Cabo Rojo is a beach town in Puerto Rico.
It has some of the clearest waters and the best food on the west coast.
This town is home to all of my favorite beaches and coastal spots.
In this article, I will cover the 23 best things to do in Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico:
Cabo Rojo has one of the most popular lighthouses on the island.
It sits on a 200ft tall cliff, with strong winds and a stunning ocean view.
You can read all about it in our Cabo Rojo Lighthouse article.
Animal and nature lovers can’t miss the Cabo Rojo Wildlife Refuge.
This reserve is home to many native endangered species of birds, fish, and insects.
Visitors can enjoy the sights and learn all about the surrounding ecosystems.
View this post on Instagram
Photo Credit: @amanda_wanders
Discover the best places to rest after a day of exploring in our article Where To Stay In Cabo Rojo.
Cabo Rojo’s pink salt lake is a perfect photo spot.
The high salt concentration gives the water its signature pink color.
Swimming isn’t allowed, but there are lots of paths and photo spots near the water.
Learn more in our article 72 Best Places To Take Pictures For Instagram.
The name literally translates to “Dirty Beach”, but that’s not the case at all!
This beach is great for swimming and relaxing on the shore.
The proximity to the lighthouse, the salt flats, and the wildlife refuge make this the perfect beach for people visiting Cabo Rojo on a time crunch.
View this post on Instagram
Photo Credit: @the_piratedise
Learn more in our article 11 Best Beaches In Cabo Rojo.
If you’re visiting the South, you have to make a small detour for the bioluminescent bays.
La Parguera Bio Bay is only a 30-minute drive from Cabo Rojo.
Kayak tours are available for visitors to experience the glowing water at night.
There are only a handful of bio bays in the world.
You can learn more by reading our article about Puerto Rico’s bioluminescent bays.
Combate is my favorite beach in Cabo Rojo.
It has soft sands, clear water, free parking, and plenty of restaurants nearby.
Make sure to get there early to grab a nearby parking spot — otherwise, you might have to walk a good distance.
Tip: I always walk to the very end of the beach to find spots with fewer people and more shade. It’s worth it!
You can make the most of your trip by staying the night at this beachside resort.
Combate Beach Resort is located right on Combate Beach, with access to other beaches only a few minutes away by car.
The surrounding areas have restaurants, kayak rentals, and more.
Check out our article 30 Best Resorts In Puerto Rico, where you can find more information about this resort.
This beach is great for a more private and relaxed day.
My favorite part of Buyé is the trees along the coast. You’re guaranteed to find a shady spot to spend the whole day.
Boquerón is the most popular beach in Cabo Rojo.
Visitors can enjoy its calm blue water, lots of coconut trees, and secure parking.
Thanks to its environmental awareness and sustainable tourism, Boquerón is one of 5 Blue Flag beaches in Puerto Rico. Let’s keep them clean!
Right next to Boquerón Beach, you can find a small town full of restaurants and shops.
There are lots of vendors offering fresh clams, meat kabobs, fried snacks, and drinks.
This is the perfect spot to grab a drink and relax after a day at the beach.
Check out Boquerón Seaside Square in the following video:
You can’t leave Puerto Rico without trying our bread!
Boquerón Bakery has fresh bread and baked goods that will leave you wanting more.
Bread is sold as half-pounds (one loaf) or full pounds (two loaves). I recommend going for the full pound; you won’t regret it.
If you’re a fan of open waters, Cabo Rojo has boat tours you’ll love.
Fishing tours are also available if you’re looking to reel in some catches!
View this post on Instagram
Video Credit: @adventurestourmarine
You can book this tour with Adventures Tourmarine.
If you’re looking for adventure a little closer to land, go snorkeling!
You can go on your own or book a tour along the beach.
Below is a video showing some of the views you get when you dive in the Cabo Rojo waters:
This tiny island’s name translates to “Mouse Island”, but there are no mice to be found!
The only thing you’ll find here is clear, shallow waters, and lots of sun.
Also known as Cayo Ratones, this tiny spot can be reached with rented kayaks, boats, or jet skis.
View this post on Instagram
Photo Credit: @segarrarommy
To all the seafood fans, it doesn’t get fresher than this!
This restaurant has its own fishermen bringing fresh fish, lobsters, and more.
View this post on Instagram
Photo Credit: @ramirgerardo
History fans should visit the Museo de Los Proceres or “The Hero’s Museum”.
The exhibits include stories of Puerto Rico’s leaders, the Taíno natives, and a wide collection of art from local artists.
The building is located in the heart of Cabo Rojo, close to restaurants and local shops.
This is one of my favorite pizza places, located right in the center of town.
Their pizzas are great, but they’re mostly known for their giant calzones.
It’s a great spot for families, couples, or large groups to enjoy a meal.
Another calm thing to do is visit Excelsior Theater!
It offers modern blockbusters, but the building has that classic charm of an old town.
This is a great place for families to relax after a long day out in nature.
View this post on Instagram
Photo Credit: @combatebeachresort
Explorers will want to visit this tunnel near the beach.
Getting to it is quite the hike through nature, so prepare accordingly.
It’s one of the many unique photo spots in Cabo Rojo.
Legend has it Pirate Cofresí, who was born in Cabo Rojo, left his treasure in this cave.
Keep in mind cave exploring can be dangerous.
Don’t go deep in the cave unless you have experience or a tour guide.
Check out Pirate Cofresi’s Cave in the following video:
This is one of the best spots to grab a coffee or snack in Cabo Rojo.
I highly recommend their matcha lattes and acai bowls with fresh fruit
It’s also a great place to grab brunch before heading off to explore.
View this post on Instagram
Photo Credit: @estratoscafe_pr
This is one of the best spots to grab a bite or a drink.
Make sure to try their mojitos while enjoying the music and fun atmosphere.
This seaside restaurant is a local favorite.
Make sure to try their mojitos. There are lots of flavors to choose from, but the acerola (sour cherry) is my favorite!
They also offer a great variety of local cuisine and fresh seafood.
View this post on Instagram
Photo Credit: @bamboleiojoyuda
The pink salt lake is a view you can’t find in many places, so visiting is a must. The bio bays are also a must-do activity, and one is only 30 minutes away!
Visit the beaches! Kids of all ages can enjoy playing in the sand and splashing in the calm waters, and when the beach day is up, the whole family has a wide variety of restaurants to choose from.
Visiting the coastal town of Cabo Rojo is a must-do when you travel to Puerto Rico.
There is a lot to enjoy, including the Cabo Rojo Lighthouse and some of the best beaches on the island.
It’s about a 2-hour drive from San Juan to Cabo Rojo, but it’s absolutely worth it.
La Parguera Bio Bay is located close to Cabo Rojo. I recommend that you visit this unique attraction. You can learn more by reading our article about Puerto Rico’s bioluminescent bays.
Writer at PuertoRico.com. I am a writer, editor, and freelancer. I was born and raised in San Germán, Puerto Rico, where I experienced the best landscapes, local eateries, and shops the region has to offer. Sharing the rich culture and history of Puerto Rico’s Southwest gives me the perfect reason to keep exploring!
