Caja de Muertos Northeast Reef

Overview

The reef at the northeast end of Isla Caja de Muertos, about 4.8 nautical miles off Ponce, is the island's most developed and forms a reef lagoon popular for snorkeling; visibility of 30 to 80 feet has been reported. It requires a boat, usually launched from ramps in Ponce, Salinas or Santa Isabel. Within Caja de Muertos Natural Reserve, coral viewing is allowed only in the lagoon, coral collecting is banned, and anchoring and boat numbers are regulated, with DRNA dive buoys in place; check current DRNA rules.^{[1][2][3][4][5][6]}

Habitat & marine life

• most developed reef at NE end of the island forming a reef lagoon^[1]
• Arrecife de coral/fondo colonizado (DRNA 2005 classification)^[5]

Marine life is what sources report having seen or commonly seeing — not a guarantee.

Access

• Boat dive^[3]
• scuba and snorkel diving are permitted uses; coral observation only allowed in the reef lagoon; no coral collecting; anchoring locations and boat numbers regulated; visitor cap ~300-325^[1]

Safety considerations

No site-specific hazards are recorded in our sources. That does not mean there are none.

Ocean conditions change daily. Dive within your training, plan with current local information and consider a local professional guide. Full safety note.

Protected area

• Caja de Muertos Natural Reserve (Reserva Natural Caja de Muertos)

  Natural Reserve · Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources · Site position falls inside the official boundary^[6]

  NOAA's MPA Inventory classifies this area's protection level as "Zoned Multiple Use"; fishing: restrictions unknown. Anchoring: restricted.^[6]

Regulations change. Check with DRNA (Departamento de Recursos Naturales y Ambientales) before diving.