When it comes to picture-perfect stretches of Puerto Rico sand, Cabo Rojo beaches are some of the best.
Located in the southwest, Cabo Rojo features a coast with 127 beaches, including some of the top Puerto Rico beaches.
Cabo Rojo is obviously an amazing area for beach lovers, but figuring out which beaches to visit is a real challenge. As a Puerto Rico local that has been to them, I’ve put together this article to reveal the best beaches in the area.
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11 Best Beaches In Cabo Rojo
Buyé Beach
This shallow and tranquil beach is one of the top Puerto Rico beaches; ranked only behind the infamous Flamenco Beach.
📍 Google Maps | 🅿️ Parking: On-street parking available, free, or parking in front of Buyé Beach Resort, $3 | 🛎️ Where to Stay Nearby: Villas at Chalet De Buye
Playa Buye, also known as Buye Beach, is one of the top beaches in Puerto Rico. With a shallow coast, clear waters, and soft sand, Buye Beach is a local favorite and one of the best places to visit in Puerto Rico.
Be sure to look out for a small cove behind the houses – although it can’t fit many visitors, it’s a great hidden spot to visit in the early morning or for the sunset.
The area in front of Buyé Beach Resort is the most popular and is where families go kayaking and paddle boarding. There are also amenities like showers and bathrooms on this side of Buyé.
La Playuela
Often confused with its neighbor, Playa Sucia, La Playuela ranks as one of the best beaches in Cabo Rojo and Puerto Rico.
📍 Google Maps | 🅿️ Parking: Limited parking about 15 minutes away nearby Playa Sucia, free
Although they are located in the same bay, Puerto Ricans consider La Playuela and Playa Sucia to be two completely different beaches. The infamous Playuela is located next to Playa Sucia, across from Los Morrillos Lighthouse.
Getting to La Playuela is tough. The road into the Cabo Rojo Wildlife Refuge is full of potholes, and the parking lot is a 15-minute walk away from this pristine beach.
Regardless, beach lovers willing to take on the challenge will come across a gem that lacks amenities but offers the best view into the mesmerizing Caribbean Sea.
El Combate Beach
Combate is the best beach in Cabo Rojo to watch the sunset.
📍 Google Maps | 🅿️ Parking: On-street parking, free or paid parking in Parque Recreativo del Combate, $5 | 🛎️ Where to Stay Nearby: Combate Beach Resort
Unlike Playa Buyé and La Playuela, Combate Beach is somewhat crowded and has a more lively atmosphere. This beach has something for everyone whether you’re a swimmer, kayaker, water sports enthusiast, or just want a relaxing lounge day.
You’ll see locals with a drink in hand, sitting in beach chairs while thrill-seekers ride jet skis in the water. Of course, what makes Combate a favorite spot is its colorful sunsets and emerald-green waters.
The landscape gets better the farther south you walk on the beach, which is also the area with the fewest crowds. While there are many restaurants and food kiosks nearby, there aren’t facilities on the beach.
Playa Sucia
Playa Sucia is hidden between the dramatic limestone cliffs of the wildlife refuge.
📍 Google Maps | 🅿️ Parking: Limited parking near the beach within the national wildlife refuge, free | 🛎️ Where to Stay Nearby: Modern Oceanfront Apt
Although it’s hard to get to, Playa Sucia is a local favorite for its seclusion and dramatic landscapes. On days with low tide, you can float on a calm beach of turquoise water.
Although popular, Playuela isn’t ideal for families. It lacks amenities, and it can get crowded on the weekends. Parking is limited and the beach itself isn’t too accessible. But, if you’re looking for a place where you can hike, swim, and take beautiful pictures, Playuela is perfect.
It’s also close to the Cabo Rojo Salt Flats, which means you’ll see migratory birds flying around.
Boquerón Beach
This beach has it all! Food kiosks, rentals, and scenic views are all a short walk from the downtown.
📍 Google Maps | 🅿️ Parking: Parking lot at the beach, closed on Mondays, $4 cash | 🛎️ Where to Stay Nearby: BOHO Beach Club
You’ll enjoy a typical Puerto Rican beach experience at Boquerón Beach. Which means that nothing is boring here! The water at Boquerón Beach is crystal clear, music blasts in the background, people play beach volleyball, and foodies enjoy the local cuisine.
Those looking for a quieter space can walk to the end of the beach, where mangroves create a picture-worthy landscape.
The parking lot is closed on Mondays, but you can park on the street and access the beach on foot. Bathrooms are temporarily closed, but showers are available.
Tres Tubos Beach
A beach concealed behind apartment complexes in Joyuda.
📍 Google Maps | 🅿️ Parking: Limited on-street parking, free | 🛎️ Where to Stay Nearby: Blue House Joyuda
Also known as Playita Azul, Tres Tubos Beach is one of the many beaches you’ll find in the neighborhood of Joyuda. Sitting between Combate Beach and Boquerón Beach, Tres Tubos isn’t visible from the road but the entrance is marked by three poles after which the beach takes its name.
Tres Tubos has a small shore and it can feel crowded with a few visitors. The earlier you visit, the better the experience! The water is clear and shallow, perfect for families that are into snorkeling and paddleboarding.
You should bring an umbrella to escape the hot Puerto Rican sun and keep in mind there aren’t any amenities.
👉 Did You Know? The Joyuda Lagoon is a bioluminescent bay that lights up seasonally during the year. Learn about more bays in our guide to Puerto Rico’s bio bays.
Playa Ostiones
This great beach is perfect for photography and hiking fans.
📍 Google Maps | 🅿️ Parking: Limited on-site parking, free | 🛎️ Where to Stay Nearby: Casa Isabela En Cabo Rojo
While not considered the best for swimming (even though you can), Playa Ostiones is a photographer’s dream! During the sunset, the orange light paints the mangroves, palm trees, and shallow pools of salt water.
If the beach is too crowded for your taste, explore the hiking trail through the Belvedere Nature Reserve to access hidden spots on the shore with crystalline and shallow waters.
Make sure to pack a bag for a day trip, as you won’t find showers, bathrooms, or food trucks.
La Playita
On this beach surrounded by mangroves, you’ll find more stray dogs than people.
📍 Google Maps | 🅿️ Parking: Limited on-site parking, free | 🛎️ Where to Stay Nearby: Casa Isabela En Cabo Rojo
La Playita is an off-the-beaten-path beach located at the end of Calle 7 within the Belvedere Nature Reserve in Cabo Rojo.
It’s surrounded by mangroves and plenty of stray dogs will accompany you during your visit.
The calm water makes the place a perfect spot for kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkeling. There aren’t any showers or bathrooms in the area, but instead, you’ll find calmness and solitude.
Playa La Mela
A beach where you can camp, park your RV, or rent a cabin.
📍 Google Maps | 🅿️ Parking: On-site parking, free | 🛎️ Where to Stay Nearby: Private Beachfront House
Playa La Mela is particularly known for having beachfront rustic cabanas. It’s also a popular spot for camping in Puerto Rico.
You can rent a space for your RV and use the site’s facilities. But, you don’t necessarily have to stay at the villa to enjoy La Mela Beach.
The shore is ideal for watersports, but from March to September, algae can be a problem. Regardless, it is good to relax without the crowds.
Playa Los Pozos
Playa Los Pozos is somewhat hard to reach, but this crystal clear beach with beautiful views of the coast is worth the effort.
📍 Google Maps | 🅿️ Parking: On-site parking, free
Playa Los Pozos is as beautiful as it’s hard to get to. This remote beach is located in Punta Melones in Cabo Rojo, and you can only reach it with a 4×4 vehicle.
Those that embrace the adventure will enjoy the dramatic landscape of the west coast and a clear and shallow pristine beach.
Mountain bikes, ATVs, and, overlanders, and boats are common in the area. In theory, you can also hike from the main road, but it’s advised to go during daylight. You won’t find anything but raw nature at this beach, so make sure to pack everything necessary for a day trip.
Puente de Piedra Beach
A beach with a rocky shore and a view of a natural rock bridge.
📍 Google Maps | 🅿️ Parking: Parking is the same as the lighthouse, 20 minutes away, free
Although not exactly a beach, this oceanfront area is worth a visit if you’re into adventure! Located within the Cabo Rojo National Wildlife Refuge, these waters are ideal to dip your feet into after a long hike over the limestone cliffs.
Nature lovers will admire the natural rock bridge, one of the best sites of Cabo Rojo.
Getting down to the beach is not advised for the elderly or kids, as you have to descend through the rocks on the right side. There isn’t any shade or amenities either.
FAQs About Cabo Rojo Beaches
Where can I swim in Cabo Rojo?
The most popular swimming beaches in Cabo Rojo include El Combate Beach,Buyé Beach,Boquerón Beach,La Playuela, and Tres Tubos Beach.Playa Sucia, Playa Punta Arenas, and La Playita are also popular beaches among the locals.
What are the 3 best beaches in Cabo Rojo?
The 3 best beaches in Cabo Rojo include Buyé Beach,Combate Beach, and La Playuela. But other strong competitors include Boquerón Beach,Playa Ostiones, and La Playita.
How many beaches does Cabo Rojo have?
Cabo Rojo has a total of 127 beaches. While most of them are on the main island, travelers can enjoy some offshore beaches in cays and islands like Isla de Ratones, a tiny island off the west coast.
Which side of Puerto Rico has the best beaches?
Puerto Rico’s west coast has the best beaches on the mainland. But, most visitors and locals consider the offshore islands and cays of Vieques, Culebra, Icacos, and Gilligan’s island to have the best beaches in Puerto Rico.
What is Cabo Rojo known for?
Cabo Rojo is known for its beautiful, clean, and shallow beaches. Other popular Cabo Rojo attractions include the Pink Salt Flats and the Cabo Rojo National Wildlife Refuge, which overlooks the union of the Atlantic Ocean with the Caribbean Sea.
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You’ve made it to the end of our list of the best beaches in Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico. If you’re looking for other great things to do, check out our pick for the best things to do in Cabo Rojo.
Safe travels!
