Spot Check

Isla Desecheo

Established in 1976 as a national wildlife refuge by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Isla Desecheo has many unique characteristics.  It is home to endemic lizards, an endangered cactus, and was once the worlds largest Brown Booby nesting colonization before Rhesus monkeys were introduced and disrupted their nesting sites (Breckon 2000).  The waters surrounding the island are as interesting and if not more beautiful than the island itself.  Within a half mile of the shoreline is a no take marine reserve (USFWS).  The variety of nearshore habitats, including linear and patch reefs, sediment patches, underwater coastline arches and rooms, and gorgonian fields support a vast amount of sea life.  This combined with 100-150’ visibility year round making this location a must for any visiting diver or snorkeler.  

Breckon, G. (2000) Revision of the flora of Desecheo Island, Puerto Rico. Vol. 36, No. 3-4, 177-209

US Fish and Wildlife Service, Desecheo National Wildlife Refuge

Habitat map of Isla Desecheo

Spanish Anchor  Isla Desecheo

photo taken by Taino Divers

photo taken by Taino Divers

La Parguera

La Parguera, home to the University of Puerto Rico’s Department of Marine Sciences,  is a marine protected area.  Fishing is allowed but managed by species, catch, size, and time of year.  From the mangrove laden coastline, through the inner lagoon mangrove cays and fringing reefs, to the outer lagoon fringing reefs, and offshore shelf and shelf edge La Parguera has it all.  Endless possiblities await the visiting diver or snorkeler.  Popular sites include Cayo Enrique, and Media Luna.  Another popular site for swimming is Caracoles.  Please pack out your trash and respect the natural resources.

Isla Mona

Mona Island is located in the Mona Channel 47 miles southwest of Mayaguez, Puerto Rico.  Department of Natural Resources (DRNA) presonnel including biologists and rangers are the only permanent residents.  Mona’s rugged location is beneficial for the preservation of it’s environments because of limited human access.  If you have the opportunity to visit this protected environment please respect it’s natural resources.

Tres Palmas Marine Reserve, Rincon, PR

The Tres Palms Marine Reserve has an area of 204 acres.  It has been a protected no take marine reserve since 2004.  It is home to many endangered species including Elkhorn coral, Staghorn coral, and Hawksbill turtles (Plan de Manejo, RMTP).  Many other reef fish, invertebrates, and corals call can be found in the reserve.  The rich thickets of shallow water Elkhorn coral support a vast amount of biodiversity and make it a splendid place for snorkeling or diving.  

Plan de Manejo, RMTP

Habitat Map, Tres Palmas Marine Reserve

A great snorkeling site just north of the Steps

Dive Sites of Puerto Rico