About 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.
Best Time to Visit Caja de Muertos Island
Best during Puerto Rico's dry season (Dec-Apr) when boat access and beach conditions are most reliable.
Weather & Climate near Caja de Muertos Island
Tropical climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 20°C to 33°C. Moderate rainfall (837 mm/year).
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | 20° - 30° | 25° | 21 mm | - | - | 4.1 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | 20° - 29° | 25° | 17 mm | - | - | 4.3 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 20° - 30° | 25° | 22 mm | - | - | 4.4 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 21° - 31° | 26° | 46 mm | - | - | 4.3 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 22° - 32° | 27° | 85 mm | - | - | 4.2 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 23° - 33° | 28° | 64 mm | - | - | 4.5 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 23° - 33° | 28° | 65 mm | - | - | 4.7 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 23° - 33° | 28° | 106 mm | - | - | 4.3 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 23° - 33° | 28° | 137 mm | - | - | 3.8 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 23° - 33° | 28° | 150 mm | - | - | 3.4 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 22° - 32° | 27° | 88 mm | - | - | 3.7 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | 21° - 30° | 26° | 36 mm | - | - | 4.0 m/s | - | - |
How to Get to Caja de Muertos Island
Caja de Muertos is reachable only by boat from Ponce on the south coast of Puerto Rico. Tourist ferries and private charters depart from the La Guancha / Ponce boardwalk (Paseo Tablado La Guancha); the crossing typically takes around 20-30 minutes. La Guancha is a short 5-10 minute drive from Ponce city centre (or a brief taxi ride); bring water and supplies as services on the island are limited.
Tips for Visiting Caja de Muertos Island
- Book the earliest scheduled ferry or a private boat from Ponce to reach Caja de Muertos when sea conditions are calmer and to avoid the larger afternoon crowds that arrive on weekend boats.
- Plan to walk up to the island's lighthouse and hill for the best views - many visitors stay on the beach, so a short climb rewards you with panoramic views and fewer people.
- Confirm ferry schedules and any park entrance rules in advance with Ponce operators or the municipal office: services are seasonal and capacity can be limited on popular weekend days, so reservations help avoid disappointment.