Frequently Asked Questions




 


Frequently Asked Questions

 To ensure transparency, by booking with us, you are agreeing to all terms and conditions, including our refund policy. Please take the time to read all sections on our website to avoid misunderstandings and ensure compliance.

  1. Why is it important to include my email and phone number when making a reservation?
    Providing your email and phone number is essential for us to communicate important information about your booking. Without these details, we cannot send you the following:

    1. A confirmation email verifying your reservation.

    2. An email with essential trip details, safety rules, parking instructions, and pin location.

    3. A message/text/email with your specific departure time. This is when we are in high season. We accommodate each group with different departure times to have a more direct experience with each group. 

    If you do not provide accurate contact information, we cannot be held responsible for any miscommunication or missed updates. We kindly ask guests not to post negative reviews in situations where they did not include their email or phone number and therefore missed critical information. Thank you for understanding the importance of staying connected!

  2. What happens if our group is larger than 6 passengers?

    Due to U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) compliance requirements, each vessel is limited to a maximum of 6 passengers per tour, regardless of vessel capacity. This applies to ALL TOURS.

    Group Size Policy:

    • Full Day Tours
      Base rate starts at $550 an it includes 6 passengers per boat.
      If your group exceeds 6 passengers, you must rent an additional boat.

    • Half Day Tours
      Base price starts at $350 and includes 4 passengers.
      You may add up to 2 additional passengers (at $70 per person) to reach the maximum of 6 passengers per boat.
      Any group larger than 6 will require an additional boat reservation.

    This policy ensures that we remain fully compliant with USCG regulations while continuing to provide a safe and exceptional experience for all guests.

    If you have questions or need help adjusting your reservation, please contact us directly at 787-565-3660.

  3. Are the Tours Private or Shared with Other Guests?

    All of our tours at PURAVIDA EN PARGUERA are 100% private. When you make a reservation, you and your group will have your own boat and a dedicated captain for the entire experience.

    Your boat will not be shared with any other guests. 

    Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply want to enjoy the water with your loved ones, you’ll have the boat exclusively to yourselves.

  4. Do you accept animals?

    You're welcome to bring your furry friend along at no additional cost.

    If you plan to bring a pet (1), please notify us in advance so the captain is informed and prepared. All passengers are fully responsible for their pets at all times during the tour. Any damages caused by your pet will be assessed and charged on the spot.

    To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, pets should be well-trained and comfortable around water. If your dog is not used to the water or is likely to become anxious, this could impact both your experience and your pet’s well-being. Please make sure your pet is ready to enjoy a fun and relaxing day on the water with you.

  5. What happens if there is bad weather on the day of my reservation?
    When booking your adventure, please note that you agree to our terms and policy. We strongly encourage you to read them carefully before making your reservation. While bad weather in La Parguera is rare, it’s important to review  refund and cancellation policy for details regarding any weather-related changes or adjustments to your tour.

  6. On the day of the reservation, do you drop guests off at the key and pick them up later, or does someone stay with the group?
    Our team of captains who have USCG licensees and/or experienced crew, stays with you throughout your visit to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

  7. Do children under 5 years old count as a person in the package?
    Yes, children under 5 years old count as a person in the package, but are not charged. All children under 5 must bring their own life jacket. 

  8. What does the pass include?
    Each of our packages includes a variety of features, but our full tour offers the most complete experience. It includes a scenic boat tour, access to the beautiful keys, an ice cooler, floating mattress, paddle board, and the guidance of an experienced local expert to ensure an unforgettable adventure.

    Please make sure to read the description of each tour carefully to ensure you’re selecting the experience that’s right for you. Each option is designed to cater to different preferences and activity levels, so reviewing the details will help you make the most of your time in La Parguera.

  9. Can you smoke on the boat?

    For the safety and enjoyment of all our guests, all of our vessels are strictly drug-free zones. The possession or use of illegal substances is not permitted under any circumstances. Additionally, weapons of any kind are strictly prohibited on all tours.

    We are committed to providing a secure, respectful, and family-friendly environment for everyone aboard.

    You are allowed to smoke outside the boat. However, please be respectful of the environment and ensure that all cigarette butts are properly disposed of. Do not throw any waste into the water, as we are committed to keeping our waters clean and protecting local marine life.

  10. Can I bring coolers?

    Although each boat has its own cooler, you are welcome to bring 1 additional cooler onboard! However, please keep in mind not to overcrowd the boat, as this limits available space and comfort for everyone.

    Each of our boats can accommodate up to 6 passengers. We highly recommend bringing only your essentials (towel and sunscreen) to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all guests. Only one small bag per passenger is allowed. 

    Thank you for helping us maintain a smooth and spacious ride!

  11. What should I bring?
    We recommend bringing sun protection such as a hat and sunscreen, a towel, swimwear, beverages, snacks, and any personal items you may need for a day on the water. Please note that only one small bag per passenger is allowed. For safety reasons, the captain may ask you to leave behind any large or heavy bags if they are deemed a risk to the vessel's safety or balance.

  12. Who Can Enjoy This Tour? Our tours are designed to be a fun and memorable experience for people of all ages and backgrounds. 

 

However, please note that our boats are NOT equipped with specialized accessibility features. If you're traveling with someone who is mobility-impaired, has a disability, or is significantly overweight, we kindly ask that you contact us directly before booking. This way, we can do our best to accommodate your needs and ensure a safe and comfortable experience for everyone on board.

Additionally, if any guest has a medical condition or health concern, it is essential to inform the captain prior to departure. Your safety—and the safety of everyone on the tour—is our top priority.

We’re here to help you plan an enjoyable trip that suits your group’s unique needs. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions.

13.  What Happens If I Am Late for My Tour?

 

La Parguera is located approximately 2.5 hours from the San Juan area, so we strongly recommend planning your trip well in advance to ensure you arrive on time for your scheduled departure.

If you are delayed for any reason, please be aware that the captain has the authority to adjust the departure time to maintain the schedule and accommodate other reservations on the same day. We appreciate your understanding and patience, just as we extend the same courtesy when delays occur.

To avoid any inconvenience, please allow plenty of travel time and communicate with us if you anticipate being late. 

 

 

14. What Should I Expect During High Season?

During high season, La Parguera becomes a popular destination, and many guests book tours with us. This means the cays, sandbars, and waterways can get quite busy with boat traffic.

We kindly ask for your patience and understanding, as delays may occur when navigating in and out of the sandbar or crowded areas. Please know that your tour time will not be shortened—you will still enjoy the full experience you booked.

To help manage the flow of arrivals and departures, you will receive an email or text before your reservation day with your exact time of arrival. This system allows us to ensure a smooth and safe transition between tours and minimize wait times.

That’s why it’s very important to arrive on time—so we can maintain our schedule and avoid affecting other tours and guests.

We appreciate your cooperation and hope you enjoy the vibrant, lively atmosphere that makes high season so special!

 

15. Where Do I Park for the Tour?

You can find our exact location on the main page of our website—just scroll to the bottom where you'll see a Google Maps pin that directs you to our designated meeting point.

The pin will take you to a public parking area. You may park anywhere in that space as long as you're not blocking the path of other vehicles. Please avoid parking along narrow roads, as this is an active boat area and there is frequent boat traffic that requires clear access in and out.

Once you’ve parked, please call the captain, who will meet you there and personally guide you to the dock.

🚫 Important: For safety reasons, no one is allowed to enter the dock area without the captain’s permission. Please remain in your vehicle until the captain arrives to greet you.

16. Are there any environmental guidelines we should follow during the tour?

Pura Vida en Parguera operates within a protected natural reserve, and we are fully committed to preserving the beautiful marine life and ecosystems that make La Parguera so special.

This area is home to manatees, dolphins, sea turtles, and a variety of other wildlife — not to mention the stunning cays and mangroves. Because of this, we kindly ask all guests to help us protect and respect this fragile environment.

Here are a few important guidelines:

  • Do NOT swing or jump off the branches of the mangroves at the cays.

  • Please do NOT collect sea shells or marine life.

  • Take all your trash with you, and make sure nothing is left behind.

  • Secure plastic items and belongings so they don’t get carried away by the wind.

  • Avoid disturbing protected sea grass areas and local wildlife.

Interested in learning more?
If you'd like a brief educational talk about La Parguera’s Wildlife Reserve, our experienced environmental educator, Cristina (with over 10 years of experience), will be happy to arrange a 5–10 minute phone call before your arrival. Just let us know in advance, and we’ll gladly coordinate it for you!

Let’s work together to keep our waters clean, our animals safe, and our cays beautiful for everyone to enjoy.

Pura Vida en Parguera is fully committed to protecting this incredible natural habitat — and we thank you for being part of that effort. 

17. Can we add an extra hour to our tour?
Yes, you may request to add an additional hour to your tour for a fee of $100 per boat. This request is subject to availability and must be approved by the Master Captain. 

  • The extra hour must be paid before the extension begins. This is for those who decide to stay at last minute. If you want to secure your extra hour, you can add it during your initial booking process. 

  • Tipping your captain is separate and does not count as payment for the additional hour. 

  • To request and process payment for an extra hour, please call 787-565-3660, and we will guide you through the steps.

Please keep in mind that we may not always be able to accommodate these requests due to scheduling limitations. That's why we recommend to add the extra hour during your initial booking process.