinced me to fly in because of TS Chris' passing. So, guess what, we hopped in the third jeep, drove it off the ferry and over to the airport to get our assigned car, and off we went.

As for my opinion on flying - for two people, it is a minimal premium to fly to Culebra from Isla Grande, so that's our normal mode of transportation. That, and my only other experience with using the ferry to exit the island was a freakin' nightmare, so the prima donna side of me (about 0.000001% of my personality) refuses to do it. This trip, we were three, and we wanted the mother in law to experience the travel through Puerto Rico and the ferry ride. Plus, I took Jerry's alternate advice that if I put my MIL on the ferry, she might never want to come back. LOL! That backfired - perhaps she should have been on your ferry. Just kidding!

Anxiously awaiting more details.

Happy Diving!
Debbie

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Re: Trip Review Part 1 - Fajardo Ferry
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Michael (---.nyc.res.rr.com)
Date:   08-16-06 07:57

Debbie, glad to have you back!

Enjoy Culebra!

Michael

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Re: Trip Review Part 1 - Fajardo Ferry
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: mmm112482 (---.bsfllp.com)
Date:   08-16-06 09:03

My girlfriend and I were very close to flying back until we saw a plane make a "rough water landing" (lol) off playa Melones!!

Reply To This Message
Re: Trip Review Part 1 - Fajardo Ferry
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Doug (---.dsl.stlsmo.swbell.net)
Date:   08-16-06 09:23

For the record, that wasn't a passenger plane, it was a cargo hauler. Not to say that it couldn't happen, but...

Doug

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Re: Trip Review Part 1 - Fajardo Ferry
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: mmm112482 (---.bsfllp.com)
Date:   08-16-06 13:34

passenger plane or not, the plane still went nose first into the water, and the guy made it to shore on his life raft, lol! Air travel is safe, I just get nervous with the smaller planes. Personal preference, not a statement on the safety of the planes that serve Culebra. Next time we are flying. I just need to build up my nerves.

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