Gilligan's Island, Guánica /Dean
Guánica June-2008, By:Travel and Sports Staff
Guánica
Beaches, hiking, diving, snorkeling and the Dry Forest.
Guánica, with one of the most spectacular bays in Puerto Rico, offers beautiful beaches, hiking, diving, snorkeling and forest areas.
A unique dry forest, the Guánica Dry Forest is an important international asset, having been designated a World Biosphere Reserve by the United Nations. On your right as you drive into town on Rt 116 (from Rt 2) turn left onto Rt 334, which takes you to the ranger station where you can pick up a hiking map to the 1,600-acre forest. Here you will find 700 types of plants and trees including a guayacán (lignum vitae) that is over 1,000 years old. This is a great spot for birding (with over 135 types of birds).
For history buffs, there is a dramatic overlook at the ruins of a Spanish lookout. There are 14 hiking trails. Some of the hikes take you right to the water’s edge. However, to enjoy this dry forest, make sure you pack in water for your hike.
Back out on Rt 116 going west, turn left on Rt 333 and drive to the end. You will pass the Balneario Caña Gorda and come to the dock for Gilligan’s Island. As in La Parguera, lots of people go out to this island (there is a small ferry service from the San Jacinto Restaurant) and hang out for the day.
Returning to Rt 116 and going farther to the west, turn left onto Rt 325 to reach the beaches of Manglillo Pequeño and Playa Santa. This area is also part of the Guánica Forest.
>How to go:
South and east on Rt 2 from Mayagüez, past Sabana Grande, then turn right onto Rt 116.
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