Playa Sucia
Beach · Cabo Rojo ·

Playa Sucia

Beach · Cabo Rojo ·

Picturesque beach with lighthouse views, calm turquoise waters

Playa Sucia by null
4.6 (1530)
Google Maps
Rated 4.6 stars by 1530 reviewers
Playa Sucia by null
Playa Sucia by null
Playa Sucia by null
Playa Sucia by null
Playa Sucia by null
Playa Sucia by null
Playa Sucia by null
Playa Sucia by null
Playa Sucia by null
Playa Sucia by null
Playa Sucia by null
Playa Sucia by null
Playa Sucia by null
Playa Sucia by null
Playa Sucia by null
Playa Sucia by null
Playa Sucia by null
Playa Sucia by null
Playa Sucia by null
Playa Sucia by null
Playa Sucia by null
Playa Sucia by null
Playa Sucia by null
Playa Sucia by null
Playa Sucia by null
Playa Sucia by null
Playa Sucia by null
Playa Sucia by null
Playa Sucia by null
Playa Sucia by null
Playa Sucia by null
Playa Sucia by null
Playa Sucia by null
Playa Sucia by null
Playa Sucia by null
Playa Sucia by null
Playa Sucia by null
Playa Sucia by null
Playa Sucia by null
Playa Sucia by null
Playa Sucia by null
Playa Sucia by null

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Cabo Rojo 00622, Puerto Rico Get directions

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Cabo Rojo 00622, Puerto Rico Get directions

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Nov 27, 2025

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@vogue
3,579 Postcards · 1,009 Cities

The Best Beaches in Puerto Rico Still Feel Like a Secret | Vogue

"Protected by the town’s nature reserve in Cabo Rojo, this isolated beach (also known as Playa Sucia) offers a stunning lighthouse view and an undeveloped limestone-cliff shorefront that adds to its dramatic beauty; accessing the beach requires a brief hike of just over a mile from the parking lot, so wear appropriate footwear and bring essentials. " - Nicole Kliest

https://www.vogue.com/article/best-beaches-in-puerto-rico
Playa Sucia
@afar
25,132 Postcards · 3,700 Cities

"Undisturbed Moments in Playa Sucia's Secret Spots Five years ago, my friends and I found a secret beach near the Cabo Rojo Lighthouse. To this day, we've never seen anyone else there. Ignore the beach's misnomer—Bahia Sucia (dirty bay)—and plan on an 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. outing to this natural extravaganza. From the azure water, hike up to the lighthouse—set on a 200-foot cliff—for a look inside. Once outside again, dig for crabs and anemones. And then refrain from rushing back to plunge into the water. Explore a bit and you might just find an isolated pool surrounded by rocks. Climb down the rocks carefully for a bath in the secret beach brimming with fish. Close by, and hidden by somewhat thorny bushes, our secret bridge will lead you to your private viewpoint (pictured above). Sit undisturbed and listen to the waves lap (or, at times, crash) against the limestone formations. On your way home, be sure to keep an eye out for cotton and salt flats along the right side of the road."

Best Views in Puerto Rico
Playa Sucia
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Shawnie P.

Yelp
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.
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Joel S.

Yelp
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

Lorraine H.

Yelp
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.
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Grace S.

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

Yelp
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.
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Melissa P.

Yelp
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!
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Kel G.

Yelp
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.
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Monica S.

Yelp
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.
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Diana Y.

Yelp
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!

Amanda P.

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

Yelp
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
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Kathy M.

Yelp
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.
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Adam Y.

Yelp
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.
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Michelle C.

Yelp
"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.
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Kat V.

Yelp
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.
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Jennifer S.

Yelp
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!
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Sanchez M.

Yelp
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.
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Katka S.

Yelp
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.
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Meli C.

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

Joe B.

Yelp
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.
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Manpreet S.

Yelp
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.
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Meredith D.

Yelp
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!

Matt N.

Yelp
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!

Amber H.

Yelp
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.

Megan M.

Yelp
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. :(