Recent Puerto Rico Shipping News

Puerto Rico offers an abundance of benefits too numerous to list from its miles of exquisite sugar-sand beaches and aquamarine water to people that are warm and friendly. Another bonus is that it is a United States territory.

If you are already a United States citizen, you can travel back and forth to Puerto Rico without worrying about using a passport or going through customs. The United States dollar is the currency and both English and Spanish are spoken there. Real estate is inexpensive compared to other states and profits from renting those properties can stay in your pocket more so than in any other state in the United States.

If you have vacationed there enough or even if you have never been, why not consider relocating to Puerto Rico. Here are four popular spots to live in Puerto Rico should you choose to explore the idea.

Fajardo

If you are a lover of water and even more in love with boating, then Fajardo is your dream come true when it comes to best place to live in Puerto Rico. Fajardo gets to boast that it is the largest marina for the Caribbean, but still offers that small town feel.

From Fajardo, you could launch off to Culebra, Vieques or the British Virgin Island. If you love the beach life, then this is the town for you. Moreover, if you adore the quaint little town feel, you will fall in love with Fajardo.

Culebra

If you are a believer in the old adage, “If it’s not broke, then don’t fix it,” then Culebra is your match made in heaven. Of course, Puerto Rico is made up of a series of beaches – one more pristine than the next. However, there are several unique amenities that each beach offers. According to your taste, you could spend time at the beach surfing all day, snorkeling, boating or just relaxing. It simply depends on your tastes.

Culebra is unique in that it has protective status. With little or no commercial activity on the island, there’s nothing needing fixing about this part of Puerto Rico. Should you choose to call this island home, you will have a slice of paradise to call your own.

Palmas Del Mar

Nestled on the east coast of Puerto Rico, Palmas Del Mar houses the largest resort on the island. If you are interested in riding, having golf as part of your daily activities of living, and playing tennis, then Palmas Del Mar will suit your every whim. There is no loss for shopping and dining in Palmas Del Mar either. You can live and play all in the same place.

Whether retiring or starting out as a young couple, Palmas Del mar has all the extras you are seeking. Some of the communities offer perks in their developments that you might not receive elsewhere. For example, some communities offer pools for little swimmers as well as for adults. Some have yacht clubs with state-of-the-art marinas and banquet facilities. If you are seeking all the bells and whistles, then Palmas Del Mar is all you need.

Dorado

On Puerto Rico’s northern coast, you will find Dorado. Dorado is popular with the tourists; however, it is gaining massive popularity with real estate investors and homebuyers. Dorado is a well-loved destination for home buyers. Dorado is more of an upscale neighborhood with gated communities and golf courses and offers all the safety amenities one would expect from a more upscale neighborhood.

Close enough to San Juan yet worlds away, Dorado is the ultimate in luxurious living. There is no stone unturned or detail left out either. From golf courses to spas and from mountain views to water views, Dorado has it all and then some.

So, if you are beginning the process of exploration to relocate to Puerto Rico, you have a foundation with which to begin in these four top spots to live in Puerto Rico. If nothing else, at least you’ll have fun exploring the options.

Puerto Rico takes part in all U.S. public holidays, including U.S. Independence Day. On the Fourth of July celebrate on this beautiful island with delicious Puerto Rican Food, local live music and fireworks. Here are a few events happening 4th of July weekend.

Old San Juan

Most celebrations occur in and around Plaza del Quinto Centenario with music, food and firework displays.

Puerto Rico Convention Center

Stop by the convention center for a 4^th of July annual Cattlemen’s BBQ competition. Enjoy local foods, live music and varieties of BBQ foods.

Wyndham Rio Mar Resort

The Wyndham Rio Mar Resort is located just east of San Juan (close to El Yunque Rainforest). They are hosting an Independence Day celebration on July 3^rd. This family friendly celebration begins at 10 am and continues all day.  The festivities include a live band under the stars at the Marabella Garden at the resort along with drink specials.

San Juan Marriott Resort

If you are in San Juan for the weekend and want to start festivities early stop by the Mariott Resort on July 2^nd for a 4th of July party accompanied by live music and a firework show.

Puerto Rico has so much rich culture and heritage. What makes Puerto Rico stand out from the rest of the Caribbean? The answer is its diversity. You can experience off-the-beaten path experiences or high-flying adventure on a zip line tour through the rain forest. There is history and culture, quiet, serene beaches and vibrant night life. Puerto Rico is one of those destinations that truly has it all.

Make sure to visit these beautiful cities to get the most out of your vacation in Puerto Rico.

Old San Juan – there is something mysteriously charming about the history and culture of Old San Juan. By day, you can take in the charm of the cobblestone streets and the looming fortresses and by night you can surround yourself with the vibrant atmosphere of Puerto Rico and enjoy food, music and beverages of Puerto Rico.

Ponce – looking to soak in some art and culture? The museums of Ponce are your ticket. Museo de Arte de Ponce is the best of all the Caribbean, and Museo de la Musica Puertorriquena will enchant the most enthusiastic museum lover

Fajardo – Las Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve, Bioluminescent Bay and Coqui Water Park just to name a few things you can do there.

Island Hop – Like to Island Hop? Visit Culebra (one of our favorite beaches) , Vieques or Isla de Mona just to name a few.

 Embrace a New Experience In Puerto Rico

When you think about Puerto Rico, it’s hard to imagine much else except those gorgeous beaches. Try something new:

Explore a fortress

Kayak on a bioluminescent bay

Zip line through a forest

Sip some rum on a factory tour

Visit a cathedral

Visit the Old San Juan Cemetery

Swim with the fishes; never tried snorkeling or diving, now’s your chance

Salsa the night away

If you’ve been to Puerto Rico and got your share of rest and relaxation and want more or even if you’ve never been there before, visiting these attractions will allow you get the most from your Puerto Rican vacation.  Planning an extended stay? Don’t forget you can ship your car it’s easier and more affordable then rental costs.

Need to Ship A Boat To Puerto Rico?

Here at Puerto Rico Car Transport we specialize in shipping many other types of cargo to Puerto Rico aside from passenger automobiles.We now offer boat shipping to and from Puerto Rico. This has become very common due to the high costs of boats in Puerto Rico.

We recommend to ship a boat to Puerto Rico, as it is more economical then buying one on the island. It is also just as easy and hassle free as shipping a car. We suggest you book your shipment about a month prior so we can work within your time frame needs.(You can book directly online or give us a call). We would need to reserve the space on the ship in advance. For your convenience we can also offer you door-port delivery service. We’ll save you the hassle of towing your boat to the port. We can pick your boat up directly from your doorstep. This is also convenient if you are not located near one of our ports. Transit times do vary depending on your location, but a normal shipping time frame would be around 7-9 days.

Costs To Ship A Boat To Puerto Rico

Shipping costs depend mostly on the size and weight of the boat. Larger boats take up more space and may require special equipment to transport which can raise costs. If you are interested in shipping your boat and would like to speak with a shipping expert for more information, and a FREE QUOTE please call (904) 322-7644.

Harmony of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise ship has added Puerto Rico to one of its destinations. The Royal Caribbean vessel completed its first voyage to Puerto Rico from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Fifteen more sailings to Puerto Rico are planned through the end of the year.

Harmony spent its first seasons in Europe last year. Then began sailing out of Fort Lauderdale in November heading to included Cozumel, Mexico; Falmouth, Jamaica; and Labadee, Haiti. The new Puerto Rico sailings are seven-night trips that also include stops in Labadee, Haiti and either Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas or Philipsburg, St. Maarten.

Harmony is similar to Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas, these were named the largest in the cruise world.  Some of the ships features include three water slides, two rock climbing walls, two surf simulators, ice skating rink, zipline and The Ultimate Abyss, a 10-story dry slide that plummets passengers down a ride through twists and turns. Those who prefer more leisurely activities won’t be disappointed, either. The ship has three big pools and lounging areas, an adults-only Solarium space, a relaxing spa and live music.

Puerto Rico It is neither a country, nor a U.S. state – it is a Commonwealth. The mistake is common here, too, because on the one hand the currency in Puerto Rico is US dollars, the educational system follows the standards of the USA, deliveries there by post and phone calls are charges as domestic; but on the other hand the majority of people speak Spanish,  which gives the feeling of a different country.

Choosing Where to Live

Some of the most popular cities in Puerto Rico include Old San Juan, Fajardo, Palmas Del Mar, Condado, Dorado, Isla Verde, Rincon, Lares, Viequez and of course, San Juan. Finding the best place to live in Puerto Rico is often determined by your place of work. If you are retired, or work from home, your options are more flexible

Employment

If you still don’t have a job and you are looking for one have in mind that you may need to have some difficulty as the unemployment rate is very high. However it’s not impossible most employment opportunities lie in the tourism/ hotel industry. It’s a great bonus if you can speak English and Spanish fluently, but even if you don’t speak Spanish there are some companies that would hire you provided you have the matching skill sets they are looking for.

 Housing

Housing prices in Puerto Rico are comparable to Miami or Los Angeles, but property taxes are considerably lower than most places in the US. The real estate market in Puerto Rico is booming due to population growth. Real Estate agencies are a good starting point for renting or purchasing property.

 Taxes

Puerto Rico has it own tax system. Although it is modeled after the U.S. system, there are differences in law and tax rates. The Puerto Rico tax system is based on self-assessment. Taxes are paid to the state. In addition, a premium is paid to the Social Security.

It may be small in size but Puerto Rico is full of attractions like Beaches, rainforests, caves, bioluminescent lagoons, and ancient towns. The size of the island makes if the perfect location for a road trip. The fastest way to get around Puerto Rico is by the toll roads or autopista. However we recommend exploring the roads beyond the autopista.  You will discover great drives, awesome views and the chance to explore some of Puerto Rico’s better kept secrets. There is no better way to see Puerto Rico than by car.

La Ruta Panoramica

a Ruta Panoramica, or the panoramic route crosses the heart of Puerto Rico from east to west, offering mountain roads with amazing views of the whole of Puerto Rico. The route starts in Guayama on the south east coast of Puerto Rico and ends on the west coast in Mayaguez. It is one of the most scenic drive in the Caribbean, and you could spend several days exploring the area if you make frequent stops. Popular landmarks along the route include Cerro de Punto, the highest mountain in Puerto Rico; San Cristobal Canyon near Aibonita; Toro Negro Forest Reserve, which includes the Dona Juana waterfall; and Caguana’s Indian Ceremonial Park, home to Taino ruins.

El Yunque

No visit to Puerto Rico is complete without visiting El Yunque, the United States’ only tropical rainforest, and several systems of roads cut through the rainforest for scenic drives. Route 191 from the north will take you into the heart of El Yunque, and there are plenty of picnic areas, hiking trail entrances, lookout towers and waterfalls along the way for stops. The rainforest also has a wide set of roads on its western side, south of Rio Grande.

PR 15 Cayey – Guayama

Take Highway 52 south to get to close to Cayey then take this road PR 15. This road will take you from Cayey to Guayama on the south coast with views of the mountains surrounding Cayey in all their greenery and breath taking views of the east coast and south coast as you head down towards Guayama.  We recommend pulling over and allowing any fast local drivers to pass so that you can enjoy the views . As with most of the routes mentioned, you will need to just pull over when you have a chance to enjoy the views as there is no official look out spots on this route.

PR 901 & PR 3 Yabaucoa – Maunabo – Guayama

This drive will take you along the south east coast of Puerto Rico with views of Vieques and Culebra islands. The quickest route from San Juan is to take Hwy 52 south and then PR 30 to Yabaucoa. From Yabaucoa head south on PR 901. The road twists as it climbs offering great views of the coastline and the islands of Vieques and Culebra. Along this stretch of road you will find several cliff side restaurants with ocean views, if you are looking for somewhere to eat.

PR 102 Joyuda

Just east of Cabo Rojo, PR 102 skirts the coastline north towards Mayaguez. The sea views alone make this a great drive but PR 102 is also well known for its concentration of sea food restaurants.  You can’t miss them, small roadside shacks, bars and restaurants all serving freshly caught seafood with ocean views.

Typically, from the end of August through until the end of October, hurricane season is in full swing. Just about everyone has heard by now about Hurricane Matthew. While this hurricane doesn’t have a fierce or exotic name, it is, unfortunately, looking like it will pack a powerful punch to anything in its path.

 
It’s been more than five decades since a hurricane this strong has hit Haiti. This hurricane has made its way to Cuba, Jamaica, and the Bahamas, and looks to land in many more destinations such as Florida and South Carolina just to name a few.

 
Florida is in a state of emergency with a hurricane warning, and schools and government offices closed. Evacuations in certain areas have been issued. For a close up (and safer way) to view the hurricane, check out this video from www.nasa.gov:

http://www.nasa.gov/feature/goddard/2016/matthew-atlantic-ocean

 
A Slight Shift Can Make a World of Difference

 
A slight shift in course either east or west can make a difference in how far inland it will hit. While it’s difficult to completely foretell the path of a storm riding the coastline, authorities are opting for a worst-case scenario line of defense. It’s better to be prepared than to be caught off guard.

 
Hurricane Matthew may gain momentum as it heads to the Florida coast. Storm surges of 10 to 15 feet along with wind gusts of 130 miles per hour could be possible. The storm also looks to make its way to South Carolina, parts of North Carolina and Georgia. Be prepared for the worst and hope for the best.

 
Follow the Leaders

 
Whatever instructions your leaders are giving, follow them closely. Don’t take it upon yourself to stay where you are if you are being told to evacuate, especially in coastal towns.
The National Guard is being called in, in the state of Florida to help deal with the state of emergency because of Hurricane Matthew. Even if it doesn’t turn out to be as bad as expected, it’s better to be safe than to be sorry. Emergency personnel may not be able to get to you.

 
Emergency Preparation

 
Hopefully by now, you’ve gone out to obtain supplies, but if you haven’t check on what you do have. Fill empty containers, water bottles, and large pots full of water to have on hand. Check your battery and flashlight supply. If using a generator make sure you have enough gas on hand. Have all your emergency supplies handy in one place should the power go out; this way you are not scrambling in the dark looking for them. Locate them now. Keep your can opener, canned foods, matches and supplies close by. Don’t wait until the last minute.

 
Check on your medications and get refills if necessary. Make certain you have all your over-the-counter meds on hand, as well.

 
Store owners, and home owners near the shore, get your hurricane shutters up and your storefronts boarded. Make sure you have cash on hand as ATMs will be out when the power goes out. Don’t forget about your pets, they’ll need their food and water too.

 
The Aftermath

 
No matter how small a puddle of water may look, never walk through any body of water. You don’t know if there are any electrical lines down or actually how deep they are. A small body of water can carry your car away so stay out of and away from any water.
In areas that have not been given a mandatory evacuation and if you’ve stayed put, don’t go venturing out until it’s safe to do so. Wait for state and government officials to send help and stay indoors until told otherwise. Downed trees and power lines can cause serious and fatal injuries even after the storm is over.
Stay calm but keep informed of the storm as it progresses.

 
With weather still seemingly summer-like and people still heading to the beaches in some parts of the state, it might be hard to let go of summer once and for all. Summer, after all, may be the busiest time of year to travel, but it’s not the only time of year.
Why not hold on for a little bit longer with these fall trips that just may surprise you.
Colorful Caribbean

 
If you didn’t make it over the summer to take a trip to the colorful Caribbean, why not consider a fall outing? When it comes to visiting the Caribbean in places like Puerto Rico, most travelers go during the spring or early summer.

 
However, the majority of travelers will wait for the dead of winter for an escape from bitter cold and darker nights.

 
When is the best time to visit Puerto Rico? It may be now, in the fall. You may score some cheaper air fare and hotel accommodations because tourism gets a little slower during these months. Kids go back to school and family vacation time is over.

 
While everyone else is back home planning on pumpkin picking excursions, you could be laying in a hammock somewhere in the Caribbean. Check out THIS ARTICLE from US News for the best of everything when it comes to a trip to Puerto Rico.
Landmarks

 
During summertime, most travelers can only think of one thing and one thing only – the beach. Who can blame us? We wait all year for those few short weeks of summer bliss where our toes get to melt in the sand as we stare endlessly at the serenity of the ocean or play in its surf.

 
However, in the fall, most folks resolve to take a fall road trip to catch the leaves falling and changing. However, there are so many historical landmarks to visit during fall:

 
• Boston
• Washington, D.C.
• Philadelphia
• New York City

 
These are just to name a few fall trips that may surprise and delight you. Many folks set off to see the changing colors of the leaves in places like New England during fall. However, visiting landmarks might be a better option with less crowds. Most travelers save their historic sightseeing trips for spring and their leaf-peeping trips for fall.
Why not be creative and visit some historic landmarks this fall?

Lighthouses
What better way to end the summer than on a road trip to visit a lighthouse? Lighthouses are the symbol of the beach and summertime and what better way to ease into fall than to visit an historic lighthouse?
While the majority of tourists are on the road, why not take an off-the-beaten path trek to one of these:
• Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, North Carolina
• Montauk Point Lighthouse Long Island
• Sambro Island Lighthouse, Nova Scotia Canada
• Portland Head Lighthouse, Cape Elizabeth
• Peggy’s Point Lighthouse, Canada
These are only to name a few.
While everyone else is chasing leaves, you might want to find yourself lost on one of these adventures.

Most people think of Puerto Rico and think of a tropical paradise which, of course, is what it actually is. However, there’s so much more to Puerto Rico than meets the eye. If you are lucky enough to travel there on occasion, there’s another side to Puerto Rico beside all that luxurious white sand and aqua-blue water.
For the Sea-lover
Of course, the number one sport would have to do with being in, on or near the ocean. There are plenty of water sport activities in Puerto Rico to enjoy. Visitors can enjoy activities on top of the water such as boating and sailing. With water as blue as a sapphire, it’s no wonder the people of Puerto Rico and visitors alike enjoy sailing and boating so much.
Diving and snorkeling are wonderful under the sea activities for visitors to enjoy. Not only do you get to take in the breathtaking views of the ocean there along with magnificent sunsets, you get to explore a whole new world underneath the ocean. And this new world is stunning.
You get to experience the thrill of adventure and the possibilities of seeing sights you’ve never seen before when you take to visiting the underwater world in Puerto Rico.
A trip to bioluminescent bay, where you travel through mangroves to see the glowing blue waters of this area that turns blue at the slightest touch will enchant you for a lifetime.
Of course, there’s fishing, swimming and surfing to thoroughly enjoy as well.
For the Land-lover
If you prefer to watch the sunset from afar and stay on dry land, but crave the thrill of and competition of the sporting life, there’s plenty to do on dry land, as well.
Hiking through the rainforest is a great activity to take on during your visit to Puerto Rico. Also with hundreds of tennis courts to choose from, you could play a game or two as you overlook the most beautiful vistas you’ve ever seen.
What’s a trip to the beach without a good game of beach volleyball? There’s plenty of places to play and plenty of beach to play on in Puerto Rico.
Another favorite pastime in Puerto Rico is horseback riding, especially on the beach. If you’ve never gone horseback riding on the beach and are planning to visit Puerto Rico, now’s as good a time as any to take part in what could be a once-in-a-lifetime activity.
What better place to play a round or two than on a cliff overlooking the aqua-blue waters of Puerto Rico.
While all these activities may not put you in the Olympics, they are all enjoyable in their own right just the same. For a truly in-depth article about the part Puerto Rico played in this year’s Olympics, click HERE