Relaxing at Lagos Dos Bocas

The picturesque Lagos Dos Bocas lies in the valleys of verdant hills around half way in between the towns of Arecibo and Utuado in Puerto Rico. The U-shaped lake is popular among locals and tourists alike as a recreation spot to enjoy some fishing, picnicking, boating and just generally relaxing in the scenic and tranquil setting.

Lago Dos Bocas was created when a dam was constructed in the valley by the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority in 1942 for a hydroelectric power plant. In addition to the hydroelectric purpose of the lake, it serves as one of Puerto Rico’s potable water reservoirs, providing safe drinking water for thousands of Puerto Ricans. The Department of Transportation of Puerto Rico provides transport by means of ferries for communities on the shores of the lake. These free of charge ferry rides can be enjoyed by tourists as well and is a relaxing way of seeing virtually the entire lake and surroundings. The ferries run daily between 7 am and 5 pm and leave from the dock known as El Embarcadero. During peak hour traffic, if the ferry is full, residents are given preference over visitors as the ferry is their only means of getting to and from work and other activities.

Fishing in Lagos Dos Bocas can be very rewarding, either from the shore or by boat, as the lake is well stocked with catfish, sunfish, peacock bass and largemouth bass. There are good quality restaurants at various points on the lake, which can be reached by ferry. Visitors are always assured of a warm welcome, tasty traditional cuisine and scenic surroundings.

For those who prefer excitement to tranquility, the Lago Dos Bocas to Vado stretch of the Arecibo River in Puerto Rico offers challenging whitewater adventures. This 6.25 mile long stretch of river is graded as American Whitewater Class II-III and passes through some incredible scenery, although through the trickier bits canoeists will be focusing on the water rather than their surroundings. There is a variety of accommodation in the Lagos Dos Bocas area, including camping grounds.

Exploring Puerto Rico can be a very worthwhile experience and discovering attractions such as the Lagos Dos Bocas makes the experience even more memorable.