Our Crew
The young people that make up the Pure Adventure Crew, aren’t just guides, but an enthusiastic group of individuals committed to the conservation and well being of Puerto Rico’s varied and rich natural environments. From the clear, azure waters of our coastline, to the bays, inlets, wetlands and further inland to our unique tropical forests amidst misty mountains; each Pure Adventure guide reflects our “Pure” mission to safeguard the amazing, natural beauty of our Island.
Truly a green company (Click Here)
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Doing what comes natural! |
Hi, I just want you to know that I am a simple guy looking for fun and adventure like everybody else, and what better way than outdoors! So I get out and surf, dive, hike, kayak, go caving, rappelling, birding or sometimes just hanging out, enjoying a quiet day at the beach.
Naturally, I studied and trained to become a Marine Biologist. My fieldwork has included working and/or collaborating with the DRNA (Dept of Natural Resources of PR) documenting and identifying coral growth patterns, the spread of diseases, and restoration programs. I have also conducted field studies with NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), RECON and others.
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Carlos participating in a |
As a caver I have worked with cartography and topography of cave systems, and completed training on cave rescue tactics by the NCRC (National Cave Rescue Commission)
My love of the sea, and the desire to put rice and beans on the family table, led me to train and become a Master Dive Instructor and later, along with my beautiful wife, Yolanda; we embarked on a business adventure that keeps us close to the sea that we love…Pure Adventure.
We live by the outdoors and invite you to be part of It!
!Vamonos!
Carlos Castro
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Yolanda, kayaking among |
Welcome to our “Isla del Encanto”. My name is Yolanda Ramos, proud co-owner of Pure Adventure! I want you to know what brought me here to create Pure Adventure. First, I love nature, specially the ocean; so I earned my BS on Coastal Marine Biology at the University of Puerto Rico at Humacao, where I started my aquatic career as a swimming teacher for young children, an later as a life guard for over 6 years. I also, participated as a NOAA Intern, working with coral diseases and educational programs in the community providing orientation on ecosystem conservation and marine navigation “Rules of the Road”.
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Giving a talk on Marine |
As a special project, I collaborated with Cedar I. Garcia the author of the book, “Los Quitones de Puerto Rico”, devoted to the study of the “Quiton” mollusk in the Puerto Rico and Carribbean habitats.
Being a Marine Biologist, I remain committed to the preservation of our fragile aquatic ecosystems. To this end I participate in continual and on-going programs such as the monitoring of nesting sea turtles, on Culebra Island and endangered coral species, in particular the Staghorn Coral (Acropora cervicornis ).
I am a fully trained and certified Dive Master, and when given the opportunity. I enjoy visiting area schools and talking with the students about the unique and beautiful environment that we live in and the importance of preserving our tropical world for generations to come.
¡Hasta Luego!
Yolanda Ramos
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Javier, kayaking in the |
I’m also a Marine Biologist! And I consider it a privilege to guide and introduce our “Adventurers” to our fabulous aquatic world. As a Marine Biologist duty I have worked with the Department of Natural Resources of Puerto Rico (DRNA) as a field interviewer for offshore fishing, identifying marine species. Additionally, I have assisted NOAA in restoring and rebuilding coral reefs destroyed by ship groundings.
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Javier Medina teaching school |
As part of the Sea Grant program, I have collaborated with sea turtle monitoring, tracking different species of turtles on the beaches of Northeast Puerto Rico. My studies and research with the University of Puerto Rico contributed to the publication of “Gasteropodos Asociados al Alga Calcarea Halimeda opuntia (Udoteaceae) en Puerto Rico” which documents the association between seashells and the algae Halimeda.
Out of the water, I have been Salsa Dancer instructor, taking part in important concerts on our beautiful culture. So if you need a 101-salsa lesson just let me know!
¡A Bailar!
Javier Medina
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Marangelly Torres, |
Marangelly is my name, but you can call me Mara, and I am what you can call a nature freak! I always enjoy every moment in the outdoors - climbing, snorkeling, hiking, kayaking, and so on.
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Marangelly on Mona Island |
I enjoy assisting and documenting, with my camera, the Pure Adventure Biologists in their research and nature surveys. Among investigations, I have collaborated in compiling data relating to the endemic cactus population on Mona Island (known as the Caribbean Galapagos). And I have also contributed to the study and research of endemic Orchids inhabiting the Caribbean National Rain Forest, “El Yunque”. It is always my pleasure, helping to conserve the environment and sharing it with you!
A Gozar!
Marangelly Torres
Javier really knows how to teach about Puerto Rico while making it fun and entertaining. I can't believe how much I know about the ecosystems of Puerto rico now!