Is Puerto Rico an island? A guide to the islands of Puerto Rico

When you see it on the map, Puerto Rico seems like a small island.

But, Puerto Rico is not just an island, it is an archipelago; three inhabited islands and several uninhabited islands comprise the islands of Puerto Rico.

I have been taking tourists to the islands of Puerto Rico for almost 20 years.

In this article, I will cover every major island in Puerto Rico:

– Puerto Rico – Main Island
– Vieques Island (Isla de Vieques)
– Culebra
– Culebrita
– Isla Cardona
– Palominito
– Icacos
– Caja de Muertos
– Mona
– Gilligan’s Island
– Mata La Gata
– Desecheo Island

Puerto Rico – Main Island

Puerto Rico is a commonwealth of the United States. You don’t need a passport or currency change to travel to this non-incorporated US Territory.

The United States Federal Constitution, Rights, and Laws apply to Puerto Rico. Spanish and English are Puerto Rico’s official languages.

The main Island has a tropical rainforest and a dry forest.

Sandy beaches with turquoise water under bright blue skies await you in Puerto Rico.

You can swim in rivers and visit waterfalls in Puerto Rico.

San Juan, the Capital City of the island, has a walled portion (Old San Juan) that is over 500 years old.

History enthusiasts will find many historical sites to visit in Puerto Rico.

From Surfing (on the west coast) to kayaking, snorkeling, to paddle boarding, you can practice every water sport in Puerto Rico.

Puerto Rico is worth visiting; you will find everything for everyone in this tropical paradise.

Check out our guide to the 45 Best Things To Do In Puerto Rico.

By the numbers: the US Census Bureau puts Puerto Rico’s land area at about 3,424 square miles, the 2020 population at 3,285,874 and the July 2025 estimate at 3,184,835. A full drive around the main island’s coast is about 7 hours without traffic (see How long does it take to drive around Puerto Rico?).

Vieques Island (Isla de Vieques)

Vieques is famous for many things; let’s explore some of them:

One of the first things you will see in Vieques is horses roaming free.

Many locals own horses and let them free during the day.

Vieques is famous for the role it played in US Defense.

The US Navy used the Island of Vieques for target practice for over sixty years. They left Vieques in May 2003.

Playa Negra (Black Beach) is a black sand beach in Vieques.

You can snorkel, scuba dive, or relax on the beach in Vieques.

Those of you who like rum can visit Crab Island Rum Distillery or taste Vieques’ bilí (a rum made with “quenepa” Spanish Lime (Melicoccus bijugatus).

In Vieques, you can have excellent seafood. If you have the opportunity to visit Vieques, you will enjoy it!

Here’s a video of things to do in Vieques:

Check out the location of Vieques on the Google Map below:

For more information, read our article on the 30 Best Things to Do in Vieques.

Ferry (October 2026): boats leave from the Ceiba terminal (the former Roosevelt Roads waterfront). The operator lists adult fares of $2.00 one way to Vieques and $2.25 to Culebra. A new fare scheme with higher prices for non-residents was due in May 2026 but has been postponed to December 31, 2026, so check puertoricoferry.com before you go. Only residents may currently bring vehicles. San Juan to Ceiba is about an hour’s drive without traffic.

See also How to get to Vieques, Vieques vs. Culebra, and Vieques tours.

Culebra

La Isla de Culebra, or Snake Island, is the smallest inhabited Island in the Puerto Rican Archipelago.

You can also kayak, scuba dive, or snorkel with sea turtles in Culebra. Culebra’s slow-paced way of life will help you “disconnect” from the rush of daily life.

Public transportation is almost inexistent in Culebra, and we recommend renting a four-wheel drive vehicle.

To get to Culebra from San Juan, you have two options: fly from SJU Airport Culebra or drive to Ceiba and take the Ferry.

Below is a Google Map that shows the location of Culebra:

Culebra is worth visiting; the beaches and the wildlife are spectacular, and Los Culebrenses (the people from Culebra) are hard-working, noble people that will treat you like you’re one of them.

Check out our guide to the 25 Best Things To Do In Culebra for more.

Culebra lies east of the main island, between Puerto Rico and St. Thomas. You can fly from the San Juan area or take the ferry from Ceiba.

Ferry (October 2026): boats leave from the Ceiba terminal (the former Roosevelt Roads waterfront). The operator lists adult fares of $2.00 one way to Vieques and $2.25 to Culebra. A new fare scheme with higher prices for non-residents was due in May 2026 but has been postponed to December 31, 2026, so check puertoricoferry.com before you go. Only residents may currently bring vehicles. San Juan to Ceiba is about an hour’s drive without traffic.

See How to get to Culebra and browse Culebra tours.

Culebrita

The little Island is a natural reserve; conservational laws protect the animals and plants of Culebrita.

Most people don’t know this, but Culebrita is the star of puertorico.com.

Our main photo, the one with boats and yachts on a pristine beach, is from Culebrita.

In Playa Tortuga (Turtle Beach), you will swim and snorkel with turtles that are not shy or scared of humans.

The view from there is impressive.

Below is a video of a day in Culebrita:

Getting to Culebrita is a challenging task; first, you have to go to Culebra and, from there, charter a private boat that will be inexpensive.

Most of those charters include chairs, umbrellas, and food and refreshments.

One thing that people visiting Culebrita agree on is that the trip is worth it.

You will have a small paradisiac island for yourself for a day.

Below is a Google Map that shows the location of Culebrita:

Check out our article 30 Best Beaches in Puerto Rico for a comprehensive list of Puerto Rican Beaches.

In short: Culebrita is a small, uninhabited, protected island just off Culebra, known for its beaches, an old Spanish-era lighthouse and tidal pools on the rocks.

Isla Cardona

You can see Cardona’s Island from the observation tower at La Guancha (Ponce’s boardwalk).

Each year the city of Ponce sponsors Cruce a Nado, a swimming competition from La Ponce’s La Playa Beach to Cardona’s Island.

Isla Cardona’s natural beauty, lighthouse, and trails make it worth visiting.

Here’s a video of a trip to Isla Cardona:

To get to Cardona’s Island, charter a private boat.

Below is a Google Map that shows the location of Isla Cardona:

For more things that you can do in Ponce, check out our article 25 Best Things to Do in Ponce.

Isla Cardona is known for its historic lighthouse, which you can see from the La Guancha boardwalk in Ponce.

Palominito

Palomino and Palominito are two small islands close to Fajardo’s shore on the east tip of Puerto Rico.

You will find coral reefs, seagrass, and many species of marine life on these two islands.

Palominito is a white sand spot with palm trees and pristine blue water.

It is one of 10 small islands and keys comprising the La Cordillera Natural Reserve.

The tiny island is perfect for snorkeling, swimming, spending a day at the beach, or participating in water sports.

The Island is also very popular with the local boating crowd.

Some snorkeling tour companies operating from Fajardo make stops on or near Palominitos.

Palominito is worth visiting if you are a beach lover!

The white sand beach and the clear blue waters will make you want to return to the small paradise.

Check out Palomino Island in the following video:

You can take a water taxi from Las Croabas in Fajardo to Palominito or book a tour of several natural reserve keys, including Palominito.

Below is a Google Map that shows the location of Palominito:

Icacos

Cayo Icacos (Icacos Key) is the largest of the ten small islands and keys of The La Cordillera Natural Reserve.

Icaco’s Island is a small uninhabited island close to Fajardo.

The Island gets its name from the Icaco (Chrysobalanus icaco) cocoplum or paradise plum trees abundant on the island.

Icacos Island has white sand and one of the most beautiful shades of turquoise water in all of Puerto Rico.

The landscape of Icacos is simply breathtaking.

The best beach in Icacos is in the west part of the island.

For those who like to snorkel dive, go to the rocky part of the beach, where you will see many different fish species.

Check out Icacos Island in the following video:

To get to Icacos from San Juan, you must drive to Fajardo’s Marina Del Rey and, from there, book a tour of the small island.

If your budget allows you, we recommend you take a catamaran tour.

Below is a Google Map that shows the location of Icacos Island:

in our guide to the 10 Best Catamaran Tours In Puerto Rico.

Caja de Muertos

This small uninhabited island’s name could be more welcoming.

Caja de Muertos means dead man’s coffin. But don’t be scared by the island’s name; nothing bad happened there. The name comes from the shape of the island.

When you see it from the Ponce shore, the island resembles a man lying on his back.

There is a lighthouse remains in Caja de Muertos that you can visit.

Caja de Muertos is a natural reserve for beach and nature lovers. On the small island, you will find clear aquamarine waters, hiking trails, bird watching, and excellent places to snorkel and swim.

Below is a video showing Caja de Muertos:

The diversity of marine life, the dry hiking trails, the birds you will see, and the beautiful waters of the Caribbean make the trip from San Juan to Caja de Muertos worth it.

Below is a Google Map that shows the location of Caja de Muertos:

Suppose you want to enjoy other beaches on the Caribbean Sea in Puerto Rico. In that case, you can read our article 11 Best Beaches in Cabo Rojo.

Caja de Muertos is off the coast of Ponce; book a boat from the Ponce area — start with Ponce boat tours. (Note: it is not on the 2025–26 Blue Flag list for Puerto Rico.)

Mona

Isla de Mona (Mona Island) is the third largest island in the Puerto Rican Archipelago, next to the main island of Puerto Rico and Vieques.

People call this uninhabited natural reserve the Galapagos of the Caribbean.

Mona Island has crystal clear water, coral reefs, high cliffs, diverse marine life, and some white-sand beaches.

You will find that Mona Island has a lot of caves, historically significant sites, and endemic plants and animals.

Mona Island is famous among hunters, scuba divers, fishermen, and nature lovers. On Mona Island, people hunt wild boar and goats with firearms, bows, and arrows. Fishermen find a variety of sport fish near Mona Island’s water.

All these things sound great on paper, but you should know that Mona Island is only for some.

A visit to Mona Island is not a day at the beach. On the island, you will find no lodging, potable water, nothing to eat, medical care, or cellular service. You must pack everything to stay on the island and plan for every imaginable situation.

Mona Island has some dangerous conditions. There are poisonous trees/plants and cacti with spines or thorns. The ground has sharp rocks and holes where you can trip.

Below is a video trip to Mona Island:

Getting from San Juan to Mona is a challenging task.

Below is a Google Map that shows the location of Mona Island:

Is Mona Island worth it? If you are a nature lover and are physically fit for the trip, yes, it is worth it.

Mona is a nature reserve managed by Puerto Rico’s Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DRNA). Overnight stays, camping and hunting all require DRNA permits, and seasons are set by the agency — contact the DRNA well ahead of any trip.

Gilligan’s Island

Cayo Aurora, Aurora Key, is a beautiful, family-friendly mangrove island on the southwest tip of Puerto Rico.

Gilligan’s Island is famous for snorkeling, swimming, kayaking, and having an unforgettable day at the beach. The crystal clear waters and the mangrove offer an opportunity to see the island’s fish and coral.

There is a gentle current that takes you on a ride along the west part of the island.

You will find Gilligan’s Island just a few miles off the coast of Guánica.

Once in Guánica, several boats will take you to Cayo Aurora.

Gilligan’s Island is worth the long drive from San Juan; you will be on a noncrowded beach with crystal-clear water and lots of marine life.

Below is a Google Map that shows the location of Gilligan’s Island:

And since you took the drive from San Juan, you can book a trip to La Parguera Bioluminescent Bay nearby.

Guánica is a little over 2 hours’ drive from San Juan without traffic. Boat and water-taxi service to Cayo Aurora has changed over the years, so confirm current departures with an operator in Guánica before you make the drive.

Mata La Gata

The Department of Natural Resources of Puerto Rico administers Mata La Gata built a boat dock and picnic tables. The island has a small beach area with white sand.

The Government enclosed an area of the calm ocean and made an ocean pool.

To get to Mata La Gata, you must book a boat to take you, or you can take a kayak and paddle to the Island.

Below is a Google Map that shows the location of Mata La Gata Island:

Desecheo Island

Last but not least is Desecheo Island.

You can see Desecheo Island from the northwest towns of Aguadilla, Aguada, and Rincón.

Desecheo is excellent for scuba diving, sport fishing, and whale watching.

I’ve been to Desecheo countless times and can tell you it is worth it.

Here is a video of a diving trip at Desecheo Island:

To go to Desecheo from San Juan, you must drive to Aguadilla or Rincon and book a boat to take you to the small island.

Below is a Google Map that shows the location of Desecheo Island:

Check out our 30 Best Scuba Diving Sites guide for more information.

Frequently asked questions

Final thoughts

These islands offer a lot of activities for nature lovers.

Visit the Islands of Puerto Rico.

While you plan your trip, check out our article on Best Places & Areas to Stay in Puerto Rico.

Originally published on PuertoRico.com (2023-03-05). Reviewed and updated October 2026: facts were checked against the sources above.