Parguera Tourist Attractions
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La Parguera is a small, casual fishing village catering to visitors with a short strip of guesthouses, restaurants, cafés, and dive and windsurfing shops. Surrounding the area are many small islands and bays. Several houses in the area are built on stilts and are surrounded by mangrove tree swamplands.Although the town is cute and has lots to offer, it is out and under the Caribbean waters that La Parguera shines. Kayaking, windsurfing, and fishing are all activities visitors enjoy. La Parguera is also noted for being a diving hotspot. Five miles off the coast divers rave about a site called The Wall.
Phosphorescent Bay
The gem attraction in Parguera, the Phosphorescence Bay (Bahía Fosforescente) features a phenomenon caused by millions of luminescent dynoflagellates which light up when disturbed by movement. The area is actually two bays, Bahía Monsio José and Bahía La Paguera, and mangrove trees encircle both. It is a good idea to see the phenomenon aboard a boat tour.Many operators will be happy to take you out and explain the phenomenon. La Parguera used to be able to claim that their Bahía Fosforescente was the best in all of Puerto Rico, but with rampant building and pollution, the effects have been diminished. The best phosphorescence show is now in Vieques.Unfortunately, motor boats actually contribute to the destruction of phosphorescence.
The Canals
Also called "The Wall", the Canals are an area just off the Parguera coast where more than 30 islands have created channels that offer good diving, kayaking, and other water activities. It is a confusing area so it is a good idea to go with a tour operator to learn more about the area before striking out on your own.The Canals are generally lined with mangrove trees and rival those areas found in Louisiana, just south of New Orleans. Fishing is good in the canals for large pargo fish. The main street of La Parguera has many operators who will be happy to show you around whatever your recreational interest may be.
