Mona and Monito Islands Nature Reserve

Mona and Monito Islands Nature Reserve is a reserve managed by the DRNA comprising Mona Island—the third-largest island of the Puerto Rican archipelago at approximately 57 km²—and Monito Islet, situated in the Mona Passage about 41 miles west of Puerto Rico. Declared an Insular Forest in 1919 and a National Natural Landmark in 1975, Mona Island is a flat limestone plateau surrounded by sea cliffs with around 200 caves containing Taíno rock art and colonial graffiti. It is home to endemic species such as the Mona Ground Iguana (Cyclura cornuta stejnegeri) and the Mona Island Boa, and is one of the most important hawksbill sea turtle nesting sites in the wider Caribbean, with over 1,500 clutches laid annually. Camping is permitted from May through November at Playa Pájaros and Playa Sardinera; a DRNA permit is required for access. There are no permanent inhabitants.