Caja de Muertos Island

Caja de Muertos Island is a small uninhabited island off the southern coast of Puerto Rico administered from the municipality of Ponce. It is protected as a natural reserve and is a locally important site for coastal habitats.

The island is visited for its beaches, snorkeling, short hiking trails and the island lighthouse. The main beach, Playa Pelícano, is the most frequented spot and water around the island is used for swimming and snorkeling on calm days.

A lighthouse constructed in the late 19th century is one of the island’s enduring historic structures. The island has been managed for conservation in recent decades to protect its coastal ecosystems and nesting marine turtles.

Caja de Muertos lies several kilometres off the coast of Ponce on Puerto Rico’s southern shore and is reached by private boat or tour from Ponce’s marina.

• Access: Day trips and private boats normally depart from Ponce; there are no regular ferry services like those to larger islands so plan transport in advance.
• Visitor note: Bring water and sun protection; facilities on the island are minimal and visitors should respect protected habitats, especially during turtle nesting season.

What to See #

• Lighthouse: A 19th-century lighthouse built by the Spanish colonial administration stands on the island and is a visible historic landmark.
• Playa Pelícano: Playa Pelícano is the island's principal beach, known for white sand and clear water that attract day-trippers and snorkelers.
• Nature reserve: The island is part of a designated nature reserve protecting coastal habitats and marine life, including sea turtle nesting sites.