📍 Location & Geography
Ceiba is a small, picturesque town located on the northeastern coast of Puerto Rico, an unincorporated territory of the United States. It is nestled between the Atlantic Ocean to the north and the Caribbean National Forest to the south. The town is named after the Ceiba tree, which is symbolic in Puerto Rican culture.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates of Ceiba, Puerto Rico are approximately 18.2649° N latitude and 65.6480° W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Ceiba is part of the Fajardo metropolitan area in Puerto Rico. The town covers a total area of approximately 32 square miles (83 km2), of which about 27 square miles (70 km2) is land and 5 square miles (13 km2) is water.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2010 U.S. Census, the population of Ceiba was approximately 13,631 people. The town is a diverse mix of races and ethnicities, with a majority of the population being of Hispanic or Latino origin. The population is fairly evenly split between males and females.
🏛️ History
Ceiba was founded on April 7, 1838, by Luis de la Cruz. The town was originally a part of the municipality of Fajardo. Over the years, Ceiba has seen significant development, especially in the 1940s when the Roosevelt Roads Naval Station was established. This naval base played a crucial role in the town’s economy until its closure in 2004.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Ceiba is known for its lush greenery and beautiful coastal views. The town is home to the Ceiba Forest, which offers a variety of hiking trails and bird-watching opportunities. The nearby Caribbean National Forest, also known as El Yunque National Forest, is the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System. Ceiba’s coastline offers several beautiful beaches, including the popular Medio Mundo and Daguao beaches.
🏫 Education
Education in Ceiba is managed by the Puerto Rico Department of Education. The town has several public and private schools that cater to students from kindergarten through high school. These include the Ceiba Bilingual School, Luis Munoz Marin Elementary School, and Jose Gautier Benitez High School.
🚧 Transportation
Ceiba is served by the Jose Aponte de la Torre Airport, which offers flights to the nearby islands of Vieques and Culebra. The town is also accessible by road, with Puerto Rico Highway 3 being the main route that connects Ceiba to other parts of the island. Public transportation in the form of buses and taxis are also available in the town.
📜 Trivia & Events
Every year, Ceiba hosts the Ceiba Tree Festival, a cultural event that celebrates the town’s namesake tree. The festival features music, dance, food, and arts and crafts. Ceiba is also known for its annual Christmas parade, which is one of the largest in the region.