Valor July 2013 plus Vieques - Take 2

[cra-z-2cruise]

Thursday, 7/25

 

The sunrise each morning was spectacular, and the best place to catch it was on a beach about 5 minutes down the road.

 

 

 

 

 

 

We rarely saw any other humans on this beach, but we did find another beach buddy.

 

 

 

 

Stopped back by the "bakery" and grabbed some breakfast to enjoy by the pool before heading out for the day.

 

 

 

 

 

[cra-z-2cruise]

For our last full day on the island, we wanted something a little different.

 

 

The destination for the day was Playa Navio for some boogie boarding.

It is located inside the Sun Beach gates and the admission is $2 per car.

The road was quiet an adventure in itself.

The speed limit sign says 10mhp, but I'm sure we never went that fast! Lol!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There were probably 10 or 15 other people out enjoying the waves, but it still seemed pretty secluded.

[cra-z-2cruise]

The Bio-bay tour was scheduled at 7, so after a few hours at the beach, we headed back to Bravo Beach.

 

We made good use of both of the pools for a while, playing with the timer function on the camera.

 

 

 

 

 

We couldn't deny any longer that we would soon have to say good-bye to our island retreat.

 

Reluctantly, we packed as much as we could before heading out for our tour.

 

The meeting point for our tour was in Esperanza, so we headed there for dinner and one last walk on the beach there.

 

 

 

 

We booked our tour with Vieques Adventure Company.

The cost was $50 per person and well worth it.

They use clear kayaks, which makes the whole experience even more magical!

http://viequesadventures.com/vieques...ay-experience/

 

 

 

We followed their instructions to avoid lotions, bug repellents, and anything else that could potentially harm the bay.

They also advised that all valuables, including cameras, be left behind.

So, sadly I do not have any of my own images to share.

I borrowed these two images from the internet.

 

 

 

 

The tour was not without sacrifice.

13 people were stuffed into an old van for a treacherous ride down a muddy, unlit, poorly maintained road.

 

It was probably better that we couldn't actually see where we were going.

 

The name of the bay is Mosquito Bay, so there were a few bug bites while we loaded into the kayaks, but nothing compared to Southeast Texas.

 

There was a learning curve involved; trying to get 13 people corralled, headed in the right direction, and learning to paddle in sync, all while in total darkness was a challenge.

 

Having said that, the trip was truly amazing!

The glowing waters were almost unbelievable.

As an added bonus, the cloudless night sky was filled with thousands of twinkling stars.

 

As we paddled along the edge of the Mangroves and out into the bay, you could see thousands of florescent blue specs glide under the clear kayak.

Each stroke of the paddle produced a large, brilliant, bright blue glow in the water.

Swimming fish, large and small, created the same magical effect.

 

This is a must do when visiting the island!

[cra-z-2cruise]

Friday, 7/26/13

Up early again to catch one last sunrise on the beach.

 

 

 

 

 

[cra-z-2cruise]

We had a few hours before our flight, so we headed out for just a little more exploring. Checked out of Bravo Beach and drove out to the pier.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

While on the pier we met a couple that told us they had seen a few sea turtles while snorkeling the day before...next time...

 

 

We dropped the jeep back off in town and they dropped us at the airport.

[cra-z-2cruise]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We had an absolutely amazing vacation!

We enjoyed every single port we visited, had near perfect weather, and met some really nice people.

We loved our Southern Caribbean cruise.

 

 

Currently booked on the Freedom for May, but already scheduled two whole weeks next January for Vieques!

 

Happy sailing everyone!

[Sundown331]

I'm so bummed looking at these pictures, even as beautiful as they are. A year ago this Sunday we did this cruise and every bit of it was awesome.

 

Guess it's time for me to start looking into booking another cruise. I'd do this one in heartbeat again as there was so much more to do yet so little time on each island.

[cra-z-2cruise]

I'm so bummed looking at these pictures, even as beautiful as they are. A year ago this Sunday we did this cruise and every bit of it was awesome.

 

Guess it's time for me to start looking into booking another cruise. I'd do this one in heartbeat again as there was so much more to do yet so little time on each island.

 

 

I completely understand.

We had agreed no vacation until January, but when it came down to it, I just had to book one for May. :D:D:D

[Sundown331]

I completely understand.

We had agreed no vacation until January, but when it came down to it, I just had to book one for May. :D:D:D

I'm jealous lol

 

I could relate to everything as you described it. From the weather, which mirrored ours to the lump you get in your throat as a plane comes in 20' above your head at Maho.

 

Enjoy your next cruise

[labyorkiefan]

Great review and pictures. Will be cruising the Valor in September. Can't wait.

For Calabaza Sailing, do you mind if I ask how much this private trip costs per person. It sounds like a lot of fun.

[cra-z-2cruise]

Great review and pictures. Will be cruising the Valor in September. Can't wait.

For Calabaza Sailing, do you mind if I ask how much this private trip costs per person. It sounds like a lot of fun.

 

 

It was either $110 or $115 (I think there is a small discount for cash vs credit card)

 

Worth every penny and more!

 

Book early, you won't be disappointed :D