Sunset Sandbar, Bay Swim

Mareaito Charters LLC runs this boat and swim outing to La Parguera. The listing gives 2 hours and a 4.8 rating from 573 reviews with free cancellation. Guests make their own way to the meeting point. A sunset cruise comes before the bay, and swimming is permitted here, unlike at the other two Puerto Rico bio bays.

Overview

This two-hour outing from Mareaito Charters packs three very different experiences into one evening: a cruise past the stilt houses of La Parguera, a swim stop at the Caracoles sandbar timed for sunset, and an after-dark swim in the bioluminescent bay. You board at the operator's dock, ride out while the light fades, then get in the water twice before heading back.

The first swim happens at the sandbar while the sun goes down. Once it is properly dark, the boat moves to the biobay, where swimmers get life jackets and floaties and can move around in water that lights up with every motion.

You need to be able to climb a two-step ladder back onto the boat. There is no hotel pickup, no bathroom on board, and no snorkel gear, so it is best booked by people happy with a straightforward swim-and-cruise format. After the boat returns, downtown La Parguera is close by for food and drinks.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at Mareaito dockFind Mareaito Charters on Google Maps; parking is on-site near La Casita Sea Food and Pal agua restaurant, at a white house with blue trim.
2. Cruise the stilt housesThe boat rides out past La Parguera's houses on the water on the way to the sandbar.
3. Swim at Caracoles sandbarSwim stop at the most famous sandbar in La Parguera, timed so you can watch the sunset from the water.
4. Swim in the biobayAfter dark, the boat heads to the bioluminescent bay, where you swim surrounded by the glow of the microorganisms. Life jackets and floaties are provided.
5. Return to the dockThe ride back can be windy, so the operator suggests a light jacket. Downtown La Parguera is nearby if you want to eat afterward.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will make the difference between a smooth night and a rushed one.

• What to bring. Bring swimwear and a towel; towels and personal items are not included. A light jacket helps on the windy ride back to the dock.
• Sunscreen is banned. Sunscreen and insect repellent are not allowed on this tour. The listing states the prohibition without giving a reason.
• Fitness and mobility. You must be able to climb into the boat using a two-step ladder. Swimming is central to the tour, but reviewers said the crew looked after non-swimmers too, with life jackets and floaties available.
• Guides and photos. Reviewers often mention friendly, informative captains who shared information along the way. One reviewer also thanked the crew for snapping pictures to capture the moment.
• No bathroom on board. Use facilities on shore before boarding.
• Finding the dock. Some travellers found parking easy but the meeting point confusing. The listing gives the spot as a white house with blue trim in front of La Casita Sea Food and Pal agua restaurant.

Common issues. The most consistent complaint is the meeting point: some travellers found parking straightforward but the actual meetup location unclear. There is no bathroom on the boat, no hotel pickup, and snorkeling gear is not included. Sunscreen and insect repellent are prohibited.

Choosing Your Bay