Stop the presses: there are pink lakes in Puerto Rico! You can find them in Cabo Rojo, on the southwest side of the island.
I recently saw pink lakes for the first time in Mexico and was amazed.
Pink is a magical color as is, but sprinkled throughout a body water, which we automatically associate with the color blue, makes the world seem even more whimsical.
The phenomenon of pink water is caused by the salinity of salt flats.
Pink waters are often found by beaches as the coloration is caused by the presence of a specific type of shrimp. Fun fact — it’s the same kind of shrimp flamingos eat.
If you want to see this phenomenon firsthand, you can easily do so on a day trip from the island’s biggest cities.
Here’s what you need to know before you go.
Where are the pink lakes?
The pink lakes are off PR-301 in Cabo Rojo.
They are less than 2 1/2 hours from San Juan and close to major cities like Mayaguez, Ponce and Aquadilla.
I stayed in Boqueron and it was only a half hour away with a bustling downtown area. I included a map above for your reference.
Stick to the main highways as much as possible.
This may require you going around the perimeter of the island versus through it, but it actually saves you time since the landscape is filled with dark, winding mountain roads throughout the middle.
If you need a place to plug into the GPS, look for the “Faro Los Morillos.”
It’s straight on PR-301 to get there so you’ll pass the pink lakes on the way, they’ll be to your right.
There’s no official parking since it’s not a designated tourist attraction but a working salt flat.
If you start to pass designated parking areas, you’ve reached the trails for the lighthouse and went too far.
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Best time to visit
You can see the pink lakes year-round, but you need to go on a sunny day to see the pink hue of the water at its most vibrant.
This is not a good rainy day activity.
There’s no wildlife in the water, but it’s so salinated that I wouldn’t recommend swimming in it or even dipping your toes in.
Aside from the fact that you’ll disturb the quality of the water, it’s a working salt flat so commercial salt will be harvested from the area and you don’t want to taint or disturb it, since that would likely prompt the salt company to start prohibiting access to the space.
As with all places you visit on the island, be respectful and leave it more clean than you found it if possible.
About the Salinas in Puerto Rico
Currently, there are minimal regulations in place.
There are no guides or cost of admission to visit; it’s free to enter.
It’s uncertain how long the salt flats will remain open to the public, so your best bet is to take advantage now and visit while you can.
Because of this, the entrance is not clearly marked and you might feel like you’re trespassing somewhere you shouldn’t be.
Depending on when you go, you’ll likely see a handful of other people there. Aim to stroll the grounds while causing the least amount of damage as possible.
Not all of the salt flats in the area are pink.
If you drive around the coastline you’ll see different shades and can choose where you want to stop along the way.
The brightest point, however, is not far after a large green observation tower, and is usually marked by employees working the premises as well as a cluster of cars parked across the street.
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Renting a car in Puerto Rico
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The best way to access this destination, and to peruse the island at your leisure, is to rent a car.
There is no public transportation outside the metro areas, and even then routes are limited.
I rented a car with Charlie Rental Car in Carolina, Puerto Rico.
This is my second time renting with them; previously I’d booked a car at their Aquadilla location. Both times went smoothly.
They require a small deposit but reimburse you once you return the car without issue.
There will be tolls along the way.
I suggest you pay the flat fee to activate the easy pass toll service and pay for your charges afterwards, once they’re all accrued.
Be careful with driving. The roads can be dangerous and narrow with other cars driving quickly, even when turning blind corners.
I was warned of carjackings when I arrived but had no issues. Be smart and hide any valuables.
Always lock your car and try to park near others.
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Other things to do in the area
If you continue along the main road by the salt flats, you’ll hit the beautifully maintained Los Morrillos Lighthouse and secluded beach called Playa Sucia.
The name is misleading since “sucia” means dirty but the water is absolutely pristine.
This makes an excellent day trip that includes hiking, a natural bridge and sunbathing by the Caribbean Sea.
If you want, you can bring a bike to explore the trails in depth.
Bring water with you and be on the lookout for the man selling helado (ice cream) on the beach.
It’s cash only, but is a much-needed treat on hot days.
If you’re looking for something more substantial to eat after a long day out in the sun, stop by Boqueron on your drive back.
The seaside eats are fresh, and you can find great deals like 1/2 dozen oysters for $3.
Till next time, safe travels!
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As an avid traveler and enthusiast of unique natural phenomena, I recently had the pleasure of witnessing the mesmerizing pink lakes in Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico. My firsthand experience with pink lakes extends to my visit to similar sights in Mexico, where I was captivated by the magical interplay of pink hues against the backdrop of water, a color we conventionally associate with blue.
The phenomenon of pink water in lakes is a result of the high salinity of salt flats, often located near beaches. This distinctive coloration is attributed to a specific type of shrimp, the same kind that flamingos consume. The salt flats in Cabo Rojo create a captivating landscape, and the pink lakes can be accessed conveniently from major cities such as San Juan, Mayaguez, Ponce, and Aquadilla.
To navigate to the pink lakes, follow PR-301 in Cabo Rojo, which is less than 2 1/2 hours from San Juan. I stayed in Boqueron, which is approximately a half-hour drive away and offers a lively downtown area. For navigation, the "Faro Los Morillos" on PR-301 serves as a reliable GPS reference point. Keep to the main highways to save time, as the interior of the island has dark, winding mountain roads.
It's essential to plan your visit on a sunny day to witness the vibrant pink hue of the lakes. The salinity of the water is so high that swimming or disturbing the water is not recommended, as it is a working salt flat. Respecting the environment is crucial, leaving it cleaner than you found it.
Regarding the salt flats in Puerto Rico, there are currently minimal regulations, and there is no cost for admission. The entrance may not be clearly marked, and visitors might feel like they are trespassing, but it's an opportunity worth seizing. The future accessibility of the salt flats to the public is uncertain, so visiting sooner rather than later is advisable.
Renting a car is the most practical way to explore this destination and the island at your own pace. Public transportation is limited outside metro areas, and renting from reliable companies like Charlie Rental Car can enhance your experience. Be cautious about driving on narrow and potentially dangerous roads, and consider activating an easy pass toll service to streamline your journey.
Besides the pink lakes, the area around Cabo Rojo offers additional attractions, including the Los Morrillos Lighthouse and the picturesque Playa Sucia. This makes for an excellent day trip, featuring hiking, a natural bridge, and relaxation by the Caribbean Sea. Exploring the trails by bike is an option, and local treats like helado (ice cream) add a delightful touch to your visit. For a satisfying end to the day, Boqueron offers fresh seaside eats, providing a perfect culmination to your Puerto Rican adventure. Safe travels!
