List of islands of Ponce, Puerto Rico facts for kids
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Welcome to the sunny coast of Ponce, Puerto Rico! Did you know that this vibrant city isn't just on the mainland? It's also home to several amazing islands, keys, and cays. These are small pieces of land completely surrounded by the beautiful Caribbean Sea. This article will take you on a tour of the seven islands that are part of Ponce, each with its own special story and unique features. Get ready to discover hidden gems and learn about the nature and history of these cool spots!
Contents
Ponce's Islands: A Quick Look
Ponce has seven islands, each playing a role in the area's natural beauty and history. They vary in size and what you can find on them, from protected nature reserves to spots perfect for a day trip.
| No. | Name | Area | Location | Type | What Makes It Special |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isla de Cardona | 0.04 km2 (9.9 acres) | Barrio Playa | Island | Also called Isla Sor Isolina Ferré, it has a historic lighthouse. |
| 2 | Isla de Ratones | 0.03 km2 (7.4 acres) | Barrio Canas | Island | A very small island, not to be confused with another island of the same name in Cabo Rojo. |
| 3 | Isla del Frío | 0.01 km2 (2.5 acres) | Barrio Vayas | Island | This island is managed by the Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources to protect its nature. |
| 4 | Caja de Muertos | 1.54 km2 (380 acres) | Barrio Playa | Island | This is the largest island in Ponce, known for its beautiful beaches and nature reserve. |
| 5 | Isla Morrillito | 0.04 km2 (9.9 acres) | Barrio Playa | Island | A protected nature reserve, it's very close to Caja de Muertos. |
| 6 | Isla de Gatas | 0.05 km2 (12 acres) | Barrio Playa | Island | This island has been connected to the mainland and is now home to the Club Nautico de Ponce. |
| 7 | Isla de Jueyes | 0.01 km2 (2.5 acres) | Barrio Vayas | Island | This is actually a group of three tiny islands. |
Discovering Each Island
Let's learn more about each of these fascinating islands.
Isla de Cardona
Isla de Cardona is a small island located near the coast of Barrio Playa. It's also known as Isla Sor Isolina Ferré, named after a famous nun who did a lot of good work in Ponce. The most famous feature of Isla de Cardona is its historic lighthouse, which has been guiding ships since 1889. This island is a popular spot for people who love to go snorkeling or diving because of its clear waters and interesting marine life. It's a great place to see colorful fish and coral reefs.
Isla de Ratones
Isla de Ratones is a very small island located off the coast of Barrio Canas. Its name means "Island of Mice," but don't worry, it's not actually full of mice! It's important not to confuse this island with another one of the same name located in Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico. This tiny island is mostly made up of rocks and a bit of vegetation. While it might not be a major tourist spot, it's an interesting part of Ponce's coastline.
Isla del Frío
Isla del Frío is another small island, found near Barrio Vayas. Its name means "Cold Island," but it's just as warm as the other islands in the Caribbean! This island is special because it's managed by the Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources. This means it's a protected area, helping to keep its natural environment safe. Because it's protected, it's an important home for different kinds of plants and animals that thrive in coastal island habitats.
Caja de Muertos
Caja de Muertos is the largest of Ponce's islands. Its name translates to "Coffin Island," which sounds a bit spooky, but it's actually a beautiful and popular nature reserve! You can take a ferry ride from Ponce to visit this island. Once there, you can enjoy its stunning white sand beaches, go snorkeling in its clear waters, and even hike up to a historic lighthouse for amazing views. The island is home to unique plants and animals, making it a great place for nature lovers. It's a perfect spot for a day trip to relax and explore.
Isla Morrillito
Isla Morrillito is a small island very close to Caja de Muertos. It's so close that it's connected to Caja de Muertos by a shallow area of water. Like Caja de Muertos, Isla Morrillito is also a protected nature reserve. This means that its natural environment is carefully looked after to protect the wildlife and plants that live there. It's an important part of the ecosystem around Caja de Muertos.
Isla de Gatas
Isla de Gatas, or "Island of Cats," has a unique story. It used to be a separate island near Barrio Playa. However, over time, it was artificially connected to the mainland of Ponce. Today, this area is home to the Club Nautico de Ponce, a yacht club and marina. So, while it's no longer a standalone island, its history is still a part of Ponce's coastal development.
Isla de Jueyes
Isla de Jueyes, or "Island of Crabs," is not just one island but actually a group of three very small islands. They are located near Barrio Vayas. These tiny islands are important for the local marine life and birds. While they might not be places you can easily visit, they contribute to the rich natural diversity of Ponce's coastal waters.
Images for kids
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Isla de Cardona as seen from Club Náutico de Ponce
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Isla Ratones as seen from Hotel Ponce Holiday Inn
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Isla del Frio as seen from the shores of Juana Diaz
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Caja de Muertos approaching from the Northwest
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Isla Morrillito as seen from the Caja de Muertos Light
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Isla de Gatas, now home to Club Náutico de Ponce
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Isla de Jueyes as seen from the Observation Tower at La Guancha
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