The Salt Flats – “Las Salinas”, Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico
El Centro Interpretativo de las Salinas de Cabo Rojo “Efrén Pérez Rivera – 2024 Guide

Things to Do in Puerto Rico  ⏐ Puerto Rico West Coast  ⏐ Las Salinas / Salt Falts – Cabo Rojo, PR

Pink Waters under a Blue Sky with Puffy Cloud Reflections… A Chromotherapy Experience for the Senses.

The Salt Flats in Cabo Rojo are one of the best and most visually interesting natural treasures in Puerto Rico, with high educational value for all ages.   While you explore the west coast of Puerto Rico, this is a place you don’t want to miss.

Note to visitors:  Bloggers have spread much misinformation online, calling Las Salinas “Pink Beach.” Las Salinas (The Salt Flats) is a beautiful place where salt is collected. Depending on the state of the salt collecting process, the salt’s color ranges from snowy white to bright pink. The salt flats are only for admiring, an educational place, and for taking beautiful photos. You cannot step on the salt collecting areas at any time. 

While you’re here, we only ask that you help us protect the Salt Flats by never playing, stepping, or leaving trash in the area.

The Salt Flats became a part of the Cabo Rojo Wildlife Refuge in 1999, thanks to the efforts of community agencies to help protect and conserve them.  The Salt Flats are comprised of 1,249 acres.  Nearby attractions of Los Morrillos Lighthouse and La Playuela Beach (Playa Sucia) get most of the attention, be sure to make a stop at Las Salinas before heading there.

Please do not step or climb the salt mounds.  Thank you! 

On this nature reserve, you can observe 6 ecological systems equally necessary for the protection and conservation of the Salt Flats.  The ecosystems are subtropical dry forests, Hypersaline Lagoons, Salt Marshes, Seagrass, Marine Lagoons, Coral Reefs, and Mangroves.

Top Rated Tours to Cabo Rojo & West Coast from San Juan

In the hypersaline lagoons, there’s a greater concentration of salt.  The lagoons were modified for the production of salt.   Water from the Sea is controlled, then it’s evaporated for the extraction of salt.   Brine shrimp is abundant on the salt flats, they help with the production of salt and they are one of the factors for the reddish color of the flats.

If you look closely, the salt flats look like abstract works of art.   If you’re into nature photography, this is one place you don’t want to miss.

The colors of the salt flats are never the same, they vary with the sunlight, the amount of water, salt, and organisms in the water.

Fun Facts

• The oldest rocks on the island were found here, dating back to 195 million years.
• This area used to be part of the neighboring town of Lajas when it was submerged underwater.
• The operation of extracting salt on this site began with the Taino Natives back in 700 AD

Activities at Salt Flats in Cabo Rojo

Bird Watching / Birding

If you love bird watching, this is one place in Puerto Rico you can’t miss.  The Salt Flats are considered the most important stop for migratory shorebirds in the Caribbean.   Studies have shown that this location has the highest number and the most diversity of birds in the Caribbean.  About 40,000 migrating birds from North and South America head to the Salt Flats for winter.  During the entire year, you can also watch a variety of endemic birds.  The saline lagoons and mangrove swamps offer crabs and shrimp as food for birds.

Hiking

Enjoy walking the nature trails where you can closely observe the flora, fauna, and ecosystems.

Observation Tower

Bring your camera, the views from the observation tower are beautiful.  From the top, you can observe the flora, mountains, the colors of the Salt Flats, the Caribbean Sea, and Los Morrillos Lighthouse.

Visitor’s Center – El Centro Interpretativo de las Salinas de Cabo Rojo “Efrén Pérez Rivera” – CISCR

Be sure to stop by the visitor’s center right across from the observation tower.  Here you can speak to friendly volunteers that will provide you with great information and knowledge about the Salt Flats.   The center is administered by Comité Caborrojeños Pro-Salud y Ambiente (C.P.S.A.), a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting the Salt Flats and educating the public.

The center offers:

• Interpretive exhibitions and documentaries.
• Restrooms
• Small gift shop
• Donations are appreciated.
• Interpretative tours –  “To better serve our visitors and ensure an unforgettable day we recommend that you make your reservation in advance to avoid disappointment. In the same way you can coordinate the time, the number of people and the cost if they decide to make the journey through the interpretive route. In this way will have a pleasant and hassle-free visit.”  For reservations and more information please visit their website: CISCR