The most beautiful natural sites to discover Puerto Rico

For many people, Coca is not a trail but a waterfall, the most famous of the park. 26 m high, it is located on the edge of Highway 191, 4 km after the park entrance. You can approach it, but the space that is forming at the final point of fall is too small to be able to swim. 400 m later (at km 8,5), the entrance to the Coca trail, which stretches over almost 3 km, is located before joining the Mina.

Commonly known as "Bio Bay", the bioluminescent bay of Vieques is the island's main environmental treasure. If there are five in the world, including three in Puerto Rico, this one is probably the most spectacular, by its size and brightness. They are micro-organisms, dinoflagellates, which are signaled by a small neon light as soon as the water gets agitated around them. A simple observation is therefore not enough. No agitation, no reaction. The micro-organisms at the origin of this phenomenon are however very fragile, which is why swimming, day and night, is forbidden. Indeed, many conditions are necessary to allow these micro-organisms to survive: the presence of mangroves, whose dead leaves enrich the plankton, a constant quality and temperature of the water. This requires the reduction of human pollution by artificial lights and products dejections. Human sweat, perfumes or mosquito repellents applied to the skin can considerably harm them. That's why it's better to just visit by canoe. The survival of this biological treasure depends on it. Unfortunately, at certain periods, several dozen kayaks, chartered by local agencies, are on the water at the same time and that makes a lot of people at the beginning. But it is difficult to be apart and the excursions are generally well organized and respectful of the environment.

Dream beach lovers, don't miss this one! La Playuela is one of the most beautiful beaches in Puerto Rico. It is accessible by going to the end of the road 301, as to reach the lighthouse of Cabo Rojo (Faro Los Amarillos). Nestled in a small wild bay, sheltered from the Caribbean Sea by dunes and a coral reef. The sand seems immaculate, and the water is turquoise like never before. There, we have the breath cut. To see at all costs!

The Paseo del Morro is a hiking trail that runs along the sea below the old town of San Juan. The path is part of the historical heart of San Juan. Very easy to walk, it connects the door of San Juan to the fort San Felipe del Morro and offers beautiful views. You can meet many cats that come to bask on the walls and some lazy iguanas. Very pleasant to do early in the morning, or at the end of the day at sunset, for a romantic walk (high place of marriage proposals). Joggers can also be found here.

This small, rare and fascinating beach is located on the south coast, west of Esperanza (at the intersection of Route 996 and PR-201 take a left). You can park along the road and must take a dirt road to get there. There is a sign indicating the trail. Count 10 minutes of walking at a good pace, through a beautiful coastal forest. At the arrival, you will discover a dreamy cove, at the foot of a cliff, and a beach of magnetic black sand. This one would even have virtues for the skin. Natural spa guaranteed.

The most beautiful beach is the one in front of the Luquillo Sunrise Beach Inn, called La Pared. This is where the surfers come, because the waves are there more than elsewhere. If you continue to the west of the city, you will find Playa Azul, the most suitable for swimming. Finally, Luquillo Monserrate Balneario is the most popular beach, and has the advantage of being supervised. You can get there by road 3 (km 35,4). It is best to arrive before 11am on weekends to get the best spots. Beach chairs can be rented on site.

The Jobos Bay Reserve is the second largest estuary in Puerto Rico, located in the southeastern municipality of Aguirre, once a town entirely devoted to the sugar industry. Remnants of that glorious era are still visible, but the days when Aguirre produced nearly 13,000 tons of sugarcane per day are long gone. The place is ideal for observing the mangrove vegetation. The visitor center offers an interactive exhibition on the reserve's ecosystem, history, geography, flora, fauna, and hydrology.

It is not the case of all, but we can say that this beach is really beautiful. Small but idyllic, enjoying a turquoise blue sea, fine and soft sand. The waters are perhaps a little calmer than elsewhere. The place is known for its snorkeling possibilities, for a rendezvous with beautiful colored fish. The Tres Palmas marine reserve was created to protect the marine biodiversity of this area, rich in corals. It includes a popular snorkeling site known as Steps Beach.

Among the many beaches that can be found in Rincón, this is the official public beach of the city, and therefore the most known and frequented. Its facilities are complete, with free parking, picnic areas, showers and toilets. It is located right next to some bars, restaurants and shops where you can end up after a jump in the water. It's a very quiet beach and is great for swimming, kayaking and stand-up paddling. On weekends, it attracts many families who come to picnic and relax.

To south-east of Jayuya, you will meet the excellent forest of the Toro Negro, nature reserve. Much less frequented than that of Del, it offers an equally great opportunity to explore a Puerto Rican rainforest. It covers 2 830 ha in the heart of the Central Cordillera, in the municipalities of Adjuntas, Jayuya and Orocovís. Here lies the highest peak of the island, Mount Punta, culminating at 1 338 m. The lowest point in the park is 400 m above sea level. Nearly 160 species of trees and about 30 species of birds inhabit the reserve. To visit the Toro Negro, the best is to go to the offices of the park, on route 143 to rkm 32,4. Several hiking trails are empruntables from this place. They lead to natural pools, fed by 9 rivers crossing the park. Easily accessible, they will make you live moments of relaxation in the unforgettable nature, the waterfalls massage your back… 

Although officially part of the Guánica reserve, the island is open to the public. Also known as Cayo Aurora, it is relatively small, extending over an area of 0,18 km ². She owes her name to an American television series of the 1960 s. On site, you will not find any very developed tourist infrastructure. Apart from a few barbecues and health, there is nothing and it is all the better, place to nature. The island is covered with sand and mangroves and offers small beaches of dreams such as the Playa Solitaria. For years, a project of a holiday club threatened the tranquillity and authenticity of this paradise area, but the local popular sling prevailed. A small ferry is available every day and every day except Monday, from 9 am to 17 pm. You will take the boat at the parking at the San Jacinto restaurant in the Playa Gorda area after leaving Highway 333. Tickets to Copamarina and Mary Lee's by the Sea are also available.

Despite its small size, this reserve has many trails. About forty species of birds make their home here. It is also in this area that the endangered Puerto Rican boa is found. On the flora side, more than 180 different species of trees are represented there. The Guajataca forest also has its share of mogotes (steep hills) and a famous cave, the Cueva del Viento, which houses numerous stalactites. Camping is possible. Bring your own provisions

A good reason to make a stop in Manatí. The so-called Playa Mar Chiquita is a magnificent beach with a unique character, thanks to its half-moon shape, almost closed by rocky barriers. This makes it a kind of lagoon, a natural pool, in which the intense waters of the Atlantic Ocean flow happily. A real sapphire suitable for swimming, when the conditions are right. Magnificent seen from the sky. There is not much shade, but umbrellas and chairs are available for rent, as well as food stands on weekends.

Located in the north of Rincón, Domes Beach is known for its great waves for surfing during the winter, and is considered one of the best surf spots in Rincón. Various professional surfing competitions, including the "Corona Pro Surf Circuit", take place on this beach, located right next to the lighthouse of Punta Higüero. Attention surfers! There are many surfing schools in the area, and equipment can be rented for those who are already familiar with the sport. For swimmers, we recommend wearing sea shoes.

This beach, located on the west side of Culebra, is particularly pleasant for snorkeling, especially for those who are new to the sport. It is home to many sea turtles. On the other hand, you will have to be very careful with sea urchins, it is in this part of the island that there are the most. Playa Melones has the advantage of being quickly accessible by foot from downtown Dewey. On the other hand, it is not a beautiful beach, the water is not clear and the sand is covered with coral remains in some places.

A portion of the main island of Culebra and all the surrounding islets, or 25% of the total area, are designated as a National Wildlife Refuge. Best of all, one of the first bird parks in the United States is located in Culebra. It was founded in 1909 by President Roosevelt. Nearly 60,000 birds visit the island each year. The area is also known to be home to rare species of turtles, which come to nest in the sand of the archipelago every year. The natural park offers many opportunities for walks.

This is probably the beach that looks the least like its sisters on the island. With its pebbles and small rocky cliffs, it offers a much less hospitable setting than the other beaches in the area. Even cacti grow there! The place is nonetheless beautiful. The area is particularly pleasant for snorkeling, especially for beginners. For that you have to go to the left side of Punta Soldado. The beach is accessible on foot by a path from the parking lot (about 20 minutes on foot).

Lined with coconut trees, this beach is one of the most pleasant in the area, even if it is not breathtakingly beautiful. Little frequented, it is a guarantee of tranquility, especially during the week. However, it is not a beach where you can swim easily, be careful, the swell is often very strong. We prefer without any hesitation the beach of Guayanés, a little more to the north-east of Yabucoa. It is a large beach, more isolated, clean and often deserted. The waters are also calmer for swimming.

The most famous beach in Fajardo is called Seven Seas. There is a balneario (beach resort) along it, on Route 195, at km 4. Less than a kilometer from Seven Seas Beach, heading north, you will find Playa Escondida ("hidden beach"), but beware that the waves are often violent there. The destination is favored by surfers. It is part of the territory of the National Reserve of Las Cabezas de San Juan. Finally, Playa Colorá, less known and less frequented, is a 15-20 minute walk from Seven Seas.

The bioluminescent bay of Fajardo is the one that attracts the most people in Puerto Rico. Its proximity to San Juan alone explains its great popularity. The phenomenon of bioluminescent bays is not very common: there are 5 in the world, including 3 in Puerto Rico. At night, a luminosity is perceived in the water as soon as a body is in motion. It is caused by micro-organisms called dinoflagellates that react with a small neon light as soon as the water is agitated. There is no point in simply looking at the water from the shore. No agitation, no reaction. In terms of dinoflagellate concentration, Vieques Bay is now far superior. Pollution and climate change have affected the biological environment of these very fragile microorganisms. Many conditions are necessary to ensure their survival, such as the presence of mangroves that allow them to feed on dead leaves. The water temperature must be maintained around a stable value. The human pollution around, such as artificial lights or the discharge of products, should not change the quality of the water. Anyone who cares about the survival of this biological treasure will be content to visit it by canoe. Swimming causes pollution of the water by perfume, sun protection creams or mosquito repellent, which visitors often carry with them when entering the water.