13/06/2026
Kayak Monkey Island tour from years ago in the days Pre-Maria. Post Maria and COVID EVERYTHING changed for tour for the worse in my opinion. The corrupt and incarcerated Abel Nazario sponsored with the Caribbean Primate Research Center and UPR Medical Sciences a law which prohibits getting closer than 200 Meters from the shore of the island Cayo Santiago commonly known as Monkey Island. As a result my tours are modified for the distance and we can no longer snorkel in the shipwreck area adjacent to the island nor can we get closer for our viewing of the primates. However there are several other companies that still remain in the water closer and snorkel when there. My tour has been singled out and I have been professionally, economically and therefore personally impacted. This is not a ‘woah is me’ post despite the fact that I feel a bit targeted to be honest. This is in my opinion a mistake that needs to be revisited and the law demanding a 200 meter distance needs to be amended. Before COVID the Puerto Rico Tourism Company partnered with us to bring an amendment to the legislature. We were in process of meeting negotiations with the UPR Medical Sciences Chancellor and the top CPRC officials. The process never went through and Covid-19 shut down Puerto Rico. Once the island resumed normal operations I was notified by a high member of Tourism office ‘off the record ‘ to CONTINUE MY TOURS and that …’it would be ok’. I modified the tours to comply with the distance requirement eliminated the snorkeling and based on that officials supportive guidance continued to operate. As I approach my 68th Birthday and I review my life, work and achievements I still count my small micro-business of Team Spirit Hanggliding with partner Bob Hastings, our Barefoot Travelers Rooms and Adventures Guesthouse and Kayak Monkey Island as top notch good quality local and tourism companies that we ran with integrity, quality and love. These past close to 30 years here in Puerto Rico have been the most challenging, growth full and rewarding years of my life so far. I have hopes and dreams that I will be able to continue to contribute to the community and bring more benefits for all through my journey and work.
Kayak Monkey Island helped to put this town on the map via Trip Advisor 5 Star reviews and top attractions listing for YEARS and no matter how you feel about ‘outsiders’ coming in to the island these days in the years here Barefoots has always inspired to be a part of the fabric of the community and to help raise the vibration of all not just some. As they say at PECES …Together We Are More! Pa’Lante!
