Punta Viento Wetland Nature Reserve

Punta Viento Wetland Nature Reserve was designated under Act No. 92 of June 16, 2008, following years of advocacy by the Frente Ambiental Amigos de la Naturaleza de Patillas community group. Located in the Bajos ward of Patillas, next to the Villa Pesquera public beach, it spans roughly 254.81 cuerdas of coastal wetlands, including red and black mangrove stands, a Pterocarpus officinalis ("palo de pollo") swamp, marshes, a salt flat, and a lagoon, along with coastal forest, low sand dunes, and a beach shielded by a rocky reef. The area is fed by the Río Grande de Patillas and Río Jacaboa, and provides habitat for over 40 bird species as well as endangered species such as the West Indian manatee and several sea turtle species, making it a valued spot for birdwatching and nature appreciation.