Puerto Rico is an archipelago consisting of the main island and 143 other smaller islands, islets, and cays. The archipelago has a lot to offer vacationers, including cobblestone streets, magnificent beaches, a tropical climate, and gorgeous forests like the El Yunque National Forest. While Puerto Rico is part of the United States, it has still maintained its beautiful culture that has roots in Africa, Europe, as well as the Taino. Of the 143 islands, only three are inhabited – Culebra, Vieques, and Puerto Rico. There are so many stunning islands to explore in Puerto Rico that it may be confusing to pick one. These are the 10 must-visit Puerto Rico islands.

10 Vieques

Located on a beautiful island located on the Eastern coast of Puerto Rico, and it's a popular spot for surfing, swimming, snorkeling, horseback riding, and scuba diving. Home to the world’s brightest bioluminescent bay, Puerto Mosquito (Mosquito Bay), Vieques guarantees an unforgettable island experience thanks to its unmatched beauty, which has earned it several awards for being one of the most impressive islands in the Caribbean. Plan a visit to one of the largest Puerto Rico Islands and get a chance to explore the Vieques National Wildlife Refuge.

9 Culebra Island

Located not far from Vieques, Culebra is one of the must-visit Puerto Rico Islands, mostly famous for its spectacular Flamenco Beach, which has a place one of the world’s most beautiful beaches. Culebra offers plenty of adventure opportunities for outdoorsy vacationers, including hiking the lighthouse ruins, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding. Visitors will hardly find any shopping malls or big hotels on this Puerto Rican Island, but it’s a paradise for snorkelers and scuba divers who get an incredible chance of exploring the colorful marine life, gorgeous coral reefs, and shipwrecks.

Related: Exploring Puerto Rico's Culebra Island? Here's Everything To Know

8 Gilligan’s Island

Located in Guanica, Gilligan’s Island is one of the locals’ favorites, especially those residing on the island’s west coast region. While it’s one of the hidden gems in Puerto Rico, this small island is well worth a visit, as it offers several fun activities to tourists, and without crowds, an unforgettable island experience is guaranteed. Some of the activities to enjoy here include snorkeling, which allows visitors to explore the colorful underwater world of the Caribbean. Travelers can also have fun kayaking and picnicking.

7 Palomino Island

Palomino Island is one of the uninhabited islands, and among the famous, thanks to its magnificent white sand and beautiful palm trees. The scenic nature of this cay made it feature in the movie Pirates of the Caribbean. Part of the island’s beauty comes from the disaster it suffered as a result of Hurricane Maria. Most of the island disappeared in the process, but what’s left is still one of the most breathtaking sights vacationers can explore in Puerto Rico.

6 Icacos

Icacos is located to the east and off the coast of Fajardo and is one of the must-visit islands in Puerto Rico. Nature lovers would be thrilled to explore this island, thanks to its scenic La Cordillera Nature Reserve. This island is only reachable by a speedboat, and while it is easily accessible, it is deserted because only boats can get there. Visiting it is still worth it because it has more to offer than its natural beauty. The island is also a great swimming ad snorkeling destination that guarantees an incredible experience.

5 Desecheo Island

While Desecheo is one of the most beautiful islands to explore in Puerto Rico, it is actually closed for tourism because the United States Armed Forces used it as a bombing range, and now it is belied that dangerous weapons are everywhere. Because of this, the island is forbidden, but snorkelers and scuba divers are allowed to explore the beautiful underworld. There are over 20 dive sites vacationers can use. Guided diving and snorkeling are also very popular.

4 Culebrita

Culebrita is a small, uninhabited island off the east coast of Puerto Rico, and is known for its pristine beaches and fun activities to explore. The island is only reachable by boat, and while it only receives fewer visitors, it has many best-kept secrets waiting to be discovered. Getting there can be a challenge, but the experience makes it totally worth it. The island's white sandy beaches, clear waters, and spectacular underwater world are a thing to marvel at. The island's name came from the large population of turtles that frequent the beautiful shores. So, travelers can also spend time swimming with these wonderful creatures.

3 Isla De Mona

Boasting several archeological sites, historical artifacts, and caves, Isla de Mona is one of Puerto Rico’s most famous historical islands. Vacationers will not find any restaurants or hotels on this island, but its unspoiled natural beauty is worth experiencing. There are miles of trails and camping sites. The island's caves and shipwrecks are some of the most breathtaking sights travelers can explore, and are a popular thing to do in Puerto Rico.

  • Accommodation: Qué Chévere
  • Address: 17 Calle Munoz Rivera, Rincon 677
  • Amenities: Snorkeling, free Wi-Fi, tea/coffee maker, coffee machine, free parking, Wi-Fi available in all areas, flat-screen TV, cable or satellite TV, and free toiletries.

2 Isla Mata La Gata

Isla Mata la Gata is situated on the southwest coast side of Puerto Rico and is one of the most impressive family-friendly islands vacationers can explore. Covered by mangrove trees, Isla Mata la Gata is the perfect island for a kid-friendly vacation because it's the only island in Puerto Rico with picnic tables, gazebos, showers, showers, and barbeque pits. The island's waters are depthless, so they are perfect for younger kids and seniors.

Related: What To Know About Visiting Isla De Mona, Puerto Rico's Untouched Caribbean Island

1 Caja De Muertos

Caja de Muertos is one of the must-visit islands in Puerto Rico. The island is uninhabited but is a wonderful paradise for beach lovers and nature enthusiasts. Its natural beauty earned it a position as one of ‘The Ten Most Beautiful Natural Attractions in Puerto Rico.’ To get to this gorgeous island, vacationers need to hop in a boat from Ponce’s southern coast. Its white sandy beaches are considered some of the best beaches in Puerto Rico.