Along the western coastal bends of Route 2, north of Mayagüez, lie the best surfing beaches in the Caribbean. Surfers from as far away as New Zealand come to ride the waves. You can also check out panoramic Punta Higüero beach, nearby on Route 413, near Rincón.
South of Mayagüez is Boquerón Beach, one of the island's best, with a wide strip of white sand and good snorkeling conditions.
The chief attraction in Mayagüez is the Tropical Agriculture Research Station (Estación Experimental Agrícola Federal) (tel. 787/831-3435). It's located on Route 65, between Post Street and Route 108, adjacent to the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez campus and across the street from the Parque de los Próceres (Patriots' Park). At the administration office, ask for a free map of the tropical gardens, which have one of the largest collections of tropical plant species intended for practical use, including cacao, fruit trees, spices, timbers, and ornamentals. The grounds are open Monday to Friday from 7am to 5pm, and there is no admission fee.
Mayagüez is the jumping-off point for visits to unique Mona Island, the "Galápagos of the Caribbean."
Not far from Mayagüez is Maricao. You can reach Maricao from Mayagüez by heading directly east along Route 105, which will take you across mountain scenery and along fertile fields until you reach the village.
From Maricao, you can take Route 120 south to km 13.8, or from Mayagüez you can take Route 105 east to the Maricao State Forest picnic area, located 2,900 feet (870m) above sea level. The observation tower here provides a panoramic view across the green mountains up to the coastal plains. Trails are signposted here, and your goal might be the highest peak in the forest, Las Tetas de Cerro Gordo, at 2,625 feet (788m). A panoramic view unfolds from here, including a spotting of the offshore island of Mona. Nearly 50 species of birds live in this forest, including the Lesser Antillean pewee and the scaly naped pigeon. Nature watchers will delight to know that there are some 280 tree species in this reserve, 38 of which are found only here.
A Wildlife Refuge for Bird Fanciers -- The area around Cabo Rojo, the Refugio Nacional Cabo Rojo (Red Cape National Refuge; tel. 787/851-7297) attracts serious bird-watchers to its government-protected sector. The refuge is on Route 301 at km 5.1, a mile (1.6km) north of the turnoff to El Combate. At the entrance to the refuge is a visitor center. The only time you can visit the refuge is from 7:30am to 4pm Monday to Friday; admission is free.
Migratory birds, especially ducks and herons but also several species of songbirds, inhabit this refuge. Birders have reported seeing at least 130 species. Trails for bird-watchers have been cut through the reserve. The best time to observe the birds is during the winter months, when they have fled from their cold homelands in the north.
