Snorkel· La Parguera· Other Caribbean
La Parguera Mangrove Cays (Caracoles, Mata la Gata, Enrique)
17° 57.8′ N · 67° 2.1′ W · approximate
A labyrinth of mangrove cays and sandbars inside La Parguera's reef: Cayo Caracoles' shallow natural pool, the sandy shallows at Enrique and Mata la Gata, and mangrove channels where pelicans nest and manatees surface.
Practical
Position approx: Cayo Caracoles as mapped on OpenStreetMap; Mata la Gata is about 0.4 nm SW (17.960N 67.039W). Per Paradise Scuba: over 30 cays and sandbars; Caracoles has a crystal-clear natural pool; Enrique, Mata la Gata and Majimo are popular snorkeling and boat hangouts; turtles, spotted eagle rays and manatees frequent Media Luna; Cayo Cueva has a monkey colony (do not land). The mangrove channels (Los Canales) are still used to shelter local boats in severe weather. Within La Parguera Nature Reserve: anchor in sand, no-wake near manatees, and expect crowds of local boats on weekends.
Best for
Dinghy snorkeling and lazy sandbar afternoons
Nearby
- La Parguera Anchorage0.5 NM away
- Magueyes Island Tide Station (NOAA 9759110)0.8 NM away
- Fiestas de la Candelaria (La Parguera)0.9 NM away
- La Parguera Village (restaurants & provisions)0.9 NM away
- Paradise Scuba & Snorkeling Center (La Parguera)0.9 NM away
- Bahía Fosforescente (La Parguera)1.4 NM away
- La Parguera Wall4.4 NM away
- Cabo Rojo National Wildlife Refuge & Salt Flats7.6 NM away
Place data includes © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).