Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Between May and October, Isla Mona's beaches are important nesting grounds for a
number of species of marine turtle, including the chronically endangered Carey turtle.
Sights & Activities
Isla Mona is almost a perfect oval, measuring about 7 miles from east to west and 4 miles
from north to south. Most of the island's coastline is made up of rough, rocky cliffs, espe-
cially along the north side. The south side, meanwhile, has a number of narrow beaches that
fringe the highlands. The most approachable of these beaches is
Playa Sardinera
, where
you will find toilets, showers and the concrete living quarters of the rangers and police de-
tachment. The airfield, lying about a mile further east, has been closed since 1999.
The island's terrain consists of a broad rim of coastal plain that rises gently to a central
mesa. Because the land is flat and overgrown, it is difficult to find landmarks on the ho-
rizon. More than a few people have gotten lost here - including the pirate William Kidd
and a boy scout who died from dehydration and exhaustion in 2001. The basic photocopied
map you get from the DRNA in San Juan is useless; the US Geological Survey (USGS), an
agency of the US Department of the Interior, publishes a better map ($8).
You will find spectacular 150ft visibility (or better) for
diving
in the waters around the
island. There are excellent barrier and fringe-reef dives filled with lagoons and ruts on the
south side of the island. Divers particularly enjoy the sharp drop-off along one reef that
creates an overhanging wall; some fascinating creatures come to drift in its cool shadow.
Aside from diving, the only thing to do here is geek out on the nature.
Tours
Acampa Nature Adventure
ORGANIZED TOUR
( 787-706-0695;
www.acampapr.com
)
Organizes four-day trips of the island with
guided hikes; billed as 'roughing it with all the comforts.'
Adventures Tourmarine
BOAT CHARTER
( 787-375-2625;
www.tourmarinepr.com
; Rte 102 Km 14.1, Playa de Joyuda)
The
esteemed Captain Hernández is based in Joyuda in Cabo Rojo and is an old Mona hand;
call for prices and availability.
Mona Aquatics
GUIDED DIVE TRIPS
( 787-851-2185; Calle José de Diego;
www.monaaquatics.com
)
Can arrange custom
trips to the island…for the right price.
