Maunabo

Things to Do

Punta Tuna Wetlands Nature Reserve

The Punta Tuna Wetlands Nature Reserve is a 109-acre reserve with diverse ecosystems that include beaches, brackish waters, sweetwater wetlands, and mangroves. You can schedule an excursion with Punta Tuna Ecotours to explore this area. While you're there, be sure to check out the Punta Tuna Lighthouse. Built in 1892 by the Spanish, the lighthouse is still in use today, serving as the visitor's center. Most people go around the gate to access the lighthouse grounds and the beach below. Perched atop a seaside cliff, the lighthouse offers spectacular views of the Caribbean Sea and Puerto Rico’s southeastern coast. Its well-preserved Spanish Colonial architecture, featuring a striking white tower and red dome, stands as a timeless symbol of the Island’s maritime heritage. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places and managed by Puerto Rico’s Department of Natural and Environmental Resources, the lighthouse invites visitors to stroll around its grounds, feel the ocean breeze, and take in the natural beauty of the coastline.

Beaches

Punta Tuna Beach is a sandy strip lined by a forest of palm trees that extends almost to the water's edge. Strong currents make the beach unsafe for swimming, but the view of the lighthouse and rock formations is unforgettable. 

Other beaches in Maunabo where it is safe to soak up the sun or play along the shore include Playa de Mario, Los Pinos, and Playa Larga, but you'll want to skip the swimming at these spots. Don't be disappointed, though — other areas of Maunabo are full of jaw-dropping and adventure-ready beach locations to visit. To get a good swim or kayak ride, visit Villa Pesquera Beach. California Beach is a widely known place for surfing, skimboarding, and bodyboarding. Los Bohíos Beach, also known as Playa Negra, is another local hidden gem with smooth black sand.

Where to Eat

After exploring Maunabo’s scenic landmarks, treat yourself to local cuisine paired with stunning ocean views. El Muelle Restaurant & Bar is one of the most acclaimed spots in the area, known for offering some of the best views in Maunabo. Head up to the rooftop, where the sea breeze, coastal scenery, and laid-back ambiance make it the perfect stop on your Maunabo road trip. There, you can enjoy fresh seafood and local favorites, all served with a touch of ocean magic. Nearby, El Puerto Bar & Rest offers a casual, welcoming atmosphere, where you can savor authentic Puerto Rican dishes and refreshing drinks while soaking in the seaside charm that defines the region.

Parador MaunaCaribe

Much like the town it's located in, the beachfront Parador MaunaCaribe is a hidden gem. A cozy resort that's casual and family-friendly, with an infinity pool, activity center, and a tropical restaurant serving traditional Puerto Rican cuisine and seafood, MaunaCaribe can serve as a base for exploring the east coast of Puerto Rico, or as a secluded getaway to slow down, unwind, and laze around the pool.

Maunabo Festivals

Festivals are also an important part of the town's culture, such as the Festivities of the Virgen del Carmen, hosted at Villa Pesquera in July. It is a three-day festivity full of games, tournaments, watersports, and live music. 

The Festi-Carnaval Jueyero is celebrated in September with three days of live music and DJs, a parade with floats and vejigantes (folklore characters), an artisan market, and even a 5K race. The central focus of this festival is a local delicacy — crabs, known as jueyes. Throughout the festival, alongside fried food kiosks, you'll find an abundance of crab dishes, including crab-stuffed fritters like alcapurrias and pastelillos, arroz con jueyes (crab rice), and arepas topped with stewed crab meat.

Vicente Morales Lebrón Tunnels (Maunabo Tunnel)

Opened in 2008, the Túnel de Maunabo is one of the most significant engineering achievements in Puerto Rico’s southeast. The twin tunnels —each about 600 meters long— cut through the Sierra de Pandura, connecting Maunabo and Yabucoa via Highway PR-53.

Equipped with modern lighting, ventilation, and safety systems, this landmark not only improves access to the region but also stands as a symbol of connection and innovation surrounded by the Island’s stunning natural scenery.