La Parguera in Lajas, Puerto Rico – 2024 Guide

Best Things to Do & Travel Guide

La Parguera is a quaint fishing village in the town of Lajas on the southwest coast of the island.   There are no beaches in Lajas, however, the beauty of the offshore keys of Caracoles and Mata La Gata, certainly make up for it.  After sunset, the village comes to life with a variety of restaurants serving traditional Puerto Rican food and fresh seafood at local prices.  When the skies go dark you can take a tour of the bioluminescent bay, the only one in Puerto Rico where you can swim, an experience you won’t forget.  Just about every weekend there’s live music at the square of the village where you can dance and mingle with locals.

Swim on the Bioluminescent Waters of La Parguera

Experience the magic of the Bioluminescent Bays, there are two in La Parguera.  In addition to the magical wonder on the water, visitors will enjoy fewer crowds than Laguna Grande in Fajardo and a full day of activities in Lajas and nearby towns.  See full guide to La Parguera Bioluminescent Bay.

Explore the Cays & Enjoy a Day of Swimming & Snorkeling 

La Parguera Nature Reserve is one of the most biologically diverse ecosystems in Puerto Rico; characterized by one of the most extensive and well-developed coral reefs on the island.  The reserve was created to protect all these natural treasures and it’s currently managed by DRNA. You can easily spend a whole day and extend your stay for a week in order to enjoy all the natural attractions and things to do in La Parguera Nature Reserve.

La Parguera Nature Reserve is made up of about 30 cays and islets, where you can spend the day island hopping, and snorkeling.   Mata La Gata is the only cay with a “beach”.  Caracoles is a favorite, the waters are incredibly clear and fun to swim, and snorkel.  Cayo Enrique is also a favorite where you can go snorkeling and scuba diving as well. 

Go Snorkeling at La Parguera, Lajas

Explore the cays, islets, and seagrass beds teeming with fish.  Dolphins, manatees, and turtles love these waters, so count on having an interesting underwater experience.

Go Scuba Diving 

Go scuba diving at the famous La Pared (The Wall) La Pared (the wall), offering about 20 miles of scuba diving experiences with abundant sea life. 

Have a Picnic at Mata La Gata

Spend the day relaxing and swimming at Mata La Gata surrounded by the Caribbean Sea.

Go Kayaking at La Parguera

Eco travelers will enjoy kayaking through the mangrove channels by day, and seeing the magic of the bioluminescent bay on a moonless night. 

Take a Cruise to Observe La Parguera’s Flora

One of the most pleasurable experiences at La Parguera is cruising around the nature reserve, passing the cays where birds nest.  You’ll be able to observe mangrove forests; red and white mangrove trees are the most prevalent species.