Diving Images - Mona, Cabo Rojo: Mona Island /Frazier Nivens
Cabo Rojo: Mona Island June-2008, By:Travel and Sports Staff
Cabo Rojo: Mona
The Galápagos of the Caribbean.
Fifty miles due west of Cabo Rojo floats rugged Mona Island, the Galápagos of the Caribbean, with its 200-foot cliffs, 3-foot iguanas and pirate caves. To get to Mona, you make arrangements with one of the tour operators. The 3-hour, 50-mile boat ride can be a bit rough, and most visitors camp for a few days, so this trip takes some advance planning (take everything, including water - the tour operators can help with this). In addition, the whole island is a nature reserve, and you need permits from the Puerto Rico Department of Natural Resources. There are no permanent residents on Mona.
There are two areas to land boats: Pájaros, in the southwest, or the Sardinera area in the west, close to the management office. Hiking trails run throughout the island (there is a topo map available from the United States Geological Survey). One good hike is to the old abandoned lighthouse in the southeast. Another hike takes you to the caves and cliffs on the north side, a major attraction for local and international climbers. If you come as part of a dive trip, you are in for a real treat. The water is crystal clear, teeming with fish (over 270 species have been spotted). In the wintertime you may get close to some whales. Year-round you can often find dolphins, sea turtles and marlins.
How to go:
Transportation may be arranged with west coast fishing, diving, sailing, tour and nature tour operators (among others). Just check the directory.
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