3 days ago
This Underrated Puerto Rican Town Is Home To Lush Mangroves And Bioluminescent Kayak Tours
Puerto Rico is packed full of verdant jungles and lush landscapes, with visitors flocking to iconic tourist destinations like El Yunque National Forest and Toro Verde Adventure Park each year—but the arid southern reaches of the island are home to their fair share of top-tier getaways as well. Just west of the wildlife-rich Guánica State Forest, La Parguera has been a top vacation destination for Puerto Rican residents for decades, with no shortage of mangrove-covered cays that are perfect for a relaxing day on the water. Whether you're hoping to kayak to your heart's content or spend a few days sipping mojitos in the sun, this seaside town is the ideal spot for an in-depth immersion into the beauty of Puerto Rico's southern shore.
The bulk of La Parguera's attractions can be found along the waterfront, and for anyone searching for overnight accommodations in the midst of the action, Parguera Plaza Hotel serves as the perfect base. Equipped with cozy rooms and five drinking and dining concepts found around the surrounding neighborhood, this adults-only property serves as an oasis of tranquility during daylight hours, with a lengthy outdoor pool that's lined with plush daybeds and beach loungers—and to sweeten the deal, the space takes on a completely different atmosphere by nightfall. Each weekend, the hotel springs into action with a live DJ performing just a few steps past the main lobby, inviting visitors to enjoy craft cocktails and take a soak in the 24-hour pool from sunset into the early hours of the morning.
While La Parguera is brimming with top-tier bars and restaurants, those who venture beyond the shoreline will be richly rewarded with stellar views of its sandy cays, each one playing host to a wealth of native fauna. All throughout the week, locals can be found pulling their boats up to the edge of a cay, dropping anchor and enjoying a Medalla under the sun—and for any outdoor adventurers, Fondo de Cristal has a wealth of options available to help join in on the fun. Visiting wildlife aficionados are welcome to rent a kayak and set off in search of local birds like the sanderling and ruddy turnstone, while the company also offers a glassbottom boat tour that provides captivating views of the native coral reefs. However, when it comes to crafting a truly unforgettable itinerary, don't miss out on the bioluminescent bay, a fascinating natural feature that can be explored through a guided tour via boat or kayak.
You're certain to work up an appetite after hours spent paddling along the mangroves, and fortunately, La Parguera is home to a thriving seafood scene thanks to its shoreside location. Visitors can sample fish asopao, shrimp mofongo and a wealth of other Puerto Rican staples during a trip to Puerto Parguera, while Parguera Plaza Hotel's Isla Cueva draws diners in droves thanks to their hearty beef, chicken and vegan burgers. Beyond the scope of seafood, cocktail aficionados can make their way to Restaurante El Karacol to sample one of their famous mojitos or swing by Mar & Tierra, an open-air bar that's packed with pool tables—and after a long night of sampling savory arepas and pastelillos, Zerogrados is the perfect dessert spot for a hearty serving of Thai ice cream.
Puerto Rico is home to three bioluminescent bays.
Parguera Plaza Hotel
Though some visitors prefer to stick to the San Juan area during their trip to Puerto Rico, there's no shortage of underrated getaways found far beyond the confines of the capital, with La Parguera serving as a prime example. Alongside its many pristine cays, the community also offers an opportunity to explore the thriving seafood scene that Puerto Rico has become known for, with added opportunities to sip on refreshing mojitos and local beer all throughout the night. As you plan your next trip to the Caribbean, be sure to save some room on the itinerary for a foray into the idyllic beauty of La Parguera, a thriving community that offers the perfect blend of outdoor adventure, gastronomy and nightlife.
