Sailing the Mona Passage to Puerto Rico (Episode 23)

In this episode we sail to Los Haitises National Park. We needed to test out our engines and make sure everything was working great. We anchored and enjoyed sundowners on the boat Malusi.
The following day we set out to explore. We took the dinghy into the mangroves where we hiked, explored caves and the forest.
We then walked a half mile to the Pariaiso Cano Hondo Eco Lodge. There we ate lunch and let the kids swim all afternoon.
The following day we took the dinghy to go explore one of the major caves. This one had rock formations shaped as a heart, lots of green and bats. It was super neat.
That night the kids played while we planned out sail to Puerto Rico.
The following day we headed back to Puerta Bahia, Samana Dominican Republic. There we finished up laundry, grocery shopping and boat projects for the following day. We said our goodbyes to our friends, the marina staff and the country of Dominican Republic.
The next morning bright and early we set sail to Puerto Rico. The weather was great and we were taking off with 15 other boats.
In the beginning of the passage we saw lots of whales. Later on dolphins joined our boat. The passage was calm for the most part.
The boys did lots of fishing and caught two jack.
Steve stayed up all night sailing and in the morning Malia took over.
We made it to Salinas, Puerto Rico and anchored. During our anchoring the winds picked up and were 25 knotts. Our engines wouldn't start again and it was a little stressful.
We are excited to explore Puerto Rico!