Puerto Rico has 15 lighthouses located around the coastline (16 if you include the ruins of the Isla de Cabras lighthouse built by the United States). Of these, 5 are in desperate need of repair (and included on the Lighthouse Doomsday List) and 10 have been recently restored or are in good shape.
If you are planning on travel around the island of Puerto Rico, these lighthouses make ideal photo opportunities. Most of the lighthouse buildings are closed to the public, but the grounds are usually open. Here is a guide to the 10 best lighthouses in Puerto Rico:
El Morro Lighthouse
As the name suggests this lighthouse is located inside the El Morro fort and was the first lighthouse to be built in Puerto Rico, Originally built in 1846, the current lighthouse was re-built in 1908 after being damaged during the Spanish – American war. It is currently active, but the actual lighthouse is not open to the public, but you can get some great photos of the square Moorish tower from in and around the fort.
El Morrow is open daily from 9am – 5pm (June to November) and 9am – 6pm (December – May).
787-729-6777
Fajardo Lighthouse (Cabo San Juan Lighthouse)
Located near Las Croabas on Rd. 987, just north of Fajardo. This active lighthouse was built in 1882 and is now part of the Las Cebeza de San Juan Nature Reserve. The original keepers house is now used as a nature center and marine laboratory operated by the College of Humacao of the University of Puerto Rico
The Nature reserve is open Wednesday – Sundays by appointment
787-722-5882 or 787-860-2560 (on weekends)
Isla de Cardona Lighthouse
Located on an island just to the South of Ponce, this active lighthouse was built in 1889 and automated in 1962. It marks the entrance to Ponce harbor. Accessible only by private boat, but you can see it from the observation tower on the La Gauncha boardwalk or from the Ponce yacht Club. Currently it is not open to the public
Punta Borinquen Lighthouse, Aguadilla
The original lighthouse was built in 1889 and was subsequently destroyed in the earthquake and tsunami of 1918. You can walk around the ruins of the original lighthouse and can view the current active lighthouse (built in 1920) from a distance, as it is not open to the public
Cabo Roja Lighthouse (Faro de Los Morillos)
This active lighthouse was built in 1882 and was restored back in 2002. It is located on a limestone cliff overlooking the Caribbean on Rd. 301 near El Combate and is part of the Cabo Rojo National Wildlife Refuge.
Open Wednesday – Sunday 9am – 3pm
787-851-1025
Rincon Lighthouse (Punta Higuero)
The original was built in 1892 and the main tower was strengthened in 1922 after the 1918 earthquake. Again the actual lighthouse is closed to the public but the grounds are accessible as well as a small gift shop.
Coqui note: this is a great spot for Whale watching during Jan – Marl
Punta Figuras Lighthouse, Arroyo
Origianally built in 1893, it was in operation until 1938. After years of neglect it was retsired in 2004 and is now part of the Puerto Rico National Parks Punta Guilarte Vacation Center. The lighthouse is currently inactive and is located on Hwy 3 Km. 126.
787-839-3565
Punta Mulas Lighthouse, Vieques
This lighthouse (photo at the begining of the article) is located on the island of Vieques in the town of Isabel Segundo. It was built in 1895 and was operated until 1949. Currently it is a marine museum and is open 6 days a week to the general public.
Open 6 days a week 8am – 4:30pm
787-741-5000
Punta Los Morillos Lighthouse, Arecibo
Originally built in 1898 it was restored in 1994 and is now part of the Arecibo Lighthouse and Historical Park. The lighthouse has a hexagonal cylindrical stone tower attached to 1-story stone office and keeper’s house
Monday – Friday 9am – 6pm
Saturday – Sunday 10am – 7pm
787-817-1936 or 787-880-7540
Punta Tuna Lighthouse, Maunabo
Built in 1892, this active lighthouse was the last one to be inhabited on the island. The grounds are open to the public.
Wednesday – Sunday 9am – 4pm (except holidays)
787-861-0301
Photo and Article Resources:
Vieques Lighthouse by johnylee
El Morro Lighthouse by jamesxv7
Rincon Lighthouse by oquendo
Puerto Rico Lighthouses at UNC.edu
