La isla culebra: Culebra, Puerto Rico – Little Island
SLACKPACKING: “LA ISLA CULEBRA”
22/11/2015 1 Comment
Spent the better part of a long weekend in San Juan, mostly at La Factoria and El Farolito, managed to get stopped on the street by a gang of people who shouted “You were sitting in 58A?”… It took me a full minute to understand what they were talking about, but surely enough it was the cabin crew from my flight from Norway and they commended me on how polite I was and invited me to come drink with them. Of course I accepted. Beaches, walks, breakfast at Pinky’s, burgers at El Hamberguito, rum and conversations at El Batey, the morning of my departure approached and I headed to the tiny airport to take me (hopefully) safely to Culebra. It was unlike any airport experience, where we just went through minimal security and walked out onto the tarmac to our waiting plane. I say plane. It was a 6 seater, barely bigger than a volvo. Rather shaken up after that landing, the only other 2 passengers in the plane (an elderly American couple) offered to give me a ride to my hotel. I accepted and headed into town in the back of their pick-up. They dropped me off and I walked the remaining 100 meters to Villa Fulladoza. My room was perfect, overlooking the ocean, massive bed, the friendliest of owners, I knew I was going to love Culebra from the first second. I spent 5 days eating at Zaco’s Tacos every day (Goddamn epic), hanging out at The Dinghy Dock when Zaco’s closed, or heading to dark corners with the staff to share a spliff, managed to get a golf cart one day which was problematic because I was recovering from a broken humerus so driving with one arm was a little dangerous. Spent the rest of the day reading on Flamenco Beach and avoiding alcohol since I still had to drive my golfcart back in one piece. Back at Zaco’s I was propped up at the bar after having handed the keys for the cart back safely. A random American sat beside me and started talking, what do I do, where i’m from etc. I mentioned that I was from Norway and had been tour managing bands for the better part of a decade. She asked which bands, I replied Serena-Maneesh most recently. The bartender (Louise) turned around abruptly… “Did you say Serena-Maneesh?”… I did indeed… “Holy shit, I saw them in Brooklyn like 8 years ago”. The conversation then turned to WHAT HOW WHO and ended up that we had been at the same venue the same night but just not met. After a while she asked what my name was and I said Ben Sand, to which the reply came “Ghostkamera?”. The days slipped by like dreams. I wanted to stay longer, but Culebra is not a place for those shy of wallet. I thanked all the new friends I had made at Zaco’s, Heathers Pizza and Dinghy Dock and headed back to the tiny piece of shrapnel that would fly me back to San Juan for one night before heading to Panama to start my overland excursion ending in Mexico City. Life is a gift. Moments like these make you realise that. 1 Comment | The Bitter ManA backpacker by default since birth, have scanned almost 100 countries in the search for perfection and imperfection in equal measure. Where All When February 2019 RSS Feed |
Nerves began to get the better of me until I remembered that I had packed some rum in my bag for emergencies. Needless to say, the flight was uneventful, up until the landing. If you are scared of flying, DO NOT CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW!! 
I managed, and on the plus side I drove all the way to Zoni Beach which I would have otherwise missed: PARADISE
This was getting all too weird to be having this conversation at a taco place on a tiny island off Puerto Rico. Turned out she was chatting with her friend in NYC simultaneously and he was the biggest fan of my photographs.. Bizarre! I told her to say hi to him and sat there stunned at how small this planet really is. Cleveland en la Isla de Culebra, Puerto Rico
By Joe Baur
Cleveland is everywhere.
It’s in our personality, our work ethic, our optimism, and our pessimism.
It’s also in Culebra, Puerto Rico — an archipelago 17 miles east of its mainland, nearly 2,000 miles away from the Forest City.
From the moment rubber hit pavement on the runway at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan, I had a growing suspicion that Melanie and I would stumble across a Cleveland or Ohio-themed bar as I have in San Diego, Tampa Bay, and less surprisingly in Chicago. However unlikely, I assumed if such a bar existed it would at the very least be within the San Juan city limits — not on an island of 1,800.
We arrived at the port of Fajardo — a small town on the east coast of Puerto Rico — 30 minutes before the 9am ferry set sail to Culebra. Despite being sold out, we were able to finagle our way on board thanks to what seems to be a much more open relationship with “rules and regulations” in Puerto Rico. The loosely organized anarchy prevalent throughout the island suits Puerto Rico’s enviable carefree mentality.
In the United States, surely some penalty would have come with boarding earlier than the possessed ticket called for. Here (so long as no one is harmed) rules, as Captain Barbosa would say, are more like guidelines, really.
The 7×5 mile island is a hidden paradise largely (and thankfully) untouched by tourism. A modest ferry filled with far more weekending Puerto Ricans than mainland Americans, and a handful of cabs shuttling arrivals to the surrounding beaches were the only exceptions.
The ride was an experience in of itself. Storm clouds closed in over the horizon, juxtaposed with idyllic blue skies to the south. Personally, I enjoyed the ferry ride over to Culebra, much more so than the portly woman holding tightly on to what appeared to be a vomit bag.
Our arrival was a guessing game. After splitting two tiny, uninhabited islands, we made our way to the front of the ship, hoping to get an early glimpse of paradise.
Maybe over there by those two ships? No.
There! That must be the beach!
Son of a… Where the Hell is this dock?
Finally, we arrived. And no sooner did we step off the ferry did a handful of locals offer to take us and other travelers to Flamenco Beach, considered by much more traveled writers and photographers to be one of the best in the world. While it might not mean much from a guy who spent his childhood swimming in a lake overshadowed by the Perry Nuclear Power Plant, Flamenco Beach is, indeed, deserving of every utopic descriptor given to it.
There’s not much to say about the four or five hours we spent on the beach. Imagine everything you’d want in a beach — that’s Flamenco. Off the grid, uncrowded, blue water and soft, white sand. The stresses of the mainland had evaporated for the time being, replaced by the carefree energy of a young pup chasing after a Frisbee.
Coincidentally, much of my time on Flamenco was spent chasing after a Frisbee.
I didn’t want to leave.
Cleveland, I love you, but I could do a month or two on Culebra, especially this time of year when wind has the ability to cause visible pain. And as it turns out, home wasn’t really all that far away.
Back at the docks, Mel and I walked along the nearby strip of souvenir shops and bars to kill time before our return ferry showed up. Outside one of said bars was a sign advertising NFL football. I knew it was a longshot, but I thought we’d head in and see if the Browns were on.
We grabbed a seat at the bar alongside an older American and (I’m guessing) Puerto Rican woman. The bartender, an oddly young looking American from California, took our order. Two Medallas, a widely available, light Puerto Rican beer that beats Miller and Bud Light.
No Browns on.
“Do you guys have NFL Network?” I asked the bartender.
Before he could answer, the gentleman next to us asked, “Who you looking for?”
“Cleveland Browns,” I responded.
He then leaned back to reveal a small laptop computer playing the Browns.
But that’s not all.
“Go look around the corner,” he said, motioning toward the front of the bar.
Lo and behold, a mini-shrine to Cleveland. A Chief Wahoo and Bernie Koser poster similar to a Fathead were on the wall underneath a television we had just walked right past. Turns out, our new friend at the bar is from Parma, now living on Culebra.
As you may expect, we spent the next hour or so staring at the computer, sulking and shaking our heads as the Browns thoroughly (and expectedly) embarrassed themselves to the RG III-less Washington Redskins. Despite the the balmy temperature, blue skies, and general accumulation of sand in crevices I never knew I had, it felt like another Sunday in Cleveland.
[Lodging provided by Hosteria Del Mar, Ceiba Country Inn, and Olive Boutique Hotel]
Joe Baur is a freelance writer, filmmaker and satirist with a diverse array of interests including travel, adventure, craft beer, health, urban issues, culture and politics.
He ranks his allegiances in the order of Cleveland, the state of Ohio and the Rust Belt, and enjoys a fried egg on a variety of meats. Joe has a B.A. in Mass Communication with a focus on production from Miami University. Follow him at MildlyRelevant.com and on Twitter @MildlyRelevant.
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Puerto Rico Properties
Tanned beaches, rich history and unique culture make Puerto Rico an ideal year-round holiday destination
Puerto Rico has about 300 stunning beaches, lush mountains, mouth-watering cuisine, rich culture and sunny weather all year round. The Caribbean archipelago – Puerto Rico consists of more than a hundred small islands and bays – became a territory of the United States in 1917. Now the main island is divided into six distinct regions, each offering a variety of unique
impressions. Whether you decide to immerse yourself in San Juan’s history, enjoy the untouched beauty of its Central Mountains, or soak up the sun and watch the sunset along the coast, Puerto Rico’s sights will not leave you indifferent.
And buyers of second homes, of course, pay attention to it.
All of Puerto Rico is booming and the next five years promise to be an extremely exciting time for real estate investment. Buyers have many options for vacation homes — not just in the Caribbean, but in warmer climates, and Puerto Rico has narrowed the gap to other attractive destinations over the years and can now compete with any destination. There is not enough construction going on to meet demand, so existing modern stocks are leaving the shelves.
So, if you are looking for a piece of tropical paradise to call your second home, Puerto Rico has got you covered. Here we list the most sought after real estate markets on Isla del Encanto, according to brokers.
Dorado
Just half an hour west of San Juan, this small coastal town lives up to its name, which means golden in Spanish. Known as one of the most luxurious destinations on the main island and home to Dorado Beach, the Ritz-Carlton nature reserve, it is loved by those who want to enjoy stunning nature and gorgeous sandy beaches without sacrificing upscale amenities.
Golf enthusiasts can practice their game on three golf courses designed by Robert Trent Jones, while families come to Watermill, an interactive water park reminiscent of a traditional sugar mill.
San Juan
With over 500 years of history, San Juan is the oldest city in any US territory. Puerto Rico’s most densely populated urban area has something to offer any tourist. Its cobbled streets, colonial architecture and countless historical landmarks will take you back in time, while its vibrant nightlife, luxury resorts, trendy restaurants and shops cater to those who embrace a modern lifestyle.
Rincón
Rincón is a paradise for beach lovers. Here are some of the best surf beaches in the world. The relaxed atmosphere, small eateries and boutiques, as well as many surf schools attract water sports enthusiasts from near and far. But there is something to do here besides catching waves. Snorkelling, kayaking, horseback riding, mountain biking, whale watching, fishing or just relaxing on the beach and watching Rincon’s infamous pink sunsets are sure to keep you entertained.
Rio Grande
Rio Grande has it all. It is the gateway to the lush El Yunque rainforest with its many waterfalls and panoramic views, as well as plenty of white sand beaches for those craving vitamin D. Rio Grande is one of Puerto Rico’s most biodiverse areas and home to several luxury resorts. with award-winning golf courses, swimming pools and restaurants that make the area one of the island’s most sought-after holiday destinations.
Rio Grande has no shortage of luxury properties, from penthouses to spacious beachfront mansions, and interest in this coastal city continues to grow.
Culebra
If your dream vacation consists of quiet, idyllic beaches away from the hustle and bustle of popular, crowded resorts, then Culebra is the place for you. This small island in the Puerto Rico archipelago is a 45-minute fast and scenic ferry ride east of the main island and rewards visitors with unspoiled beauty and abundant marine life.
Snorkeling and diving is a must here as the Culebra National Wildlife Refuge has vibrant coral reefs, lagoons and seagrass beds where sea turtles, manta rays and a variety of
species of colorful fish. Flamenco Beach, located on the north side of Culebra, regularly ranks among the best in the world with its turquoise waters.
Palmas del Mar
This gated community in the southeast of the country has exploded in popularity in recent years, especially among remote workers and those in the crypto industry, and it’s easy to see why. Palmas del Mar is Puerto Rico’s largest master planning project, set on over six hectares of sea and featuring two 18-hole golf courses, a marina and an equestrian club.
Excellent educational institutions, lively nightlife, many restaurants and more than two dozen neighborhoods provide an upscale lifestyle set against a tropical backdrop.
Vieques
Vieques is a stunning island located seven miles off the east coast of Puerto Rico’s main island.
Tourists come here to witness one of Mother Nature’s most reverent phenomena – namely, Mosquito Bay, one of the most vibrant bioluminescent bays in the world. La Isla Nena, as it is also called, is a nature lover’s paradise and is home to the largest and most biodiverse national reserves in the Caribbean. Native plants, rare birds and marine mammals, including dolphins, killer whales and humpback whales, grow on and around the lush island, making it an ideal spot for whale watching. Visitors can also hike on numerous trails, exploring all the nooks and crannies of Vieques.
Moving to Puerto Rico from Russia
“Puerto Rico, devotion of my heart, let it sink back into the ocean!” These lines from the musical West Side Story are probably not what you want to hear when you move to Puerto Rico. If you are looking for reliable information about Puerto Rico, then you have come to the right place.
West Side Story revealed the truth about Puerto Rico: moving here was not as popular as leaving.
Emigration from Puerto Rico reached its peak in the early to mid-decade of the 20th century, when a generation of young Puerto Ricans dreamed of a better life on the United States mainland. These days, especially young entrepreneurs see an opportunity to promote their business in Puerto Rico and the islands in the Caribbean.
A brief introduction to Puerto Rico
Contents
- 1 A brief introduction to Puerto Rico
- 2 Geography and climate
- 3 Visas and residency in Puerto Rico
9002 Puerto Rico is a small archipelago 9002 northeastern Caribbean Sea, east of the Dominican Republic, consisting of one main and several small islands. The main island is the main destination for most people whose goal is to move to Puerto Rico. The islands of Vieques and Culebra are inhabited throughout the year. Tourism professionals can discover these small islands and try to unlock their potential for tourism.
Conversely, nature lovers and those trying to escape the tourism industry also make sense to move to one of Puerto Rico’s smaller islands.
Even if some of them lack the infrastructure to make them habitable all year round. But their long, sandy, deserted beaches and untouched nature remain intact.
After moving to Puerto Rico, which by the way means “wealthy port”, you will probably come across some other names on the island. Locals often call it Borinka, deriving from Borikén, the indigenous name for Puerto Rico. Another common nickname is la Isla del Encanto, in English: The Island of Magic. Previously, when the first settlers settled in Puerto Rico, the island was known as San Juan Bautista, named by Christopher Columbus.
Geography and climate
With a land area of 8,870 km2, Puerto Rico is only 8% of the volume of Cuba, but in terms of inhabitants, it occupies more than a third of Cuba’s population. Moreover, most of Puerto Rico’s territory is made up of mountains and is therefore uninhabited. Most people preferred to move to the coastal plain of the island, to the north.
Emigrants must be prepared for the tropical maritime climate and all that may come with it.
The average annual temperature of 28°C throughout the year varies slightly and only seasonally. In mountainous areas, it can be much worse. The hurricane season lasts from June to September. Keep in mind that moving to Puerto Rico means moving into a geological hazard zone where earthquakes, tsunamis and landslides are not uncommon. Frequent tremors are not unusual.
Visas and residency in Puerto Rico
As an unincorporated territory of the United States, Puerto Rico does not have a foreign affairs authority. Therefore, in the field, foreign affairs, trade, customs administration, immigration and emigration, citizenship, etc., US policy applies. This means that you will have to follow US laws in order to get a visa to move to Puerto Rico.
It is very difficult to obtain a residence and work permit in the United States, unless, of course, you are going there as an immigrant. The main difference between immigrant and non-immigrant visa categories is that a non-immigrant visa application for temporary relocation to Puerto Rico can be done online through Travel.