Mata la gata: Isla Mata la Gata – A Tiny Island Paradise
Isla Mata La Gata (La Parguera Beach), Lajas, Puerto Rico
Mata La Gata, often called “La Parguera Beach” is located in the town of Lajas, on the southwest coast of Puerto Rico. We think you’ll love this place as much as we do, a little mangrove cay/island, part of the fishing village of La Parguera. Mata La Gata Island is part of Reserva Natural La Parguera which includes 4 other mangrove islands managed by the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DRNA). This cute island’s colors are blue, green, turquoise, and coral, a nature lover’s tiny paradise surrounded by more sister islands, everywhere you stand on the island, the views are gorgeous.
Be sure to visit Caracoles, which is right next to Mata La Gata. After fun on the water under the sun, head back and enjoy a nice dinner at the village. After dinner experience the magic of the bioluminescent bay. Secure your spot especially if you’re going on a weekend.
Mata La Gata is the only “island” with a beach and picnic facilities in La Parguera, still considered an off the beaten path for tourists but very well known and loved by residents of Puerto Rico and sailors around the world.
Mata La Gata is a wonderful place for families with children. The beach is actually a man-made pool in the open water of the Caribbean Sea so visitors could enjoy it safely. The pool was created with a wooden deck and mesh that makes a perfect enclosure keeping grass and bigger fish from coming into the pool (beach swimming area). Imagine your children’s eyes when they see this fun natural pool where they can jump in, snorkel safely to watch schools of tiny tropical fish that play, and hide among the mangrove roots that line the pool area.
Around the Mata La Gata Island, there are some intimate small openings where you can sit on shallow water and admire the mesmerizing colors of the water, neighboring keys and the coastline of Lajas.
Be sure to take them on a walk along the boardwalk on the small mangrove forest on the island, it is a wonderful educational opportunity where they can observe these amazing plants that are so important to the ecological health of Parguera Nature Reserve.
Snorkeling at Mata La Gata, Lajas
The best time to snorkel is early morning when the water is calmer and clearer. On the east side of the island between Caracoles and Mata La Gata, there is a wall that drops pretty deep where you can do some snorkeling. Current can be a bit strong depending on conditions, there are no lifeguards in the area, you swim at your own risk. Always use common sense and never snorkel alone.
Have a picnic
Mata La Gata is one of the best places to picnic in Lajas, the scenery surrounding the island and the peacefulness of the place make it a very special place. We suggest you keep it simple, so you can spend more time enjoying the island and less time worrying about the details.
The gazebos at the front of the island are more family-friendly, they’re closest to the pool.
Romantics wishing for a more intimate and private ambiance will find pleasure at the back of the island, there you can claim a picnic table with the best views.
Relax
During weekdays in the winter months, you may be sharing the island with a few people or have it to yourself, especially early morning. The east and south side of the island are perfect places to sit at the picnic table or lounge chair with your favorite book.
The views are worthy of a painting, the colors of the waters range from turquoise to emerald green, contrasting with the hunter green of mangrove cays and hills of the main island in the distance.
A wonderful spot on the south side of the island, even on a busy day on the island, all you hear is the sound of the Caribbean Sea waves crashing against the reef. On a hot day, the caress of the breeze constantly cools, the playful of the pelicans are entertaining and the singing of birds is a sweet melody.
Take a short walk along the mangroves
This little island is complete with a boardwalk through a small mangrove forest. It’s a really short walk, but you’ll enjoy the artful formations of mangrove roots.
Tours / Water Taxis
- There are various friendly tour operators ready to take you for a day adventure to the pretty offshore little islands of Lajas. See below for tours.
- You’ll find water taxi signs with information in the village of La Parguera. Be sure to stay longer for sunset and the magic of the bioluminescent bay.
To the east side of Mata de Gata is the neighbor island of Caracoles which is the best for snorkeling and popular for boaters, you can request for the tour company to take you there as well, just ask.
Facilities at Mata La Gata Island
Facilities include picnic tables, gazebos, barbecue pits, composting restrooms, showers, and changing rooms. DRNA is open, feel free to stop by to ask questions or request assistance.
What to Bring
There are no snack bars or stores on the island so bring everything you will need. Bring plenty of water, sunblock, toilet paper/wipes, hand sanitizer, cooking utensils, aluminum foil, etc.
What to Take Back? – Please bring a bag with you and take all your trash back with you.
When to Visit / Hours
During the week in high season months (December – April) you may have the island to yourself. The high season for locals in the summer months and on weekends it gets very busy on the island, so make sure you get here early to claim a picnic table. Summer weekends and holidays, Mata La Gata and Caracoles get really busy and it becomes a party boat scene.
Hours: Tuesday – Sunday from 9 am to 5 pm
Tours Visitors Love in Puerto Rico
Visit Isla Mata La Gata on your trip to La Parguera or Puerto Rico
Isla Mata La Gata reviews
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80 reviews
By honest_axe
html”>Swimming in these warm waters was wonderful. The mangroves protect the area so the waters are very calm and clear like a swimming pool! We toured in August and the waters were like bath water…the…
Swimming in these warm waters was wonderful. The mangroves protect the area so the waters are very calm and clear like a swimming pool! We toured in August and the waters were like bath water…the…
more »By jsantana1
We traveled several hours to Guiligan’s Island in Guanaca to find out it was closed and decided to go to La Parguera, a small fishing town in Lajas…. and what a great decision this was. A short…
html”>We traveled several hours to Guiligan’s Island in Guanaca to find out it was closed and decided to go to La Parguera, a small fishing town in Lajas…. and what a great decision this was. A short…
more »By Sydhannah36
Breathtaking views at this beach! You have to take a boat to the island but there are many different places to choose from to take the boat. They will drop you off and pick you up at your specified…
Breathtaking views at this beach! You have to take a boat to the island but there are many different places to choose from to take the boat. They will drop you off and pick you up at your specified…
more »
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Kayaking / Canoeing
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Route: Torrevieja – Gibraltar – Manamana
You will be able to get good sailing practice and get three hundred nautical miles in the logbook. Or just enjoy sailing along the coast of Spain visiting interesting historical sites
The journey starts in the marina of Torrevieja, 36 km from Alicante airport. The Spanish coast of the Costa Blanca is rich in estuaries. Two of them are located in the vicinity of the city of Torrevieja: Pink Lagoon and La Mata.
Endless sandy beaches run along the entire city. And Torrevieja is the most Russian-speaking city in Spain. It has a uniquely mild climate, as the mountain range protects the coast from northern winds.
Guests are accommodated on a catamaran, we buy food for the transition.
Second day – Cartagena
Historically, Cartagena is one of the most interesting places on our route.
The city was founded in 227 BC. Carthaginians, that is, people from modern Tunisia. Soon the city passed to the Romans, becoming one of the main points of the Roman Empire.
In the middle of the 18th century the city was surrounded by a fortress wall and a moat, several kilometers of which have been preserved. Inside, an ancient amphitheater, a theater, a Punic wall, a fortress protrude from the city buildings of the century before last. Cartagena is like a box with a surprise.
Natural deep harbor has always served as a shelter for ships, including military ones. Today, the importance of Cartagena has not diminished. There is an extensive military fleet, shipyards, a fishing fleet, and two spacious yacht marinas.
Third day – Aguilas
From the point of view of a yachtsman, Aguilas is interesting primarily for its bay closed on three sides. Above it hangs on a hill an old fortress from the middle of the 18th century, Castillo de San Juan de las Águilas.
Well restored, with a museum inside.
The city of Aguilas sprawls along the shores of the bay. Nice old center with a church.
Fourth day Cabo de Gata
47 miles from Aguilas is the Parque natural Cabo de Gata-Níjar. This includes a marine reserve, protected since 1987.
Clean sand, azure sea, cliffs, bays hidden from the wind. The driest place in Europe, this reserve is included in the UNESCO heritage list. There are many anchorages in the park.
For the night we will anchor at the fishing village of San José.
Fifth day – Almerimar
By tradition, during the autumn-spring migration, we always go to the Almerimar marina. Reliably sheltered from the waves, spacious, inexpensive. Due to the climate and prices, many yachtsmen winter in this marina, so there is always someone to exchange news with. For the taste of winterers in the marina, you can find a variety of restaurants and cafes.
We will spend only one night in Almerimar marina. In the morning, if necessary, replenish the supply of food and move further west.
Sixth day – La Herradura
We are 50 miles from our next stop, La Herradura. This is approximately 9 hours of sailing along the coast of Andalusia.
La Herradura is interesting primarily for its vast bay, protected on both sides by headlands overlooking the sea. On both capes stands an old fortress. Pine forests adorn this corner of Andalusia.
We will be able to land at Marina Del Este, very picturesque. The marina is relatively new, with fine restaurants.
Seventh day – Fuengirola
We will make the penultimate stop at the resort town of Fuengirola. We will anchor at the beach in the immediate vicinity of the marina. Costa del Sol with the famous Malaga, Marbella, Estepona is very popular with yachtsmen.
Marina Fuengirola abounds with restaurants to suit all tastes.
The city is mostly populated by expats. There is a market with the freshest products, many shops.
Nightlife is very active in Fuengirola.
Eighth day – La Line / Gibraltar
The last crossing ends on the coast of the Strait of Gibraltar, in the Alcaides marina. In the bay of Algeciras, an amazing mixture of cultures – Spanish, Moroccan and British.
If documents and time allow, you can visit the British Gibraltar. It is within walking distance of the marina.
British flavor awaits you there, a unique reserve on top of a cliff with the only wild monkeys in Europe living in freedom; caves; ancient forts.
Ninth day – La Line
End of the journey. The cadets take the exam, and the guests go home.
Route dates: from September 29 to October 8, 2023
Strong headwind and sea conditions may slightly change our itinerary. The adjustment takes place on the spot, on the day of going to sea, in agreement with the crew.
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