Real-life family travel tips, cruise hacks, and points and miles guides from Sheila Hayes — helping families travel smarter, not harder, one trip at a time.
How to Get to the Black Sand Beach in Vieques, Puerto Rico (Playa Negra) If you’re looking for one of the most unique beaches in Puerto Rico, Playa Negra in Vieques belongs at the top of your list. This isn’t a “park-and-walk” kind of beach—but that’s exactly why it still feels wild and untouched. When we decided to go, I had no idea how much of an adventure it would actually be. This isn’t the kind of beach where you pull into a paved lot, grab your towel, and walk 30 seconds to the water. It requires effort — and honestly, that’s what makes it unforgettable. The first glimpse of the black sand against the turquoise water stopped us in our tracks. It didn’t feel touristy. It felt earned. Below is the exact, step-by-step route we used to get there, plus tips so you don’t miss the trail (or ruin your shoes). Ready? Let’s go! Step 1: Fly to San Juan, Puerto Rico Start by booking a flight into San Juan (SJU). This is the easiest jumping-off point for getting ...
🐒 Monkey Island: The Best Place to See Monkeys in Panama
Yes, it’s a real place—and yes, it’s just as awesome as it sounds.
Monkey Island is located on Lake Gatun, the man-made lake that forms part of the Panama Canal. Several small islands here are home to different species of monkeys, and boat tours will take you right up to the shores (and sometimes into the trees!) where they live.
Depending on the day, you might see:
White-faced capuchin monkeys (the mischievous ones)
Howler monkeys (you’ll hear them before you see them)
Geoffroy’s tamarins (tiny and adorable)
Spider monkeys (less common but super cool if you spot one)
🛶 What the Tour Is Like
We booked a half-day boat tour from Gamboa, just 30–40 minutes outside Panama City. The ride was smooth, relaxing, and packed with nature.
✅ Covered boat for shade
✅ Life jackets for kids
✅ Knowledgeable local guide
✅ Cooler with water and snacks
The boat slowly winds through lush canals, past massive cargo ships, and then into quiet jungle areas where the monkeys hang out.
Pro tip: The earlier your tour, the more active the monkeys!
📸 Can You Feed or Touch the Monkeys?
Short answer: Please don’t.
Some tours used to feed the monkeys to lure them closer, but that’s no longer encouraged (and in many places, it’s actually banned).
The best tours respect wildlife boundaries while still offering amazing views and photos.
And honestly? Watching a capuchin monkey leap from branch to branch is way cooler than handing one a banana.
👨👩👧👦 Is It Kid-Friendly?
Absolutely! My son was blown away by how close we got to the monkeys, and he didn’t stop talking about it for days. There’s something magical about seeing wildlife in the wild—not behind glass or in a zoo.
If you're headed to Panama, do not miss this.
It’s one of the easiest and most rewarding excursions for families, and it’s a chance to get face-to-face with Panama’s incredible biodiversity.
