Mona Island Supply Trail

Mona Island Supply Trail crosses the 22-square-mile uninhabited island between Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic, following the old supply route that once serviced lighthouse keepers and research stations. The trail starts at Playa Sardinera and winds through razor-sharp limestone karst, massive iguanas, and coastline that looks like Mars landed in the Caribbean. The western section passes through caves where Taíno petroglyphs cover the walls, while the eastern route climbs 200-foot sea cliffs with views to Hispaniola on clear days.

This is extreme remote territory requiring self-contained 4WD with spare tires, GPS navigation, and enough fuel for the entire island circuit. You’ll need a boat to reach Mona — charter flights land on the abandoned airstrip when weather permits. The limestone surface tears up tires and there’s zero infrastructure, no cell service, and no fresh water sources. Bring everything including emergency supplies, as weather can strand you for weeks. The reward is camping on deserted beaches with world-class snorkeling and hiking through landscape that hasn’t changed since Columbus sailed past in 1494.