LA PARGUERA NATURAL RESERVE
The reserve is mainly a costal forest area that features mangrove swamps, estuaries and coral formations. By far one of the greatest costal mangrove systems in Puerto Rico. Over 12,000 acres, great for diving, snorkeling, sailing, kayaking, sightseeing and much more. The reserve is home to manatees and over 66 species of birds both local and migratory, ideal for bird watching and sightseeing. The name "Parguera" derives from the Spanish fish name "Pargo". The official translation in english is "porgy" , but this fish name is also translated as "snapper". Therefore, the word La Parguera stands to the "Land of Pargos" given the large varieties and amounts of pargo fishes off the cost of LaParguera. There are 30 or so cays but the most famous of these is Caracoles. Surrounded by shallow waters the cay seems to form a natural pool in the middle of the ocean and the only access to these beautiful cays is via boat. The channels are teaming with tropical fish due to the constant flow of fresh filtered water that emanates from the mangroves. Mata la Gata, El Enrique, El Mario, El Collado, Laurel, La Margara and San Cristobal are the largest of the cays. Frequented by local and international tourists these cays provide fantastic time for snorkeling and diving. Be prepared to spend the night under a star filled sky surrounded by the MILKY WAY and shooting stars crossing the heavens and fallng in the sea or fading in to the night.
El Enrique - Enjoyed by both snorkelers and divers. The reef begins at the margin of the grass beds with soft corals and continues down to 60 feet. Hard corals over rocks with a variety of reef creatures with the occasional turtle or manatee in site. A short boat ride from the dock.
El Mario - A horseshoe-shaped reef. Shallow areas in the center provides the snorkeler protected waters. Diver follow the outer reef with a near vertical wall of rock. Hard and soft corals with sponges facing the ocean. Grunts, snappers, angelfish and lobsters in 40 to 65 feet of water.
The Wall - One of the most spectacular dives in Puerto Rico. The lip of the wall begins at 60 to 70 feet and drops vertically to 150 feet and beyond. Wire coral, deep water barrel sponges and black coral decorate the bottom. The continental shelf that wraps around Puerto Rico's southern is closest to shore at La Parguera. The coral reefs are considered by many to be the finest and best coral reef in Puerto Rico. La Parguera is among the top snorkeling and dive destinations around the world. The waters of the coast in La Parguera are extremely clear, spectacular to say the least, they are free of currents and very warm. A submerged reef line marks the edge of the shelf beyond which depths of several thousand are quickly encounter.
NOT TO BE MISSED...!!!
Caracoles - One of the best protected rest areas to enjoy with your family. Snorkeling and swimming in crystal clear water in a relax environment.
Media Luna - Reef is known for the herds of friendly manatees that visit its waters from time, sea turtles and dolphins are also frequent visitors of the reef.
Mata la Gata Island - Les than a half a mile offshore, this small island is perfect for snorkeling, swimming, sun bathing, picnics, BBQ and spending the day with your family and friends. A natural salt water pool is protected so that kids and family feel safe while having fun.
Flourecent Bay - The bioluminescence is a common phenomenon in the open sea, but seldom times occurs in costal bays. In the region of La Parguera we can find two sheltered bays that exhibits this phenomenon. In the nights the waters of the Phosphorescent Bay and the Monsio José Bay, bright when waters are stirred by a swell, by a mass of fish or a hand passing by the water. The bioluminiscent of the Phosphorescent Bay is caused due to it is populated with millions of microorganism known as dinoflagellates, in which the most abundant is the Pyrodinium. Occasionally other mayor microorganism in size can contribute to the emmisions of the light that we see in the bay. The light or "sparkling" in the water is the result of a chemistry reaction between subtances present in which when combine shine. It generates a type of cold light which is called bioluminiscence, it sparks when the water gets turbulent, when a rowing boat passes, with the hands, when it rains or swimming. These dinoflagellates can be found in the Phosphorescent Bay due to the narrow entrance of the bay, and the little fluctuation of the swell. The bay is like a trap in which these populations are concentrated. Around the edge vitamin substances are generated that are indispensable requirement for the production and maintenance of the population of these organisms that causes the bioluminescence. "
