Playa salinas puerto rico: Things to Do in Salinas

Things to Do in Salinas

Piedras del Collado, a striking rock formation in Salinas.

Located in the South region of Puerto Rico, about an hour’s drive from San Juan, the coastal town of Salinas is known as the pueblo del mojo isleño (the house of mojo isleño). So-called for the savory, tomato-based sauce that was first created there more than 80 years ago (and remains popular today), the nickname should tip you off to one of the most popular activities in Salinas — eating! Between the mojo isleño and the fresh-caught local seafood, it pays to have a big appetite during your visit.

Apart from being a foodie paradise, Salinas has many other points of interest to keep you busy between meals. Sports fans will appreciate the Olympic museum and speedway, while nature lovers will find much to explore at the area’s rich outdoor attractions.

Here’s a look at some of the top things to do in Salinas:

Piedras del Collado

This geological formation, known among locals as las Tetas de Cayey because of its resemblance to a pair of breasts rising from the ground, is a designated natural reserve and hotspot for adventure seekers. The mountains stand at around 841 meters, and multiple local companies offer rock climbing, hiking, and camping tours of the site.

Albergue Olímpico

This is the largest sports center in Puerto Rico, offering 40 different facilities for a wide range of disciplines, from soccer to weightlifting to martial arts. In the summer, it becomes a water park called Olímpico, with family-friendly attractions such as swimming pools, wave pools, and waterslides. Albergue Olímpico also has an Olympic museum, showcasing the athletic achievements of Puerto Ricans.

An aerial view of the Salinas Speedway, a major attraction in Salinas.

Puerto Rico International Speedway

For auto racing fans, the speedway should not be missed. There, you can watch several events, including acceleration, circuit for cars and motorboats, and Go-Karts, in a safe (yet exciting) environment. The speedway operates on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays starting at 5:00 p.m.

Cayo Matías, an uninhabited mangrove island in Salinas.

Cayo Matías

Given that Puerto Rico is an archipelago, it is surrounded by dozens of islets and cays. In Salinas, there is Cayo Matías, which is a small mangrove island that you can visit via private tour or by boarding La Paseadora, a quaint ferry boat that operates on weekends and holidays. Since there are no facilities on the islet, you can bring a cooler with snacks and drinks, as well as beach chairs and other items to enjoy a day on the island.

A brilliant sunny day on Salinas Bay.

Salinas Bay

From kayaking to jet-ski rentals, there are many fun activities that you can participate in all around Salinas Bay, with local tour operators offering excursions of many kinds. Even if you don’t take a dip, enjoy a stroll on the boardwalk overlooking the Caribbean Sea, where you can go restaurant-hopping to taste local seafood delicacies and the renowned local mojo isleño.

View Places Mentioned on a Map

Share this

Tags

Regions
South
Salinas

Recommended Articles

See All Articles

Las Salinas / Salt Flats – Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico

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

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

Las Salinas, casually called “Pink Beach”… is not to be missed during your visit to Puerto Rico.  These mesmerizing pink, pale rose, and at times pure snowy white waters are only for admiring and taking stunning vacation photos.  

The Salt Flats in Cabo Rojo is one of the best and most visually natural treasures in Puerto Rico.  This is a beautiful place with high educational value for all ages.   Las Salinas is an excellent eco attraction and one of the most scenic stops on the west coast of Puerto Rico to admire nature. 

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 in order 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 Beaches & West Coast

At 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 Indians 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

Great Tours Nearby at La Parguera, Lajas

Tours Visitors Love in Puerto Rico

PLAYA SALINAS

Playa Apartments

Playa Apartments are a 5-minute walk from the center of Salinas. Guests can enjoy free on-site parking here.

The Marina in Salinas is a 5-minute walk away. The apartments are also 70 minutes’ drive from Mayagüez. Nearby are El balcón de Capitán and El Dorado, which can be reached on foot in 5 minutes. Terminal De La Paseadora and Polita’s Beach are also within a couple of minutes drive.

These rooms feature a kitchenette, climate control and a sofa. The bathroom is equipped with a bathtub and a shower.

The nearest airport is Mercedita, located 45 km from the apartments.

+ More details

Rooms & Accessibility

Playa Apartments

Playa Apartments are a 5-minute walk from the center of Salinas. Guests can enjoy free on-site parking here.

The Marina in Salinas is a 5-minute walk away. The apartments are also 70 minutes’ drive from Mayagüez. Nearby are El balcón de Capitán and El Dorado, which can be reached on foot in 5 minutes. Terminal De La Paseadora and Polita’s Beach are also within a couple of minutes drive.

These rooms feature a kitchenette, climate control and a sofa. The bathroom is equipped with a bathtub and a shower.

The nearest airport is Mercedita, located 45 km from the apartments.

Convenities

Description

• Parking
• Possible to call with guide dogs

Violes in number

• Free Wi-Fi in number
• Dunch table

05

• Parking
• It is possible to call with guide dogs

Important information

Return Registration: from 14: 00-23: 59

Departure: to 11:00 9000 9000

• CITY CITY CITY ARE extra beds available
• Baby cots are not available in the room.