Nature
La Parguera Nature Reserve is a protected coastal landscape on Puerto Rico’s southwest shore within the Boquerón State Forest, spanning La Parguera Bay, nearby cays, mangroves, marshes, lagoons, reefs, and small islands. It is especially known for Bahía Fosforecente, one of Puerto Rico’s three bioluminescent bays. The reserve supports dry forest and mangrove ecosystems, coral reefs, and threatened wildlife including manatees, the Puerto Rican nightjar, and yellow-shouldered blackbirds. Though Taíno presence and later sugar, salt, and fishing activities shaped the area, it remained lightly developed until tourism expanded in the 20th century. Environmental pressures led to stronger protections, culminating in its formal designation in 1979.
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Puerto Rico · United States
