Pedal waterbikes in La Parguera: Los Cayos natural pool

Pedal waterbikes are stable enough that children and non-swimmers can reach the reef.

Pedal a double Chiliboat waterbike from Punta Papayo in La Parguera across calm shallow water to Los Cayos, a natural pool surrounded by mangroves and coral reefs. A guide leads the 20-minute ride. You swim and rest for an hour in the turquoise water, then pedal back. Life jackets, water and fruit are included. The federal reserve entry fee is $3 per person. Most travelers can participate, though height (48" to 6'5") and weight (max 240 lbs) limits apply, and children must be accompanied by an adult.

Step-by-step itinerary

Water bike tour to Los Cayos

• Arrive 30 minutes early for check-in
• Receive safety briefing and instructions
• Pedal water bike across calm waters
• Explore Los Cayos natural pool
• Swim and relax for one hour

The experience

The Chiliboat is a pedal-powered catamaran-style bike: two seats, one set of pedals you both work together, and a hull wide enough that tipping is not a concern. You arrive 30 minutes early for a fit check in the life jacket, then push off from Punta Papayo into the shallows. The water is so clear and calm that even if you have never pedaled on water, the 20-minute ride to Los Cayos feels like something you can manage. Children as young as four can sit in the second seat while an adult does the pedaling. Older kids can help push.

Los Cayos is a cluster of small islands ringed by mangroves, with a natural pool in the middle where the water stays shallow and turquoise. You have about an hour to swim, float, look down at the coral and the fish moving through it, or just sit on the edge of the boat and rest. The guide stays with the group and points out what lives there (the birds nesting in the mangroves, the species moving through the water), but the hour is yours to spend as you want. Birdwatchers often bring binoculars. Families with young children often just wade and play.

The ride back follows the same route. Water and a fruit salad are waiting at the dock. The whole outing takes about two hours from arrival to checkout. Marine conditions can shift the route for safety, so the operator may adjust where you go, but the destination and the swimming time stay the same.

What’s included

• Guided pedal waterbike ride to Los Cayos.
• USCG-approved life jacket and safety whistle.
• water and fruit salad.
• federal reserve entry fee ($3 per person).
• lifeguard supervision.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00 and 10:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (10 to 75 years) · Under 10: can't be booked

GroupUp to 20

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 10 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Caribbean Chiliboats

Is this one for you?Families with young children and non-swimmers work well here because the Chiliboat's wide, stable hull and the shallow water mean nobody needs swimming skill or balance on a narrow kayak. Adults pedal while children sit safely in the second seat, and the hour at Los Cayos gives everyone time to move at their own pace: some swim, some wade, some float and watch.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can my young child pedal the waterbike with me in La Parguera?

Children as young as 48 inches tall (about four years old) can ride in the second seat while an adult pedals. Children must weigh at least 50 pounds to fit properly in a USCG-approved life jacket, and an adult must accompany them at all times. The adult will do most or all of the pedaling.

What is Los Cayos like when we get there?

Los Cayos is a natural pool in the middle of the ocean, surrounded by small mangrove-covered islands. The water is shallow and turquoise, with coral reefs and marine life visible from the surface. You have about an hour to swim, wade, snorkel or rest on the boat while the guide points out birds and fish.

How long is the pedal ride to Los Cayos from La Parguera?

The guided ride takes about 20 minutes each way across calm shallow water. The whole outing, including time at Los Cayos, takes about two hours from when you arrive for check-in.

What happens if the weather or water conditions change?

Marine conditions may vary and the route may adjust for safety. The destination and the swimming time stay the same, but the operator may change where you go if conditions require it.

What is included with the pedal waterbike tour in La Parguera?

The tour includes the guided ride, life jacket, water for hydration and a fruit salad. The $3 per person federal reserve entry fee is separate. A lifeguard and USCG-approved safety equipment are provided.