Things to Do

DISCOVER THE UNDISCOVERED IN CABO ROJO AND ITS SURROUNDINGS

Harness your inner explorer and explore the shimmering, azure waters, breathtaking coastline, and lush tropical forests that ensconce Combate Beach Resort in this secluded, unforgettable region in Puerto Rico. From caves to lighthouses and historical remnants to natural wonders, you’ll have countless adventures awaiting you when you arrive at our tropical paradise.

The city of Cabo Rojo is recognized as the Internal Tourism Capital of Puerto Rico due to its more than 30 world-class attractions and its rich variety of culinary offerings, making it the favorite vacation spot for the locals and its currently becoming a favorite by many international visitors.

Local Attractions Brochure CBR 2019

Located at the end of Road 301 (10 minutes from the hotel), Los Morrillos Lighthouse was the second built under Spanish rule in 1877. It took six years to complete its construction. The lighthouse is part of Puerto Rico’s maritime lighting system and it was placed in the National Register of Historic Places by the United States Department of the Interior on October 22, 1981. It was designed by Spanish engineers: Manuel Maese, E. Gadea, and M. Sainz. The staircase and the lighting system were imported from Europe. The lighthouse provided housing for two keepers and their respective families. All the original walls were built in brick and mortar. There are walls up to 44″ (inches) wide. Tours are offered inside from Wednesday through Sunday and holidays from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm.

The Cabo Rojo Salt Flats has been in operation since approximately 1512 and according to the famous local historian Salvador Brau, it was the first salt industry in the Antilles. Salt becomes a product of exchange for lack of currency. In this industry begins the first strike movement on the island, in favor of the best benefits for workers, giving rise to the word “SALARY”. Some of its administrators were; Ramón Baldorioty de Castro and the Colberg family. The name “Los Mata con Hacha” (Kills with Axe) given to people from the town of Cabo Rojo arises from the defense of the area’s salt flats.  Its large lagoons are Fraternidad and Candelaria, which have their own evaporation system and a salt processing plant. This area is ecologically important because thousands of birds make their last feeding stop in the northern hemisphere, here in the Cabo Rojo Salt Flats, before reaching South America on their annual migration. The salt flats are part of the Cabo Rojo National Wildlife Refuge. There is an observation tower that overlooks the salt mining operation and an interpretative center for information about the area. The distinctive pink hue of its waters has attracted visitors to the area for decades.

Listed as one of the best 10 beaches internationally, it is a beauty! Its crescent moon shape and color of its waters has had tourists compare it to the famous beach from the movie “The Beach” with Leonardo DiCaprio. Its high salt concentration makes it an important health destination for tourists with diverse skin conditions. Due to its location, next to Sucia Bay, people have mistakenly called it “Playa Sucia”, which in Spanish means Dirty Beach, which is curiously ironic due to its amazing beauty. It is located right next to Los Morrillos Lighthouse at the end of Road 301, about 15 minutes from the hotel. The road to get there is not paved because it is within the lands protected by the Fish & Wildlife Service.

La Playuela may get the award of most scenic beach location on the island, but Playa El Combate is at the top of the list for clearest water, best island vibe scene, most seclusion on non-summer weekdays, and because it is the longest beach in Puerto Rico, with over 2 miles of golden sand. Sunsets are an everyday wonder at Combate Beach. Colors of the water range from deep blue at the horizon, light turquoise to clear glass swimming areas.

Combate Beach has two very distinct sides: the north side is charming with simple colorful homes along the shore, fishermen boats, docks, and beach facilities. The south side of Combate (right behind our hotel) is the most beautiful, with many dreamy spots, more secluded, and clearer water. You can experience the island life in Combate, a full day of swimming, hiking, relaxing, and dining.

The Caribbean Islands National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) Complex consists of nine separate refuge units, each having unique characteristics and resources. Three of the units, Sandy Point, Green Cay and Buck Island National Wildlife Refuges are located in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Desecheo, Laguna Cartagena, Cabo Rojo, Culebra, and Vieques National Wildlife Refuges are in Puerto Rico, and Navassa Island is an isolated island located approximately 40 miles west of Haiti. The headquarters of the Caribbean Islands NWR Complex is located in Cabo Rojo on Road 301, about 10 minutes from the hotel. The Visitor Center offers an exhibition of local and endangered animals, including giant turtles, fish, and birds. It also offers information for bird watchers, the history of the refuges, and biking and hiking trails. It is a highly educational and entertaining stop while visiting Cabo Rojo.