Parguera is a barrio (administrative subdivision) in the municipality of Lajas, located on the southwestern coast of Puerto Rico. It had a population of 2,082 as of the 2010 U.S. Census. The main settlement within the barrio is La Parguera (often called Poblado de la Parguera), a historic fishing village and popular tourist destination.
Etymology
The name Parguera derives from pargo, the local Spanish name for the Northern red snapper (Lutjanus campechanus), reflecting the area's origins as a fishing community.
Geography
Parguera covers a total area of 7.34 square miles (19.0 km²), of which 4.02 square miles (10.4 km²) is land and 3.32 square miles (8.6 km²) is water. It sits at an elevation of approximately 36 feet (11 m) above sea level.
History
The settlement of La Parguera was established as a villa pesquera (fishing village) in 1825. It was recorded in Spanish gazetteers until Puerto Rico was ceded by Spain to the United States in 1898 following the Spanish–American War, under the terms of the Treaty of Paris.
Attractions and Features
Parguera is best known for La Parguera Bioluminescent Bay, one of only three bioluminescent bays in Puerto Rico and the only one where visitors are permitted to swim in the water. The bioluminescence is caused by microorganisms called dinoflagellates, which emit light when the water is disturbed at night. Sunset and nighttime boat and kayak tours are a major tourist activity.
The area is also home to La Parguera Nature Reserve, which encompasses the bioluminescent bay, surrounding mangrove forests, wetlands, and several small cays (keys) such as Mata La Gata and Cayo Enrique. Unlike many other seaside destinations in Puerto Rico, La Parguera does not have traditional beaches but is instead surrounded by pristine cays accessible by boat.
The Parador Villa Parguera, a country inn (parador), is a notable accommodation located in the area.
Climate
Parguera has climate data recorded by NOAA, with weather normals tracked from 1991–2020 and extremes dating back to 1959.
Demographics
| Census | Population |
|---|---|
| 1910 | 523 |
| 1930 | 740 |
| 1950 | 807 |
| 1970 | 1,224 |
| 1990 | 1,796 |
| 2010 | 2,082 |
References
- U.S. Census Bureau (2010). Puerto Rico: 2010 Population and Housing Unit Counts.pdf
- López, Roberto (11 September 2014). "La Parguera, destino en Puerto Rico". Viaje a América (in Spanish).
- U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Parguera barrio
