Snorkeling Shacks Beach, Isabela, Puerto Rico 22 SEP 18

Wow- it's been a while since we posted. We had a busy summer. We moved from Cabo Rojo to Aguadilla, then I went to Kentucky for work for nearly 2 months. Meanwhile, Emily and the kids took a nearly 2-month vacation to visit family. When we got back together we took some time to unpack our house. We took a quick trip to Vieques (another little island)- tons of fun and we have video, just need time to edit it. Work has been busy for me, but we got out on Saturday, 22 SEP to do some snorkeling. Shacks beach was awesome! It seems that it isn't always though- we went last weekend, and there were huge waves (got more video- if I get to editing it). Way too much to be able to snorkel. Maybe we can try again soon. Winter is wavier here, so may have to travel south for some good snorkeling.
A little about us: In May of 2017 our family moved from Central Texas to Puerto Rico. This is the 6th move for the family since 2009.
We wanted to share our experiences here with anyone who is interested. There are a lot of fun things about the island, and some challenges and major differences from living in the States as well.
We were also here through Hurricane Maria in SEP 2017.

[@CarolinaGuy]

Awesome. We had an original shack there from 76-81 and they really were shacks! Some of the best years of my life were spent snorkeling,diving,sailing,boogie boarding,exploring and relaxing.

[@juanalban6485]

Since you spent so much time there, is it a spot that's good for kids to snorkel at?

[@panaybacalaoify]

My favorite beach!

[@torresfishingFL]

I cant wait to go over there! I. Might go snorkeling if i can

[@jennifertiller5950]

You are swimming directly in front of the Villa Tropical Hotel and Oceanfront Apartment Rentals. Established in 1990, 30 units of various size, age and luxury. Check them out @shacksbeachpr on facebook or website Villa Tropical.com. Next time stay oceanfront at Villa Tropical and shore dive and snorkel all day long. Nice video. BTW - always walk east and access the blue hole that way as the current naturally pulls westerly. Stay home and be safe but join us as soon as you can. Cheers, JT.

[@hessfamilyadventures1792]

I recommend that area to anyone going! Tight roads, but we'll worth it.

[@CarolinaGuy]

One thing I noticed as I knew almost every inch of the reef is that it doesn't have the vibrance as it once had in the 70's. I didn't see any sea urchin on the reef which honestly is a bit distressing. Still beautiful but sad to see how much it's changed.

[@lauradenis3383]

Sad to see that most of the corals on this reef are dead

[@CarolinaGuy]

Truth. In the late 70's and early 80's it was an explosion of color and life. Aside from dead coral I also noticed that there were no urchin. It used to be teaming with them,short and long spined.

[@karijones5547]

Reef squid not cuttlefish

[@sdflores7572]

Sad, dead coral reef. Still beautiful for a swim but I think pollution has just damaged the reefs.