Things to Do at Laguna Del Condado (Condado Lagoon)
San Juan, Puerto Rico

We hope you are enjoying the fun activities and attractions of San Juan, we invite you to slow down and head to Laguna del Condado where you can enjoy a number of experiences perfect for families and couples in love desiring a more intimate time on the water with few crowds.

Since the beaches of San Juan are on the Atlantic Ocean side, the water is more active, those wishing to enjoy more relaxed water experiences head to Laguna del Condado where the water is perfect for kayaking and paddleboarding.

For an exceptional and secure experience, we recommend securing a tour with our friendly professional guides.

Booking a tour:  We recommend you book tours ahead of time, especially during the high season (December – April).  

Laguna del Condado is an inlet spanned by Puente Dos Hermanos (bridge).  The lagoon is to the left of the bridge, as pictured below.  While engaging in various activities, you’ll have the opportunity to observe birds nesting in the mangrove trees that fringe the lagoon.  With an average depth of 10 feet and certain areas plunging to depths of 35 feet, the Condado Lagoon offers a diverse aquatic landscape waiting to be explored. 

Adjacent to Condado Lagoon is the islet of El Boqueron, home to one of the fortifications of San Juan.

The lagoon offers a quiet escape in the middle of the city where you can kayak, paddleboard, have fun with a water bike, swim, and do a little snorkeling on the calmest waters in the city.  Visitors who wish to start a fitness routine or stay active during vacation will enjoy taking a walk or a bike ride around the lagoon path which connects to a designated bicycle route that goes all the way to Old San Juan.

The time needed at Laguna del Condado – 2-3 hours is enough time to enjoy it fully.

The beautiful Caribbean Manatees, often referred to as the “elephants of the sea”, call Laguna del Condado home.  As you glide through the water, you may spot the most beloved manatee family in Puerto Rico, quite a sight to see.  Some are known to be playful with visitors, poking their noses out of the water to say hello right next to the kayak.  Please help us protect our natural treasures by NOT touching or feeding manatees.  Also do not remove starfish from the water, just a few seconds out of the water can kill them.

Take a few minutes to watch the following video by travelers like you…

Community projects such as the San Juan Estuary Program, have worked to protect, and stimulate the coral health and biodiversity of the lagoon.  Projects such as the installation of artificial reefs at Condado Lagoon significantly improved the number of species and colonies.  You may spot stunning eagle rays, turtles, and barracuda among other tropical sea creatures.

Be sure to take a look at the mangrove trees as you glide through the lagoon, you may spot Frigatebirds.  

Pelicans also love hanging along the mangroves, is fun to watch them playfully diving into the water in search of a snack.   

If you’d like to learn more about manatees, visit The Caribbean Manatee Conservation Center at the Inter-American University of Puerto Rico.  The center welcomes visitors wishing to learn about the conservation of manatees.  The tour includes an orientation in their research and rehabilitation laboratories and a firsthand view of the work of the Center to help safeguard this species from extinction.

ℹ️ For more information about the Caribbean Manatee Conservation Center and tours visit their website here.

One of the cool things about Laguna del Condado is that you have all day to enjoy it… from early morning until the end of the day under dark starry skies.  Following is a quick guide to choosing the best time to experience the Condado Lagoon, we also include popular tours.

Mornings at Laguna del Condado

Mornings are really quiet at the Condado Lagoon and the waters are the most tranquil.  Mornings are the perfect time for paddleboarding, it feels extra calm at the lagoon. 

By 10 am the skies are a bolder blue and the waters are typically the clearest as the sun shines right above.

Swim & Relax at La Playita 

There is a small beach on the southwest side of the lagoon.  The beach spot is accessed by walking across the bridge towards the road (away from the coast).  The water is clear and shallow with a few shaded spots.

Safety:  Please swim in the designated bathing area.  Please be aware there are no lifeguards on this beach, you swim at your own risk.  Please supervise children at all times.

Take a Stroll Around Condado Lagoon Park

Join locals early in the morning for a walk around the lagoon. 

• You may park at the Calle Vieques entrance, and follow the walking path around the lagoon. 
• You may also start your walk from Ashford Avenue, cross the Dos Hermanos Bridge, and walk around the lagoon on a scenic path overlooking the lagoon and Condado.  You’ll have to walk back the same way since it does not go all the way around.   

See the map below for access points. 

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Condado Plaza Hilton is divided by Ashford Ave and connected through a bridge.  The south side faces Laguna del Condado giving guests easy access to the lagoon.  

From this spot, you can observe some mangrove trees and seagrass at the bottom where schools of fish love to play including beautiful starfish. 

From Ashford Drive in Condado, head west, and cross Dos Hermanos Bridge.  At the end of the bridge, turn left (south), right at the corner you’ll see the entry point to Playita at Condado Lagoon, a nice little beach with shallow clear water, a surprisingly quiet spot in the middle of the city.

From Calle Luisa, take Calle Vieques, leading to the main entrance to Parque Nacional Laguna del Condado Jamie Benitez (official name).

This is a nice area with an interpretative trail giving visitors information about the flora and fauna at the Estuary Reserve.

Some kayaking and SUP tours meet at this point, you may also check for rentals at this spot. 

Do not go past the bridge:  Although tempting, local experts do not recommend you go past the Dos Hermanos Bridge.  The area beyond the bridge is known as El Boqueron.  Locals that know the lagoon will often pass under the bridge to El Boqueron inlet when is safe to do so.

Book a tour:  If you are a visitor, please consider booking a tour, professional guides give great educational and safety information about the estuary.

Experiences at Condado Lagoon

Immerse yourself in the peaceful ambiance as you indulge in a delightful floating picnic or venture out to the serene waters for a relaxing paddleboarding and kayaking experience.

Enhance your journey by embracing the art of yoga on a tranquil paddleboard, surrounded by the mesmerizing glow of city lights that dance in the night.  Be prepared for a delightful encounter with the gentle Caribbean manatee, gracefully gliding alongside you during your adventure.

+ Tours & Experiences at Condado Lagoon