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Islands in Puerto Rico are the gateway to a world of colour, rhythm and nature. At the heart of the Caribbean is Puerto Rico, famous for a mix of Latin sophistication and contemporary amenities. The beauty of San Juan, Puerto Rico, is renowned for its rainforests and lively people of mixed descent. These guarantee unforgettable vacations with wild horses, glowing bays, and pristine beaches. From excitement to paradise, Puerto Rico’s islands are nature’s playground, ready for the world to experience them.
Top 10 Islands In Puerto Rico
Here are the best islands in Puerto Rico, the perfect place to enjoy unlimited adventure, relaxation, and not-to-be-forgotten island-hopping tours:
1. Culebra
Photo: Hmalaret / Wikimedia Commons
Culebra is a stunning island off the coast of Puerto Rico, celebrated for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs. Flamenco Beach, consistently ranked among the best in the world to swim, snorkel or relax on its soft, white sands. The island’s laid-back vibe makes it perfect for unwinding. On the other hand, its untouched beauty offers a truly magical experience. Culebra promises a peaceful escape like no other among the islands in Puerto Rico.
Location: 17 miles off the eastern coast of the main island of Puerto Rico
How To Reach: Ferry from Ceiba (1 hour) or small aircraft from San Juan (30 minutes)
Nearest Airport: Benjamin Rivera Noriega Airport
2. Vieques
Photo: Maitra / Wikimedia Commons
Vieques is Puerto Rico’s most enchanting island, known for its wild horses, secluded beaches. It is also famous for the world’s brightest bioluminescent bay. Sunsets at Sun Bay and Playa Negra are breathtaking, bathing the horizon in sheets of golden light. At sunset, kayak across Mosquito Bay to witness the enchanting glow of bioluminescent plankton. Vieques combines adventure and tranquillity, where visitors can experience unspoiled nature.
Location: 8 miles off the main island of Puerto Rico
How To Reach: Ferry from Ceiba (45 minutes) or plane from San Juan (25 minutes)
Nearest Airport: Antonio Rivera Rodríguez Airport (Vieques, 5 miles from Esperanza)
3. Isla De Mona
Photo: Alopiasmag / Wikimedia Commons
Isla de Mona, the “Galápagos of the Caribbean,” is a remote eco-paradise among the Puerto Rican islands. Travellers can hike rugged trails, marvel at austere limestone cliffs, and track down the island’s rare animals like Mona iguanas and sea turtle nesting sites. The only places for overnight stays are to camp in the night sky, having true wilderness. Protected and preserved, the island is a nature lover’s paradise of solitude.
Location: 41 miles off the coast of mainland Puerto Rico
How To Reach: Special permit; chartered vessel from Mayagüez or Cabo Rojo (4 – 5 hours)
Nearest Airport: Eugenio María De Hostos Airport (Mayagüez, 40 miles from departure point)
4. Icacos Island
Photo: Moebiusuibeom-en / Wikimedia Commons
A boater’s heaven, Icacos Island is famous for its peaceful, shallow waters and vibrant sea life. This is one of the most popular islands in Puerto Rico for a day outing. Icacos features perfect conditions for snorkelling, swimming, and soaking up golden beaches. Deserted, the island offers tourists a feeling of isolation and tranquillity. Pack a picnic lunch, soak up the sun, and allow your troubles to waft away on the gentle waves.
Location: Off Fajardo, northeast Puerto Rico
Nearest Airport: Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (San Juan, 35 miles from Fajardo)
5. Palomino Island
Photo: Kyle Hawton / Wikimedia Commons
Palomino Island is a luxury island among Puerto Rico’s private islands. It offers private entry to secluded beaches, water sports, and luxury amenities. Guests of El Conquistador Resort enjoy private ferries, horseback riding, and jet skiing within a stunning tropical paradise. White sand and turquoise island waters provide an elegant backdrop for relaxation and adventure. Palomino delivers a high-end island experience that’s both thrilling and indulgent.
Location: Off the coast of Fajardo
Nearest Airport: Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (San Juan, 35 miles from Fajardo)
6. Caja De Muertos
Photo: Tito Caraballo / Wikimedia Commons
Caja de Muertos, or “Coffin Island,” is a picturesque nature reserve among Puerto Rico’s islands. It is perfect for visitors wanting to unwind and bask in the splendour of nature. Hike on scenic trails to the old lighthouse, sun on hidden beaches, and spot native birds en route. The island’s protected status ensures a clean world to swim, bask, and discover tranquility.
Location: South of Puerto Rico’s southern coast
How To Reach: Ferry from La Guancha, Ponce (45 minutes)
Nearest Airport: Mercedita Airport (Ponce, 7 miles from the ferry terminal)
7. Isla Mata La Gata
Photo: The Eloquent Peasant / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Isla Mata La Gata is a unique mangrove island known for its glowing bioluminescent water and family-friendly, fun atmosphere. It is a Puerto Rican island of enchantment to discover, including kayaking, swimming, and nighttime admiring of otherworldly plankton. The shallow, level water provides an excellent spot for children. Besides, nature enthusiasts will enjoy relaxing and strolling along the island’s diverse ecosystem. This is one of the best islands in Puerto Rico, not to be missed during your trip.
Location: Off coast of La Parguera, Puerto Viejo de Lajas
How To Reach: Boat or kayak from La Parguera (15 minutes)
Nearest Airport: Eugenio María de Hostos Airport (Mayagüez, 30 miles from La Parguera)
8. Isla Culebrita
Photo: Elenagrozdanova1 / Wikimedia Commons
Isla Culebrita is a picturesque, uninhabited island off the coast of Culebra, famous for its natural tidal pools and unspoiled beaches. Clamber to the historic lighthouse for breathtaking views, or soak up the sun on Tortuga Beach, where sea turtles lay their eggs. The tranquillity and serenity here are unmatched amongst Puerto Rico’s islands. This is a fantastic destination for those who want seclusion and connection with the pristine nature.
Location: Off the east coast of Culebra
How To Reach: Private boat or water taxi from Culebra (20 minutes)
Nearest Airport: Benjamin Rivera Noriega Airport (Culebra, 2 miles from water taxi terminal)
9. Isla Desecheo
Photo: Oquendo / Wikimedia Commons
A diver’s paradise, Isla Desecheo boasts dramatic underwater cliffs, vibrant coral formations, and crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life. Accessible only by dive charter, this remote gem offers an unforgettable experience. This is especially for seasoned divers and adventurous snorkellers. The island’s untouched beauty and sense of wonder make it a hidden treasure that leaves a lasting impression on all visitors.
Location: 13 miles offshore, off Rincón
How To Reach: Dive charter from Mayagüez or Rincón (1 hour)
Nearest Airport: Eugenio María de Hostos Airport (Mayagüez, 15 miles from Rincón)
10. Isla Ratones
Photo: Tito Caraballo / Wikimedia Commons
Isla Ratones, a tiny island off the western coast of Puerto Rico near Cabo Rojo, is a tranquil escape. Despite its small size, the island offers a peaceful retreat with calm, shallow waters ideal for swimming, snorkelling and kayaking. Popular among locals for picnics and barbecues, it’s easily accessible by a short boat ride from Joyuda. Rich in coastal charm and natural beauty, Isla Ratones is a relaxing getaway where visitors can unwind.
Location: Off Cabo Rojo coast
How To Reach: Short boat from Joyuda (10 minutes)
Nearest Airport: Eugenio María de Hostos Airport (Mayagüez, 25 miles from Joyuda)
Islands in Puerto Rico are a rich mix of adventure, relaxation, and nature, each with its own remarkable pace and memories. Whether hiking, snorkelling or just soaking under the palms, Puerto Rico’s islands have planned a lifetime’s worth of memories for you. Are you ready to turn your island-hopping fantasies into reality? Plan your vacation with TripXL, your reliable travel partner for simple, customised, and memorable vacations.
Cover Photo: Jaro Nemčok / Wikimedia Commons
