Isla Verde, Puerto Rico facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Isla Verde
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Skyline of Isla Verde
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| Commonwealth |  Puerto Rico |
| Municipality |  Carolina |
| Barrio | Cangrejo Arriba |
| Population
(2000)
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| • Total | 1,484 |
Isla Verde (which means green island in Spanish) is a lively area in Carolina. It's located right next to the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport and the Teodoro Moscoso Bridge. This popular spot is just outside the eastern edge of San Juan, the capital city of Puerto Rico. It's known for its beautiful beaches and fun activities.
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Where is Isla Verde Located?
Isla Verde is also the name of a tiny island, about 400 meters north of Punta Medio. This small island, which is only about 2,518 square meters (0.6 acres) in size, is what gave the whole area its name. The district of Isla Verde is actually the coastal part of a larger area called Cangrejo Arriba.
Isla Verde is surrounded by water and other towns. To the north, you'll find the vast Atlantic Ocean. To the west, it borders parts of San Juan, like Punta las Marias and Ocean Park. To the east, it's next to Loíza, and to the south, it touches Carolina and Rio Piedras. Along with Condado, Isla Verde is one of the main places tourists love to visit in Puerto Rico. It has many popular restaurants, hotels, and resorts.
Isla Verde's Special Features
Many people think the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport is in San Juan, but it's actually located right here in Isla Verde, which is part of Carolina. For a few years, people even unofficially called it "Isla Verde International Airport." Even though it's part of Carolina, many residents feel a strong connection to San Juan because Isla Verde shares its beautiful coastline with nearby areas like Ocean Park and Condado, which are part of San Juan's historic districts.
Before 2001, airplane fans could enjoy watching planes land and take off from a special spot near Piñones while relaxing at the beach. However, for safety reasons, this viewing spot is now closed. Because the airport is so close, some streets in Isla Verde have to be closed when important people or famous celebrities visit. Isla Verde is also home to many fancy homes, hotels, and resorts.
Many famous people have lived in the nice areas of Isla Verde. This includes some former members of the boy band Menudo, like Ricky Martin. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Isla Verde was home to a very popular disco called The Flying Saucer. It was a huge place that could hold 800 people, and on its opening night, over 10,000 people wanted to get in! Isla Verde also has a large community of Cuban exiles, who gather at Casa Cuba, Puerto Rico's main Cuban social club.
Getting Around Isla Verde
The Isla Verde bus terminal helps people travel to different parts of San Juan. Here are some of the bus routes:
- Bus 50 goes to Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport.
- Bus 45 also goes to the airport and Piñero.
- Bus 40 travels to Piñero.
- Bus 5 goes to Santurce and Old San Juan.
- Bus 53 goes to Condado and Old San Juan.
There are two main bus systems in Isla Verde. The AMA is the public transportation system. SITRAC is another bus system that travels only within the Isla Verde hotel district. The public buses (like the 5 and 53) can take you from the bus terminal to Old San Juan (for example, to El Morro) in about an hour. The SITRAC bus is free, but it only stays in the Isla Verde area. A ride on the public bus costs 75 cents.
If you prefer a taxi, they are always available. A taxi ride to the Condado and Old San Juan areas usually costs about $20.
Different Areas in Isla Verde
Isla Verde has some very wealthy neighborhoods with beautiful homes. However, it's also close to some of the island's largest public housing areas, which are actually located within San Juan. In recent years, there have been plans to increase police presence in Isla Verde to help keep everyone safe.
