Caja de Muertos Beach

Ponce, Puerto Rico, Puerto Rico

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Caja de Muertos Beach refers to the pristine beaches on Isla Caja de Muertos (Coffin Island), a small uninhabited nature reserve located 8 miles off the southern coast of Ponce, Puerto Rico.

This beautiful island, approximately 1.5 miles long and 0.5 mile wide, earned its mysterious name "Coffin Island" due to its coffin-like shape when viewed from afar or its legendary association with pirate treasure. Designated a Nature Reserve in 1980 and protected by Puerto Rico's Department of Natural Resources, the island features crystal-clear waters, uncrowded white-sand beaches, diverse marine life, and remains beautifully preserved due to its limited access.

The main swimming beach is Pelícano Beach on the southwest end, a lovely shallow, clear sand beach perfect for swimming, while the Caribbean side beach serves as a protected turtle nesting site closed to humans. Being an island, it's accessible only by boat via tours departing from Paseo Tablado La Guancha in Ponce, with the 20-25 minute boat ride offered by Waterland Adventures daily, providing 4-hour snorkel trips or full day trips.

Activities include excellent year-round snorkeling at vibrant coral reefs, hiking trails leading to an old Spanish-built lighthouse on a 170-foot hill (constructed 1885-1887), exploring caves, birdwatching for species including endangered brown pelicans, trekking, photography, and relaxing on untouched beaches. The island was closed to the public after Hurricane Maria and the 2020 earthquake caused damage, but now operates as a guided tour destination, keeping crowds manageable while maintaining its authentic, pristine Caribbean paradise experience.