Playa Sucia — Attraction in Cabo Rojo

The last time we visited Playa Sucia in October 2021, the gate at the end of the paved road was open, allowing me to drive all the way to the end of the heavily potholed section. Fast forward to March 2025 and a little bit of the road near the abandoned steel bridge was washed out, forcing us to park on the side of the road and walk.

Having never walked it before, I failed to realize how far it was from the gate to the beach (about a mile), and this caused my wife and daughter to hate me for a little while. Once we arrived at the beach, however, it was exactly as I remembered it - beautiful and calm with soft sand and gentle waves. I'd live there if I could.

And then we had to walk a mile back to the car. In the heat. But don't worry, it builds character.

BTW, I would recommend not plopping your stuff down right as the trail enters the beach area. The seaweed is plentiful there, as is the stench of decay. We went to the middle of the beach (after a mile, what's a few more hundred yards, eh?) and found shade there. Also, if you're expecting a beach experience like what you get in most parts of the Continental US (y'know, stuff like convenience, easy access, restrooms, food nearby, benches, etc.), you'd be best off greatly tempering those expectations of this beautiful island. The locals here excel at making do, and that taught me an important lesson. Your family may be temporarily displeased with you, but you...

One of my all-time favorite places in all Puerto Rico! The hike to the lighthouse is the most beautiful thing you’ll ever see while standing at the top of the cliffs looking down at the beach in the cove. Not a super strenuous hike. The natural bridge on the opposite side of the beach is also fun and so is the cave further down from the lighthouse following the cliff. Definitely very high up and generates amazing pictures. The beach itself is great, walk past the first half because it’s always full of rocks and grass and the second half on the further side is more sandy. Currently they have the main entrance closed to vehicles because people kept parking on the mangroves and damaging the plants so you’ll have to just park and walk all the way through the dirt road until you get to the hike up to the lighthouse. It’s approximately 3/4 of a mile to get to the chain that starts a hike up to the lighthouse and about a full mile to get to the actual beach if you skip the lighthouse hike so bring drinks and everything with you. You can always go on foot or bicycle whenever during operating hours. Usually close by 6 PM and does not allow nighttime access. During spring break and summer it gets extremely packed and space it scares on the beach but the hikes are still...

Nestled along the coast, Playa Sucia offers a serene escape with its pristine sands, tranquil ambiance, and breathtaking ocean vistas. The higher salt density enhances the swimming and floating experience, adding to the allure of this coastal gem.

Regrettably, the lack of public amenities, including bathrooms, showers, and parking facilities, detracts from the overall experience. The unpaved approach road presents a challenge for drivers, particularly in the final stretch, which may deter visitors seeking convenience.

Furthermore, the limited temporary parking, available only until 5 pm, poses an obstacle for those wishing to linger and witness the sunset from the watch house. This limitation can be frustrating for travelers seeking to fully enjoy the natural beauty of the surroundings.

While the beach undoubtedly boasts stunning scenery, its remote location and accessibility issues may render it less appealing, especially for vacationers residing in San Juan or the Eastern side of PR. With a lengthy (but scenic) drive of two and a half hours, potential visitors may find the journey outweighs the destination.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ are only for the beach, ⭐️ for...