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Lajas, a small town with so much to offer to visitors that love nature, fishing, sailing, and getting to know the real island.  Located on the southwest coast of Puerto Rico near the towns of San German and Guanica. A day trip to Lajas offers many opportunities for exploration.  Drive through the countryside to see small rolling hills, rice, and pineapple farms.  Lajas is a boat lover’s paradise with various marinas, welcoming sailors from other islands seeking great food, safe harbor, and exploration of treasures on Puerto Rico’s coastline.  Head to La Parguera for delicious traditional treats such as empanadillas, surrullitos, and the freshest local seafood.  Hire a tour guide to take you scuba diving, snorkeling, deep fishing, seeing the mangrove channels, and jump into the clear waters of Caracoles and Mata La Gata Islands.  At night La Parguera attracts locals to pubs with live music and lots of food.

Tourism in Lajas, Puerto Rico

Tourism is mostly locals (Puerto Ricans), the west coast is not heavily promoted by the government agencies because there are no major resorts in Lajas.  Travelers seeking the unbeaten paths of Puerto Rico and the special places that make this island so special will love 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 for every vacation budget to enjoy.

The first hotel was built in the 1950s and today you can find condo communities available as rentals and a handful of small inns and hotels.  Search for hotels and vacation rentals in Lajas.

Bioluminescent Bay

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.

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, and 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 the highlight of your Puerto Rico vacation.

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. Learn more of Mata La Gata.

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.  More about Caracoles Cay.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Picnicking

La Parguera - Lajas, Puerto Rico

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.

Piscina Rosada

A really fun concept, a man-made pool right on the Caribbean Sea.  The shores of Lajas are framed by mangroves, so officially there are no beaches in Lajas, the waters are gorgeous, so the concept of a pool was created and it is a must-visit.  More about Playita Rosada in Lajas, Puerto Rico.

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.  Many are still owned by modest families and some were sold to professionals that escape to Porta del Sol to have a break from the city.  Take a water taxi to admire them.

Tours, Charters & Services for the Visitor
There are various friendly tour operators ready to take you for a day adventure to the pretty offshore little islands of Lajas. Tours are inexpensive, just $5 – $10 per person round trip, bring cash.  The scenic boat ride is about 10 minutes. We recommend you book a tour in advance or you may just show up to La Parguera to book it, you will see tour guides walking around offering their services.

Boat rentals are also available giving you the freedom to see the islands at your own pace and go “island-hopping” at La Parguera Nature Reserve.  You will have various options to get there; you may rent a motorboat, share a boat taxi ride or you can go on an eco-guided kayak tour.

Tour Operators

  • Johnny’s Boats – Phone # (787) 460-8922 or (787) 299-2212
  • Torres Boats – Phone # (787) 396-2089
  • Cancel Boats – Phone # (787) 899-5891
  • Aleli Tours – Phone # (787) 899-6086 or (787) 390-6086   Kayak rentals and kayak tours
  • Excurions EcoBoriken  – Phone # (787) 951-0683 – Kayak Tours