Where is Playa Pelícano (Caja de Muertos) located?

Playa Pelícano (Caja de Muertos) is located in Ponce, Puerto Rico. The exact coordinates are 17.8853257, -66.528123. You can use GPS navigation or follow signs to Ponce and look for beach access points.

Is Playa Pelícano (Caja de Muertos) good for swimming?

Yes, Playa Pelícano (Caja de Muertos) is a public beach open for swimming.

What facilities are available at Playa Pelícano (Caja de Muertos)?

Playa Pelícano (Caja de Muertos) is a natural beach. Facilities may be limited, so consider bringing your own supplies.

What activities can I do at Playa Pelícano (Caja de Muertos)?

Popular activities at Playa Pelícano (Caja de Muertos) include snorkeling. The beach is perfect for a day trip from Ponce.

Playa Pelícano (Caja de Muertos) - Ponce

At a glance

You can only reach Playa Pelícano by boat — most visitors book a tour or water taxi from Ponce.

Swimming

Easy — calm water

Snorkel

Great — reef

Family

Safe for kids

Access

Boat only · See tours →

Best for

Scenic
Secluded

Getting there

Boat or water taxi from Ponce. Most visitors book a tour. See tours →

Best time

Best season: December through April offers the most pleasant weather with lower humidity.

Know before you go

Boat access only

Tours and water taxis depart from Ponce. See tours →

No lifeguard

Swim with a buddy and know your limits.

Limited facilities

Bring water, shade, and food for the day.

Conditions today

85°Overcast · feels like 90°

☀ UV High 💨 Wind 12 mph

🌿 Sargassum: light reported

☀ Sunrise 6:12 am🌙 Sunset 6:34 pm

Where it is

Ponce · South Coast17.89°N 66.53°W

Ways to experience Playa Pelícano

Bookable tours and activities at and around this beach.

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About Playa Pelícano

Playa Pelícano is the main landing beach of Caja de Muertos, the coffin-shaped nature-reserve island off Ponce. Its white sand and sheltered, glass-clear water rank among the south coast's best, and a marked trail climbs from the beach to the island's 1887 lighthouse for the panorama.

Local tips

✔Golden hour (shortly after sunrise or before sunset) provides the best lighting for photos

✔Bring your own snorkeling gear for the best fit and visibility

✔Download offline maps before visiting as cell service may be limited

✔Bring your own food and drinks - limited vendors in the area

✔Help preserve the beach beauty by taking all trash with you when you leave

✔Bring plenty of water - staying hydrated in the tropical heat is essential

Plan Your Visit

What to Bring+

Photography & Observation:

Camera with extra battery
Tripod for sunset shots
Binoculars for coastal views

Snorkeling Gear:

Snorkel set (mask, snorkel, fins) for the best fit and visibility
Reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher)
Underwater camera if you have one

Sun & Hydration Protection:

Reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher)—apply regularly and use waterproof formulas
Reusable water bottle filled with plenty of fresh water
Hat or visor for sun protection

Food, Shade & Supplies:

All food and snacks—there are no food vendors at or near this beach
Cooler with drinks for staying hydrated in the tropical heat
Portable beach umbrella or pop-up shade tent—highly recommended, as natural shade is limited
First aid kit
All trash bags for pack-out responsibility

About This Beach

History & Background+

Playa Pelícano (Caja de Muertos) is located in the municipality of Ponce, Puerto Rico's second-largest city on the southern coast, known as the Pearl of the South for its rich colonial architecture. Situated on Puerto Rico's southern Caribbean coast, this area benefits from calmer waters sheltered from Atlantic swells by the island's central mountain range, offering warmer and more tranquil conditions with excellent underwater visibility year-round.

This white-sand beach on a nature reserve island is one of Ponce's most visually stunning coastal destinations. The municipality has deep roots in Puerto Rico's history, and beaches like Playa Pelícano reflect the ongoing relationship between coastal communities and the sea. Featuring stunning coastal views, picturesque landscapes perfect for photography, clear waters with diverse marine life, and excellent underwater visibility, this destination attracts both local families and travelers discovering the area for the first time.

Nearby Attractions+

Playa Pelícano (Caja de Muertos) is situated in Ponce, which offers several attractions beyond the beach itself. The town center is worth exploring for its cultural and culinary offerings, and nearby communities offer additional activities and dining experiences.

Museo de Arte de Ponce — world-class art museum featuring Latin American works
Parque de Bombas — iconic red-and-black firehouse, a historic and photogenic landmark
Ponce town center — central plaza with a church, local shops, and cafes for experiencing everyday Puerto Rican town life
Weekend markets and fiestas patronales — patron saint celebrations throughout the year featuring live music, food, and cultural performances
Local restaurants and chinchorros — roadside kiosks serving traditional Puerto Rican fare including fresh seafood, mofongo, and tostones
Other beaches in the Ponce area — Caja de Muertos Beach, Playa de Ponce, and Balneario El Tuque, each with different character worth exploring
Juana Díaz — neighboring area worth exploring, a short drive away