The Cabo Rojo National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1974 when 587 acres of land were obtained as a potential habitat for migratory birds. In 1999 an additional 1,269 acres (Cabo Rojo Salt Flats) were added to the refuge through a conservation easement. The Cabo Rojo Salt Flats is the first site in the Caribbean to be designated by the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network. This site is also designated by BirdLife International as an Important Bird Area. The refuge is designated as Critical Habitat for the endangered Yellow-shouldered Blackbird. In addition to this, the refuge is an important stop-over point for birds that migrate between North and South America. These birds use the refuge during the cooler months, while resident species are present year-round.

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Cabo Rojo NWR Park Ranger Gisella Burgos conducting an interpretive tour in the observation tower trail
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Visiting the Cabo Rojo National Wildlife Refuge provides the opportunity to enjoy nature walks where you'll get to appreciate and learn about the unique flora and fauna of the area. This includes: endangered birds and plants, mangrove forests where you'll find all four mangrove species present in Puerto Rico, subtropical dry forests, pink hypersaline lagoons, and more. Here you'll get to connect with both nature and the cultural history of the are and community. 

The Cabo Rojo National Wildlife Refuge is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am - 4:00 pm and Saturdays from 7:30 am - 2:00 pm. The Salt Flats Unit and Interpretive Center are open on Fridays and Saturdays from 7:30 am - 2:00 pm. 

Visit our Facebook page or call at 305-587-7856 for more information. 

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