Where is Isla Caja de Muertos - Coffin Island located?

Isla Caja de Muertos - Coffin Island is located in Ponce, Puerto Rico. The exact coordinates are 17.893189, -66.521111. You can use GPS navigation or follow signs to Ponce and look for beach access points.

Is Isla Caja de Muertos - Coffin Island good for swimming?

Yes, Isla Caja de Muertos - Coffin Island is a public beach open for swimming.

What facilities are available at Isla Caja de Muertos - Coffin Island?

Isla Caja de Muertos - Coffin Island offers the following facilities: Picnic Areas, Restrooms, Shade Structures.

What activities can I do at Isla Caja de Muertos - Coffin Island?

Popular activities at Isla Caja de Muertos - Coffin Island include swimming, snorkeling. The beach is perfect for a day trip from Ponce.

Is there parking at Isla Caja de Muertos - Coffin Island?

Parking near Isla Caja de Muertos - Coffin Island may be limited. It's recommended to arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays.

Isla Caja de Muertos - Coffin Island - Ponce

At a glance

Isla Caja de Muertos - Coffin Island is a secluded beach in Ponce, Puerto Rico, known for scenic views and its secluded atmosphere. Uninhabited island nature reserve off Ponce featuring four beaches, dry forests, pristine coral reefs, and a restored 1887 lighthouse. Facilities include restrooms.

Swimming

Check conditions

Snorkel

Great — reef

Family

Safe for kids

Access

Short path

Best for

Diving
Scenic
Secluded
✓ Picnic Areas
✓ Restrooms
✓ Shade/Umbrellas

Getting there

Short path.

Best time

Weekends and holidays are the only option since the ferry from La Guancha only runs those days.

Know before you go

No lifeguard

Swim with a buddy and know your limits.

Parking

Park at the La Guancha boardwalk in Ponce where the ferry to Caja de Muertos departs. A large public parking lot with ample free spaces serves the boardwalk and ferry terminal area. Arrive early on popular weekends to secure a spot close to the dock. The island itself has no vehicles, roads, or parking of any kind.

Conditions today

84°Overcast · feels like 89°

☀ UV High 💨 Wind 12 mph

☀ Sunrise 6:12 am🌙 Sunset 6:34 pm

Where it is

Ponce · South Coast17.89°N 66.52°W

Ways to experience Isla Caja de Muertos - Coffin Island

Bookable tours and activities at and around this beach.

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About Isla Caja de Muertos - Coffin Island

Uninhabited island nature reserve off Ponce featuring four beaches, dry forests, pristine coral reefs, and a restored 1887 lighthouse. This secluded Caribbean gem offers world-class snorkeling and diving, scenic hiking trails through native vegetation, and abundant birdwatching opportunities. Ferry access from La Guancha runs weekends and holidays only, naturally preserving the island's undeveloped character and tranquil atmosphere.

Local tips

✔Ferries depart from La Guancha on weekends and holidays. Book tickets early as they sell out fast.

✔Bring snorkel gear, hiking shoes, sunscreen, and all food and water for the day.

✔Catch the last ferry back to Ponce. There are no overnight accommodations on the island.

✔The lighthouse summit offers 360-degree views. Bring a wide-angle lens for the panorama.

✔Ferry tickets are affordable but limited. Purchase in advance at La Guancha boardwalk.

Plan Your Visit

What to Bring+

Essential Protection & Hydration:

Reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher)
Reusable water bottle and at least two liters of water per person
Sun hat or cap for tropical sun protection
Protective clothing for hikes (long sleeves recommended)

Diving & Snorkeling Gear:

Snorkel gear (mask, snorkel, fins)
Dive certification card if planning dives
Personal dive equipment or contact a local dive shop for rentals

Food & Sustenance:

Packed meals and snacks (no vendors on the island)
Cooler for food storage

For Hiking & Safety:

Hiking shoes with good traction
First aid kit (medical assistance requires ferry return to Ponce)
Binoculars for birdwatching

For Photography:

Camera with extra batteries
Tripod for sunset shots

About This Beach

History & Background+

Isla Caja de Muertos, located in the municipality of Ponce on Puerto Rico's southern Caribbean coast, is a true Caribbean sanctuary. Ponce, known as the Pearl of the South, is the island's second-largest city with rich architectural heritage. The sheltered southern exposure benefits from calmer waters protected from Atlantic swells by Puerto Rico's central mountain range, creating ideal conditions for diving and snorkeling with superior underwater visibility.

This uninhabited island nature reserve features four separate beach areas with varying conditions—from sheltered coves perfect for snorkeling to more exposed stretches with stronger currents. A restored 19th-century lighthouse dating to 1887 crowns the island's highest point, accessible via hiking trails through dry forest offering panoramic Caribbean views. Surrounding coral reefs support abundant marine life, making this one of southern Puerto Rico's premier diving and snorkeling destinations.

Ferry service from La Guancha operates weekends and holidays only, with a 30-40 minute crossing. This limited access naturally preserves the island's undeveloped character and keeps crowds minimal, ensuring an authentic wilderness experience.

Nearby Attractions+

Isla Caja de Muertos sits within the cultural and culinary heart of Ponce, a municipality rich with attractions beyond the beach. The nearby area of Juana Díaz is also worth exploring. Consider dedicating time to these significant cultural landmarks and local dining experiences before or after your island visit.

Museo de Arte de Ponce: Premier art museum featuring Latin American and European masterworks in a striking architectural setting.
Parque de Bombas: Historic firehouse with distinctive red and black exterior, an iconic symbol of Ponce's architectural heritage.
Ponce Town Center: Central plaza featuring a church, local shops, and cafes offering authentic Puerto Rican town life experiences.
Playa de Ponce: Urban beach option in Ponce with different character than the remote island.
La Guancha Waterfront and Plaza Luis Muñoz Rivera: Boardwalk area with dining, shopping, and recreational facilities.
Local restaurants and chinchorros: Roadside food vendors and family restaurants serving traditional Puerto Rican cuisine including mofongo, tostones, and fresh seafood.
Weekend markets and fiestas patronales: Many towns hold cultural celebrations featuring live music, food, and traditional performances, particularly during patron saint festivals.