Since Hurricane Maria, this area had not been maintained too well by the government. Lately, they have been cleaning it up. Seems like they may offer boat rides around lake sometimes. On weekends, The Edge Restaurant has a boat ride to get over to it ( open only on weekends (Sat/Sun)).

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 or go to one of the lakeside restaurants and enjoy drinks or a meal while admiring the views.

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).

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 and it was lunch time — so it was a perfect plan!

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

-The restaurants are lakeside. Currently, Only one (The Edge) has their own boat that picks up customers at the boat dock and ferries them them out to their restaurant (the round trip boat tip is $5 per person). Someone from the restaurant should be there at the dock to help you , or if not, just call the restaurant and ask for the boat and they will meet you at the dock.

The lake was much larger than imagined it would be. The boat ride, going at a nice fast clip with a great breeze, took about 10 minutes each way. Along the way, there were great views of the mountains and water fowl. The restaurant is open-air, with covered seating areas for meals. Some also have indoor seating.

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.

I believe all the restaurants take credit cards, ATH (debit) and (obviously) cash…

• The Edge Lakeside Restaurant open Saturday – Sunday . Call for boat pick up service to take you to the restaurant : 787-248-3215
• La Marina de Rancho- open Saturday- Sunday (787) 630-2750 or 787-618-2752 -right at the boat dock (no boat needed). It is mainly appetizers and drinks with the view.

Currently. there are just a couple restaurants located at the lake that are open.

When we went there were 5 to choose from, we decided on a restaurant just because of we liked the name. We tried the mofongo (one with with rabbit & one with shrimp), the churrasco (skirt steak) and filete de chillo (snapper fillet). They were all very good!

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
• 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

PuertoRicoDayTrips.com 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 →