Playa Sucia

A beautiful beach located just beyond the salt flats. It is a bit difficult to get there because it is about a mile walk from the parking area. But it is worth the trek. The beach is rustic but it is super clean and the waves are very calm. We loved it!

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 won't regret it.

Very much worth the drive and hike. Bring food and equipment you want for the day as the hike out takes about 30 minutes.

Long hike but worth it! We went early and there weren't many people yet so we got a nice shady place in the trees. On our way out lots of people heading in. Parking sucks but seriously so beautiful. Picked up some trash on our way out. Remember to keep it clean. Made some hermit crab friends! Bring a sun shirt and hat for the walk!

Beautiful beach! Very warm water but it gets deep very close to shore, and it’s full of rocks in that part. Very big beach with lots of shade. Gets very busy around noon so it’s better to go early, parking is on the road and can be very hard to find a spot. After parking is a 20 minute walk to the beach. Very with it! Wouldn’t recommend for swimming a lot.

Stunning place to come visit. A must of on this side of the island. The water is calm, clear, and perfect temperature! Plenty of hiking trails up to the lighthouse as well.

Plan a short walk into a beautiful beach. Lots of seaweed on about 50% of the beach. But the water color is beautiful. Took a hike up the cliffs, saw a sea turtle and fish. Beautiful vista views, turquoise waters, very calm water for kids with a gentle slope. No waves! Lots of shade trees up on the beach. Hermit crabs were fun to see and lots of birds. This is a nature.preserve so don't expect any amenities. Pack in and pack out trash. Keep it clean!

possibly the worst beach i’ve ever been to. it’s a 30 minute walk from the road to get there, once we arrived there was a dying dog begging for water and sea grass blocking the water about 2 feet high and it covered the whole beach. the water was merky. i don’t recommend at all 6 hours wasted i hate this place, this beach, and if you do go feed the dying dog if it’s not already dead.

WTF. I had high expectations for this beach after reading good reviews and a 4 1/2 star rating on Yelp. Very disappointing and here's why. Pot holes These huge holes have the potential to destroy your vehicle. Very rough and aggravating to drive the long strip that leads to this beach. Bad... Dirty Beach (just like the name) So much nasty seaweed Not swimmable Rocky & rough Smelly We drove hours to come to this beach for nothing. I really wish someone would have posted about these issues above so I wouldn't have wasted my time coming here. Don't come. Note: don't let the pretty picture fool you.

A great place to relax. There's no public bathrooms so be ready. This is not a place to snorkeling. There is free public parking. ... The spot is really cool because there is some trees that you can go under and be in the shade and for sun just go out every spot is close to the beach. The water is not crystal clear but it's swim able and warm water. I recommend you take come food to make like sandwiches and take your own drinks too. The light house is walking distance so take some water shoes or better yet trailing shoes or some type of comfortable shopping. Alright guys that's it for now

Definitely the best beach in PR. At first it's a hike to get to the beach. The area before you get the beach looks a little swamped but after you travel the road with in 2 minutes there is the entrance to the beach parking lot on the left hand side and straight ahead is the a hiking trail to tour around or hike the cliff. Overall once you get to the beach it is breathtaking and worth the trip. Nice white sand and crystal clear blue water. I promise you would regard it.

It was so dirty, seaweed-filled and stinky, we pulled up, looked at it, turned around and left lol

A gem! The name does not represent it at all. . Did not expect to see all of the salt flats on the way! What a nice surprise. Walked from here to the lighthouse, which has amazing cliffside views. Saw iguanas running along the cliffs. Very windy obviously, observed about 5 hats at the bottom of the cliffs! Haha. A wonderful spot. Take water along. There are some trees the locals were using for shade. Dont leave trash! Also, along the rocks at playa sucia we saw tons of clinging sea urchins.

Gorgeous gorgeous beach that does NOT live up to it's name (Playa Sucia is not a Dirty Beach by any means). Turquoise water. Gorgeous views. Not too crowded (although it was a weekday). Parking is available and it's a short walk to the beach. The beach has some shady alcoves for your pale friends to hide out in. The water is warm and clear, but we didn't see too many fish so snorkeling is meh. DO NOT attempt to snorkel by the rocks toward the right: there are sea urchins and sharp rocks everywhere, with rough waves pushing you into them. My hands and feet are still trying to push our sea urchin pieces. It's a short and easy walk to the lighthouse which has beautiful views and you might even see some iguanas! You can't go up the lighthouse though. There isn't much (besides an ice cream cart) for food, so pack a lunch! Definitely recommend. One of the most beautiful beaches I've been to!

This area is a must see!! The lighthouse and cliffs are amazing and the crescent shaped beach is an amazing place to spend the day. Bring some drinks and float in the beautiful blue water. When arriving, park at the first lot for the lighthouse. Stay to the left to park for the beach. There is a path from the lighthouse to the beach, but it is more direct to park by the beach, especially if you have coolers and food.

I'ma Puertorican, and sadly I have to confess that I just visit this gem for the first time at my 36 years old. Yes I feel ashamed. Playa Sucia and el faro are a must visit place if you are visiting Puerto Rico. Is totally worth it, to walk few miles to get there, and find one of the most beautiful beach in the southwest of the Island. There is no food stand close by, so you'll need to bring your own snacks/drinks.

Beautiful place! Definitely worth a visit if you're in the Cabo Rojo area. Its not very crowded at all for as beautiful of a sight as it is. Actually more secluded if anything. The water was clear and the cove makes for pretty calm waters. The hike to the beach was awesome and the light house was beautiful! Don't miss this one!

Beautiful spot. Make sure to explore the trails all around the lighthouse. It's absolutely gorgeous.

Definitely one of the most beautiful beaches I have ever seen. It was so blue, great hiking just off the sand. Cool lighthouse and views. Wasn't not too crowded either

We drove down from Rincon to discover paradise within paradise. Spent the day on our paddle boards riding the waves that came into the bay from the ocean, and walking up to the lighthouse for a breathtaking view.

Great hidden beach with equally great hiking nearby. Pretty secluded and it wasn't packed at all when we went. Be sure to go take in the view from the lighthouse.

"Playa Sucia" means "Dirty Beach", which is probably the most ironic name for this beach since it's probably once of the cleanest beaches in Puerto Rico. Puerto Rican beaches are beautiful, but beaches on the South of Puerto Rico are probably the most breathtaking ones yet since most of the sea current comes from the Atlantic (north to Puerto Rico), these beaches are protected by the island itself and the water is usually calmer and clearer. Also, the south of Puerto Rico has a very different environment when compared to the north. Because of our Tropical Rainforest and Puerto Rico's Central Mountain Range (a long line of mountains), most of the rain stays in the North and Central part of the island, so even if it's pouring in the North coast for days on end (not unusual on an island), you most probably find plenty of sun and beautiful beaches, in the south, about two hours away from the north and metropolitan area. This beach is particularly beautiful because it's very clean and is right in the edge of the southwestern part of PR, where you can also appreciate a famous historic lighthouse. Just keep in mind that the parking is a dirt road and it's VERY limited, so you better go early, specially if during the holidays or weekend, since it tends to get packed.

The cliff was giving us pretty views of the ocean. It's quite a bumpy ride in your car to park though. We walked up the hill to see everything. I would say it's a nice view, lighthouse not so impressive.

It's worth the 2 something hour drive from san juan. But you need to prepare yourself for a really bumpy ride getting into the beach. Better have a truck not a car. No facilities but able to manage by improvising to change clothes. Love love love this beach!

Nice hidden beach, was a journey to get to, but happy to avoid the rain in San Juan and enjoy the weather of the south of the island. Beautiful views from the top of the light house also.

One of the "must see" places in PR. Amazing view from the top of the rock. Easy to get to from San Juan, its a little ride but enjoyable scenery. Not too crowded. I come here every time when in PR.

Basically a tropical post-card come to life. This beach is gorgeous! A must visit!

We went to Playa Sucia (also called Cabo Rojo beach) after touring the lighthouse that sits on the cliff above. The beach is clean, it's sort of a hidden cove. It's a beautiful beach, blue water, probably one of the nicest I have ever been to. No stores or restaurants so be prepared. Bring food/water/drinks with you. Only spent 1 day there as we were touring all of the West side of the island & had a limited time but we will definitely go back.

Wow, this is the beach I was looking for a long time. I would call this little place a paradise in its own. Do bring something for ticks if you are planning to stay late.

We spent the whole day here soaking up the sun, swimming, and relaxing. It's a must see beach in PR. One of the best!. Crystal clear waters, white sand beaches, not too crowded (we went on a weekday). You have to drive a ways on a dirt/ sand road but you will get there eventually. Be warned, there are no stores out there to stop and buy beer/ groceries. Make sure you stop at a town nearby to take care of your hydration needs!

All of these five star reviews are accurate. Very cool place to visit in PR. Away from the busy tourist sites and amazing natural landscape to take in. Worth the drive to check it out!

Picturesque beach, blue water, in a private bay. A short walk from the parking area. Only negative is the sand is a little dirty with glass bottles and trash. Plenty of shade available from the mangrove trees that surround the beach. There were waves at the beach when we went but still mild enough for our 3 &6 year old.

Plan to arrive early. Parking is limited to a few spots. Park outside the parking lot and you will receive a ticket. I'm sure it's a beautiful beach but we didn't get to see it because we couldn't find a parking spot. :(