Cayo Aurora / Gilligan’s Island, Guanica, Puerto Rico

Just a mile off the coast of the municipality of Guanica, is one of the offshore treasures of Puerto Rico. Gilligan’s Island is part of the Biosphere Reserve of Guanica and managed by the Department of Natural Resources (DRNA). Still today, a very small percentage of travelers get to explore this beautiful relaxing haven. For locals Cayo Aurora is an all time favorite.

The bottom is very sandy and you can swim all around the island with little effort with the slow gentle currents. Gilligan’s is very child friendly with shallow water, and picnic tables, barbeque pits, and shaded areas for family picnics. Cayo Aurora is an excellent place to kayak and there are other small islands next to it to explore. If you like bird watching, you will see many here.

Surrounded by a healthy mangroves system, Gilligan’s Island is a a snorkelers haven with crystal clear glass like waters with tons of tropical fish particularly barracudas, live healthy coral, red starfish and a nice variety of colorful schools of fish. Bring your own snorkeling equipment or rent / buy at the main island in Guanica or nearby towns.

Facts to Know Before you Go

• During low season and on weekdays you’ll mostly have the island to yourself. During the summer months and high tourist season particularly on weekends, the island is a popular place for locals and tourists so get there early to grab a spot and picnic table.
• There are no lifeguards there so you’re on your own, keep an eye on your kids.
• There are no shops at Gilligan’s Island, so bring a cooler with everything you will need.
• Bring bug spray, you’ll need it.

Getting to Gilligan’s Island, Guanica, Puerto Rico

• From San Juan to Gilligan’s Island, Guanica – Take Highway 52 to the town of Ponce. Then head west (now called Porta del Sol) on Road 2 and south on Route 116 to the town of Guanica. Then take Road #333. Following the turn to Copamarina Beach Resort make a right, shortly you’ll see a parking lot on your right, park there and get your tickets.
• By Ferry: There is a small ferry that runs quite often and the cost for a round trip ticket is only $4. Boats leave run from Tuesday through Sunday from 8am to 5pm. For more information call 787-821-5706
• By Kayak: You can also rent kayaks at MaryLee’s by the Sea and kayak to Cayo Aurora, it will take you about 30 minutes to get there.
• By Boat: There’s a pier where you can tie your boat.

Tours to Gilligan’s Island

• Kayaking tours by Eco Action Tours – (787) 791-7509 or (787) 640-7385

A few more photos of Cayo Aurora / Gilligan’s Island

Great place for romantics – Claim your own little spot

We hope you enjoy your visit !! – Please keep our Beaches clean, put your trash in a bag and bring it back to the main island for proper disposal. Thank you for protecting our beaches so our future generations can enjoy it.

More islands you may like on the west coast

• Mata La Gata Island in Lajas, Puerto Rico
• Mona Island, Puerto Rico – a secluded island for scuba divers, snorkelers, cave exploring and camping.