3/26 The Lake front park and Embarcadero area are closed indefinitely”.

Looking for a nice off the beaten path way to spend a weekend afternoon? You can always hop in the car and head to Lago Dos Bocas toward the center of the island, where you can rent kayaks.

Lago Dos Bocas (Dos Bocas Lake) is a man-made lake (as are all of the lakes in Puerto Rico) located between Arecibo and Utuado. It was constructed in 1942 by what is now the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA) by blocking the Arecibo and Caonillas Rivers where they meet. There, they made a dam and installed a hydroelectric power plant. I am pretty sure the dam is still used to generate electricity, and the beautiful lake is used as a potable water reservoir and for public enjoyment (mainly on weekends). The lake is larger than we imagined. It is full of beautiful views and water fowl. Great photos.

We stopped here for lunch after our Cueva Ventana adventure on a Sunday in March. The lake is just about 15 minutes away from the cave .

The route to the lake is easy to follow — there are large signs pointing the way to the embarcadero (pier) parking area. Parking was free when we went. From there, just walk to the left toward the water and boat dock.

The Restaurants

-There used to be a number of restaurants along the edge of the lake that would take you on a boat to them. Sadly I hear all the restaurants that have their own boat have closed.

Keep in mind that the restaurants are only open on the weekend, usually from 11am or 12 noon until 5 or 6pm. They are sometimes open on Monday holidays. The may be open mid-week in July. It’s best to call ahead just to make sure.

• La Marina de Rancho- open Saturday- Sunday (787) 630-2750 or 787-618-2752 -is located right at the boat dock (no boat needed). It is mainly appetizers and drinks with the view.

Other Activities on the Lake

If you do not want to eat, it is sometimes possible to hire a boat to take you on a little tour around the lake. It is a nice trip, breezy and pretty and calm water. They have life jackets for kids.

They allow fishing at the lake. You can rent a kayak to enjoy on the lake (on weekends only I think).

Other Things to do Nearby

If you’re going to make the drive to the Arecibo/Utuado area for Dos Bocas, you might as well visit one of the many nearby attractions and make a full day out of it. Some nearby attractions include

• Rio Camuy Caves Park (currently closed)
• Cueva Ventana
• Caguana Indigenous Ceremonial Center
• Arecibo Lighthouse Park
• Cuevo del Indio
• Puerto Rico Premium Outlets Mall

Details

Note that Lago Dos Bocas is popular with local people and gets VERY busy on summer weekends!

Driving directions: From the San Juan area, take Route 22 West to Route 10 South (exit 75B). At KM 69.7 on Route 10, turn left onto Road 621 (there are large signs for Dos Bocas) toward Road 123. Turn right onto Road 123, and stay on Road 123 (it turns to the right at one intersection) following the signs to El Embarcadero parking area. Be aware, Road 123 is a small and twisting/turning road.

Click on a placename below to view the location on Google Maps ...

• Arecibo Observatory Radiotelescope
• Caguana Indigenous Ceremonial Park
• Cueva del Indio
• Cueva Ventana, trailhead
• Lago Dos Bocas, parking
• Puerto Rico Premium Outlets Mall
• Rio Camuy Caves Park

Puerto Rico Day Trips LLC assumes no responsibility regarding your safety when participating in the activities described in this article. Please use common sense! If your mother or that little voice in your head tells you that you are about to do something stupid … then don't do it! Read more about Safety →