West Coast, Puerto Rico Attractions

Facing the Mona Passage, the west coast is the most secluded region of Puerto Rico. The region is a mixture of upland pastures, cliffs, resort towns, industrial settlements and undeveloped areas. The West Coast has a reputation for being wild and rugged.
Despite this, the West Coast of Puerto Rico has some sizeable developments, including Mayagüez, the third largest city in Puerto Rico, as well as Rincón and San Germán. There are also some great spots for anyone interested in snorkeling, diving, or surfing. Apart from the mainland the West Coast has two offshore islands worth visiting, Isla Descheo and Isla Mona.

Mona Island

Roughly shaped like a lima bean, Mona Island (Isla Mona)is situated in the center of the Mona Passage (50mi/81km west of mainland). Although the island is actually closer to the Dominican Republic, it has always been associated with Puerto Rico since being discovered by Columbus in 1493. Mona Island has been a nature reserve since 1919 and uninhabited for more than 50 years. The area of the island is 13,000ac/5,263ha, with a semi-arid/sub-tropical climate.
There are many high cliffs, coral reefs, mangrove forests, caves, beaches and unusual, rare wildlife. All of these elements make Isla Mona a good choice for those interested in hiking, diving, kayaking, and other water activities. The Mona Iguana, which reaches 4ft in length, is found nowhere else in the world. There is evidence of Taíno Indian settlements on the island, including petroglyphs, relics and pictographs. The first lighthouse to be built by the U.S. in Puerto Rico (1900) also sits on the island and is registered with the National Trust.