
Photo courtesy of Alan Cressler. All Rights Reserved.
Mona island (Isla de la Mona, formal name) is one of the Islands of Puerto Rico, often called âThe Galapagos of the Caribbeanâ and one of the last true secret adventure destinations in the Caribbean.  Mona Island is mysterious, breathtaking and beautifully rugged, for travelers wishing and âoff the gridâ adventure.
Mona Island is the third largest island on the Puerto Rico Archipelago which is made up of Isla de Vieques, Isla de Culebra, Isla de Mona, Isla Desecheo, Monito and Caja de Muert0o. Mona is a barrio (ward) of the municipality of Mayaguez along with Isla Monito. This Caribbean gem is an ecological reserve managed and protected by Puerto Ricoâs (DRNA) Department of Natural and Environmental Resources. The island is uninhabited, but police and rangers from the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources are always on the island to manage visitors. Biologists are often on the island doing research.
If you love adventure, cave exploring, a feeling of solitude, scuba diving, deep sea fishing, camping on the beach, stargazing, experiencing what it would be like on a secluded island, then Mona island ought to be on your Bucket List.
Â
 Visiting Mona Island
Very few travelers are lucky to visit Mona, and only a total of 100 visitors are allowed at one time on the island. Nature lovers come to Isla Mona to enjoy the secluded gorgeous quiet beaches, explore the magnificent coral reefs and caves, marvel at the sights of limestone cliffs, and photograph itâs unique flora and wildlife. During your exploration in Mona Island youâll find petroglyphs on the walls from Tainos who made the islandâs caves their homes.
Camping is allowed but you must get permits well in advance and bring all necessities. Few tour operators go the island, itâs expensive and about 3 hours long. You can go to Mona just for a day and again you can choose to camp overnight. Mona Island attracts many scientists and photographers.
Geography of Isla de la Mona
Isla de Mona is about 7 miles long and 4 miles wide. The island is mainly flat, a raised plateau completely framed by cliffs that drop 130 feet into the sea. A dramatic sight as you sail towards it. The land is composed of dolomite. The climate is very arid and hot with average temperatures of 80 to 90 degrees.
Habitat of Isla Mona
Mona Island is the perfect habitat and the best kept Caribbean refuge to more than a hundred endangered species, including sea turtles and giant iguanas.
More about Mona Island
More Interesting Videos about Isla de Mona, Puerto Rico
Documentary in Spanish
Keep Exploring Puerto Rico
- Home - Puerto Rico
- Best Vacation Destinations in Puerto Rico
- Puerto Rico Flag
- Puerto Rico Islands
- Puerto Rico Attractions
- Puerto Rico Beaches
- Vieques, Puerto Rico
- Culebra, Puerto Rico
- San Juan, Puerto Rico
- Hotels & Resorts in Puerto Rico
- Puerto Rico Facts