Laguna Del Condado (Condado Lagoon)
Jaime Benitez National Park

Estuarine Reserve Laguna del Condado – Home to the Caribbean Manatee

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.

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.

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

Plan a Romantic Floating Picnic for your Loved One

Condado Lagoon has become a popular spot for romantics… arranging surprise floating picnics, is a really special experience.  For a more cost-effective option, you can rent a floating deck and pick up picnic items at a local store.  Hotels such as O:LV will arrange dinner on a” floating island” and champagne floating deck, prices range from $267 – $359.  

La Playita at Condado Lagoon

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.

Rentals at Laguna del Condado – San Juan

If you feel comfortable experiencing the lagoon for the first time on your own, there are rentals available from kayaks, SUP boards, and floating decks perfect for groups or romantic couples.  Availability is limited, so secure your spot ahead of time.

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. 

O:LV Fifty Five Hotel - Adults Only

Condado Plaza Hilton

From $170 - Beachfront Resort

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.