Cabo Rojo National Wildlife Refuge
Park Coastal refuge in southwestern Puerto Rico protecting wetlands
Coastal wildlife refuge in southwestern Puerto Rico protecting salt flats, mangroves and shorebird habitat near the Los Morrillos lighthouse. Birdwatchers and coastal walkers visit for shorebird viewing and short nature trails.
Cabo Rojo National Wildlife Refuge protects coastal wetlands, salt flats and associated habitats on the western tip of Puerto Rico near the town of Cabo Rojo. The refuge conserves habitat used by migratory shorebirds, resident seabirds and other coastal species.
The refuge includes saline lagoons and mangrove stands that support concentrations of wading birds and shorebirds, and it is managed for wildlife conservation and low-impact public uses such as birdwatching and nature study.
Located near the small towns and coastal communities of western Puerto Rico, the refuge sits along the island’s southwestern coastline and is accessed from the roadway network serving Cabo Rojo and adjacent tourist areas.
- Birdwatching focus: Protects coastal salt-flat, mangrove and lagoon habitats that are important for migratory shorebirds and local wetland species, making it a core birdwatching area on Puerto Rico's west coast.
How to Get to Cabo Rojo National Wildlife Refuge #
The refuge lies on Puerto Rico’s southwest coast near Cabo Rojo pueblo. From PR-100/PR-301 in Cabo Rojo follow signs to Los Morrillos and the refuge; parking is available at main trailheads near the salt flats and the Boquerón area. The closest town center (Boquerón) is about a 10-15 minute drive; from Mayagüez airport it’s roughly 45-60 minutes by car.
Tips for Visiting Cabo Rojo National Wildlife Refuge #
- Arrive at dawn to see the salt flats and migratory shorebirds at their most active.
- Bring binoculars and a scope if possible-endangered avocets and migrating plovers are often out on the flats.
- Follow posted signs and stay on marked trails: many areas are fragile nesting habitat and are seasonally closed.
Best Time to Visit Cabo Rojo National Wildlife Refuge #
Best visited for birdwatching and coastal nature year-round; crowds peak on holiday weekends.
Weather & Climate near Cabo Rojo National Wildlife Refuge #
Tropical climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 19°C to 33°C. Abundant rainfall (1038 mm/year), wettest in September.
January
January is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 19°C. Moderate rainfall (34 mm).
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February
February is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 19°C. The driest month with just 29 mm.
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March
March is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 19°C. Moderate rainfall (40 mm).
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April
April is warm with highs of 32°C and lows of 20°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm).
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May
May is warm with highs of 32°C and lows of 21°C. Significant rainfall (109 mm).
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June
June is warm with highs of 33°C and lows of 22°C. Moderate rainfall (74 mm).
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 33°C and lows of 22°C. Regular rainfall (91 mm).
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August
August is the warmest month with highs of 33°C and lows of 22°C. Significant rainfall (135 mm).
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September
September is warm with highs of 33°C and lows of 22°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (159 mm).
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October
October is warm with highs of 33°C and lows of 21°C. Significant rainfall (142 mm).
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November
November is warm with highs of 32°C and lows of 21°C. Significant rainfall (112 mm).
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December
December is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 20°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm).
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