Mona Passage Lighthouse Keepers’ Supply Road
Caribbean island isolation meets technical punishment.
Mona Island isn’t for tourists—it’s 22 square miles of thorny scrub, venomous snakes, and terrain that’ll humble any rig stupid enough to think it’s conquered Caribbean off-roading. The old supply road from Playa de Pájaros to Faro de Mona cuts straight across the island’s plateau, following the route lighthouse keepers used to haul diesel fuel and provisions to the automated beacon. Sharp limestone outcrops puncture tires like thumbtacks, while the endemic boa constrictors remind you this island operates by different rules.
This is expert-level terrain that demands beadlock wheels, heavy-duty skid plates, and enough spare parts to rebuild your suspension. The 150-year-old lighthouse at trail’s end offers commanding views of the Mona Passage—the same treacherous waters that claimed hundreds of ships before modern navigation. Access requires advance permits and chartered boat transport from Mayagüez, making this one of the Caribbean’s most exclusive off-road experiences. Pack everything you need for several days, because when things go wrong out here, you’re truly on your own.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Expert |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Rock |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote |
| Length (miles) | 12 mi / 19.3 km |
| Duration | 2-3 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 380 ft |
| Best season | January-April |
| Minimum vehicle | Modified 4WD with armor |
| Nearest town | Mayagüez, Puerto Rico |
| Land manager | Puerto Rico Department of Natural Resources |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | drna.pr.gov |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Jeep Wrangler or 4Runner handle this trail?
No. Stock rigs won't cut it here. You need a modified 4WD with skid plates, rock sliders, and a suspension lift — the coral rock surface tears up unprotected undercarriages fast and there's zero recovery help on the island.
When is Mona Island accessible and what shuts it down?
January through April is the window. Hurricane season and rough Atlantic swells make boat access to the island dangerous or impossible the rest of the year, and the Puerto Rico DRNA restricts access accordingly.
Do you need a permit to drive and camp on Mona Island?
Yes. A permit from the Puerto Rico Department of Natural Resources (DRNA) is mandatory for both access and camping — apply through drna.pr.gov well in advance because visitor numbers are strictly capped and slots fill fast.
What's the hardest section of the trail and what makes it brutal?
The interior crossing over exposed karst coral rock is relentless — sharp, irregular, and unforgiving on tires and armor for most of the 12 miles. There's no smooth line, no bailout, and no one coming if something breaks.
Is there any fresh water or fuel available on Mona Island?
There is none. You get to the island by boat from Mayagüez and everything — fuel, water, food, spare parts — comes with you. Plan for the full duration plus a buffer, because weather delays on the return crossing happen.
Trail track
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