Reserva Natural Punta Cucharas

Reserva Natural Punta Cucharas is a large protected area in Ponce that includes mangrove forests, coastal sand dunes, and a saline lagoon. The reserve combines land and marine sections to provide different habitats where various plants and animals live.

The Puerto Rico Ornithology Society started protecting this area in 2001 based on its importance for birds and coastal ecosystems. Legal recognition came later when the government passed Law 227 in 2008 to formally establish it as a protected nature reserve.

The reserve holds meaning for the local community as a place to observe nature and understand the coastal environment where their ancestors lived. People use it to maintain connections with the land through fishing, bird watching, and outdoor activities passed down through families.

Eight authorized activities are available in designated areas including scuba diving, boating, fishing, hiking, and bird watching. Check the specific rules for each section before visiting so you can plan your time and choose activities that suit your interests.

The reserve is home to rare plant species like Cordia rupicola that grow in few other places in the region. This botanical feature makes it a special site for conservation experts and plant enthusiasts studying coastal flora.