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La Parguera, Lajas, Puerto Rico

Don't Miss the Bioluminescent Bay at La Parguera

La Parguera, is a fishing village in the town of Lajas along the southwest coast of Puerto Rico.  The greatest attraction in La Parguera is La Parguera Nature Reserve, one of the best places to visit for those wishing to get away from crowds and enjoy exploring keys and cays under the sun and doing water activities in the clearest water on the southern coast.  Visitors come to La Parguera to enjoy the simplicity of a coastal town where nature takes center stage.  The great fond memories we hold of La Parguera growing up, we can re-live today.

La Parguera is an eco-tourism destination you may not find highlighted in popular travel books.  You won’t find fancy hotels or resorts here, but a few charming small inns where you’ll come in as a guest and leave as a friend.  Back in the 1940s, there were only a handful of homes owned by fishermen and their families.  Today, private marinas and new residential communities are making La Parguera very appealing to retirees or those seeking a vacation / second home location.  This seaside fishing village has managed to retain the casual, low-key ambiance with the warmth and charm that makes the west coast of the island our favorite destination in Puerto Rico.

Things to Do in La Parguera

Lajas, Puerto Rico

Swim on the Bioluminescent Waters of La Parguera – Lajas

Bioluminescent Bay in Lajas, Puerto Rico - 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

Top Rated Lajas Bioluminescent Bay Tours

FROM Lajas - Local Tour of Bioluminescent Bay

FROM San Juan

The Cays of La Parguera Nature Reserve

La Parguera Nature Reserve - Lajas, Puerto Rico

La Parguera Nature Reserve is located at La Parguera, a fishing seafront village in the town of Lajas on the west coast of the island (Porta del Sol).   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.

Mata La Gata - La Parguera Nature Reserve - Lajas, Puerto Rico

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.  

Top Rated Tours to La Parguera Cays

More Natural Activities in La Parguera, Lajas

La Parguera, Lajas, Puerto Rico

Dolphins, manatees, and turtles love these waters, so count on having an interesting underwater experience.  Here you can observe mangrove forests, red and white mangroves are the most prevalent species here.

Explore the salt marshes, cays, islets, and seagrass beds, home to schools of tiny tropical fish who love to play.

Go scuba diving at the famous La Pared (The Wall) La Pared (the wall), offering about 20 miles of excellent scuba diving with exceptional coral reefs, observe various mangrove communities, spend the day relaxing and swimming on a secluded cay, and picnic surrounded by the Caribbean Sea.  Eco travelers will enjoy kayaking through the mangrove channels by day and seeing the magic of the bioluminescent bay on a moonless night.

Kayaking at La Parguera, Lajas, Puerto Rico

Getting Here & Top Tours

La Parguera, Lajas, Puerto Rico

Take PR 304 all the way south, it ends at La Parguera. When you hit the seafront, make a left where you’ll see the main parking lot.  There you’ll see signs for water taxis. If you need any information, your best source is friendly local owners of nearby hotels and restaurants.

To make the best of your time and see the best of La Parguera without worrying about the details, we recommend you book a tour the first time you visit, you’ll have such a wonderful time, you’ll want to come back and explore more of La Parguera and the west coast on your own.

Visiting La Parguera on your Own

The town of Lajas is south of San German on Rt 101.  You may rent a small boat to explore on your own or hire a water taxi to take you.  As always, we encourage you to rent a car in order to experience the best of Puerto Rico.  The west coast of Puerto Rico is perfect for those wishing to purchase a vacation home. There’s much to do on the west coast, with great quality of life and affordable living, the best region in Puerto Rico to invest in a vacation property.

Tours & Water Taxis

  • Johnny’s Boats – (787) 460-8922
  • West Divers – (787) 899-3223 / (787) 899-4171
  • Paradise Scuba & Snorkeling Center – (787)-899-7611
  • Parguera Fishing Charters – (787) 382-4698
  • Mahi – Mahi Tours and Fishing Charters – (787) 642-2587/ (787) 642-2627

Best Places to Stay - La Parguera

Lajas, Puerto Rico
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Map - La Parguera

Lajas, Puerto Rico

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