Most Interesting Attractions near Guánica

Guánica State Forest (Guánica Dry Forest) is one of the world's best examples of a subtropical dry forest. Covering close to 10,000 acres, it's the largest state forest in Puerto Rico. The forest has a number of popular beaches including Jaboncillo Beach and Tamarindo Beach. It's also home to the historic Fuerte Caprón ruins, where you'll get a  spectaular view of Guánica Bay. Fishing, hiking, and mountain biking are popular activities in the forest.

Among locals, Playa Santa is one Guanica's most popular beaches. This long, slender beach, situated along the Caribbean Sea, features clean white sand and calm blue waters. Vendors offer various water craft and beach gear, including kayaks, jet skis, and beach chairs and umbrellas. The beach is uncrowded during the week, especially during low season (September through April), but it can get very crowded on weekends.

Playa Jaboncillo is a wonderfully quiet sand beach surrounded by mountains and rugged limestone cliffs. Located at the end of a narrow dirt road, this beach cove is an excellent place to enjoy snorkeling, photography, or simply relaxing and enjoying the surroundings. 

Cayo Aurora (Gilligan's Island), just a mile off the Puerto Rico coast, is a great place to enjoy snorkeling, kayaking, and day trips with your family. Currently, the island is officially closed, but you can kayak over in about 30 minutes. Cayo Aurora has almost on beaches. Instead, it's covered in mangrove trees situated along small strips of sand and shallow waters. Cayo Auroa is very family friendly, with shallow waters for kids to enjoy and plenty of places for family picnics. Note that there are no lifeguards and, of course, no shops or restaurants on the island. 

Restaurante Alexandra serves contemporary and traditional Puerto Rican fare in an elegant enviornment. Meals are prepared by an internationally recoginzed chef and feature a variety of excellent seafood dishes. The restaurant also has an extensive selection of wines available for you to enjoy.

Moons Bar & Tapas, located in the Parguear Plaza Hotel, features excellent seafood and tapas, along with a decent wine selection and homemade Sangria. Reviews of the restaurant consistently mention the friendly, knowledgeable staff. Moons Bar & Tapas also has live music on a regular basis.

Near Playa Santa, you'll find La Jungla Beach (Las Paldas Beach). This is a small, but beautiful, sand beach with calm, clear water surrounded by mangroves. Note that the unpaves road to the beach requires a bit of ground clearance.

Playa Mangilillo (Manglillo Chiquito) is a quiet, secluded beach that's walking distance from Bancy's by the Sea. The beach features clean sand, warm, clear water, and a few hiking trails. The area also has bathrooms and showers, picnic tables, and a number of gazebos.