Watersport· Ponce· Other Caribbean
Isla de Ratones (Ponce)
17° 57.3′ N · 66° 40.9′ W
A low, brush-covered cay 1 km off Punta Cucharas at the western approach to Ponce, a favorite kayak and swimming landing for locals, with the reef-ringed Cayo Arenas just to the northeast.
Practical
Coordinates from English Wikipedia (Spanish Wikipedia gives 17.95302, -66.68101). The island covers about 7 cuerdas and grows to 12.35 acres at low tide, so expect wide shallows around it. It is administered by the DRNA (Department of Natural and Environmental Resources), and a rat-eradication project with the Ponce Yacht & Fishing Club ran here from 2010. Navigation: the Virgintino PR guide warns that Cayo Arenas (OSM 17.95960, -66.67464) lies half a mile north and east of Ratones with reefs and shoals all around it: big boats must pass SOUTH of both, never between Ratones and Cayo Arenas or between Cayo Arenas and the mainland. Visit by dinghy or kayak from the Ponce anchorage (about 3.5 nm west) only in settled conditions, and read the water over the reef in good light. No facilities, no shade beyond brush.
Best for
A kayak or dinghy beach day west of Ponce
Season
Settled trade-wind days; avoid in S swell
Nearby
- Isla de Cardona (Ponce)2.6 NM away
- Ponce Harbor Anchorage3.4 NM away
- Walmart Supercenter Baramaya (Ponce)3.4 NM away
- Ponce CBP Clearance (Puerto Rico)3.5 NM away
- Ponce Yacht & Fishing Club3.6 NM away
- Puerto Rico ROAM / CBP Arrival Reporting3.6 NM away
- Caribbean Images Marina & Tours (La Guancha)3.8 NM away
- La Guancha Boardwalk (Ponce)3.9 NM away