Playa Los Tubos

Overview

Playa Los Tubos in Manatí is promoted mainly as a surfing beach, but DRNA calls the coral reef system north of the beach one of the most important on the north coast, including listed elkhorn and staghorn corals. Divers enter from shore via a former boat ramp. Emergency managers list it among north-coast beaches with dangerous currents and past drownings, and surge from the nearby surf break is a concern. It lies within Laguna Tortuguero Natural Reserve; check current DRNA rules.^{[1][2][3][4][5]}

Habitat & marine life

• sandy bottom^[3]
• coral reef system north of the beach, called one of the most important on the north coast^[1]
• brain and finger corals^[5]
• sea turtles^[5]
• Acropora palmata and Acropora cervicornis (listed corals)^[1]

Marine life is what sources report having seen or commonly seeing — not a guarantee.

Access

• Shore dive^[3]
• entry via a former boat ramp^[3]
• ramp for launching small craft; beach launch possible^[5]
• municipality gives the address as PR-686, Manatí^[2]

Safety considerations

• Surge — surf break nearby^[5]
• Current — Emergency management lists Los Tubos among north-coast beaches with high exposure, dangerous currents and past drownings.^[4]

Ocean conditions change daily. Dive within your training, plan with current local information and consider a local professional guide. Full safety note.

Protected area

• Laguna Tortuguero Natural Reserve (Reserva Natural Laguna Tortuguero)

  Natural Reserve · Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources · Site position falls inside the official boundary^[6]

  NOAA's MPA Inventory classifies this area's protection level as "Uniform Multiple Use"; fishing: commercial and recreational fishing restricted. Anchoring: unrestricted.^[6]

Regulations change. Check with DRNA (Departamento de Recursos Naturales y Ambientales) before diving.

Depth reports by source