Welcome back, fellow readers! Make sure to take a moment to grab a coffee, tea, or drink of choice, and settle in as we get started! We hope November has been treating you all kindly so far.
Today, we are going to talk a bit about two exhilarating water activities with a twist: kayaking and paddleboarding. One of the wonderful things about Puerto Rico is that the island had a multitude of spots for both water activities, and you get to be up close and personal with, what some might call, magical creatures.
Whether you are kayaking or paddleboarding, there are tours that take you and anyone interested through mangroves, the coast’s crystal-clear waters, and even our very own bioluminescent bays. No prior experience is required which is great! (Interestingly enough, I am a skillfully clumsy person and I have succeeded in learning how to do both things!)
P.S. If you don’t have a whole day or many hours to dedicate to these explorative experiences, you can always rent equipment for a brief time. The more commonly known spot for this is in VIP Adventures Puerto Rico, right by the Laguna de Condado.
The Twist!
I have not forgotten the twist, dear reader! The twist is a head’s up I must provide for safety (and peace of mind), and it’s an educational opportunity I must act on as you choose to embark on your first water activity experience in our bays, lagoons, and beaches.
Imagine you are paddling through the serene water and suddenly you feel a bump or a slight tug on your paddle. Do not panic. Take a deep breath take a second to look below. You will most likely see a manatee cruising by you!
Despite being intimidatingly large mammals, averaging between 9 to 10 feet long, manatees are graceful swimmers that are of no harm to humans. They spend most of their time below water grazing on aquatic plants, making it rather difficult to see them, but every so often, they will pop their noses out of the water to take a breath. These adorably large omnivores, also called sea cows, sea pigs, and even mermaids, and live up to 65 years!
Manatees are currently under protection through multiple federal and local laws as they are an endangered species. As of this year, it is estimated that less than 600 manatees continue to inhabit the waters around Puerto Rico. There are many different reasons, both old and new, as to why these peaceful creatures are now facing endangerment. Although laws are set in place for protection, manatees are often times accidentally hit by motorboats and jet skis, become entangled in fishing nets, and are even harassed by people. These actions can pose a great threat to these animals, from bodily harm to death.
It is completely understood that seeing such a creature can pique your curiosity and interest, but we urge you to act in the best interest of our Puerto Rican manatees. Admire their existence from afar and avoid following, touching, and feeding them. If using motorboats or jet skis, do so responsibly and ensure that all local and federal guidelines are followed.
Thank you for joining us today! Tune in next Saturday for our next blog post!
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