Isla de Cabras

This tiny islet that’s part of the Palo Seco barrio once served as a leper colony in the early 19th century and travelers to this historic place can still visit Segundo de la Portilla, a stone building that once housed these social castoffs. Today, Isla de Cabra services as a shooting range and training area for the Puerto Rico Police Department, as well as home to Isla de Cabras Recreational Park, where locals and travelers congregate along beaches perfect for fishing and picnicking—almost no one swims here. Visitors love the picturesque views of city walls, known by residents as El Morro, as well as the well-known Fort San Juan de la Cruz, which was designated as a national historic site.

Practical Info

Isla de Cabras is located at the entrance of San Juan Bay in Puerto Rico. The park is free to enter but there is a parking fee for those who choose to arrive by car. Isla de Cabras is close to the Bacardi Rum Factory, so it’s perfect to pair a stop at this destination with a tour of the distillery.