Naguabo Malecón
A seafront boardwalk on the east coast lined with kiosks selling chapín and other fried seafood.
Updated 2 September 2026
The malecón at Playa Húcares in Naguabo is a short seafront promenade with a line of kiosks and small restaurants, and its speciality is chapín, boxfish, fried whole in its bony shell and eaten with the fingers, along with other fried seafood, empanadillas and cold beer. Two decaying mansions stand on the front, one of them a landmark that appears in photographs of the place. Boats run out to Cayo Santiago from here.
What to look for
- The chapín - boxfish fried whole in its shell, the malecón's speciality.
- The kiosks - a line of seafood stands and small restaurants on the front.
- The old mansions - two decaying houses on the seafront, local landmarks.
- The bay - the water with Cayo Santiago visible offshore.
When to go
December to April is the drier season. Weekends are busiest and the kiosks are all open then; weekdays some close. Evenings are when locals come out.
Good to know
Chapín is bony and awkward to eat and not everyone likes it. Some kiosks close during the week. The mansions are private and derelict, not open to visitors.
Nearby
Humacao is south, and Cayo Santiago is offshore.
What to pack for Naguabo Malecón
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
- Comfortable walking shoes - Sightseeing means kilometres of pavement and cobbles daily. Find on Amazon
- A slim anti-theft daypack - Zips that close properly; keep it in front in crowds and on transit. Find on Amazon
- A refillable water bottle - Many cities have public fountains; save money and plastic. Find on Amazon
- A light layer + compact umbrella - For museum air-con and a sudden shower. Find on Amazon
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Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
