Dominican Republic to Puerto Rico

[nolagal]

After wintering in Belize we'll be heading East, against trades and current, toward the Eastern Caribbean. Of course, Frank Virgintino's cruising guides are invaluable. We've bought all the necessary ones as ebooks both because they are easier to use that way and to show our support.

Looking at the guide to Puerto Rico I see no mention of Bahia Salinas on the SW cost of PR. This seems a good spot to drop the hook and rest up after the long sail from the SE corner of the DR.

Anyone have any info on this spot? It shows up as an anchorage on our charts. We thought if the wind was right we can spend the night with the Q flag up then next morning make it to Ponce to check in.

[John A]

I'd suggest the town of Boquerón on the SW corner of PR. I found a large and friendly group of cruisers there and enjoyed the locals and expats who lived in the town.

Continuing east along the south coast you'll find many delightfully remote anchorages close enough to reach each day before the afternoon winds and chop set in. Ponce is a fully Americanized city and not to be missed.

[nolagal]

Thank you for your reply.

We see that Boquerón is a good choice but we're not sure about the clearing in. From reading Frank Virgintino's book it seems you travel overland to Mayaguez for clearing in and there's the possibility that you could be requested to bring the boat. That's not something we want to do if we can avoid it. Hence my question about Bahia Salinas as an overnight anchorage before moving on to Ponce the next day to clear in.

[John A]

I traveled from east to west so I can't answer your specific question