Around 11 a.m. on Friday (1/22), we pulled out of Marina Pescadería in Puerto Real to make our way to our next anchorage, Boquerón. This arduous (not!) passage lasted all of one hour. After motoring 5.3 nautical miles, we dropped our anchor in about 14 feet of water, putting out a 6:1 scope. The anchorage (bay) is huge. Other than the regulars on the mooring balls, there were only about 5 other cruisers in the bay. Unlike the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos, the waters here in Puerto Rico are not characterized by the same gin-like clarity. They still are a beautiful aquamarine color, but you can’t see the bottom. I understand that this is true throughout the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico. These are larger islands which make up part of the Greater Antilles whose waters are clouded by river run-off from the mountainous terrain.

A vista from our hour-long passage to Boquerón

Entering the Bahia de Boquerón

Cindy talking to Mom while en route

Preparing to anchor, windlass repaired

One of the ships anchored in the bay

A look across the anchorage to the small village of Boquerón

The famed beach at Boquerón

The bay from our bimini

We’ve enjoyed the past three days in Boquerón, a small beach village in the southwestern corner of Puerto Rico. People apparently come from all over the island for weekend getaways. The beach here is regarded as one of the best beaches on the island. Friday evening, we ventured into town for dinner at Galloway’s and took advantage of their free wifi. Saturday was a stay on board and do nothing much day. It was nice! We did get in a little Spanish practice. Being in Puerto Rico has inspired us to restart our Rosetta Stone lessons.

Haircut time!

On our way into town, Beatitude behind

Not sure what the significance of this boat is, but he ran frequently throughout the anchorage

The streets of Boquerón

Dinner at Galloway’s

Our view at Galloway’s

Today, we hopped in Dalí at 8:30 to make our way into town for church at the Parroquia San José Catholic Church. Of course, not a word of English was spoken (as we expected), but we still felt the presence of God in the liturgy. The priest delivered an excellent message (at least what I understood of it) on the importance sharing the light, joy, and grace of the gospel. Since church was over at 10 a.m., we had a late breakfast at a cute little restaurant called The Pelican (recommended by another cruiser we met in Puerto Real). After spending the afternoon on-board Beatitude, we returned to town for Pizza and a little entertainment. An excellent salsa band set up on the street. I might have even been seen to move my hips a little! You missed it!

Boquerón’s homeless population

A home on the main street through town

Our Sunday place of worship in Boquerón

Ready for church at St. José’s.

Breakfast at Pelican’s after church

Waterfront street corner

Salsa band

¡Bailamos!

Salsa Street Party

We are now back aboard Beatitude for the evening. We plan to leave tomorrow for only a slightly longer passage around the southwestern corner of Puerto Rico to continue our exploration eastward on the south side of the island.

Dalí at the dinghy dock, anchorage behind

Beatitude at anchor in the Bahia de Boquerón