Caja de Muertos Island
An uninhabited nature reserve off Ponce, Puerto Rico, offering pristine beaches, hiking, and vibrant snorkeling.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Caja de Muertos Island
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An uninhabited nature reserve off Ponce, Puerto Rico, offering pristine beaches, hiking, and vibrant snorkeling.
"This island has one of the best beaches of PR. The turquoise waters are comparable to some of the best in Hawaii."
Book Ferry in Advance
Ferry trips are limited; book with operators like Island Ventures early. :admission_tickets:
Wear Sturdy Shoes
Essential for the hike to the lighthouse; avoid flip-flops. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Pristine Beaches
Various coves around the island
Discover secluded, sandy shores with crystal-clear turquoise waters perfect for swimming and relaxation.
+1
Lighthouse Hike
Summit of the island
Trek to the abandoned lighthouse for breathtaking panoramic views of the island and surrounding ocean.
Snorkeling Adventures
Near the dock and rocky areas
Explore vibrant underwater worlds teeming with colorful fish and potentially sea turtles.
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Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Getting to Caja de Muertos
Island Essentials & Activities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Ferry in Advance
Ferry trips are limited; book with operators like Island Ventures early. :admission_tickets:
Wear Sturdy Shoes
Essential for the hike to the lighthouse; avoid flip-flops. :athletic_shoe:
Pack Water & Sunscreen
Limited amenities on the island; stay hydrated and protected from the sun. :droplet: :sunwithface:
Check Cooler Policy
Ferry companies may have restrictions on coolers; confirm before you go. :cooler:
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Ferry in Advance
Ferry trips are limited; book with operators like Island Ventures early. :admission_tickets:
Wear Sturdy Shoes
Essential for the hike to the lighthouse; avoid flip-flops. :athletic_shoe:
Pack Water & Sunscreen
Limited amenities on the island; stay hydrated and protected from the sun. :droplet: :sunwithface:
Check Cooler Policy
Ferry companies may have restrictions on coolers; confirm before you go. :cooler:
Explore Underwater
Snorkeling is a must! Look for colorful fish and sea turtles.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Caja de Muertos Island is lauded for its stunning, comparable-to-Hawaii beaches and vibrant snorkeling opportunities. Visitors appreciate the natural beauty and the rewarding hike to the lighthouse. However, some note that the island's structures are in disrepair due to natural events, and amenities are very limited.
"I grew up in PR. I’m ashamed to say I never visited this island until
Last October. This island has one of the best beaches of PR.
I’ve snorkeled all over Hawaii. The turquoise waters of this island are comparable to some of the beaches in Maui, Hawaii. I saw under the dock the bigger at boxer fix ever!!!! It was enormous. The eyes were bigger than the size of a cow’s eye!!!
Getting to caja de muerto:
Call island ventures
They usually only make 1 trip per day — departing from La Guancha Marina at 8:30am sharp and departing from the island at 3:30pm. The boat trip takes 30 minutes. They no longer allow you to bring beach chairs, umbrellas or coolers on the boat, but they have chairs, umbrellas, kayaks and SUP’s for rent now also. And food/drinks are included in the trip.
The crew was great.
I was amazed to see cactuses were as high as some of the cactuses I saw in Tucson, Az. There’s a good hike to the light house. Bring comfortable tennis shoes. The hike can get steep in some areas.
Caja de Muertos is one of Puerto Rico’s Nature Reserves, a municipality of Ponce. The island is a wonderful destination for beach and nature lovers seeking to experience the pleasures of an uninhabited island free of development. The island was voted as as one of the “The Ten Enchanting Natural Attractions of Puerto Rico
I regret I didn’t make an effort to visit it before. It’s only 8 miles from the mainland. I only paid $60 to get ther by ferry and included food.
This is a must see destination."
Myriam
"Absolutely gorgeous but the structures are falling apart due to frequent earthquakes and hurricanes. Do to this there’s, currently, no tours to the island."
Suaih Morales
"This is a very nice Island off the coast of the main land. This is one of many small islands close to Puerto Rico. This one is by Ponce. You can catch a ferry/Catamaran/boat ride from La Guancha Marina in Ponce.
This should be a must visit location, in my opinion. I would highly recommend this place to anyone. If your ok with a walk to see a breath taking view, then please take the hike to the abandon Light House/El Faro. It's about 1/2 hour walk to get there and 1/2 hour back. Please do go early in the day and with proper foot wear, no flip flops/slippers. Take a water bottle and a small wet towel because on hot days, you'll need it. Also try wearing a hat, it helps out somewhat. Don't forget your phone or camera to take pictures and selfies."
Jose R Lopez
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The primary way to reach Caja de Muertos Island is by ferry or private boat tours departing from La Guancha Marina in Ponce. Island Ventures is a common operator for ferry services. It's recommended to book in advance as trips can be limited.
Yes, ferries operate from La Guancha Marina in Ponce to Isla Caja de Muertos. Island Ventures is a known provider, typically offering one trip per day. Confirm schedules and booking details directly with the operator.
Absolutely! Private boat tours are a popular option for visiting Caja de Muertos, offering more flexibility. Many charters depart from Ponce.
The boat trip from La Guancha Marina in Ponce to Caja de Muertos Island typically takes about 30 minutes.
Policies can vary, but some ferry services no longer allow guests to bring their own beach chairs, umbrellas, or coolers. They often offer rentals on the island. It's best to confirm with your chosen operator.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, you will need to purchase tickets for the ferry or book a boat tour to access Caja de Muertos Island. Booking in advance is highly recommended.
Ferry prices can vary, but one reviewer mentioned paying around $60 for the trip, which also included food. It's best to check current pricing with the tour operators.
While Caja de Muertos is a protected nature reserve, the primary cost is for transportation to the island. Specific entrance fees for the reserve itself are not typically mentioned, but tour operators will include access.
Ferry services usually depart in the morning, often around 8:30 AM, and return in the afternoon, around 3:30 PM. Private tours may offer more flexible timing.
It is generally not possible to visit Caja de Muertos without booking a ferry or a private boat tour, as it is an uninhabited island requiring organized transport.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Visitors can enjoy relaxing on the beaches, snorkeling in the clear waters, and hiking to the island's lighthouse.
Yes, Caja de Muertos is known for its excellent snorkeling opportunities, with clear waters revealing colorful fish and sometimes sea turtles.
For the hike to the lighthouse, it's highly recommended to wear comfortable tennis shoes or hiking boots, as the terrain can be steep and rocky. Avoid flip-flops or sandals.
Amenities on the uninhabited island are very limited. One review mentioned no bathrooms being available, so be prepared.
Some tour operators offer rentals for chairs, umbrellas, kayaks, and SUPs on the island. It's advisable to check with your tour provider about availability and costs.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Some ferry services, like those from Island Ventures, include food and drinks in their trip package. Always confirm what's included when booking.
Historically, visitors could bring their own food and drinks, but some ferry operators now have restrictions on coolers. It's best to check the current policy with your chosen transport provider.
Caja de Muertos is an uninhabited nature reserve, so there are no restaurants or food vendors on the island itself. You'll need to rely on what's provided by your tour or what you bring.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit near the lighthouse offers stunning panoramic views. The pristine beaches with turquoise waters are also incredibly photogenic.
Absolutely! The island's natural beauty, from the beaches and cacti to the lighthouse and underwater scenes, provides ample opportunities for memorable photos.
While some creators have used drones, it's essential to check local regulations regarding drone usage in protected natural areas before flying.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The hike to the lighthouse can be managed by older children, providing a sense of accomplishment and stunning views. 💰 Budget Travelers
Compare prices between different ferry operators and private tours to find the best value for your trip. 💑 Couples & Romantic Getaways
A private boat tour can add an extra touch of romance, allowing for a more intimate experience. Pack a picnic to share on the beach and take a leisurely stroll hand-in-hand. The island's natural beauty offers a perfect backdrop for creating lasting memories together. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating to Paradise: Ferry vs. Private Tours
For those seeking more flexibility and a personalized experience, private boat tours are an excellent choice. These tours can depart from Ponce and offer the freedom to set your own schedule, explore at your own pace, and potentially visit other nearby cays.
Many private charters cater to different group sizes and can be customized to include activities like snorkeling or even a sunset cruise. While generally more expensive, private tours offer unparalleled convenience and a more intimate way to experience the beauty of Caja de Muertos. Island Exploration: Hiking and Beaches
Along the way, you'll encounter diverse flora, including impressive cacti. The island also boasts beautiful, often secluded beaches with soft sand and clear, turquoise waters.
These coves are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and simply unwinding in a tranquil environment. While the island is largely undeveloped, some areas offer opportunities for relaxation and enjoying the natural beauty. Underwater Wonders: Snorkeling and Marine Life
Snorkelers often report seeing schools of colorful fish darting amongst the coral formations and rocky outcrops. Some lucky visitors have even encountered sea turtles gracefully swimming in their natural habitat. +1The area under the dock has been noted as a spot where larger marine life can be observed.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit