Melones Beach

Beach Layout and Features

Melones Beach is divided into two distinct sections, each offering its own unique experience:

• The Left Side: This section features a rugged shoreline strewn with coral remnants. While not as sandy as the other side, it provides a fascinating landscape to explore. The coral remains give it a natural, wild feel, perfect for those who enjoy the untouched beauty of the environment.
• The Right Side: This part of the beach is characterized by soft, powdery sand, making it an ideal spot for sunbathing, picnicking, or simply relaxing by the sea. The gentle waves here make it perfect for swimming and wading, especially for families with young children. The shallow waters extend far, allowing for safe exploration.

The right side of the beach is particularly known for its proximity to the coral reef, a hidden underwater world that makes it a prime location for snorkeling and diving.

Snorkeling and Diving: An Underwater Wonderland

Melones Beach is a paradise for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts. The waters are crystal clear, and the vibrant marine life is abundant, making it an excellent spot to discover the rich biodiversity of Puerto Rico’s marine ecosystems. The beach lies within the Cayo Luis Peña Natural Underwater Reserve, a protected area that safeguards the region’s delicate coral reefs and diverse sea life.

Snorkelers will find the right side of the beach to be the most accessible, with the coral reef just beneath the surface. The reef is home to a dazzling array of tropical fish, from vivid parrotfish and angelfish to schools of silvery barracuda. The underwater landscape is equally impressive, with vibrant corals, sponges, and sea fans creating a colorful mosaic. If you’re lucky, you might even spot sea turtles and rays gliding gracefully through the water.

For those who prefer diving, the reserve offers deeper spots where divers can explore larger coral structures, more fish species, and even shipwrecks in some areas, making it a thrilling experience for underwater explorers.

Minimal Amenities, Natural Charm

Melones Beach is intentionally kept as a natural sanctuary, and visitors should be prepared for minimal amenities. There are no lifeguards on duty, and there are no public restrooms, showers, or facilities on-site. The beach is not overcrowded, making it a peaceful and serene spot to relax, but it also means parking spaces are limited. It’s a good idea to arrive early to secure a spot.

Due to its location within the nature reserve, fishing is prohibited in order to protect the ecosystem, so visitors are encouraged to respect the natural surroundings. The beach can also be a bit rocky, so it’s highly recommended to bring water shoes to navigate the seafloor comfortably—especially since parts of the beach are lined with melon cacti, which can be sharp and unpleasant to walk on barefoot.

How to Get There

Melones Beach is easily accessible from the main town of Culebra. To get there, follow the Camino Vecinal road west from Iglesia Nuestra Señora Del Carmen, the main church in Culebra. As you drive up a steep hill for about 300 yards, you’ll reach Melones Point, a rocky outcrop with a navigation light. From here, you’ll find the beach to the right, marked by signs that guide you down to the shoreline.