When can I visit Cayo Santiago?
The trips to Cayo Santiago will be on December 11th (Thursday) and 12th (Friday).
The schedule will be as follows:
9:00 am Transportation will leave the Ritz Carlton, San Juan Hotel, Spa & Casino in Isla Verde to Punta Santiago
10:00 am Arrival at Punta Santiago
10:30 am Leave Punta Santiago dock to Cayo Santiago
11:00 am -- 12:00 pm Tour of Cayo Santiago
12:00 pm Leave Cayo Santiago dock to Punta Santiago
12:30 pm Lunch at Punta Santiago
1:00 pm Transportation will leave Punta Santiago and return to the Ritz Carlton, San Juan Hotel, Spa & Casino in Isla Verde
How will the tours be organizd?
There will be 30 people allowed on each trip. Once at Cayo Santiago, the group will be divided into three small groups of ten people. Mr. James Ayala (Colony Manager), Ms. Giselle Caraballo (Assistant Census Taker) and Dr. Adaris Mas (Resident scientist for Cayo Santiago) will guide the groups throughout the island.
How can I reserve my spot to visit Cayo Santiago?
If you want to go to Cayo Santiago, you must make a reservation with Dr. Mas (amas@rcm.upr.edu) before arriving in Puerto Rico. You need to let her know which day you prefer to visit Cayo Santiago. The trip to costs $60 per person. This fee includes transportation from the Hotel to Punta Santiago and back, boat transportation from Punta Santiago to Cayo Santiago and back, and lunch (refreshments and turnover). A check must be made to the University of Puerto Rico and sent to following address:
Caribbean Primate Research Center
PO Box 1053
Sabana Seca, PR 00952
What do I need to bring?
Each person visiting Cayo Santiago must wear long pants, closed shoes and long-sleeved shirts. Visitors will be provided with safety glasses upon arrival to Punta Santiago. Water is provided at the island, but if visitors would like to bring water with them it is acceptable.
What medical clearance do I need to provide to visit Cayo Santiago?
Before visiting Cayo Santiago all participants must listen to a brief Herpes B lecture, sign two waiver forms and fill out a personal information sheet. In addition, they must provided evidence of a negative TB test taken no later than six months to the day they plan to visit the island. It is also acceptable to provide a chest x-ray taken no later than a year to the visiting date. No minors (persons under the age of 18) will be allowed to visit.
Is there anything else I need to do to prepare to visit Cayo Santiago?
Yes! You will need to attend the informational session on Wednesday, December 10th. This session will be held at 6:30pm, just after the end of the platform presentations for the day.
To learn more about Cayo Santiago and the documentation needed to visit the island, please go to the Visit Cayo Santiago Homepage.
** Cayo Santiago pictures were provided by Giselle Caraballo
