Part of me doesn’t want to write about this place.
It’s still under the radar, considering all the beach options available in Cabo Rojo.
Part of me would like it to stay that way.
Driving north from Joyuda to Mayagüez, this beach is not visible from Route 102. The view is blocked by several apartment buildings.
Last weekend, we stayed at one of those apartments. This is how I learned about Playa Tres Tubos, somewhere I’d never been before.
Also known as Playita Azul, it’s a narrow stretch of sand behind the buildings. This beach is shallow enough to be kid-friendly, with clear water in different shades of blue, full of shells and marine life. Waves are soft, good for snorkeling or kayaking.
At the end of the day, it’s a great spot to watch the most beautiful sunsets.
There’s no designated parking if you’re not staying at a vacation property. Visitors leave their cars by the side of the road and get to the beach through a long alleyway off the street. There used to be 3 metal posts (tubos) on the sidewalk signaling where to enter (hence the name). The tubos are not there anymore so now it can be tricky to figure out where the entrance is.
Also, bringing an umbrella or tent is a good idea. Rain or shine, they’ll be super useful.
This place is worth exploring so it’s better to share this information. For far too long, there’s been a concerted effort in Puerto Rico to treat beaches as private property. Developers - foreign and domestic - love to build in coastal areas, barely granting access to the community at large, almost forgetting that las playas son del pueblo.
Let’s occupy and enjoy our public spaces while keeping them clean and safe.
Hasta la próxima.
Yanira
