Skip Navigation
What to Do

Science, Nature & Education


Displaying 44 results.
  1. Arecibo Observatory
    The Arecibo Observatory is the world's largest radio/radar telescope. The observatory was developed by the National Astronomy and Ionosphere Center and it is operated by Cornell University under a cooperative agreement with the National Science Foundation. Scientists from all parts of the world come to this national observatory to carry out research projects. Open to the public for self-guided tours. Adults: $4, Children: $2. Open Wednesday through Friday from 12pm to 4pm and Saturdays and Sunday from 9am to 4pm.

  2. Address: Route 625, Bo. Esperanza, Arecibo 00612
    (787) 878-2612
    Fax (787) 817-6117

  3. Caja de Muertos
    Located 5 miles south of Ponce laid "Caja de Muertos". The island is approximately 2.75 km wide by 1.85 km long, with a total area of 202 hectares. The island has no permanent inhabitants. Ferries leave from La Guancha.

  4. (787) 721-5495

  5. Cambalache Forest Reserve
    Known as vivero or nursery because it contains plantations of eucalyptus, teak, and mahoe trees. Camping allowed in two areas. Water and showers, 8 trails and nearby beach. 18.43°N 66.60°W

  6. Address: Rd #682 km 6.6., Arecibo
    (787) 724-3724

  7. Caonillas Lake

  8. Address: Route 607, Utuado

  9. Carite Forest Reserve
    Carite is a 6,000-acre reserve with a dwarf forest that was produced by the region's high humidity and moist soil. The highest point is Cerro La Santa, at 3,000 feet. From several peaks there are panoramic views of Ponce and the Caribbean Sea. Fifty species of birds live in the forest, making this spot a recognized area for birding. There is a picnic area and 10 campgrounds (permit is necessary for camping).

  10. Address: Rt. 184, Guayama
    (787) 722-1726

  11. Carite Lake

  12. Address: Road 179, Guayama

  13. Carraizo Lake
    Puerto Rico's largest lake. Take route 175 or 739.


  14. Cartagena Lagoon Natural Reserve
    The reserve is home of the most diverse and major number of bird species in the island. This number surpasses half of the registered species for the island, including migratory and native.


  15. Cascada Las Garzas
    Small waterfall.


  16. Cerro Punta
    Located within the Toro Negro Forest Reserve lies the highest peak. Puerto Rico's highest peak (1,338 m).


  17. Chorro Dona Juana

  18. Address: Route 149, Villalba

  19. Culebra
    Culebra is famous for its coral reefs and white sand beaches. Culebra can be reached by plane or ferry from Fajardo and offers accommodations and dining. Ferry services: passenger & car. Call for current departure time to make reservation

  20. (787) 863-0705
    (787) 863-0852

  21. Dos Bocas Lake
    A reservoir created in 1942, adjacent to the Río Abajo Forest, located 12 miles (19km) south of Arecibo. Free ferry ride across the lake are available.

  22. (787) 878-7279

  23. Espiritu Santo River
    Espiritu Santo River is the only navigable river in Puerto Rico.

  24. Address: Highway 3, Rio Grande

  25. Garzas Lake

  26. Address: Route 518, Adjuntas

  27. Gilligan’s Island
    Named for its resemblance to the well known American TV show, Gilligan's Island. The cay is located about a mile off Copamarina Beach Resort in Guánica. The perfect place for a day of sunning, swimming and snorkeling.


  28. Gruta San Juan Bautista
    Recreational park with kiosks and playgrounds.

  29. Address: Road 410 Km 1.0, Maricao
    (787) 838-2290

  30. Guajataca State Forest
    An example of Puerto Rico's more unusual topography. Karst country as it is known, is characterized by haystack-shaped hills and sinkholes. Over 40 walking trails, 25 miles of maintained footpaths through the karst region. Facilities include: 10 campsites, campfires, bathrooms and showers. Fishing enthusiasts will enjoy Guajataca Lake, a three mile long bass filled body of water, and a prime locale for bass fishing. Take expressway 52 and Route 2 to the road 446 exit between Quebradillas and Isabela.

  31. Address: Road 446, Isabela
    (787) 890-4050; (787) 890-2050

  32. Guajatace Lake
    The lake supplies water to various towns of the region northwest of Puerto Rico. Its water connect to San Sebastian, Camuy and Quebradillas.

  33. Address: Route 119, Camuy
    (787) 280-0430

  34. Guanica Dry Forest Reserve
    The Guanica Forest Reserve is a coastal mangrove forest and has been an UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve because of several endangered species found only in Puerto Rico. No camping allowed. Open Mon-Sun 8am - 5pm.

  35. Address: Rt 333 to Rt 334, Guanica
    (787)722-1726

  36. Guayabal Lake

  37. Address: Poblado Guayabal, Juana Diaz

  38. Guayo Lake

  39. Address: Route 129, Lajas

  40. Guilarte Forest Reserve
    Monte Guilarte Forest Reserve is a beautiful and lush tropical site. The Forest is divided into seven segments which are located among the municipalities of Adjuntas, Guayanilla, Peñuelas and Yauco. The trails are excellent for hiking and the views at the pinnacle are breathtaking. On a clear day you can see both Ponce and San Juan without the aid of binoculars. Monte Guilarte (3,953 ft) is the third highest mountain peak on the island.

  41. Address: Rt. 518, Adjuntas
    (787) 724-3647

  42. Inés María Mendoza Reserve
    This 290-acre reserve, also known as Punta Yegua, with its rolling pastures and tree-lined sandstone cliffs is a place of great aesthetic value. On the reserve, there is a population of the very rare evergreen tree, Ortegón, as well as a bird in danger of extinction, the Grasshopper Sparrow.


  43. Isla de Cabras
    Located few miles to the west of El Morro. There is a beach area as well as the El Cañuelo Fort.

  44. (787) 261-0202

  45. Isla de Magueyes
    This island is located 55 feet of the coast of Lajas. The island possesses a small hill in the central part and caves, Guayacán and Mattei which possesses Taino Indias remains in its soil.


  46. La Parguera Phosphorescent Bay
    Millions of luminescent dinoflagellates light up when disturbed by movement; a tiny form of marine life, which produce sparks of chemical light when disturbed.


  47. La Parguera
    La Parguera in Lajas, boasts the Phosphorescent Bay, one of two bioluminescent bays in Puerto Rico, where any movement of the water causes the tiny organisms to light up with an eerie greenish glow. La Parguera is 2 ½ hours away from San Juan, 45 minutes from Ponce or Mayaguez and 1 hour from Aguadilla.
    How to get there: From San Juan take Road 52 to Ponce and Road 2 towards San German. Exit onto Road 116 to La Parguera.


  48. La Virgen Cave

  49. (787) 871-3500

  50. Las Archillas Cave

  51. (787) 871-3500

  52. Las Cavernas de Camuy
    This incredible 268-acre park is the site of the great subterranean caverns carved out by the Camuy River over one million years ago. The park is one of the largest underground formations in the Western Hemisphere, and only seven miles (11km) of this series of limestone caves have been fully explored. The impeccably maintained trails gently descend 200 feet through a fern filled ravine to the yawning, cathedral-like caverns. The park is one of the world's largest cave networks. Sixteen entranced have been found and 11 kilometers (7 miles) of passages explored so far. Tours available, visitors are guided through one cave and two sinkholes, there are fine examples of stalactites, stalagmites and, of course, plenty of bats. The park is equipped with picnic areas, walking trails, food facilities, and exhibition hall and a souvenir shop, making it the perfect place to spend a day. Southwest of San Juan, about a two-hour drive. Open Wednesday-Sunday 8am - 4pm; admission US$10 adults and US$7 children.

  53. Address: Route 129, Km 9.8, Camuy
    (787) 898-3100

  54. Las Golondrina Cave

  55. (787) 871-3500

  56. Lucchetti Lake
    Facilities include: boat ramp, fish cleaning station, gazebos, BBQs, restrooms with showers and a camping area. Open Tue-Sun from 6:30am to 6:30pm.

  57. Address: Road 128 Km. 12.3, Yauco
    (787) 844-4660

  58. Monkey Island (Isla de Mona)
    Mona is home of mangrove forest, coral reefs, 200-foot high cliffs and the world's largest marine-originated cave system. The island is managed by the Department of National Resources since 1975. Camping is allowed at Sardinera Beach. Visitors are welcome, but no more than a hundred visitors can be on the island at any time. You can reach Mona Island Wildlife Refuge by private charter, tour operators or fishing boats from Puerto Real in Cabo Rojo.

  59. (787) 721-5495
    (787) 723-1616

  60. Observatorio Astronómico
    The observatory opens every Thursday from 7:30-10:30pm to watch the night sky. All visitors have the opportunity to observe the Moon, visible planets, multiple stars, Nebulae, Galaxies and Globular and Galactic Clusters.

  61. (787) 850-9344

  62. Phosphorescent Bay


  63. Refugio Vida Silvestre
    Open Tue-Sun 6:30am - 6:30pm.

  64. Address: Road 128, Km 12.3, Humacao
    (787) 852-6088

  65. Rio Grande de Loiza
    Puerto Rico's only navigable river.

  66. Address: Route 187, Rio Grande

  67. San Cristóbal Canyon
    The San Cristóbal Canyon, one of the most notable topographic feature of the island, it is the largest canyon in Puerto Rico (and in the Caribbean). Three rivers cascade through its ravines, some of which are over 750 feet deep. It is also home to the highest waterfall in Puerto Rico, right on the Río Usabón.

    Guided hiking trips are available, for more information, call the San Cristobal Hiking Tour at: (787) 857-2094
    (787) 647-3402.


  68. Susua State Forest
    The Susua Forest is located in the municipalities of Yauco and Sabana Grande. The highest elevation is 473 m. Facilities include: 15 campgrounds, bathrooms, and showers.

  69. Address: Route 368, Sabana Grande
    (787) 833-3700
    (787) 724-1374

  70. Toa Vaca Lake
    Located south of Villalba off route 150.


  71. Tortuguero Lagoon
    Considered the greater body of fresh water in the island.


  72. Tres Picachos

  73. Address: Road 143, Jayuya
    (787) 828-1241

  74. Yuyú Cave

  75. (787) 871-3500




Did You Know?

Puerto Rico has a larger population in the western hemisphere than Jamaica, Costa Rica, Panama, and the same or more population than 30 of the 50 states of the US.