ABOUT US

About Us

Long before organized tours became common, local boatmen navigated the waters of La Parguera by experience and tradition. Johnny Corder Zapata, founder of Johnny’s Boats, was among the pioneers who began guiding visitors to the bioluminescent bay, Mata La Gata, and Caracoles—sharing places that locals had known and respected for generations.

The story of Johnny’s Boats begins at the pier itself. In the early 1960s and 1970s, Johnny’s father built a simple wooden plank pier for his small fishing boat. It was there that Johnny first learned the ropes, absorbing knowledge passed down through work, patience, and time on the water—without knowing he was laying the foundation for what would become his life’s legacy.

As the years passed, Johnny worked as an adult in a factory in San Germán, never losing his connection to the sea. Fishing remained a passion, and on occasion, he would take people out on small, informal tours. When the factory closed, that side passion became a necessity. Johnny made a defining decision: he stepped away from everything else and committed fully to the pier, the boats, and the waters he knew so well.

Growth came slowly and honestly. Little by little, the operation expanded until Johnny acquired a larger vessel known as “El Ballenón.” That moment marked a turning point, and the business began to flourish. By the early 1990s, Johnny’s Boats continued to grow alongside his family. With his daughters by his side, the business entered a new chapter.

In the 2000s, Johnny’s Boats expanded its offerings to include small rental boats and two 22-foot vessels named “Geshica” and “Gina,” in honor of his daughters. These boats allowed visitors to explore the beautiful waters of La Parguera during the day, while night tours to the bioluminescent bay and Isla Mata La Gata continued to define the experience.

Everything changed in 2017 when Hurricane Maria struck Puerto Rico. The damage was devastating. Nearly all rental boats were destroyed or rendered unsafe, and Isla Mata La Gata—the heart of the daytime tours—was left completely wrecked. Faced with loss, Johnny once again shifted into survival mode. The future became clear: the focus would be on the night and the bioluminescent bay.

Through perseverance and careful rebuilding, Johnny made his boldest leap yet—from a small 20-foot vessel to a full-size 49-foot catamaran equipped with a glass-bottom viewing booth. Named “Captain Johnny,” this vessel became the most significant milestone in his career and a defining symbol of resilience and vision.

A few years later, a new generation stepped in. Johnny’s granddaughter joined the legacy, and a second catamaran, “The Papyrus,” was added to the fleet. Today, Johnny’s Boats stands as a multi-generational operation, supported by loyal employees and guided by deep local knowledge of La Parguera and all her quirks.

More than a tour company, Johnny’s Boats is a steward of the waters it operates in—serving visitors who come to experience the beauty, history, and natural magic of La Parguera with respect and care.