RSSCulebra Natural Wildlife Refuge
The island of Culebra and surrounding 23 offshore islands are home to more than 120 marine bird nesting colonies, which include the largest sooty tern colony in Puerto Rico. These four tracts of land are known as the Culebra Natural Wildlife Refuge. The site is rough and rustic, a safe haven for endangered species of birds, lizards, turtles and migratory birds. The biggest attraction in the reserve is a community of rare red-billed tropicbirds and brown boobies, laughing gulls and sandwich terns. Visitors can also find here the endangered sea turtles and the Culebra giant anole lizard.
For more information of the refuge, contact (787) 742-0115
Mona Island
Mona Island is Puerto Rico’s secret hideaway and lies about 50 miles out in the deepest sea, heading towards Dominican Republic. It is accessible by private plane or boat. The island is home to giant lizards, sea turtles, red-footed boobies, wild boars and goats. Similar to he Galapagos, giant lizards sunning themselves on the surrounding 200-foot cliffs is a common sight. The reef around the island is deal for snorkeling and the sea is full of exotic marine life. On the island a lighthouse can be seen on the high promontory in the cactus jungle. Below the promontory is a cave network with clearly marked trails from the guano mining days of old.
Phosphorescent Bay
The phosphorescent bay is a natural phenomenon whereby millions of bioluminescence organisms in the water light up as part of a natural defense system against predators. This occurs occasionally in warms seas around the world, but in Puerto Rico it is a more common sight, especially in two protected bays. La Parguera, located between Mayaquez and Ponce in the southwest is one of these bays. Here the villagers take visitors on a guided tour of the illuminated sea. However the best phosphorescent bay is on the offshore island municipality of Vieques, where the magical blue light makes the sky and bay sparkle.
Piñones Natural Reserve
This reserve is home to plant life, particularly the mangroves, which are low trees and that grown in marshes and along tidal shores. The interlacing roots provide protection for animals and plants. Located just 20 minutes from San Juan, the Piñones Forest has a boardwalk running through the forest that takes you past a maze of mangroves, a small bioluminescent bay, dramatic sand dunes and exotic wildlife. Forty six species of birds have been recorded in this reserve along with thirty six species of fish in the surrounding waters. The Valcia Talega Beach is at the end of the reserve and has a fascinating landscape of twisted rocks and palm trees.
