Isla de Mona, Protected island nature reserve in Mayaguez, United States.
Isla de Mona is an island in the Puerto Rican archipelago shaped by steep limestone cliffs rising well over 90 meters above the sea. The terrain consists of dry landscape with caves, coastal beaches, and varied plants and animals.
The island was settled by the Taíno people who lived there for centuries and left behind many artifacts. This early human presence ended with European arrival, transforming it into an uninhabited natural landscape.
The caves show carvings made by the Taíno people, who marked the rock with symbols expressing their connection to this place. Visitors can still see these ancient marks and understand how the original inhabitants left their story in stone.
Access is by boat and requires advance permission from environmental authorities due to visitor limits. Expect limited infrastructure since the island remains completely uninhabited and undeveloped.
The island serves as a critical nesting site for threatened sea turtles, particularly hawksbill turtles that regularly lay eggs on its beaches. This breeding activity makes it a key location for protecting this endangered species.
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