La Parguera is part of the town of Lajas in the southern part of the main island. The town is located right on the edge of a very calm bay, and is home to La Parguera Nature Reserve, where you can kayak through mangroves, snorkel in the Caribbean Sea, and visit a bioluminescent bay. La Parguera is known for its variety of reef life at a shallow depth of 10-25 feet, so it’s an ideal location for snorkeling enthusiasts. Located within a two-hour drive from San Juan, La Parguera is a tranquil escape from busier parts of the island.
Snorkel in the Bio Bay
What really sets La Parguera apart from other snorkeling destinations around Puerto Rico is the ability to swim and snorkel in a bioluminescent bay. One of the rare natural wonders of the world, there are only five bioluminescent bays on earth. As you paddle or swim in the bay at night, the water around you lights up and glows thanks to energy emitted by millions of microorganisms. You can likely imagine how incredible it would be to snorkel in a bioluminescent bay – in fact, La Parguera is the only destination where swimming and snorkeling are allowed! Other bays only allow kayaks or boats. Snorkeling in La Parguera’s bio bay is a once-in-a-lifetime experience to view this phenomenon up close.
In addition to the bio bay, snorkelers can explore the reefs right on the edge of town and find sea creatures like dolphins, manatees, and barracudas. Ask your La Parguera snorkel tour guide for the best spots to visit and tips to make the most of your time on the island.