To the Lighthouse: Exploring Las Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve
Las Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve is better known as El Faro, or "the Lighthouse." Located in the northeastern corner of the island, it is one of the most beautiful and important areas in Puerto Rico. Here you'll find seven ecological systems and a restored 19th-century Spanish colonial lighthouse. From the lighthouse observation deck, majestic views extend to islands as far off as St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Surrounded on three sides by the Atlantic Ocean, the 316-acre (128-hectare) site encompasses forestland, mangroves, lagoons, beaches, cliffs, offshore cays, and coral reefs. Boardwalk trails wind through the fascinating topography. Ospreys, sea turtles, and an occasional manatee are seen from the windswept promontories and rocky beach.
The nature reserve is open Wednesday through Sunday. Reservations are required; for reservations during the week, call tel. 787/722-5882; during the weekend, reserve by calling tel. 787/860-2560 (weekend reservations must be made on the day of your visit). Admission is $7 for adults, $4 for children 13 and under, and $2.50 for seniors. Guided 2 1/2-hour tours are conducted at 9:30, 10, and 10:30am, and 2pm (in English at 2pm).
Laguna Grande, within the reserve, is one of the world's best bioluminescent bays, along with one on the neighboring island of Vieques. The presence of multitudes of tiny organisms, called dinoflagellates, in the protected bay is responsible for the nocturnal glow of its waters. They feed off the red mangroves surrounding the water. Kayaking through the bay at night should be on your bucket list. We highly recommend Las Tortugas Adventures, P.O. Box 1637, Canóvanas 00729 (tel. 787/636-8356 or 787/809-0253; http://kayak-pr.com). Gary Horne is one of the most experienced guides in Puerto Rico; he's a certified dive master and Coast Guard veteran. There are two nightly tours of the bay at 6 and 8pm Monday through Saturday, which cost $45 per person -- or daytime kayak and snorkel adventures for $65, which we highly recommend as well. Another option is a kayak adventure through the Río Espirtu Santo, a beautiful river through El Yunque rainforest.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
