Arecibo Lighthouse Park

Looking for a place to keep your kids entertained for a few hours; then look no further. The Arecibo Lighthouse & Historical Park located about 60 minutes west of San Juan will have your children climbing 1/3 scale replica’s of old world sailing ships, visiting a Taino Indian Village, a pirates hideout, small zoo , playground and not forgetting the Arecibo Lighthouse itself. Oh and by the way, your kids won’t be the only ones enjoying the park, you will too.

This is not a huge park, but the grounds are extremely well kept and the coastal and inland views are superb. Unfortunately some of the exhibit descriptions are in Spanish, but there is also information on the guide pamphlet that you receive when you enter the park.

Once you enter the park you receive a guide map (available in English and Spanish). The first area of the park is the small Taino Village. The village consists of seven huts, one of which is the chief’s hut, a stone marked area which would have been the Taino Indians ‘ball field’. The hut at the head of the ‘ball field’ is that of the tribe’s chief and is represented by life sized mannequins of the chief and family.

Next up are the three 1/3 scale replica’s of Columbus’s ships that represent the Spanish Conquest of Puerto Rico. The three ships that are available to board are the Niña, the Pinta and the Santa María . Your kids will love being able to climb the steps onto the deck of each ship to meet the ships mannequins and pose for photographs.

Just above the three ships is the slightly larger replica of Black Beards Pirate Ship ‘Queen Anne Revenge’. This colorful ship stands out in the park and is sure to be a hit with your kids. Again they can climb the stairs and hangout on the deck.

Note: All four replica ships only allow access to the ship’s deck; there is no option to actual venture into the innards of the ship or climb to the crows nest. Having said that, hanging out on the deck of the various ships is pretty cool and the views of the park and surrounding area are really nice.

Once your kids have had their fill of the ships, it’s time to brave the darkness of the Pirates Cave (Guaride de Piratas). Once inside the cave, you walk along dimly lit tunnels that have various displays depicting pirates doing pirate stuff; drinking, fighting, counting gold, you get the picture.

Half way through the cave system you arrive at a central aquarium that houses several small sharks and fishes all swimming around a sunken galleon. There are also some smaller aquariums on the wall housing small fish and reptiles.

A WORD OF CAUTION. As you walk passed the first section of the aquarium you will see a large display of the deck a pirate ship. On our cave adventure there was a pirate figure sitting in front of the ship. We initially thought this was just another mannequin until we got closer and it made a sudden hand movement that gave our son a bit of a fright. Turns out this was one of the park employees dressed as a pirate (looking back the extra large head of the pirate should have given the game away). Any way, if you have very small kids, you might want to be cautious if you encounter the same pirate figure.

The tunnel continues past a few more displays and ends walking over a wooden bridge with a display of rays in shallow water. The pirate adventure ends at a small gift shop selling pirate gifts and plush animals etc.

Continue up the path to the refreshment area (with bathrooms). This is a small cafeteria selling drinks and typical park foods; nuggets, burgers, fries and various Puerto Rican snacks. Even if you don’t plan on eating, make sure you venture onto the large wooden deck. The views of the Atlantic Ocean and rock formations are impressive (especially if the sea is a little rough). The deck is also a great spot to view the Arecibo Lighthouse.

Once you have had your fill of food and or ocean views, it’s time to make the trek up to the Arecibo Lighthouse. This is a MUST see. The walk up to the lighthouse is fairly steep, but the views from the various sections of the lighthouse make the walk really worthwhile. Note: the park has several electric golf karts available that you can request to be taken up to the lighthouse if you think the walk would be too much.

The Arecibo Lighthouse was originally built in 1898, and is in very good condition. The lighthouse is open and there are typical nautical displays including; a divers suit, artifacts and a replica sailing ship. The lighthouse spiral staircase is open to allow you to climb to the observation deck level (but not unfortunately to the actual light). Our 2 year old boy LOVED climbing the spiral staircase and again the views from this deck are impressive.

Note: The lighthouse would make a really great spot to watch the sunset (clouds permitting).

After walking back down towards the main park area, you will pass a replica canon, a small wooden Jibaro house and tiny ‘zoo’ that houses a few different birds, turtles, donkey’s and some small horses.

The final part of the park is the play area. Here your kids will find a small helicopter (not able to actual enter the helicopter), several swings, slides and a couple of small roundabouts. There is also seating so that you can keep an eye on your kids playing.

The play area is probably more geared to smaller children rather that teenagers, but there is also a couple of refreshment machines and an ice cream shop (unfortunately this was closed during our visit).

Make a day of it – Nearby attractions:
The Arecibo Lighthouse Park is close to the Arecibo Observatory, Camuy Caves and also the Barceloneta Outlet Mall. If you start your day early enough, you could plan to check out one or more of these on your daytrip.

What: Arecibo Lighthouse Park
Where: Arecibo
Cost: The entrance fee is $10.00 for adults (13-64 years old), $8.00 for children (2-12 years old) and seniors (65+). There is a parking fee of $2.00 per car.
Opening Times: The park is open 9:00am – 6:00pm Monday to Friday, and 10:00am – 7:00pm on weekends
Directions: From San Juan take Route 22 west (one toll both) and take Exit 71 (signposted Domingo Ruiz / Bajadero). At the end of the ramp turn right and continue until the intersection with Route 2 (traffic lights). Turn left and continue along Route 2 until you reach the next set of lights (Gas Station). Turn right and then turn right again along Road 681. At the intersection with Road 655 turn left, continue until you reach the park. (Once you are on Route 2, you will also see brown signs for the Arecibo Lighthouse Park).
Website: Arecibo Lighthouse and Heritage Park

Bonus: If you are feeling hungry before entering the park, check out one of the roadside stalls that you will pass on Road 681. You will be able to find staple Puerto Rican snacks such as: Bacalito’s, Empanadillas, Alcapurria’s etc.. well worth the calorific intake.

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