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Puerto Rico is full of remote, rustic and paradisiacal spots that
remind us of how the Caribbean used to be. One such destination is
Gilligan's Island, a tiny key located off Guánica, in the southwest coast of Puerto Rico.
For
the traveler who likes to get away and disconnect, it doesn't get much
more off the beaten path than Gilligan's Island. But before I say
anything else, a disclaimer: the show Gilligan's Island was not filmed here. It was actually filmed in Hawaii and California. This island's official name is actually Cayo Aurora, but the nickname stuck.
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Gilligan
certainly never sailed here, and this island is a lot smaller than the
spot where he and his crew were stranded for so many years (or
episodes). The Puerto Rican version of Gilligan's Island is little more
than a collection of mangroves stitched together with a wooden boardwalk
leading to them. A few tiny sandy beaches can be found here, along with
a collection of barbecue pits and basic facilities (note: lifeguards
and food or drink of any kind are not among those facilities).
If you've come here to explore or hike across an unspoiled
Caribbean island, you'll be done in about 5 minutes. That's not the
appeal of Gilligan's Island. If you're looking for an ultra-photogenic
spot from which to snap your "I'm on vacation" selfie, I'd guide you
toward Palomonitos instead.
So
why make the trip? Part of the fun of being here is the journey... you
can kayak or take a ferry from Guánica (it's a 10-20 minute trip from
the shore), and if you're a guest at the Copamarina Beach Resort, you can take a free pontoon boat across the water.
But
the real treasure at Gilligan's Island lies beneath the water. The
shallow waters around the island make for excellent snorkeling. Healthy
coral reefs, a variety of fish and the mangrove tunnels are worth
exploring. That and the barbecue pits are what bring droves of local
tourists and fishermen to this spot every weekend. (Actually, Puerto
Ricans love coming here during the weekends, so if you really want to
experience Gilligan's Island at its best, plan to visit during the
week.)
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The marine life has made this spot part of a biosphere
reserve managed by the Puerto Rico Department of Natural Resources. Is
it a place that you should put on your must-do list for your next
vacation? No... I can't go that far. This island doesn't lack
for spectacular beaches or places to snorkel. And even in Porta Caribe,
which is what this area of Puerto Rico is known for, there are other places to visit that I feel offer more than this tiny spit of land.
But
if you like the idea of truly getting away from the cozy confines of
your hotel room, the crowded beachfront and the slick city, you might
just fall in love with this spot. I can certainly see the appeal of
taking the family or a group of friends here on a weekday and
essentially claiming your own private island for a few hours. Just
remember that Gilligan's Island is a BYOE kind of place. As in, Bring
Your Own Everything! Snorkeling gear, fishing gear, towels, cooler,
food, water... it's up to you to bring whatever you need to the party.
If
you do want to get here and you're not staying at the Copamarina, you
can take the ferry from San Jacinto restaurant off Route 333 (the
restaurant will also bring you lunch while you're on the island) or head
over to MaryLee's by the Sea, where you can rent kayaks of a boat.
