Flamenco beach culebra island puerto rico: Flamenco beach | Discover Puerto Rico
Playa Flamenco | | Attractions
Stretching for a mile around a sheltered, horseshoe-shaped bay, Playa Flamenco (Flamenco Beach) is not only one of Culebra’s best beaches, it also makes a regular appearance on the world’s best beaches lists.
It gets its name from the nearby lagoon, which attracts flamingos in winter. If you plant to visit during this time, you’ll feel like Robinson Crusoe contemplating the clarity of the water.
Backed by low scrub and trees rather than lofty palms, Flamenco gets very crowded on weekends and holidays, especially with day-trippers from San Juan, so plan a weekday visit. Alone among Culebra’s beaches, it has a full range of amenities.
Facilities
Services include a collection of kiosks (selling snack food, lunches, rum punches and beer, and renting beach gear), toilets, outdoor showers, lockers, lifeguards, picnic tables and an often jam-packed parking lot. Camping is allowed.
The M4A3E8 Sherman tank at Flamenco Beach on Culebra Island is an iconic photo opportunity.
©cdlutez/Budget Travel
Tank on Playa Flamenco
The iconic rusting tank is at the Playa Flamenco’s western end, a legacy of when US troops practiced invasions here. Its swirling green and yellow stripes, the work of local artist Jorge Acevedo, represent a dancing fish.
Ferry to Playa Flamenco
The most popular – and cheapest – way to Culebra from the mainland is on the Autoridad de Transporte Marítimo ferry service from Ceiba ($2.25 for adults). The service is reasonably reliable, but delays often occur.
Buy your ticket and check times at www.porferry.com and get to the ferry terminal at least an hour early. Schedules vary but there are usually at least five round-trips a day; journey times are 45 minutes. On busy weekends, especially during summer, travelers may get bumped by island residents.
Playa Flamenco is 2.8 miles (4.5km) from the Culebra ferry terminal and is a straight shot from Dewey. The road is paved and has some inclines, but the destination is idyllic.
The main road leading out of town becomes Hwy 251, passes the airport and ends at the beach.
By car, the trip takes about 15 minutes; by foot, plan on 40 minutes. Públicos have one route on the island, from the ferry terminal to Playa Flamenco (per person around US$4). As long as there’s room, passengers can flag them down anywhere along the route. The fare remains the same, regardless where you get on.
This could be the view that greets you each morning at Flamingo Beach. ©cdwheatley/Getty Images
Can I stay on Playa Flamenco?
So far, Culebra has shunned the advances of any major hotel chains, so the island offers apartments or homestays rather than hotels and resorts. There are a few good accommodation options close to Playa Flamenco itself.
Camping Culebra
Playa Flamenco is the only place you can legally camp in Culebra. Campsites are in five zones: A is closest to the food kiosks while E is closest to the beach and therefore the most popular.
Outdoor showers have limited hours; bathrooms are open 24/7. Reservations aren’t typically necessary and camping gear can be rented.
Villa Flamenco Beach
Gentle waves lull you to sleep and you wake up to one of the best beaches on the planet just outside your window: this six-unit home-away-from-home is an absolute winner. There are self-catering kitchen facilities and inviting hammocks, and friendly owners Violetta and Juan are on-hand to offer island advice. Closed from the beginning of October to mid-November.
Culebra Beach Villas
This is the only accommodations complex on Playa Flamenco. There are 33 self-catering apartments with kitchens for two to eight people. Each villa is individually owned, decorated and maintained and some are in a better condition than others. The setting is stunning, of course, though you’ll want to stock up on provisions in Dewey. Wi-fi in the reception area only.
How To Get To Flamenco Beach Culebra, Puerto Rico
Detailed instructions on how to get to Flamenco Beach in Puerto Rico on a budget.
If you are considering a trip to Culebra, the small island off the coast of Puerto Rico, then you are probably wondering how to get to Flamenco Beach.
Playa Flamenco (as it’s know to locals) is the most popular beach on Culebra and often makes it onto lists of the top beaches in the world.
However, it is a bit complicated to get to Flamenco Beach.
Here’s how to get to Culebra and then get to the beach plus a cost breakdown.
How To Get To Culebra
The first step in getting to Playa Flamenco Puerto Rico is getting to the island of Culebra, which is 17 miles off the east coast of Puerto Rico.
You can get to Culebra on a small plane or ferry.
We opted for the ferry since it was WAY cheaper and more flexible.
The ferry ride is 45 minutes each way and only costs $2.25 for adults and $1 for kids.
If you are interested in flying to Culebra, here are some details:
- Flights depart daily from San Juan and Ceiba (on the east coast, an hour from San Juan).
- Flights from Ceiba are $45 each way on Air Flamenco.
- Flights from San Juan are $89 each way on Cape Air.
If it is in your budget to fly, it is the fastest way to get to Culebra.
Ferry To Culebra
The ferry is run by Puerto Rico Ferry out of the Ceiba ferry terminal, which is a little over an hour from San Juan.
Definitely buy your tickets at least two weeks in advance because they do sell out!
The ferry was very nice and comfortable inside and exceeded my expectations.
However be warned that the 45 minute ride to Culebra is quite rough.
Some people definitely got sick and I even started feeling queasy the last few minutes of the ride. Luckily my daughter was fine!
On the plus side, we did see some whales at the surface as we approached Culebra which was a treat.
Also, the return ride to Ceiba is MUCH smoother and shouldn’t cause any issues.
Tickets are super affordable at $2.
25 for adults, $1.00 for kids and $1.00 for seniors each way.
After you buy your tickets online you’ll get an email with QR codes that will be scanned as you enter the ferry. This is super convenient!
The schedule changes seasonally so I suggest checking the PORFERRY site for your dates.
For example, in June the passenger ferries leave Ceiba for Culebra at:
- 6:00 am
- 9:00 am
- 1:00 pm
- 4:00 pm
You’ll want to arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time to allow time to get from the parking lot to the ferry building and get your tickets scanned, etc.
In June the ferry returns from Culebra to Ceiba at these times:
- 7:00 am
- 11:00 am
- 2:30 pm
- 5:30 pm
When we went there was also a late ferry that left at 9:30 pm, which is what we ended up taking back.
You can buy your tickets in advance from the PORFERRY site.
I strongly suggest you buy your tickets at least two weeks in advance because the popular times do sell out.
We wanted to take the 9:00 am ferry but it was sold out, so we had to take an 11 am ferry instead.
Our roundtrip for one adult and one child was $7.
Ceiba Ferry Terminal Parking
You do have to pay to park your car at the Ceiba ferry terminal.
When we went the cost was $8 per day. You can pay by cash or credit card.
Unfortunately, the parking is not directly next to the terminal.
You can walk (about 10 minutes) or take a free shuttle bus.
Keep in mind that when the ferry returns there are a lot of people trying to get back to the parking lot at once and you will likely have to wait for a shuttle.
How To Get To Flamenco Beach: Ceiba Ferry Terminal
There is a cute little cafe inside the ferry building if you need to grab a snack. There are restrooms as well.
To get into the waiting area for the ferry you will have your tickets scanned on your phone (or you can print them out of course).
The waiting area was great – covered to protect you from the sun and kept cool by giant fans.
There was a man selling shaved ice in the waiting area so we got some while we waited.
They started to board the ferry about 20 minutes before departure.
How To Get To Flamenco Beach from Dewey Ferry Terminal
The ferry from Ceiba arrives in Culebra in the only town on the island, Dewey.
Flamenco Beach is about 3 miles from town, so getting there is the next leg of your journey.
You can either take a public shared van (publico) or rent a vehicle for the day.
The cost per person for the publico is $6 round trip cash. This is a set cost so you won’t be gouged on the price!
There are dozens of shuttle buses waiting outside the ferry terminal so just grab the first one with room and you are good to go.
Or you can rent a Jeep or golf cart for the day through the popular Carlos Jeep Rental. Just be sure to make your reservation well in advance!
If you do rent a vehicle it is $5 to park at Flamenco Beach.
How To Get To Flamenco Beach in Puerto Rico: Cost
As you can see, it is complicated to get to Flamenco Beach in Puerto Rico – but that is part of the adventure of going here!
And once you set foot on the slice of paradise, it will all be worth it.
Here is a breakdown of the costs involved in getting to Playa Flamenco Puerto Rico for one adult and one child:
- Ferry terminal parking: $8
- Round trip ferry tickets: $7
- Publico transport to the beach: $12
- Entrance fee/donation to the beach: $4
The total cost to visit Flamenco Beach for the day was about $15 per person.
Wow, does that seem like a deal when I look back on the experience!
I hope this post answers all of your questions about how to get to Flamenco Beach in Puerto Rico.
Check out my other Puerto Rico posts here:
- Ultimate Guide to Puerto Rico With Kids
- Things To Do In Puerto Rico With Kids
Anything else you want to know? Just leave a comment below or send me a message on The Frugal South’s Facebook page.
The 10 best hotels close to
Flamenco Beach, Culebra, Puerto Rico
Star Ratings
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Review score
Excellent: 9+
Very good: 8+
Good: 7+
Fairly good: 6+
Our recommendations
Lowest price at the beginning
Number of stars and price
Rating + number of reviews
Aleli Cottages
Culebra (1 miles from Flamenco Beach)
Aleli Cottages is located 2.5 km from Cayo Luis Pena Beach. It features a garden, a terrace and a shared kitchen. All villas have sea views from their balcony.
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8.9
Fabulous
301 reviews
Price from
€179
per night
Check Availability
Island Charm Culebra
Culebra (3.1 miles from Flamenco Beach)
Island Charm Culebra is located in Culebra.
All rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. All rooms have a seating area.
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9.2
Excellent
113 reviews
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Ulala Culebra
Culebra (3.1 miles from Flamenco Beach)
Situated in Culebra, 3.1 km from Flamenco Beach, Hillbay View Suites offers air conditioning. Rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels.
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9
Excellent
156 reviews
Price from
€ 172
per night
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Always Summer Inn
Culebra (1.5 miles from Flamenco Beach)
Featuring a garden and garden views, Always Summer Inn in Culebra is located in Culebra.
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9
Excellent
39 reviews
Price from
€188
per night
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Palmetto Guesthouse
org/PostalAddress”>Culebra (1.5 miles from Flamenco Beach)
Located on Culebra Island in Puerto Rico, Palmetto is a small guest house with 6 rooms, just a 30-minute flight from San Juan or a 1.5-hour ferry ride from Fajardo.
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8.4
Very good
204 reviews
Price from
€122
per night
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Posada La Hamaca
Culebra (3.5 miles from Flamenco Beach)
Less than 1 km from Datiles Beach, Posada La Hamaca is set in Culebra and offers free WiFi, concierge services and a tour desk.
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9
Excellent
138 reviews
Price from
€122
per night
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See more properties near Flamenco Beach
Puerto Rico Island: reviews of tourists
Tourists adore this corner of paradise, one coastline of which is washed by the Atlantic Ocean and the other by the Caribbean Sea.
The island of Puerto Rico has long been popular with travelers who are attracted by white-sand beaches, virgin nature and more. For several centuries, several cultures (African, Indian, Spanish, American) have mixed here, which gives the state a special flavor.
A bit of history
The secret of Puerto Rico’s unique atmosphere lies in its history. Initially, the island, which was discovered by H. Columbus, was owned by the Spaniards. It is believed that they are to blame for the death of all the natives. The colonialists brought to earth a huge number of diseases from which the Indians died. The Europeans used the island of Puerto Rico as a fortification and trading port.
At the beginning of the 19th century, when the political and socio-economic problems in the world worsened, Europeans fled here, fleeing from difficulties. In 1898, after the Spanish-American War, the lands became owned by the United States. And hundreds of thousands of Americans rushed to where the island of Puerto Rico is located to relax on local beaches.
State with special status
This territory, which is limited by the US constitution, is now under the control of the United States of America, and the highest official (governor) is elected by local residents. Despite the fact that Puerto Ricans have American citizenship, they cannot cast their vote in presidential elections. The state has its own system of self-government and the status of “unincorporated organized territory”. The Americans made the island of Puerto Rico a link between South and North America.
Puerto Rico has been granted autonomous status by the US, but political parties have been fighting for long-awaited independence for decades. True, an increasing number of islanders insist on joining the United States as 51 states.
The country, located in the heart of the Caribbean Sea, is divided into 78 municipalities, which are divided into districts, which in turn are divided into sectors. The first municipality was formed in 1521. This is San Juan, the capital of the island.
An island on the world map
Tropical paradise exuding amazing aromas of exotic flowers and admirable “emerald” greenery, valued for its cosmopolitanism and openness. On the one hand, tourists feel as if they came to the USA, on the other hand, they find themselves in colorful Latin America. Travelers who are going to spend their holidays in an amazing place are interested in where the island of Puerto Rico is located. According to tourists, it is not difficult to find it on the world map.
The state of Central America, which is part of the Antilles archipelago, is located in the Caribbean Sea and consists of the main island of the same name and many small islands (Vieques, Deseceo, Mona, Culebra, etc.).
In the west, its borders are adjacent to the Dominican Republic, and in the east – to the Virgin Islands. Puerto Rico is a large state with an area of more than 9 thousand km 2 , and overpopulation is considered its main problem. However, in recent years, local residents are leaving their homes and leaving for the United States in search of a better life.
Puerto Rico in the Canary Islands
Tourists dreaming of a memorable vacation in a paradise place should be very careful. The fact is that in the south of Gran Canaria, one of the largest islands of the Canary archipelago, there is a tiny resort of Puerto Rico, famous for the beach of the same name. Travelers often confuse a small town in the Canary Islands with Puerto Rico, an island nation in the Caribbean.
The capital of a tropical paradise
The administrative center of Puerto Rico is the city of the same name, founded by Europeans. Located in the north of the state, it is one of the most ancient settlements on our planet. The capital has been perfectly preserved thanks to the efforts of the authorities, who have achieved a ban on the construction of new buildings.
A major tourist destination that is the natural harbor of the Caribbean Sea, combining the past and the present.
Old Town, protected by UNESCO
The island’s capital with numerous shopping malls and cozy restaurants cherishes a real treasure – the historic center, whose cobbled streets are covered with blue cobblestones brought by the Spaniards.
Old San Juan resembles an open-air museum. Its priceless exhibits are buildings with ancient architecture. So, in the Plaza del Cinto Centenario area, you can admire amazing examples of the colonial style, as if vacationers are transferred to past eras.
Here is one of the main attractions of the city – the powerful fortress walls of La Muraglia, left over from colonial times. Once they protected the inhabitants from enemy raids, but now they only remind of their former greatness.
Fort San Felipe del Morro, named after the King of Spain, is perfectly preserved in its original form. Built in the 16th century, it is of historical and national value. The six-level citadel, approximately 42 meters high, is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The Old Town is a starting point for many travelers, because it is from here that fascinating excursions begin. Each building of the historical center has its own architectural features that attract tourists from different parts of our planet.
Pretty colorful houses and cobblestones with a blue tint are reminiscent of the Spanish colonial era.
The famous Flamenco Beach
The island’s coastline is full of a variety of beaches where you can be completely alone, surf or scuba dive. One of the most interesting excursions is a ferry ride to Culebra Island, located 27 km from Puerto Rico. The small coral island is famous for its beaches, which are long stretches of white sand. The most famous is Flamenco Beach, surrounded by emerald hills.
The legendary Flamenco beach on the island of Culebra (Puerto Rico) is considered one of the most beautiful in the world. And many vacationers can’t even believe their eyes when they see it! White soft sand, crystal clear water that changes its color, coral reefs, tropical vegetation – all this makes an indelible impression.
Monuments miraculous
Delightful natural beauty attracts all lovers of ecotourism. The El Yunque Rainforest is a biosphere reserve that amazes with the diversity of flora and fauna found here.
Beautiful waterfalls, mangrove trees, hundreds of species of ferns, lost paths delight vacationers fascinated by a marvelous corner of natural origin.
Also of great interest to tourists is the Camuy Caves system, which is one of the largest in the world. It consists of 228 karst caves, although speleologists claim that their number reaches 800.
A large underground river flows nearby, and adventurous tourists can raft down it.
Luminous bays
The unique natural attractions of the island of Puerto Rico, whose photos invariably excite the imagination of Russian tourists, are three bays: La Parguera, Mosquito and Laguna Grande. The best time to visit bioluminescent bays is at night, when the water seems to light up with a pleasant bluish-green light, there is a feeling of something unreal. This is due to the high concentration of luminous algae in the water.
Romantics and couples in love come here to enjoy the unearthly beauty of “neon” lighting.
Where else to go?
Mona Island, located about 60 km from Puerto Rico, is a godsend for those who are tired of the hustle and bustle of the big city. Tourists have even nicknamed it “Jurassic Park” because thousands of bats live here and huge iguanas roam.
The island is said to have the cleanest waters in the region, with visibility reaching over 50 m. Surrounded by coral reefs and mysterious grottoes, Mona has a unique ecosystem.
Rampant elements
Last fall, Hurricane Maria hit the island, causing severe flooding and plunging Puerto Rico into darkness for a long time. The historical center of the capital was badly damaged, the streets of which were littered with stone debris and fallen power lines.
The restoration of the state is proceeding at a very slow pace, since the authorities, which have declared bankruptcy, have no funds. Its infrastructure is in a very deplorable state, and the United States does not consider saving the territory under its control a priority.
A fairy-tale corner that suffered from the elements, more than ever needs tourists to recover faster, because tourism is the most important area of activity that brings income to the state. It is very easy to help people, for example, to bring medical supplies or food. And it is no coincidence that now a lot of volunteers, combining leisure and voluntary assistance, are rushing to where the island of Puerto Rico is located.
Tourist reviews
Travelers say they are delighted with thoughtful service and excellent service. They offer luxurious beaches, nightclubs, shopping and entertainment centers, water parks.
Newlyweds, lovers of extreme sports, couples with small children come here. Holidays in Puerto Rico are a great opportunity to combine beach pastime with excellent shopping, and during exciting excursions, tourists get acquainted with the rich history of the island and its picturesque surroundings.
Luxurious beaches with finest sand, gentle Caribbean sun and warm sea attract thousands of guests from different countries.
Surfers also rush here, competing in the ability to catch high waves. And beginners can test their strength in quiet bays. Puerto Rico is a real paradise for divers, because the coastal waters of the picturesque island are recognized as the cleanest in the world.
In addition, the people of the state are very friendly towards tourists.
Cryptory or cryptoutopia?
Curiously, just a few months after the hurricane, American entrepreneurs began to migrate here, attracted by tax incentives. If in other countries they tightened the regulation of the circulation of digital money, then the authorities of the island of Puerto Rico, who are looking for new ways to revive the economy, provided businessmen with all the conditions for the development of a cryptocurrency business. Investors want to build a new city from scratch, create their own state within a state. Only virtual money will circulate in the crypto-rai called Sol. So far, entrepreneurs have concentrated in the Old City, having bought out numerous hotels and one of the museums.