Explore or Relax on Beautiful Isla Caja de Muertos
NOTE- the boats in the photos are of the old boat that used to make trips, not the current Waterland Boat.
Isla Caja de Muertos (or Coffin Island) is a beautiful island and it is too nice to be missed, especially since it is an easy day trip.
Isla Caja de Muertos is an island located 8 miles off the coast, south of Ponce (which in turn is located on the south coast of Puerto Rico). It is a small island, just about 1½ miles long and about ½ mile wide at its widest point.
It is a nature reserve, with beautiful beaches (Pelican Beach especially!). The island also boasts hiking trails that lead to an old lighthouse, a cave, and a longer trail that goes to the other end of the island. There are some reefs off the north-eastern side of the island, but you need a boat to get to them.
Getting There by Boat
Being an island, the only way to get there is via boat. Waterland Adventures has a boat that runs between Paseo Tablado La Guancha, Ponce and the island. The boat trip takes about 20 minutes each way. They have 2 types of trips to the island- 4 hr snorkel trips or a day trip (where you can spent more time on the island).
The 4 hr Snorkel trip is great- This is a shared boat, you pay per person. They drop you off on the beach and show you where to snorkel to see the best stuff. You can also spend a little time to explore on the island. The trip includes Snorkeling gear and safety vest, a Light lunch and snacks, Bottled water and refreshment. You can bring your own alcoholic beverages if you want. They rent beach chairs and umbrellas to make your time more comfortable!
The full day “all inclusive” Charter Boat tour is 6 hours. It offers you more time to really relax and enjoy the island. It is a private (your group only) charter (priced as 4 people or 6 people on the boat). The price includes Lunch (local food) , Snacks Soda, Bottled Water. Cooler with Ice, Snorkeling Gear, Beach Chairs and umbrellas. You are welcome to bring any alcoholic beverages of your choice. The crew will set up your stuff on the beach and give you explanations of the best snorkel spots, and how to explore the island.
Which ever trip you choose, you will enjoy this beautiful island. The turquoise water is amazing! We enjoyed exploring the island, but be aware, it is a dry, hot island- If you head out for a walk, bring at least a bottle of water per person — it is a hot walk. The trail from the picnic pavilions to the lighthouse is just less than 1 mile, with an uphill hike to the lighthouse. On the trail up to the lighthouse, you pass a small path, off to the left, that leads to a platform at the top of Almeida Cave. Legend has it the pirate Almeida hid his treasure in this cave. If you pass the lighthouse, there is an obseravtion deck with views out toward Pelican beach. The trails are packed dirt with limestone rocks sticking up everywhere, so make sure you wear sturdy, closed toe shoes.
Some Tips
There is no fresh water available on the island. That means no showers, no sinks to wash your hands, and no potable drinking water. That will be on the boat. You MUST bring EVERYTHING you need for the day — towels, shoes, hat, sunscreen etc.
If you plan to hike, wear shoes with sturdy soles to avoid the thorns and rocks. Water shoes may be helpful at the beach because there is a row of rocks at the shore that you have to walk on to enter the water.
Transportation Options
Info
Check website for current prices.
The boat runs every day, check their calendar for your specific dates. Reservations are required. You can do that online on their website . .
Call 787-556-1568 (office) for more information (they take calls Monday to Friday 9am – 6pm, Sat and Sun 1pm-5:30pm).
Trips to Isla Caja de Muertos depart from the marina on the far west of Paseo Tablado La Guancha. There are some bars and restaurants by the Tablado.
Driving directions from the San Juan area: Take Route 52 south to exit for Av. Malecón/Av. Santiago de los Caballeros/PR-12 S in Ponce. Exit from Autop. Luis A. Ferré/PR-52 and Continue on Av. Malecón/Av. Santiago de los Caballeros/PR-12 S to the end, where you will see the parking lot and Public Boat Dock. (check google maps for exact directions)
The drive from the San Juan area takes about 1.25-1.5 hour.
Click on a placename below to view the location on Google Maps ...
PuertoRicoDayTrips.com assumes no responsibility regarding your safety when participating in the activities described in this article. Please use common sense! If your mother or that little voice in your head tells you that you are about to do something stupid … then don't do it!
