Flamenco beach culebra pr: Flamenco beach | Discover Puerto Rico

How Overdevelopment Is Threatening One of Puerto Rico’s Ecological Treasures

Rusting graffiti-covered tanks litter world-famous Flamenco Beach on the island of Culebra, once used by the U.S. military for target practice. (Jirka Matousek/CC BY 2.0)

CULEBRA, Puerto Rico — The island town of Culebra, part of the Puerto Rican archipelago, has always been a magnet for outside interests. In 1867, the United States tried to buy it from Spain—that didn’t work out. But then the U.S. invaded Puerto Rico in 1898, and within a few years, the U.S. Navy was training in Culebra.

The constant bombing disrupted the lives of culebrenses as they tried to carry on with their daily activities, from attending school to going to church. People were forced out of their homes to make space for the military, and there were accidents that threatened the lives of the locals.

By the 1970s, culebrenses were tired and “Navy Go Home” graffiti started showing up on the streets. The people of Culebra organized, marched, and committed civil disobedience. Their mayor, Ramón Feliciano “Monchín,” also found a lawyer willing to sue the U.S. Navy. They succeeded, and in 1975, the Navy left Culebra.

But almost four decades later, culebrenses face a new threat: overdevelopment.

Culebra is only seven miles long and two miles wide. Whatever happens on land has an almost direct impact on the marine ecosystem. The island is surrounded by critical habitats of endangered species of turtles and corals. Sediment runoff, as a result of deforestation and overdevelopment, is threatening the delicate ecosystems of Culebra, according to marine biology experts.

“The island of Culebra is one of the places that still supports one of the best-developed reefs in Puerto Rico. That’s how serious the situation is on the big island,” says Edwin Hernádez Delgado, a marine biologist who has been studying Culebra for over 30 years. “In other words, we have diversity and underwater landscapes that I still consider epic. We are trying to kill the goose that lays the golden eggs if we continue with a pattern of development that is unsustainable.”

There’s one particular tool that is being used in Puerto Rico to fast-track development. It’s called “categorical exclusion,” and it allows proponents to skip having to do a detailed evaluation of their project’s environmental impact.

It’s the same mechanism that was used to fast-track the construction of a pool in Rincón, which led to protests and confrontations. The Puerto Rico Planning Board eventually determined the permit for the pool had been issued illegally.

Through a FOIA request, we were able to get data from the Permit Management Office (OGPe, in Spanish) of categorical exclusions approved in Culebra. This data was analyzed by environmental planner Alfredo Montañez Acuña, who found that at least 30 categorical exclusions approved in Culebra in the last eight years are potentially illegal.

Just like the case in Rincón, they appear to have been approved in environmentally delicate areas, where a detailed evaluation should not be skipped, according to the government’s own rules.

“We could expect reef collapse if we continue as we are,” explains Montañez Acuña, who is also a conservation biologist. “My call is: here is the data. Here is a potentially significant long-term environmental impact that can be avoided.”

These actions have the potential of threatening the way of life of culebrenses. They depend on the marine ecosystems for protection from storms, for food, and for the tourism that supports their economy. And they say they’re willing to resist in the same way they resisted the Navy’s occupation of Culebra.

This documentary and investigation was possible thanks to more than 350 people that supported an ongoing crowdfunding campaign. We will continue our investigation throughout other parts of Puerto Rico.

***

Bianca Graulau is a multimedia storyteller and independent journalist based in Puerto Rico. Bianca has worked as a reporter for NBC, ABC, and Univision affiliates. You can find her on YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram.

10 best beaches in the US and world according to TripAdvisor

Travel

TripAdvisor announced the best beaches in the United States and the world with its 2016 Travelers’ Choice awards.

Feb. 18, 2016, 8:52 PM UTC / Source: TODAY

By Jordi Lippe-McGraw

With freezing cold temperatures sweeping much of the country, we’re sure many of you are dreaming of long days on the beach in the sun. So is the team over at TripAdvisor, which recently announced the best beaches in the United States and the world as part of its 2016 Travelers’ Choice awards.

This year’s awards honored 343 beaches, based on the quantity and quality of traveler reviews and ratings for beaches gathered over a 12-month period on the travel site.

“The 2016 Travelers’ Choice Beaches award-winners will inspire many to book their next getaway, knowing that these beautiful spots are the very best from the TripAdvisor global community,” said Barbara Messing, chief marketing officer for TripAdvisor.

RELATED: Most romantic hotels in US and the world rated by TripAdvisor

Grace Bay in Providenciales, Turks and Caicosunknown / TripAdvisor

So, which spot came in at No. 1? Grace Bay in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos. Known for its turquoise blue waters and white sand beaches, you could literally spend all day here. “The perfect beach, on a perfect island,” one reviewer described the destination. “I will never grow tired of visiting here. Crystal clear water, fine sugar sand, no seaweed, and perfect for floating for hours.”

RELATED: Traveling with kids? How to handle in-transit tantrums

Baia do Sancho in Fernando de Noronha, Brazil, came in second place with similar sparkling waters, but with added nature and adventure aspects to it. “One of the best beaches in the island,” noted a reviewer. “Views are great from top with lot of birds and trees. Reaching the beach with the vertical steps between rocks is a unique experience as well. ” Bonus: The beach is often empty, leaving you to feel as if you’re in your very own paradise.

Baia do Sancho in Fernando de Noronha, Brazil, came in second.TripAdvisor / TripAdvisor

And it’s not just exotic places that provide stunning escapes. There are plenty of incredible beaches in the good ol’ US of A. Clearwater Beach in Clearwater, Florida, with its 2 1/2 miles of powdery sand and calm and shallow water, was named the No. 1 beach in the U.S. In between dipping your toes in the water, travelers can check out the Beach Walk Promenade or bustling Pier 60. “This needs to be added to the ‘Wonders of the World’ list as it’s absolutely breathtaking. Beach, pier, water sports, restaurants, hotels — this area has it all,” wrote one TripAdvisor reviewer.

Clearwater Beach in Florida topped the list for the best beaches in the U.S.TripAdvisor / TripAdvisor

And it’s no surprise that Hawaii was high up on the list. Lanikai Beach in Kailua, Oahu, came in at No. 2, and its name literally means “heavenly ocean” in Hawaiian. The waters are so clear that you might not even need snorkel gear to see the incredible sea life below the water’s surface. A TripAdvisor reviewer shared, “This beach is absolutely gorgeous. The sand is silky and clean, the water was so calm and a beautiful shade of blue. It’s a relaxing piece of heaven just 35 minutes from Waikiki.”

RELATED: Limbless man travels to Southeast Asia with photographer in inspiring journey

Here is the full list of the top 10 best beaches in the world and the U.S.:

Top 10 Travelers’ Choice Beaches in the World:

1. Grace Bay in Providenciales- Turks and Caicos
2. Baia do Sancho-Fernando de Noronha, Brazil
3. Playa Paraiso – Cayo Largo, Cuba
4. Anse Lazio – Praslin Island, Seychelles
5. Cayo de Agua – Los Roques National Park, Venezuela
6. Flamenco Beach – Culebra, Puerto Rico
7. Playa de Ses Illetes – Formentera, Spain
8. Ngapali Beach – Ngapali, Myanmar
9. West Bay Beach – Bay Islands, Honduras
10. Nacpan Beach – El Nido, Philippines

Top 10 Travelers’ Choice Beaches in the U. S.:

1. Clearwater Beach – Clearwater, Florida
2. Lanikai Beach – Kailua, Oahu, Hawaii
3. Siesta Beach – Siesta Key, Florida
4. Saint Pete Beach – Saint Pete Beach, Florida
5. Wai’anapanapa State Park – Hana, Maui, Hawaii
6. Ka’anapali Beach – Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii
7. Pensacola Beach – Pensacola Beach, Florida
8. La Jolla Shores – La Jolla, California
9. St. Augustine Beach – Saint Augustine Beach, Florida
10. Beach at Panama City – Panama City Beach, Florida

Let’s say a word about sandy beaches

A place in the sun

You can swim in Puerto Rico all year round, because the water temperature does not drop below +25oC. But swimming is not enough, you still need to soak up the snow-white coral sand. These are the canons of a classic beach holiday.

San Juan has several city beaches. To the east of the Old Town is the Condado area, where the popular beach of the same name is located. Another beach is located in the new microdistrict “Isla Verde” and bears the corresponding name. It encircles the shore of a cozy bay. The coastal strip and the bottom are of very good quality. There is also “Playa Escambron” – a public beach near the Old Town. An artificial breakwater protects the shore from the waves. At some distance you can see the fortress of El Morro. There are always a lot of locals here. But the best beach in the city is Ocean Park. It is good because there are no high-rise buildings here, and the coast and the bottom are covered with a layer of fine sand.

If you are a connoisseur of silence and solitude, it is better to go outside of San Juan or immediately choose a hotel in a remote place. When choosing a place, you should consult with the locals where it is better to swim. Due to the peculiarities of the currents and the relief of the coast, in Puerto Rico the best beaches are located in the north of the island, both east and west of the capital, as well as on the mini-islands – Palomino, Palominito, Vieques, Culebra, Hicacos and Gilligan.

Promenade in San Juan

The picturesque shores of Playa Luquiyo to the east of the capital are good for relaxing on the north coast. Shallow water and clear water have made these places popular for families with children. Rincon, a small town in the west of the island, is considered the capital of surfing. If you are driven by the Robinson complex, go to one of the many small islands. Flamenco Beach on Culebra Island was named one of the top three beaches in the world by Trip Advisor 2014, and the beach at Aguadilla in western Puerto Rico was ranked 10th in the world by National Geographic. The long beaches of Vieques, chosen as the best Caribbean island by Travel & Leisure magazine in 2012 and one of the ten most romantic islands in the world in 2013, are magnificent.

Usually people don’t appreciate what they have. Citizens of large metropolitan areas rarely visit museums – this is the lot of tourists. Residents of coastal settlements are not enthusiastic about swimming in the sea and lying aimlessly on the beach. Puerto Rico stands a little aloof in this regard, because on weekends and holidays, locals pour out onto the beaches – urban and suburban. Thanks to this, it is possible to plunge headlong not only into the water, but also into the local life.

Picnic is a favorite pastime of Puerto Ricans. Entire rows of grills are lined up along the beaches, which are in the form of a horizontal cylinder with a fold-down top. The aromas of fried pies and bananas (mofongo) come from here. All of these products are classified as Puerto Rican fast food. An invariable attribute is the music coming from the numerous speakers. Swimming to the sounds of salsa is great!

Salsa lesson

A couple of words about local entertainment – not to fry all day on the beach! For thrill-seekers, Puerto Rico is a springboard for rappelling, sliding down vertical slopes; “zip-line” or “conopy tours” that allow you to ride with the breeze along a tightrope over the rainforest, or “body rafting”, rafting on a mountain river in a life jacket. And there is also an opportunity to combine business with pleasure – to get salsa lessons on the dance floor in one of the cafes where local lovers of this musical genre gather. Every July, the World Salsa Congress brings together dancers from all over the world. Without salsa, the idea of ​​​​Puerto Rico would be categorically incomplete.

Rutrex Puerto Rico, Inc.
Tel. +1 (787) 315-0419, fax +1 (866) 562-1736
E-mail: [email protected]
www.rutrexpuertorico.com

The author thanks Rutrex Puerto Rico and Puerto Rico Tourism Company for the invitation to visit the country.

Hotels near Culebra Airport

Check the conditions of your booking

For bookings made from April 6, 2020, we recommend assessing the risk associated with coronavirus (COVID-19) and the measures taken by the authorities to combat it. If you select a non-refundable rate, you will not be able to receive a refund if your booking is cancelled. Your cancellation request will be processed by the hotel in accordance with your rate conditions and consumer protection laws. If in doubt, we recommend booking a free cancellation option. If your plans change, you can cancel your booking without penalty during the free cancellation period.

Result filter

Open filter Close filter

Grade Hotel

• [1]
• [3]
• [1]
• Read more

• USD 50 – USD 100

  [1]

• USD 100 – USD 150

  [12]

• USD 150 – USD 200

  [3]

• USD 200+

  [8]

More Hide

Accommodation options

• [4]
• [4]
• [4]
• [3]
• [3]
• [3]
• [1]
• [1] 9005 [1] 9005 [1] 9005 [1] Hide

Landmarks

• Culebra city center

  [24]

• Culebra Flamenco Beach

  [18]

More Hide

Topics

• Resort hotels

  [30]

• Airport hotels

  [24]

• Beach hotels

  [22]

• Hotels in the center

  [18]

• Budget hotels

  [17]

• Family hotels

  [4]

• Hotels for guests with pets

  [3]

• Beach hotels

  [2]

• Hotels with a kitchen

  [2]

• boutique hotels

  [1]

• Design hotels

  [1]

• Golf hotels

  [1]

• Luxury hotels

  [1]

• Hotels with Jacuzzis

  [1]

More details Hide

Guest rating

• Excellent 4. 5+

  [6]

• Very good 4+

  [12]

• Good 3.5+

  [3]

More details Hide

Hotel services

• WiFi

  [10]

• Express check-in/out

  [5]

• Rooms/services for the disabled

  [4]

• Pets allowed

  [2]

• Transfer from airport

  [2]

• 24 hour reception

  [1]

• Adults Only

  [1]

Read more Hide

Room amenities

• Free Wi-Fi in the room

  [5]

• Soundproof rooms

  [3]

More details Hide

Show hotel by

Apply filters

Remove filters

Check the conditions of your booking

For bookings made after April 6, 2020, we recommend assessing the risk associated with coronavirus (COVID-19) and the measures taken by the authorities to combat it. If you select a non-refundable rate, you will not be able to receive a refund if your booking is cancelled. Your cancellation request will be processed by the hotel in accordance with your rate conditions and consumer protection laws. If in doubt, we recommend booking a free cancellation option. If your plans change, you can cancel your booking without penalty during the free cancellation period.

24 results

• Palmetto Guesthouse

  From 114 US$

  128 Manuel Vasquez Street, Barrio Flamenco, Culebra, Puerto Rico (To the map)

  It is located 3ado.3 km. The center of Culebra is 2 km away.Playa Tamarindo Grande is also nearby.
  Book
  From 114 US$

• Island Charm Culebra

  From US$ 218

  Calle 1 Lot C-7 Barrio La Romana Attn: Box 667, Culebra, Puerto Rico (To the map)

  Very close to Mermaids Chair and Bright Paddle Chair . The center of Culebra is 2 km away. The…
  Book
  From 218 US$

• Club Seabourne

  From 201 US$

  Fulladosa Bay, Ensenada Honda, Culebra, Puerto Rico (To the map)

  Guests can visit Playa Melones in Culebra, which is 2. 6 km from the hotel. This hotel is also located 2.3…
  Book
  From 201 US$

• Naniqui – Adults Only – Parking Golf Car Only

  From 95 US$

  Carretera 250, Numero 189, Bahia Ensenada Honda, Culebra, Puerto Rico (To the map)

  This Culebra hotel is 1 km from the city centre. Playa Flamenco and Tamarindo Beach…

  Go to hotel

  price per night

  Book
  From 95 US$

• Ulala Culebra

  From 151 US$

  Noel Feliciano Street Lot B – Km 2.4 Road 250, Culebra, Puerto Rico on the map0003

  Tamarindo Beach is 2.8 km from this villa, while Flamenco Beach is 3.1 km away. The distance to the center of Culebra is…

  Go to the hotel

  price for 1 night

  Book
  From 151 US$

• Casa Robinson

  From 113 US$

  H-10 Bo. La Romana, Culebra, Puerto Rico (To the map)

  Playa Flamenco is 3.2 km away, while Culebra National Wildlife Refuge is just 1.2 km away.

  Go to hotel

  price per night

  Book
  From 113 US $

• Oceania Villas

  from 250 US $

  13 Punta Aloe 251, Kulibra, Puerto Rico (hotel on the map)

  9000 with Cayo Luis Peña. Guests can easily drive to…

  Go to hotel

  price per night

  Book
  From 250 US $

• EL Navegante de Culebra

  dated 130 US $

  Pedro Marquez Street 254, Couplebra, Puerto-RICO (Hotel on the Card)

  9000 and Tamarindo Beach is a short drive away. A few…

  Go to hotel

  price for 1 night

  Book
  From 130 US$

• Posada La Hamaca

  From 114 US$

  Calle Castelar #68, Culebra, Puerto Rico (To the map)

  Many of Culebra’s attractions, including Olablu, are about 5 minutes…

  0 Go to hotel 900

  price for 1 night

  Book
  From 114 US$

• Villa Ensenada Honda

  From 243 US$

  Calle 250, Villa C-2, La Romana, Culebra, Puerto Rico on the map)

  It is located 1. 3 km from the Museum of History. The city center is approximately 2 km away. The 3-star Villa Ensenada…

  Book
  From 243 US $

• Mamacitas Guest House

  from 127 US $

  Calle Castelar #64, Kulebra, Puerto Rica (hotel on the map)

  It is located at a distance of 0.2 Karoma. Culebras. The ferry pier is next to the hotel…

  Go to hotel

  price per night

  Book
  From 127 US$

• Country Family

  From 125 US$

  Cll. Juaquin Parrilla #68, Culebra, Puerto Rico (To the map)

  This apartment is a 15-minute walk from Snorkeling in culebra. And 15 minutes walk there is Culebrita…

  Go to hotel

  price for 1 night

  Book
  From 125 US$

• Culebra Ocean Front Marbella

  From 300 US$

  Puerto Rico 250, Culebra, Puerto Rico It is located

  km from the center of Culebra close proximity to the Museum of History. To Playa Tamarindo…

  Go to hotel

  price per night

  Book
  From 300 US$

• Ocean View Studio At Culebra

  From 116 US$

  Costa Bonita 36, ​​Culebra, Puerto Rico (To the map)

  Go to hotel

  price per night

  Book
  From 116 US $

• Costa Bonita Private Villa 604

  from 144 US $

  CARRETER, KM 1.8, KULEBRA, PUERTO-RICO

  HECTOR 9000 9000. km. The property is 2.7 km from The Spot.0003

  Go to hotel

  price per night

  Book
  From 144 US $

• Hillbay Villas

  dated 140 US $

  Road 1 C3, La Romana, Culetra, 9000, Puerto Rico-RICO (PULECO) The apartment is around 15 minutes’ walk from Culebra Ferry Terminal. The apartment will please…

  Go to the hotel

  price for 1 night

  Book
  From 140 US $

• Always Summer Inn

  from 139 US $

  127 Luis M. Marin, Barriad Clark, Kulebra, Puerto-Rico (Hotel on the Hot . Blac Flamingo Coffee and Bambu Bbq restaurants serve a variety of dishes.
  Book
  From 139 US$

• Villa 2302 Costa Bonita Beach Resort

  From 150 US$

  Costa Bonita Beach Resort Apartment 23902, Culebra, Puerto Rico from 04 km on the map 000 The city center is located and Zoni is a 10-minute drive away. Apartment 2302 Costa Bonita…

  Go to hotel

  price per night

  Book
  From 150 US$

• Aleli Cottages

  From 166 US$

  Camino Roosvelt A/B, Culebra, Puerto Rico (To the map)

  The villa is located 3 km from the city center.