Located on the northeastern most tip of Puerto Rico, the Cabezas de San Juan Nature Preserve in Fajardo is home to one of the most diverse eco-systems and scenic landscapes on the island.
About Cabezas de San Juan Nature Preserve
Discover a bioluminescent lagoon, mangroves, coral reefs, dry forests, sandy and rocky beaches all in one place at the Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve. Its name comes from the shape of the three rocky headlands that extend to the Atlantic Ocean. The land was acquired by the Puerto Rico Conservation Trust in 1975 and was designated as a Nature Reserve in 1986.
What makes this preserve so unique is the seven different ecological systems that are found in the area. These include lagoons, beaches, a dry forest, coral reefs, and mangroves.
Take a tour, day or night
In an effort to preserve the area, the only way to see Cabezas de San Juan is with a guided tour. Various tours include biking, birding, walking, and kayaking tours. Each is led by an environmental interpreter who is knowledgeable about the ecosystems, landscapes, and wildlife of the reserve.
The walking tours are the most popular where you stroll through about two miles of trails and boardwalks that lead throughout the park. The tours last a little over two hours and include a short tram ride through the dry forest section.
They also offer walking night tours to Laguna Grande, one of the brightest bioluminescent waters in Puerto Rico. In addition to seeing the lagoon, you also get a tour of the rest of the reserve where you will, learn about the different habitats and the wildlife of the preserve. Workshops and special events, are available as well. Advance reservations for tours are required.
Diverse wildlife
Spend the day discovering the preserve’s diverse wildlife. Nearly 100 species of birds have been documented in the area, including the Great Egret and the White-cheeked Pintail. Plus, the preserve is also crawling with reptiles and amphibians including big iguanas, fiddler crabs, and colorful frogs.
In addition to the wildlife seen on land and in the air, there have been multiple whale spottings off the coast including sperm, pilot, and humpback whales. Also, be sure to keep your eye out for dolphins and manatees.
Historic lighthouse
A highlight of the tours is a visit to the historic and restored 1882 El Faro de las Cabezas de San Juan, Puerto Rico’s oldest lighthouse. Built by the Spanish in 1880, today the lighthouse features a nature center, stunning views, and a bit of Puerto Rican history.
Stay at Fajardo Inn
After your day at the Cabezas de San Juan Nature Preserve, consider a stay at the Fajardo Inn. Our island hotel features 125 rooms, a fitness center, two full-service restaurants, and beautiful ocean views. It is also home to Coco’s Park, which features two beautiful swimming pools with a swim-up bar and waterslide, tropical gardens, tennis courts, mini-golf, a 1/2 basketball court, and more.
Enjoy top-quality lodging with bright, spacious rooms with Puerto Rican and Spanish flare décor. You can choose from various rooms, sleeping anywhere from one to eight people, depending on the room selected! Book your stay today!
