Lajas, Puerto Rico – 2022 Guide – Best Things to Do, Bioluminescent Bay Experience, Beaches / Cays, and more…

Bahía Bioluminiscente de La Parguera / “Bioluminescent Bay” of La Parguera

Lajas was blessed with two bioluminescent bays, experiencing this phenomenon is a must for every visitor while in Puerto Rico.  The bio bay in Lajas is best experienced on moonless nights and by kayak.  More about the bioluminescent bay in Lajas.

+ Puerto Rico Bioluminescent Bays & Top Tours

Explore the Mangrove Channels, Keys & Cays at La Parguera Nature Reserve

La Parguera is in the town of Lajas and attracts sea lovers, scuba divers, sailors, eco-travelers, and foodies.  La Parguera offers visitors a full day of wonderful experiences under the Caribbean sun.  During the day, enjoy various activities such as kayaking, snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing, and swimming on some of the clearest waters on the southern coast.  After dinner, book a tour to watch the sunset over the water, when the stars light the sky, get ready for the magical experience of the bioluminescent bay.  We are confident that a day in La Parguera will be one of the highlights of your Puerto Rico vacation.

+ La Parguera Nature Reserve - Lajas, PR

Scuba Diving

Scuba Diving in La Parguera is world-class.  The Parguera Wall is unlike any other diving site in the Caribbean, the water quality is superb, the topography very diverse, and the amount of sea life mesmerizing.  The Wall is 6 miles offshore, the advanced dive is 125 ft.

Eat, Dance & Mingle with Locals at La Parguera

Foodies love coming to La Parguera, there are many family-owned restaurants and laid-back pubs offering delicious Comida Criolla (Puerto Rican traditional food) at non-touristy prices that won’t break your wallet.  Try delicious traditional treats such as empanadillas, surrullitos, and the freshest local seafood.  On weekend nights La Parguera attracts locals and travelers who wish to have a cultural experience with live music and dancing on the square.

Caracoles Cay

Caracoles is known for its shallow and clear water, excellent for swimming and snorkeling, however, there is no place to sit or stand, making it a popular spot for boaters and water taxi stops. The best time to visit is during the winter months through early spring on weekdays, with the least crowds.

+ Caracoles Island, Lajas, Puerto Rico

Go Snorkeling

From experienced to beginners, adults to toddlers, La Parguera offers great snorkeling locations from open water, mangrove cays to enclosed natural pools perfect for children to snorkel safely.  Book a snorkeling tour with a knowledgeable guide to make the best of your time in La Parguera.

Go Fishing at La Parguera

If you love fishing, you ought to come to Lajas where you can enjoy some of the best deep-sea fishing in Puerto Rico, the clear waters are known for mahi-mahi, marlin, and wahoo.

Mata La Gata Cay

This little cay takes picnicking to another level, although simple, it offers visitors picnic facilities with 360-degree scenic views, a natural pool, and hideaway spots for those that prefer more solitude. 

+ Mata La Gata, Lajas

Kayaking & Paddleboarding (SUP)

Kayaking and Paddleboarding are excellent ways to explore the mangrove channels of La Parguera Nature Reserve.  The waters are calm along the mangroves, kayakers of all levels can enjoy the waters.  At night, kayaking is the best way to experience the bioluminescent bay.

Drive Through the Agricultural Valley of Lajas

Lajas is known for having some of the most fertile ground in Puerto Rico where farming has not ceased.  As you drive towards La Parguera, be sure to drive through the valley to observe rice fields and the famous pineapple farms.  You’ll pass stands that sell fresh produce, cold coconuts filled with coconut water.  Don’t miss the opportunity to buy a fresh cut pineapple, you’ll be spoiled for life after tasting one. 

Piscina Rosada

Closed due to damage from Hurricane Maria

+  Piscina Rosa - Lajas, Puerto Rico

Picnicking

If you love to picnic with family, friends or dream of a romantic picnic just for two, La Parguera Nature Reserve will not disappoint.  Mata La Gata is the only cay with land and picnic facilities.  Although you have to bring everything you need, the scenery and setting certainly make up for it. You may also head to Playita Rosada, located along the coast with picnic facilities and a unique natural pool the whole family will enjoy.  You’ll have no problems getting a table during weekdays from September to mid-March.  The busy season is during the summer months every day of the week.

Laguna Cartagena

Laguna Cartagena is a nature reserve, one of the few fresh water lagoons in Puerto Rico.  Although not the body of water that it once was, US Fish & Wildlife is has taken on the challenge to improve the lagoon to create a better habitat for migratory and aquatic birds. Visit for a nice hike and birdwatching. Download brochure.

Houses on the Water

One of the unique characteristics of Lajas is found along the coast of La Parguera, small colorful homes that were built during the mid-1900s still remain.  What today is enviable real estate, was built by hard-working fishermen that had no land to build, so they were built on the water giving them easy access to the water and a place for their boats in order to earn a living for their families.   Most of the original owners have passed away, leaving these homes to family members who hold on to them with pride, giving them a fresh coat of paint, and making simple improvements to maintain the original feel.  Many owners live full time in these homes, some of the owners live in the San Juan/ Metro area and enjoy them on weekends for a break of the city and the calm of La Parguera.  A few of them are now available for visitors of Lajas to enjoy as vacation rentals.  Most of the tours include sightseeing of the homes on the way to the offshore cays and keys of La Parguera.  You may also rent a small boat to admire them and the offshore cays.