The Best Boat Rentals in La Parguera

Most small private charters for up to six guests run about $300–$500 for a 4-hour outing and $550–$900 for a full day, depending on boat size, day of week, and season. Nighttime bioluminescent bay trips typically range from about $60–$120 per person, with higher prices for swim-and-snorkel combos. Your rate commonly includes a licensed captain on private charters, fuel, basic ice and water or soft drinks, USCG-approved life jackets, and standard gear like float mats or snorkel sets. Gratuity, premium beverages, and special add-ons (extra float toys, photography, catering) are usually optional extras.

You’ll find comfortable pontoon boats for sandbar hangouts, center-console and bowrider powerboats for island-hopping and snorkeling, and, for upscale outings, mid-size motor yachts. Sailboats and catamarans do operate in Puerto Rico, but most La Parguera trips use motorboats designed for the shallow mangrove channels and nearby cays like Caracoles, Mata La Gata, and Cayo Enrique.

If you prefer to relax, a captained charter is the easiest option—your skipper handles navigation, anchoring, and timing. Confident boaters sometimes choose small self-drive skiffs for daytime visits to the cays. Note that Puerto Rico requires a boating license for residents born after July 1, 1972 to operate motorboats; many visitors without local licenses opt for captained trips. Either way, most operators provide a safety briefing before departure and restrict self-drive boats to daylight hours and designated areas.

Most charters meet along PR‑304 at the town’s waterfront docks by the main plaza, often referred to locally as the malecón. You’ll also see departures from the Las Crayolas public boat ramp area and from marina docks near Club Náutico de La Parguera. Exact meeting points are shared in your confirmation, and parking is easier if you arrive 20–30 minutes early on weekends and holidays.

Day trips cruise past mangrove channels to pristine cays and sandbars such as Cayo Caracoles, Mata La Gata, and Cayo Enrique, with shallow turquoise water ideal for swimming and snorkeling over seagrass and coral gardens. Offshore, the famed La Parguera Wall drops dramatically into deep blue Caribbean waters, and it’s common to spot turtles, rays, and schools of reef fish. After sunset, the bioluminescent bay glows as you move the water—La Parguera is the only bio bay in Puerto Rico where swimming is permitted with authorized operators.

Puerto Rico law requires residents born after July 1, 1972 to hold a boating license to operate motorboats. Visitors are often allowed to rent small self-drive boats after a safety briefing at the operator’s discretion, but many travelers choose a captained charter to keep things stress-free. Regardless of who’s driving, you must follow local rules on speed, no‑wake zones, safety gear, sober operation, and daytime-only use for self-operated boats.

Yes. Family groups are warmly welcomed on most private charters and many bio bay tours. Operators provide USCG-approved life jackets for all ages and sizes; children must wear life jackets while the boat is underway. Many captains also carry basic first-aid kits and will recommend calm, shallow spots for swimming. If you’re planning a bio bay swim, ask about minimum age policies and whether your child is comfortable in the water at night.

On private charters, bringing your own snacks, picnic items, and favorite beverages is common and encouraged. Most boats include a cooler with ice and bottled water or soft drinks, and some can arrange catered platters by request. For everyone’s safety, avoid glass if possible, stow trash securely, and drink responsibly—your captain has the final say if conditions or guest behavior could affect safety.

Policies vary by boat. Many private charters will welcome a well-behaved dog, often with size limits, advance notice, and a small cleaning fee. For shared tours and night bio bay trips, pets are typically not permitted. If you plan to bring a pet, confirm during booking and pack a leash, a non-slip mat, fresh water, and a pet life jacket if you have one.

Conditions on Puerto Rico’s south coast are generally favorable year-round, with the calmest seas most mornings and breezier afternoons. Peak hurricane season is June through November, and isolated showers can pop up any time. Captains monitor the marine forecast and will reschedule or cancel if lightning, small‑craft advisories, or unsafe seas develop. Most operators offer weather-related refunds or rebooking—check your confirmation for the exact window.

Absolutely. La Parguera’s sandbars are perfect for milestone celebrations, and many boats come with Bluetooth speakers, float mats, and coolers to make hosting easy. Most small vessels are licensed for up to six guests; larger groups simply reserve multiple boats and raft up at the cays so everyone can celebrate together. Share your occasion, headcount, and preferred vibe when you inquire, and the captain will tailor the day around you.

Boating is truly year‑round here. December through April aligns with peak tourist season and lower rainfall, while June through August brings warm water and lively local weekends at the sandbars. Major boating holidays—Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day—book up early, so reserve ahead. For smoother seas, choose a weekday morning; for the brightest bio bay glow, target darker nights near the new moon and avoid full‑moon dates when possible.

Yes—if your schedule allows, pair a daytime cay hop with a night swim in the bio bay. La Parguera is Puerto Rico’s only bio bay where swimming is permitted with authorized operators, and the experience is magical on moonless nights. Expect a short boat ride into the bay, time to slip into the water, and an easy ride back under the stars. Bring a towel and dry clothes, and skip lotions or sprays that could harm the organisms.