Best things to do in Cabo Rojo

Balneario de Boqueron treats visitors to two distinct experiences, depending on the time of the week. On a weekday, you can roam the secluded and nearly deserted beach, taking advantage of its benches and picnic tables. Come back on the weekend, and you'll find a whole different place, packed with young visitors, local bands, DJs, and vendors serving drinks and snacks.

Built in the late 19th century to help ships navigate the treacherous pass from the Southeast Caribbean to the Atlantic, Faro Los Morrillos today continues to serve its original purpose as well as offer a look into history and views of the ocean. Explore the simple lighthouse, which has been automated since 1967. From the front of the lighthouse, stand above the cliffs for a 360-degree view of the Caribbean. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes to safely climb around on the cliffs. Bathrooms are available nearby.

Playa Sucia celebrates the Caribbean and nature. Reserve a spot with some shade under a tree and listen to the ocean breeze and waves crashing on the shore. A short hike to the nearby lighthouse grants an unmatched view of the surrounding limestone cliffs and natural bridges. On the beach itself there are no restrooms, nor are there any vendors, so bring your own food and snacks. There also are no lifeguards stationed here, so be sure to supervise children accordingly.

Snorkel and swim at Playa Buye to see coral reefs and large sea turtles. Novice swimmers and families with little kids usually stick to the roped-off area, where the water remains calm. While there, you can grab a meal at the restaurant or use the picnic/BBQ area to prepare and enjoy your own food. Famous for its clear water, this sandy beach attracts locals and tourists who wish to relax and escape the crowds.

Explore the deep limestone caverns of Parque Nacional de las Cavernas del Rio Camuy, carved out of the earth by the third largest subterranean river in the world, the Rio Camuy. Although 16 km (10 mi) of caverns--with 220 caves and 17 entrances--have been mapped, experts believe this makes up only a tiny fraction of the gigantic system as a whole. Consider taking a tour of the main caves and visiting the other open areas around the park, including a massive 213 m (700 ft) sinkhole. You might not find hiking through the caves too strenuous, but it's worth wearing sturdy shoes nonetheless. Don’t forget your camera and your bug spray.

Discover the history of the sugar cane and rum industries and their impact on the economy of Puerto Rico at Museo Castillo Serralles. Through a guided tour of the 1930s refurbished building, explore the buildings four floors. The ground floor houses the museum's rum and sugar cane exhibits. The second and third floors are home to the castle owner’s former library, living room, dining room, kitchen, and sleeping quarters, furnished to resemble the grandeur of the 1930s. The fourth-floor terrace provides captivating views of the city. On the grounds you can visit the Japanese garden as well as the butterfly garden.

Feel the soft sand under your feet at Isla de Caja de Muertos, a quintessential Caribbean beach. Dive in the sea, and allow the serene ambiance and tropical vegetation surrounding the beach to make you feel completely disconnected from the outer world--after all, this island is completely uninhabited. When you visit this natural reserve, bring your own food and refreshments and make sure you don't leave any litter behind. Highlights include a hike to the nearby lighthouse, which offers perhaps the island's finest views.