How to Visit Cayo Caracoles, Puerto Rico with Kids: Boat Rentals, Bioluminescent Bay Tours & What to Expect
- kindlittleexplorer
- Jun 30
- 6 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
Looking for an unforgettable family adventure in Puerto Rico? Cayo Caracoles, part of La Parguera Nature Reserve in Lajas, is a hidden gem that’s perfect for families. With calm, shallow waters, incredible snorkeling, and by a glowing bioluminescent bay, this tiny cay offers a magical experience your kids will never forget.
We’ve visited Cayo Caracoles, Puerto Rico, twice — once by renting our own small boat in the morning and more recently by booking a Sunset + Bioluminescent Bay combo boat tour. Wether you're looking for a day boating trip, bioluminescent bay boat tours in Puerto Rico (or both), in this post, I’ll share everything you need to know about how to get there (especially if you're flying into San Juan or Aguadilla), what to pack, boat rentals and private charter tours, and tips for families traveling in Puerto Rico.
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How to Get to La Parguera, Lajas: Transportation Tips for Families
Whether you're flying into San Juan (SJU) or Aguadilla (BQN), visiting Cayo Caracoles requires some planning — especially if you're traveling with kids.
Flying Into San Juan: Start in the City, Then Head West
We flew into San Juan and spent a few days exploring the city. Uber was easy and reliable within the metro area — we used it to visit:
Old San Juan and El Morro
Beaches like Condado and Escambrón
Local restaurants and shops
Important: Uber and taxis do not go all the way to La Parguera (it’s about 2.5–3 hours away), so to visit Cayo Caracoles, you'll need a car or a guided tour with transportation.
Military Tip: Rent a Car with a Discount. After exploring San Juan, we rented a car to drive west to Aguadilla. We used Enterprise near the San Juan Hotel, and they gave us a military discount with no hassle — just show your military ID. Most major rental companies offer military discounts in Puerto Rico.
Don’t Want to Drive? Book a Tour With Transportation
If you'd rather not rent a car, you can book a guided tour from San Juan that includes round-trip transportation. It's a great option if you're short on time or don't feel comfortable driving long distances.
👉 Check out this highly rated tour: La Parguera Keys Hopping & Sunset Private Boat Tour from San Juan
Staying in Aguadilla: The Perfect West Coast Base
If flying into and/or staying in Aguadilla, a car rental is needed to get to La Parguera. After San Juan, we based ourselves in Aguadilla, and it made visiting La Parguera super easy — just under a 2-hour drive. While in Aguadilla, we:
Swam at Crash Boat Beach
Visited the Cabo Rojo salt flats and lighthouse
Took a Sunset & Bioluminescent Bay combo tour from La Parguera
Bonus for Military Families: Stay Near Ramey Base
If you’re a military family, staying near Ramey Base in Aguadilla comes with great perks:
Access to the Coast Guard Exchange (CGX)
Easy access to groceries, snacks, beach gear, a gas station, and essentials
A peaceful and family-friendly area that’s centrally located for exploring the west coast
How to Get to Cayo Caracoles:
Option 1: Rent A Small Boat
On our first visit to La Parguera, we chose to rent our own small boat, and it turned out to be the perfect morning adventure with kids!
The boat ride from the dock to Cayo Caracoles takes about 10–15 minutes, and it’s very easy to navigate — even for first-time boaters. The water is calm and shallow, the route is short and clear, and most rental companies give you a quick map and safety walkthrough before you leave. You’ll likely see other boats heading in the same direction, too.
💡 If you can drive a golf cart, you can steer one of these boats!
What to Expect:
No boating license required for visitors
Puerto Rico residents born after July 1, 1972, must have completed an approved boating safety course
Boats fit up to 4 people
Kids must wear life jackets whenever the boat is moving
Rental durations range from 5 to 9 hours, typically priced between $250 and $450, depending on the time and size of the boat.
Rental Tips:
Boats are first come, first served, but can be rented same-day
Arrive early in the morning (ideally before 9 AM) for the best chance of getting one — especially on weekends
Bring snacks, towels, and water gear — boats are basic but fun!
Once we anchored at Cayo Caracoles, the kids had a blast:
Snorkeling with small fish
Swimming in the clear, waist-deep water
Exploring the cay with goggles
Floating around on pool noodles and soaking up the sun
Option 2: Book a Private Charter to Cayo Caracoles
If you want a relaxing, all-included experience without navigating a boat yourself, booking a private charter is a fantastic option — especially with kids or a group.
These private tours often include:
Captain and crew
Cooler and drinks (some include snacks or lunch)
Swimming and snorkeling stops
Option to visit Cayo Caracoles, other sandbars, and even nearby cays
Flexible start times and the comfort of having the boat to yourself
Recommended Private Charters:
Option 3: Puerto Rico Sunset & Bioluminescent Bay Combo Boat Tour
If your family wants to experience the best of both worlds — a relaxing swim at a sandbar and a magical night swim in glowing waters — this is the tour I personally recommend.
This is the only BioBay in Puerto Rico you can swim in!
We booked a Sunset + Bioluminescent Bay combo tour, such as this one (click here), and it was absolutely unforgettable. This is the perfect choice for families who want to visit Cayo Caracoles or a nearby cay and enjoy the magic of La Parguera’s biobay in one evening.
What’s Included:
Sunset boat ride through the mangroves
Evening stop at Cayo Caracoles (or another cay) for swimming
After-dark visit to the bioluminescent bay, where you can swim in glowing, sparkly water
The kids were amazed — they said it felt like swimming in glittery stardust. It was truly one of the most magical experiences we’ve had as a family. Parents, grandparents, and the kids all loved this experience.
💡 This is the tour I’d recommend for families looking to combine a daytime cay visit with a night biobay experience — it’s efficient, exciting, and easy to do in one trip.
Best Time to Visit the Biobay
For the most magical experience, plan your biobay tour during a new moon or when the moon rises later at night. The darker the sky, the better it is to see the glowing bioluminescence.
Biobay Tips:
Check the moon phase calendar before booking
Avoid full moon nights
Bring a light jacket for the return trip.
What to Pack for Cayo Caracoles with Kids
When planning a day trip to Cayo Caracoles or any nearby cay, be sure to pack essentials that will keep your family comfortable and protected. Bring hats with a strap, reef-safe sunscreen, sunglasses, and rash guard shirts to help protect from the sun.
Everyone should wear swimsuits and consider water shoes, as some areas around the cays can be rocky. Pack towels, plenty of water, and snacks (though some boat rentals or charters include a cooler). Don’t forget your snorkel gear, goggles, a waterproof phone holder, a wet bag for storing wet clothes, and a dry bag for keeping essentials dry. A change of clothes is always a good idea for the ride back.
If you're heading out on a bioluminescent bay tour, most of the same essentials apply. You’ll want to bring your swimsuits, towels, goggles or snorkel gear, and again, waterproof bags for both wet and dry items. Bring along water and snacks—many charter tours include a cooler with drinks. Since the return ride is often after dark, it’s a good idea to pack a light jacket or an extra change of clothes to stay warm and dry on the way back.
Is Cayo Caracoles Worth It for Families?
Absolutely! Both trips were safe, kid-friendly, and incredibly memorable. We loved:
The calm, shallow water — perfect for little swimmers
Snorkeling and sea life spotting
Easy boat rental or family-friendly tour options
Final Tips Before You Go
Book boat rentals or tours in advance — especially during holidays and summer
Check the weather and tide conditions
Bring cash for parking, just in case the free parking is full.
Consider staying overnight in La Parguera or Cabo Rojo to cut down on drive time.
Recommended nearby hotels:
Plan Your Next Puerto Rico Family Adventure
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning to explore more of Puerto Rico, Cayo Caracoles is a must-do for families — and even better when paired with a magical biobay swim!
Happy Travels!
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