Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Left
A wading bird at Boquerón Bird Refuge
Right
Marine turtle
Wildlife-Viewing
!
Whale-Watching
^
Red-Footed Boobies
The gargantuan humpback
whales feed in the Northern
Atlantic but migrate in winter to
warm Caribbean waters to mate
and give birth. February is the
peak month for viewing them in
the Mona Passage
(see p110)
.
@
Boquerón Bird Refuge
Isla Mona is a nesting site
for red-footed boobies - large
seabirds with salmon-colored
feet. They nest on the ground
and display relatively little fear
of humans.
&
Marine Turtles
Several beaches on Isla
Mona and Isla Magueyes are
nesting sites for leatherback
and other marine turtles
(see p54)
. These endangered
creatures face numerous threats,
including marine pollution.
*
Tropical Agricultural
This coastal wetland, part of
the Bosque Estatal de Boquerón,
is a superb place for spotting
migratory waterfowl, wading
birds, and hawks. Blinds (covered
areas to disguise bird-watchers)
enhance your experience.
d
Map
B6 • Carretera 301 Km 5.1, Boquerón •
787 851 7258 • Open 8am-4pm Tue-Sun
Research Station
This facility on the University of
Puerto Rico's western campus
occupies a former plantation.
Self-guided trails lead through
one of the world's largest
tropical botanical gardens.
d
Map B4 • Av Pedro Albizu Campos
2200, Mayagüez • 787 831 3435
• Open 7am-noon & 1-5pm Mon-Fri
£
Bahía de Fosforescente
This lagoon, not to be
confused with a bay of the same
name off Vieques, glows due to
the microscopic organisms that
emit light when disturbed. Glass-
bottomed boat trips depart La
Parguera
(see next page)
.
$
Manatees
(
Dolphins
These huge vegetarian
marine mammals
(see p54)
can
be seen swimming in coastal
lagoons around Boquerón and
La Parguera. They are difficult to
spot, so a sighting is a rare treat.
%
Mona Iguanas
These charming and playful
marine mammals
(see p54)
are
a joy to see. They accompany
fast-moving boats, leaping in
and out of waves at the bow.
)
Corals
The waters around Isla
Desecheo
(see p70)
abound with
colorful coral species, including
brain corals, boulder corals, and
6-ft- (2-m-) tall sea fans. Sponges
are a highlight here.
d
Map B1
The charcoal-brown Mona
Iguana
(see p55)
is endemic to
Isla Mona. This egg-laying reptile
is easily spotted as you walk the
island's trails.
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