I’m flying to Colorado for TBEX tomorrow. Holy molly. Even though I’m a TBEX first timer this year, my preparation and hard work have been intense. So intense, so much I have put on the line that I am as anxious as ever. In fact, I woke up several times last night shaking a little–shaking!! That has never happened to me! So, even though I was planning to write another TBEX-related blog post, today I decided to say screw it. That’s right: I’ll just post some beach photos on this Beach Thursday, dang it! My chosen spots? Cabo Rojo beaches!

Cabo Rojo beaches map (Wikipedia)

Growing up in Puerto Rico (lived there the first 18 years of my life), I always loved Cabo Rojo. Located on the southernmost, westernmost tip of the main island, Cabo Rojo beaches are some of the most beautiful gateways to the Caribbean Sea. Best thing of all?  No matter what type of traveler you are, there’s at least one Cabo Rojo beach that is perfect for you.

Cabo Rojo beaches for foodies / water sports: Joyuda

Foodies need apply: Joyuda is known to have the very best seafood on the West Coast (Porta del Sol region). Additionally, for the water lover like me, Joyuda beaches are top-notch. Great for kayaking and snorkeling. Sunbathing is a given–the majority of Puerto Rico beaches are graced with soft, gorgeous sands 😉

Facilities: Many restaurants just steps away, yet almost total isolation guaranteed on weekdays!

I love my palm-fringed beaches! (Photo: CaboRojoPR.com)

Cabo Rojo party beach central: El Combate

Like to party + would love to mingle with the locals even more? Combate is it! Go in the summer and it is very likely that you will find a fun, loud, and awesome music festival (or a beach party of some sort, typically organized by Puerto Rican TV and radio stations). some quiet time may be had at Combate beach, though. Show up in the morning of a weekday in the spring, for instance, and you’ll see the difference 😉 All that being said, this is a great spot to catch a beautiful sunset anytime.

Facilities: free parking, free entrance, close to local mini markets and eateries

El Combate on a quiet day (Photo: Tripadvisor)

Cabo Rojo beach for nature lovers: La Playuela (Playa Sucia)

This one is for the photographers and nature lovers: La Playuela has been named the most scenic beach on the entire island several locations. Bird-watching, cliffs, natural bridges, hidden caves/coves, and even a lighthouse; photo ops abound! Fun fact? One of its names (Playa Sucia) actually means “dirty beach” in Spanish — oh the irony!

Facilities: No hotels, no services–escape from it all!

La Playuela, aka Playa Sucia, panorama (Photo: Oscalito, Flickr)

Remember to keep walking down the path for even more spectacular cliff views at the Faro (light house in Spanish)! Photo: Tripadvisor

There are many, many more Cabo Rojo beaches. Unfortunately though, we’ll have to discover them on a different day 😉 Enjoy these for now!

Have you been to Puerto Rico?  Did you know about Cabo Rojo beaches?