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All the United States Puerto Rico Manatí Cueva de las Golondrinas (Cave of the Swallows)
AO Edited

Cueva de las Golondrinas (Cave of the Swallows)

The short hike is worth the stunning views and crystal blue waters of a secluded beach.

Manatí, Puerto Rico

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Jessica van Dop DeJesus
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View from Golondrinas Cave   Edgar Torres/CC BY 3.0
View from Inside Golondrinas Cave   Edgar Torres/CC BY 3.0
Cueva de las golondrinas   Edgar Torres/CC BY 3.0
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Puerto Rico has a diverse coastline with the Caribbean Sea in the south and the Atlantic Ocean in the north. The northern coast is known for high waves and choppy seas, but along the way, you will encounter lagoons broken by natural rock formations, which create beautiful natural pools and caves. One of them is Cueva de las Golondrinas (Cave of the Swallows) in the town of Manatí. This idyllic cave leads to a beach with crystal clear blue waters and is part of the La Esperanza Nature Reserve.

One of the perks of Golondrinas Cave is that it is less crowded than many beaches in the area because you have to go on a 20-minute hike to get to the beach. Pack comfortable shoes so you can enjoy the scenic walk to the beach, lined with sea grape plants, tropical birds, and waving palm trees. You will probably see a few golondrinas (swallows), a small bird that you can find tweeting around the area—hence the cave's name. The cave leads to the ocean, where you will find a natural pool swimming area, and the water extends itself into the cave, where you can also go for a dip. Bring water shoes as the rock formations can be sharp as you get into the cave area. 

Golondrinas Cave also has other noteworthy beaches nearby. Manatí is the perfect town to go beach hopping with several natural swimming pools and beaches. Poza las Mujeres is also part of the La Esperanza Nature Reserve and home to another gorgeous natural swimming pool. If you are looking for a livelier beach scene, head to Mar Chiquita, a much larger beach perfect for snorkeling and hiking up the rock formations for an impressive beach view. 

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Birds Hiking Caves Beach Beaches

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There is a 15-20 minute walk to get to the beach, so bring comfortable clothes and shoes.  Bring snacks and water as there are no restaurants or vendors at the beach. Golondrinas Cave is busiest over the weekends.

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jessicavdd

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Michelle Cassidy, colleencourtney c93b920e

  • Michelle Cassidy
  • colleencourtney c93b920e

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April 25, 2022

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Cueva de las Golondrinas (Cave of the Swallows)
Manatí, Puerto Rico, 00617
United States
18.477952, -66.509275
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Nearby Places

Mar Chiquita

Manatí, Puerto Rico

miles away

Frutos del Guacabo

Manatí, Puerto Rico

miles away

La Estatua de Colón

Arecibo, Puerto Rico

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Manatí

Manatí

Puerto Rico

Places 3

Nearby Places

Mar Chiquita

Manatí, Puerto Rico

miles away

Frutos del Guacabo

Manatí, Puerto Rico

miles away

La Estatua de Colón

Arecibo, Puerto Rico

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Manatí

Manatí

Puerto Rico

Places 3

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