Punta Tuna Lighthouse

Punta Tuna lighthouse was first lit in 1892 on a headland at the southeastern corner of the island and automated in 1989, and the town of Maunabo has taken on its restoration. The grounds are open and the view runs along the coast in both directions. Below the headland is Playa Larga, a wide unmanaged beach where turtles nest, and a mangrove wetland behind it that is a protected reserve.

History

Joaquin Gisbert drew up the design in 1890, the lighthouse was built from 13 March 1891 to 29 September 1893 and first lit in 1892, as the main link between the island's southern and eastern lights. It came through the hurricane of 13 September 1928, was automated in 1989, and in 2007 the government bought land nearby for a conservation area (Wikipedia, Punta Tuna Light).

What to look for

• The lighthouse - an 1892 Spanish-era tower, automated in 1989.
• The headland - views along the southeast coast in both directions.
• Playa Larga - a wide unmanaged beach below, used by nesting turtles.
• The wetland - protected mangrove behind the beach.

When to go

December to April is the drier season and the most comfortable. Turtle nesting runs from spring into summer and the beach is sensitive then. The grounds keep daylight hours.

Good to know

The tower itself is closed and only the grounds can be visited. The beach below has strong currents and no lifeguards. The access road is narrow.

Nearby

Maunabo is nearby, and the southeast coast road runs north and west.

Key facts