Puerto Rico · Spearfishing zone
Reserva Marina Tres Palmas (Tres Palmas Marine Reserve), Rincon
What this zone is
Overview
How spearfishing is treated at Reserva Marina Tres Palmas (Tres Palmas Marine Reserve), Rincon.
No-take marine reserve off the coast of Ensenada/Puntas barrios in Rincon, on Puerto Rico's west coast, covering the Tres Palmas / Steps Beach elkhorn-coral reef (~1,200-1,400 acres, 3.8 km perimeter). Fishing (which includes spearfishing) and anchoring are prohibited inside the reserve boundaries, and removing shells or dead coral is banned under its no-take regulation. Designated by the Puerto Rico Legislature (Ley Num. 17 of 2004, designation administered by DRNA). Center point is the Tres Palmas / Steps Beach reef from USGS survey data.
On the coast
Location
Approximate reference point for this zone. See the full picture on the interactive map.
18.3480°N, 67.2630°W
View on the mapSource
This zone is documented in the official source below.
Before you dive
License for Puerto Rico
Whether you need a license to spearfish here, and how to get one.
Apply to DRNA (Departamento de Recursos Naturales y Ambientales) using the official form; must be 13 or older and carry the license while fishing. Children under 13 are exempt but must be accompanied by a licensed adult (except shore fishing). Clients fishing with a licensed charter/headboat owner are exempt.
Get your licenseOpens the official portal · drna.pr.gov