Puerto Rico  ⏐ Puerto Rico Islands  ⏐ Gilligan’s Island / Cayo Aurora

Clear water at Gilligan's Island, Guanica, Puerto Rico

The prettiest natural pool… a wonderful day of swimming, snorkeling, and connecting with nature and each other.

Book a Private Tour to Gilligan's Island

Gilligan’s Island nicknamed after the popular tv show is one of islands of Puerto Rico you should consider visiting during your vacation, especially if you’re staying on the west coast.   Cayo Aurora, the cay’s formal name, is a mile off the coast of Guanica on the southwest coast of Puerto Rico.  Gilligan’s Island is part of the Biosphere Reserve of Guanica and is managed by the Department of Natural Resources (DRNA).

Gilligan's Island, Guanica, Puerto Rico - Cayo Aurora

Few tourists and travelers get to enjoy this relaxing haven, it’s still one of the unbeaten paths of Puerto Rico.  The few lucky ones that do, get to enjoy this island with very few crowds from mid-August until the end of March.  It only gets busy with locals during holiday weekends and summers.

Swimming at Gilligan's Island - Guanica, Puerto Rico

Cayo Aurora is one of the three cays that make up Cayos de Caña Gorda (Caña Gorda Cays)Cayo Aurora is on the west side, Isla Ballena on the east side separated from the mainland by a channel of about 65 feet, and Cayo Honda is the cay in between.

Colorful boats in Guanica near the ferry boat for Gilligan's Island - Puerto Rico

When you arrive at the restaurant that offers the ferry ride to Gilligan’s Island, you’ll be greeted with a view of the coastline and colorful boats giving visitors a great photo background.

Great Tours Nearby at La Parguera, Lajas

Gilligan's Island - one of the best snorkeling beaches in Puerto Rico

Surrounded by a healthy mangrove system, Gilligan’s Island is a snorkeler’s haven with crystal clear waters, and a playground of schools of tropical fish.  Bring your own snorkeling gear or rent/buy at the main island in Guanica or nearby towns.  If you’re a beginner snorkeler or you would like to get your children started, Gilligan’s is a great place to learn.  The gentle currents slowly push you down the beach as you snorkel or float.

The bottom is very sandy and you can swim all around the island with little effort, the current is slow and gentle. Gilligan’s is very child-friendly with shallow water, and picnic tables, barbeque pits, and shaded areas for family picnics.  If you have small children, they’ll absolutely love this island and they’ll keep asking you to bring them back.  If you like bird watching, you will see a variety here.

Gillgans's Island - One of the best beaches for families with kids in Puerto Rico

Along the water, you’ll find intimate spots along with mangrove trees perfect for two.  If you want a quiet romantic atmosphere, get here early during weekdays for the best spots and picnic facilities if you need them.  In non-summer months, you may find yourself sharing the island with just a small group of people, perhaps have it to yourselves.

Picnic at Gilligan's Island, Guanica, Puerto Rico

Cayo Aurora is an excellent place to kayak and there are other small islands next to it to explore.

Kayaking is a favorite activity at Gilligan's Island, Guanica, Puerto Rico

Facilities at Cayo Aurora / Gilligan's Island

Guanica, Puerto Rico

Picnic Table at Gilligan's Island, Guanica, Puerto Rico

  • There are composting toilets on the island, bring your own toilet paper and hand sanitizer.
  • Picnic tables, get here early to claim one.
  • Barbecue pits – bring everything you’ll need and be please sure to clean up after using.
  • There are trash bins on the island, use them…and that includes bottle caps. If you find the island beautiful please help us keep it that way.

Facts to Know Before you Go

  • There is no beach area, the middle of the island is covered in mangrove trees, there is just enough space for a few picnic tables and gazebos.   The small sandy areas are just wide enough to enter and exit the water.  The waters are so shallow that you can bring your lounge chair and place them right on the water under the shade of a mangrove tree or right in the middle of the natural pool.  Floats are great for Cayo Aurora.
  • During the low season and on weekdays you’ll mostly have the island to yourself. During the summer months and high tourist season particularly on weekends.  The island is a popular place for locals and tourists so get there early to grab a spot and picnic table.   Locals like to bring music and it can get loud with young crowds in the summer months when kids are off school.
  • There are no lifeguards there so you’re on your own, keep an eye on your kids.
  • Food –  There are no shops at Gilligan’s Island, so bring a cooler with everything you’ll need.  The restaurant at the ferry sells food and they’ll take your order and bring it to the island if you wish.
  • Bring bug spray, the mornings are ok, by 2 pm mosquitos and sand flies start arriving.

Guiligan's Island Regulations

  • No Loud Music
  • No games with rackets
  • No hammocks
  • No camping
  • NO hanging or jumping from mangroves
  • No pets
  • No firepits
  • NO DRINKS FROM BOTTLES PLEASE

We hope you enjoy your visit !! – Please keep our Beaches clean, put your trash in a bag and preferably take it back to the main island.

Getting to Gilligan's on your Own by Ferry / Water Taxi

Guanica, Puerto Rico
Ferry to Gilligan's Island - Guanica, Puerto Rico

Drive to Gilligan’s Island – Guanica

  • From San Juan to Gilligan’s Island, Guanica – Take Highway 52 to the town of Ponce. Then head west (now called Porta del Sol) on Road 2 and south on Route 116 to the town of Guanica. Then take Road #333. Following the turn to Copamarina Beach Resort make a right, shortly you’ll see a parking lot on your right, park there and get your tickets.

Ferry / Water Taxi to Gilligan’s Island – Guanica, Puerto Rico

There is a small private passenger ferry (water taxi) that operates from Tuesday to Sunday.  The island is closed for visitors on Mondays, DRNA rules.

  • The first trip leaving to Gilligan’s is from 9 am – 10 am (depending on the number of visitors) and the return trip is at 5 pm.   Regularly the ferry makes trips every half hour. Depending on the number of people, they may leave earlier or later.
  • The cost is only $9.59 p/p round trip.  Coolers $5.58.
  • Before you make the trip to Guanica please call 787-821-4941 for up-to-date rates and hours.  If the weather is not favorable, the ferry will not make the trip. 

Video Gallery - Gilligan's Island

Guanica, Puerto Rico

Following is a fun video created by Grayson and friends, who reached out to us to share their creation.    – Thank you for helping to educate visitors about protecting our reefs by looking but never touching marine life.

Photo Gallery - Gilligan's Island

Guanica, Puerto Rico

Map - Giligan's Island / Cayo Aurora

Guanica, Puerto Rico

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Puerto Rico  ⏐ Best Places to Visit in Puerto Rico  ⏐ Puerto Rico Islands  ⏐ Gilligan’s Island / Cayo Aurora