Isla Mata la Gata

Overview

Isla Mata la Gata is a small mangrove island off La Parguera in Lajas, reached by boat, and a snorkel spot that travel sources describe as having clear, calm water, tropical sea life and underwater rock formations. There is a natural pool and a fenced-in swimming section by the pier. Amenities are limited: sources list picnic tables, barbecue pits, shelters and changing rooms, one also mentions toilets, and kayaks can be rented.^[1][2][3][4]

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Habitat & marine life

• mangrove island^[1]
• mangrove island with clear, calm, shallow water forming a natural pool around a coral reef; between Cayo Enrique and Cayo Caracoles^[5]
• small island (about 1,500 ft by 1,200 ft) formed by coral fragments caught in red mangrove roots^[6]

Marine life is what sources report having seen or commonly seeing — not a guarantee.

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Access

• Boat dive^[1][2]
• facilities: dock, picnic tables, open-air shelters, changing cabanas, toilets^[1]
• only facilities are picnic tables, BBQ pits, changing rooms, chairs; kayak rental^[2]
• boardwalk through a small forest, gazebos, picnic areas, showers, toilets and changing rooms (2023)^[5]
• 2008 DRNA study: high-use zone with no area suitable for traditional anchoring; recommends more mooring buoys^[7]

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Recent diver reports

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First-hand reports from divers, reviewed before they appear. Conditions change daily; a report describes one day.

Safety considerations

No site-specific hazards are recorded in our sources. That does not mean there are none.

Ocean conditions change daily. Dive within your training, plan with current local information and consider a local professional guide. Water safety guide.

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