Mangrove, Seagrass, & Local Reef Snorkeling Tour

Snorkeling in La Parguera offers the chance to explore some of Puerto Rico’s most exciting and diverse underwater ecosystems. In the coral reefs, you may see schools of blue tang, parrotfish, butterflyfish, wrasses, and damselfish darting among elkhorn and brain corals. Hawksbill and green sea turtles are occasionally spotted, as well as southern stingrays gliding across the sandy bottom. The mangrove roots are nurseries for juvenile fish, such as snappers and barracudas, and you may also find seahorses, starfish, and upside-down jellyfish in the calm, shallow waters. Keep an eye out for colorful sponges, sea urchins, and crustaceans like hermit crabs and arrow crabs that make these waters their home.

Mangroves are coastal forests made up of salt-tolerant trees and shrubs that thrive where land meets sea. They play a crucial role in maintaining healthy marine environments by acting as natural nurseries for countless species of fish, crustaceans, and mollusks, offering them shelter and protection as they grow. Mangroves also stabilize shorelines by preventing erosion, filter pollutants from the water, and serve as critical carbon sinks that help fight climate change. In La Parguera, they provide habitat for a wide range of wildlife—from juvenile reef fish to birds and invertebrates—making them an essential part of the area’s ecological balance.

Common sunscreens contain chemicals that can harm coral reefs, as the particles are small enough to be absorbed by corals, causing toxicity and coral bleaching. Reef-friendly sunscreens are formulated without these harmful chemicals. Reef-SAFE sunscreens go a step further by using non-nano particles, which are too large for corals to ingest, helping to preserve marine ecosystems. 

Please avoid sunscreens with oxybenzone, octinoxate, and parabens. Consider wearing sun-protective clothing, like long-sleeve rash guards, as an alternative to sunscreen. If you choose a mineral-based sunscreen, ensure it is labeled ‘non-nano.’

You can snorkel with a beard or mustache but it can prevent a tight seal between the mask and your face, which may cause water to leak in. It is often recommended to shave at least your mustache before diving. If you’d prefer not to shave your mustache, please bring petroleum jelly or chapstick with you. If you coat your mustache in that chapstick or jelly, it may be able to seal and prevent water from getting in.

Glasses cannot be worn while snorkeling, but contacts are perfectly fine and recommended for the best experience. Prescription masks are not available for rent, but you are welcome to bring your own.

Additionally, there is an automatic correction effect that occurs underwater due to light refraction, making things appear clearer, but contacts or a personal prescription mask will provide the best visibility.

TripOutside recommends knowing how to swim before snorkeling, but participation is ultimately up to you and the tour operator's discretion.

• Check ocean conditions and only snorkel at lifeguarded beaches. The chance of rescue is much higher with trained lifeguards present.
• Never snorkel alone. Always bring a buddy. Beginners should consider booking a guided tour.
• Rest after flying. Flying can dehydrate and exhaust you—give your body at least a day to acclimate before snorkeling.
• Test your gear on land or in a pool first. Make sure your mask fits snugly, you can breathe through the snorkel, and you know how to clear water if needed.
• Practice with fins. You should be able to scissor kick while swimming. Avoid doggie paddling—it won’t get you far.
• Don’t wear fins on land. Walk into the water, get past the waves, then put your fins on. Remove them before exiting.
• Take it slow. Breathe calmly, relax, and avoid overexertion to keep your heart rate low.
• Know your limits. If you’re feeling tired, anxious, or unsure about conditions, skip the snorkel session. Panic in the water is dangerous.
• Stay aware of currents and tides. Even experienced swimmers can get pulled out. Know how to identify rip currents and how to escape them (swim parallel to shore).