The cays of La Parguera
A belt of mangrove islets off the town. Each has its own character.
How visiting the cays works
None of the cays can be reached by road: you get to all of them by water. Boats leave from La Parguera's waterfront, and the ride to the nearest cays is short.
You have three options: a boat tour that visits several cays, a drop-off service that leaves you at one cay and picks you up at an agreed time, or renting your own boat.
There are no stores or concessions on the cays. Everything you'll eat and drink, you have to bring — and take back with you when you leave.
Which one to choose
| Cay | Best for | Crowds |
|---|---|---|
| Cayo Caracoles | Calm water, first visit | High |
| Cayo Enrique | Snorkeling, clear water | Medium |
| Mata La Gata | Spending the day, groups and families | High |
| Cayo Laurel | Peace and quiet, kayaking, mangroves | Low |
| Cayo Májimo | Walking into the water from the sand | Low |
| Cayo Collado | Sandbars, shallow water | Low |
Rules that matter
- Leave no trash. There's no trash collection on the cays.
- Don't touch or stand on coral.
- Don't cut or damage mangrove roots.
- Use mineral sunscreen instead of chemical sunscreen.
- Follow the instructions of operators and authorities.
Cayo Caracoles
One of the most visited cays, with shallow water and mangroves.
Cayo Enrique
Clear water and sand — a snorkeling favorite.
Mata La Gata
La Parguera's classic recreation area, with a dock and room to spend the day.
Cayo Laurel
Surrounded by mangroves and marine life, quieter than the main cays.
Cayo Májimo
A sandy beach and clear water, with the coastline in the background.
Cayo Collado
Very shallow turquoise water and sandbars among the mangroves.
Location
Where each cay is
Pick a cay to see it on the map. All of them are reached by water from the town waterfront.
The town and the belt of cays around it.
The cays up close
Shallow water, mangroves and reef.
Coming to see our cays?
Make Marietta Keys your base in La Parguera and wake up steps from the water.