La Parguera, Bioluminescent Bay in Lajas, Puerto Rico

Content – La Parguera Bioluminescent Bay Visiting Guide

• Tours to La Parguera Bioluminescent Lagoon
• Brightness of La Parguera
• The Experience at La Parguera
• Need to Know Facts
• Itinerary Suggestions
• Best Places to Stay Nearby
• Map of La Parguera
• Getting to La Parguera
• History

We take pride in our guides offering factual and unbiased information, so here is the real bioluminescent experience at La Parguera.

You may find online videos circulating to get views and attention.  Why don’t we have any photos here?  Because it has not been possible to capture and it is really difficult.  Most of the pictures you see online are photoshopped, or were taken at Mosquito Bay in Vieques.   We can tell you from personal experience, for the past years, when we have visited with our family for recreational and investigative purposes for our travel guides, that La Parguera is not blue like the bioluminescent bay in Vieques.  The brightest we’ve ever seen during our visits is faint emerald green; most days, you must jump in to see or experience any bioluminescence; you’ll see tiny white stars on your body and in the water when you move.

The Bioluminescent Experience

Tours at La Parguera Bioluminescent Bay are by boat.  When you arrive at the bioluminescent bay, you will have the opportunity to go into the water and swim.  As you move, the dark water will turn from pitch black to subtle green hues on a good day to a sea of twinkling stars, lift your hands, and you’ll see them run down your arms, there are no other words to describe it but magical. 

For visitors who don’t wish to jump in the water and swim, the captain will fill a bucket with water so you can dip your hands, shake them and see the dinoflagellates light up like stars; if the captain doesn’t do it, feel free to ask.

Explore the Cays of La Parguera Nature Reserve

We encourage you to get to La Parguera by mid-afternoon to enjoy the cays.  Cruise around the nature reserve, or take it all in by swimming and snorkeling. 

Caracoles is a favorite, there’s no land so you’ll be on the water or on the boat the entire time, but the waters are so clear and warm you won’t want to get out of the water anyway.   Families with children will love Caracoles.  The waters are shallow, and it is the perfect spot to learn and do some snorkeling; baby fish love to feed on the roots of the mangrove roots.

Mata La Gata offers picnic tables overlooking the water, and a short boardwalk to admire mangrove trees.  Unlike Caracoles, an enclosed area was created to feel like a swimming pool, also keeping sea grass away.  Mata La Gata is a wonderful place to swim for families with children where they can also snorkel along the roots of the mangroves, where fish love to eat, hide and play.

Take a water taxi or book a private day charter to explore the mangrove cays.  Caracoles and Mata La Gata are the most popular cays.  If you’re staying in San Juan, there are a few tours that include the Caracoles experience with the bioluminescent bay with pick-up so you don’t have to worry about getting a car rental or planning (see below).

The Cultural Experience at La Parguera

For travelers desiring an authentic cultural experience, you’ll visit a local favorite spot for residents across the island, not a touristy spot.  La Parguera is a culinary favorite among locals every weekend, with diverse food offerings from fresh fish caught by local fishermen to traditional Puerto Rican fritters to delicious wings and All-American hamburgers and fries.  On weekends, it goes from quiet and relaxed to vibrant, with live entertainment almost every weekend at the plaza (small square), which becomes a dance floor for locals and visitors who wish to perfect their salsa moves.   If you love Karaoke, join the locals and get ready to have some fun.  Artisan stands showcase crafts, jewelry, and traditional sweet treats that grandmas still make.

A trip to La Parguera is sure to entice you to come back to Puerto Rico to explore more of the laid-back and beautiful west coast.

Pros of Lajas Bioluminescent Bay

• Fantastic attractions in Lajas and nearby so you can enjoy a great day trip.
• You can swim at this bioluminescent bay, making the experience more memorable and magical.
• Lajas Bio Bay is a more intimate experience with no crowds.
• Budget Friendly:  Tours cost less if you drive to Lajas.  You can choose from tour operators once in Lajas, costing $20 – $45 per person.  You may also book this local tour to reserve a spot on a smaller group tour with an English-speaking captain.

Cons of La Parguera Bioluminescent Bay

• Brightness – The truth about La Parguera is that in comparison with Mosquito Bay in Vieques and Laguna Grande in Fajardo, it is considered dim.  If you didn’t read “The Bioluminescent Experience” please scroll back up so you have clear expectations when you visit.
• Distance from San Juan / Metro Area – You’ll be on the road for about 2.5 hours.  The drive is through the scenic highway that crosses the central mountains; as you descend from the mountains, you’ll enjoy great views of the coastline.  We think you’ll find the drive worth it if you follow one of the suggested itineraries further below.

Full Day at La Parguera Nature Reserve

Take a water taxi or rent a little boat for the day.  Visit Caracoles, Mata La Gata and Cayo Enrique.  Have dinner at La Parguera and head to the tour at dark.  If you’re at La Parguera on a weekend, stay longer, dance and enjoy the culture. 

Cabo Rojo & La Parguera Day Trip

Los Morrillos Lighthouse, Salt Flats, Natural Bridge and Playa Sucia in nearby Cabo Rojo.  Then head to La Parguera for dinner and bioluminescent bay tour.  This tour offers a great itinerary with transportation from San Juan.

La Parguera, Ponce & Yauco Day Trip Tour

• Parguera Plaza Hotel – Adults Only
• La Jamaca
• Nautilus by La Jamaca Hotels-Downtown La Parguera
• Turtle Bay Inn
• La Chale Parguera

History of Tourism & Health of La Parguera

Decades ago, the bioluminescent bay was much brighter; locals in the area like to refer to it as “Bahia Fosforescente” (Phosphorescent Bay).  Big boats with glass bottoms used to take visitors on tours without any regard for the health of the bioluminescent bay.  Due to poor protection laws, non-enforcement of the laws, poor planning, and illegal homes on the nature reserve, the bay has progressively lost its brightness.  When the bioluminescence went dark, La Parguera lost most of the local visitors across the island.  The break from many visitors helped the bay heal, increasing the dinoflagellates and brightness.

Current Efforts at La Parguera

Local groups are making great efforts through the courts to protect the mangroves, and to remove the illegal houses on the reserve.  Sadly, gas-powered boats are still being used; it is better than how they were, and local tour operators are more conscious and educated.  Since La Parguera gets the fewest visitors, being farther away from San Juan, you won’t see many boats during your tour, further helping to protect it. 

How You can Help

You can help protect the bioluminescent bay with your visit:

• Although not necessary, if you wish to wear insect repellent, please wear deet-free, all-natural.  Please wear all-natural sunscreen as well.