Tres Palmas Marine Reserve

Tres Palmas Marine Reserve protects a stretch of coast north of the lighthouse where elkhorn coral reef has survived in unusually good condition. The reserve was established in 2005 after local surfer activism; fishing and anchoring are prohibited within the reserve boundaries. In winter, the reef produces one of the Caribbean's most powerful surf breaks — experienced surfers only when the big swells arrive.

For non-surfers, the reef offers excellent snorkelling at calmer times of year, with good coral coverage, tropical fish, and occasional sea turtles. The beach here is narrow and rocky in places; access is easier from the Domes side. A good pair of reef shoes is useful.

things to do sight
A story
Tres Palmas was a legendary surf spot long before it became a protected marine reserve in 2005. The reef that creates the wave — one of the best big-wave breaks in the Caribbean — is also one of the healthiest elkhorn coral reefs in Puerto Rico. The protection designation came after sustained campaigns by local surfers and divers who understood that the wave and the reef were the same thing: damage one and you lose both.