Playa de culebra puerto rico: Playa Flamenco, Culebra, Puerto Rico

Guide to a Perfect Weekend in Culebra Puerto Rico

Situated about 27km (17 miles) east of the mainland of Puerto Rico, Culebra is the epitome of a laid-back paradise. It’s an archipelago comprising the main island and 23 smaller ones that lie off its coast. Though the main island of Culebra takes up just about 10 square miles, its charms are almost limitless. Pristine beaches, impossibly blue waters that teem with sea turtles, an unpretentious island vibe and many other characteristics make Culebra an ideal weekend getaway.

What to do in Culebra

Beach day

Culebra is truly a beach lover’s dream. From stretches of sand complete with ample facilities to blissfully remote beaches that require a hike to access, there’s something for everyone. 

Travelers from all over the world have dubbed Flamenco Beach one of the planet’s most beautiful beaches, and comfortably places near the top of our of best beaches in Puerto Rico. It’s a crescent shaped bay with powder white sand and sparkling turquoise water. There are restrooms and changing facilities, as well as picnic tables under pine trees for a shaded lunch. You can also rent umbrellas and lounge chairs just outside the gates to the beach. Kiosks serving Puerto Rican street food are plentiful. Don’t miss a photo opportunity with the painted tank that rests in the sand. It’s a remnant of the U.S. Navy’s bombing and gunnery practice range that took place until 1975.

Source: Flamenco Beach / Omark Reyes / Discover Puerto Rico

Zoni Beach is another popular beach on Culebra, offering a totally different vibe than that of Flamenco Beach. It’s quieter and more remote, and boasts views of St. Thomas, Tortola and Culebra’s archipelago. 

The golden sands of Tamarindo Beach are the launching point for many kayaking and snorkeling tours. Tamarindo Beach is part of the Luis Peña Natural Reserve, Puerto Rico’s first marine reserve. A 50-foot (15-m) coral wall offshore teems with colorful marine life. The water is gentle, too, making this beach a great option for families with small children. 

Other beaches within the marine reserve area include Carlos Rosario and Melones beaches, both providing rich snorkeling opportunities. Melones Beach is also known for its awe-inspiring sunset views. Isolated beaches Brava and Resaca are nesting sites for the endangered leatherback sea turtle. They nest from April to early June. Round out your beach experience at Larga, Punta Soldado and Las Vacas beaches.

Diving

In addition to the above mentioned snorkeling opportunities, Culebra offers more ways to explore the pristine water that surrounds it. Because the island is semi-arid with no fresh water streams, no surface runoff ends in the ocean. As a result, Culebra’s year-round ocean visibility is among the clearest in the world. Various dive sites accommodate novice to experienced divers—thriving coral reefs, caves, deep water drop-offs and sunken boats. Check out Culebra Divers, a fully insured Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) 5-star Dive Center that’s been around since 1987.

• Address: 4 Cll Pedro Marquez, Culebra
• Hours: Tues–Sat, 9am–4pm
• Phone: 787-742-0803

Kayaking

More than 20% of Culebra is a designated national wildlife refuge. U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt established it in 1909, making it one of the oldest refuges in the system. The designation helped protect about 85 species of seabirds. Mangrove forests are part of the refuge, and a kayaking tour through the mangrove channels can reveal an abundance of wildlife. The mangroves serve as roosting spots and nesting sites for scaly-naped pigeons, egrets, night herons and endangered brown pelicans. The mangroves also create bountiful nurseries for varied marine life. Culebra Island Adventures and Kayaking Puerto Rico Culebra Kayak & Snorkel are two local kayak outfitters to consider.

Culebra Island Adventures

• Address: Posada del Coronel, Cll 2 #31, General Delivery, Culebra
• Hours: Wed–Sun, 11am–3pm; Closed Mon–Tues 
• Phone: 787-529-3536

Kayaking Puerto Rico Culebra Kayak & Snorkel

• Address: Tamarindo Beach, Culebra
• Hours: Daily, 8am–5pm
• Phone: 787-245-4545

Land activities

Hiking

Hikers will find plenty of places to roam throughout Culebra. Some hiking trails lead to beaches like Carlos Rosario, Brava and Resaca. You can also take a water taxi to Culebrita, the small uninhabited island off the east coast of Culebra. Hiking trails lead to the Culebrita Lighthouse ruins, the only remaining Spanish-era structure in the Culebra archipelago. Culebrita’s Tortuga Beach is pretty spectacular, too. 

History

It’s small, but Culebra’s historical El Polvorin Museum is definitely worth visiting. The museum provides insight into the history of native Taínos. Documentaries, artifacts and historical photographs document the U.S. Navy occupation, and there are displays on the island’s ecology. 

• Address: 8P68+5P4, Fraile
• Hours: Fri–Sun, 10am–3pm
• Phone: 787-742-3832

Source: Mamacita’s Guest House / Luis Figueroa / Discover Puerto Rico

Where to eat

The restaurant list for Culebra isn’t extensive, but there are solid options. Most restaurants are a casual affair. Caracoles Restaurant labels itself as a fine dining establishment, but it’s more of a food descriptor than a recommendation to wear a coat and tie. Mamacita’s Restaurant and Bar is located within the guesthouse of the same name. Stop by Cafeteria Sanquel for a quick breakfast or lunch. Enjoy pie, calzones, pasta and more at Heather’s Pizza. Dinghy Dock Bar serves up fresh local seafood and gorgeous water views.  

As with restaurants all over the world, COVID-19 has altered days and hours of operation. Call ahead to confirm.

Caracoles Restaurant

• Address: Calle Villa pesquera sector Playa, 655
• Hours: Open Tues–Sun, 5–10pm
• Phone: 787-206-8686
• Menu: They don’t have a menu anywhere, but here’s their FB page: https://www.facebook.com/Caracoles-Restaurante-714014902081480/

Mamacita’s Restaurant and Bar

• Address: 66 Calle Castelar 
• Hours: Mon–Wed, 11am–10pm; Fri–Sat 8am–11pm; Sun, 8am–10pm
• Phone: 787-742-0090
• Menu: No menu online, but here’s the FB link: https://www.facebook.com/Mamacitas-Bar-Grill-Culebra-Puerto-Rico-153985444645911/?ref=page_internal

Cafeteria Sanquel

• Address: 8M3X+3GJ
• Hours: Mon–Fri, 6am–2:30pm; Closed Sat and Sun
• Phone: 787-358-6828
• Menu: No menu online

Heather’s Pizza

• Address: Cll Pedro Marquez
• Hours: Mon–Sat,11am–10pm; Closed Sun
• Phone: 787-742-3175
• Menu: https://www. facebook.com/heatherpizza

Dinghy Dock Bar

• Address: Calle Fulladoza 
• Hours: Tues–Sun, 2:30pm–8:30pm
• Phone: 787-599-6429
• Menu: No menu online, but here’s the FB link: https://www.facebook.com/Dinghy-Dock-Culebra-970553193101653/?ref=page_internal

Getting there

Ferry

A ferry service runs out of the East Coast town of Ceiba at the Roosevelt Roads Waterfront. While it’s an affordable way to get there (one-way tickets for adults are just $2.50 and $1 for kids), it’s also the least reliable. The ferry leaves three times a day, but routes are sometimes cancelled or full. Your best chance of securing passage is to try and make the first departure at 6am. Don’t forget to factor in your drive time to Ceiba from your current location. Ceiba is a little over an hour drive from San Juan (depending on traffic). 

Air

Cape Air, JetBlue and Silver Airways (operated by Vieques Air Link) offer direct flights to Culebra from San Juan’s Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport. Air Flamenco flies direct from the José Aponte de la Torre Airport in Ceiba.

Getting around

The main part of town is easy enough to get around on foot. However, if you want convenient access to beaches and more remote locations on the island, rent a Jeep or golf cart. Scooters and bicycles are also available for rent.

Carlos Jeep Rental 

• Address: Carr. #250 Comunidad Clark
• Hours: Sun–Fri, 6:30am–5pm
• Phone: 787-742-3514

Jerry’s Jeep Rental 

• Address: 139 Escudero Airport Road, Culebra
• Hours: Daily, 8am–5pm
• Phone: 787-742-0526

Please note: Hours of operation may change depending on time of year and other factors. Call business to confirm.

Where to stay

There’s a variety of ways to overnight it on Culebra—from basic stays to luxury accommodations. Currently, Airbnb provides 258 listings for Culebra. Prices range from $30/night to $599/night, with categories that include villas, apartments and homes.

You can also book a stay at one of the island hotels. Hotel Kokomo is a boutique hotel conveniently located near the ferry terminal, restaurants and shops. Choose from eight guestrooms, each appointed with Caribbean artwork and bohemian-style furnishings. Guests can also rent the hotel’s private dock (by reservation only).

• Address: 6 Cll Pedro Marquez
• Phone: 607-734-4311

The blue bungalows of Club Seabourne Hotel dot the hillside across from Fulladoza Bay. Guests rest in four-poster beds and enjoy private balconies. A two-bedroom villa is available for larger families. They serve breakfast every morning. The on-site restaurant and bar is open Thurs–Sun for dinner service only.

• Address: Rte. 250
• Phone: 787-742-3169

Source: Club Seabourne Hotel / Luis Figueroa / Discover Puerto Rico

Day tripping

If you just have one day to spare but still want to experience the unparalleled beauty of Culebra, book a day tour. Many outfitters offer snorkel, beach and kayak tours. 

Sail Getaways

• Address: Dock M-21, Catamaran, Getaway, Villa Marina Yacht Harbor, Fajardo
• Hours: Departures every day starting at 9:30am 
• Phone: 787-860-7327

If a weekend in Culebra isn’t enough time, consider extending your stay for an entire week. Culebra is the perfect backdrop to do as much — or as little — as you want during your Puerto Rico vacation.

10 Best Things to Do in Culebra, Puerto Rico

If you’re trying to decide what to do in Culebra, Puerto Rico, you’ve come to the right place. From the first time I visited this island, it has had my heart and kept me coming back for more. In this guide, we’ll take a look at all of the fun things to do in Culebra, but first, let’s learn a little about the island.

Culebra is a small island in Puerto Rico located just 17 miles off the mainland’s coast. It measures about 7 miles by 5 miles making it perfect for spending a day when visiting Puerto Rico. You’ll find amazing beaches, snorkeling, and some unique island features that aren’t available on the mainland.

Let’s take a look at how to spend your time in Culebra.

Disclosure: Some of the links below may be affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase.

Table of Contents

1. Enjoy Flamenco Beach

Flamenco Beach is known for not only being the best beach in Culebra, but also one of the best beaches in the world! This makes it the main draw for most people visiting Culebra. Here you’ll find 1.5 miles of long white sand beaches lined with palm trees and green hills in the distance. It truly is as beautiful as they say!

Visit Flamenco Beach for swimming, sunbathing, photography, reading, snorkeling, and more! It’s the perfect beach to relax on in Puerto Rico. Just remember to pack your reef-safe sunscreen, and consider renting an umbrella on the beach to help protect you from the aggressive Puerto Rican sun.

As Flamenco Beach is so popular, you’ll find it far more developed than other beaches in Culebra. In fact, there is a $5 fee to park and a $2 entrance fee per person. This does fortunately come with access to changing facilities and restrooms. Additionally, you’ll find there are usually a few food kiosks available here serving up snacks and drinks – including alcoholic beverages.

Get the full beach packing list to ensure you’re ready to explore Culebra, Puerto Rico!

2. Hop Beach to Beach in Culebra

There are a lot of amazing beaches in Culebra. While you might typically only hear about Flamenco Beach, you’ll also want to check out a few of the other Culebra beaches. These may include Playa Zoni, Playa Tamarindo, Playa Melones, Playa Sardinas, Playa Brava, Playa Punta Soldado, Playa Resaca, Playa Mazanilla, or Playa Carlos Rosario.

Here’s an overview of a few of the most visited beaches in Culebra:

• Tamarindo Beach: Located in the Cayo Luis Pena Nature Reserve, this beach offers a wide variety of fish, stingrays, and sea turtles making it an excellent place to swim, snorkel, and kayak in Culebra.

• Zoni Beach: The second most popular beach in Culebra, this beach is ideal for snorkeling and swimming in Culebra. It’s also a common nesting site for hawksbill and leatherback turtles.

• Melones Beach: One of the best places to find a sea turtle in Isla Culebra is Melones Beach. It’s also a great place to catch sunset.

• Sardinas Beach: Located close to one of the main tourist areas of Culebra, you’ll find this beach is a bit busier and gives you a bit more local flavor than many of the more secluded beaches.

3. Locate Abandoned Tanks

Okay, hear me out. I know this is an off beat Culebra activity, but it’s actually also pretty popular! Culebra used to be a US naval base and as such there are a few abandoned tanks throughout the island. They have since become some of the most photographed spots in Culebra! This is partially because they are frequently painted and repainted making them colorful relics of the past.

One of the most photographed tanks in Culebra is located near the end of Flamenco Beach in the water. When you first enter onto the beach just turn left and walk down the sand until you see the tank sitting in the shallow water.

Another one is located just off Flamenco Beach before you hit the water tank. It’s in the trees and brush. Just keep your eyes on the trees next to the beach and you’ll see it sitting on a hilltop. People often climb on the tanks for photos, but be cautious as they are heavily rusted and made of jagged metal!

4. Go Snorkeling or Scuba Diving in Culebra

With such clear water and white sand, Culebra offers abundant coral reefs, mangrove forests, and sea life making it one of the best activities in Culebra. Choose to bring your own snorkel gear, rent it, or join a snorkeling tour to find the best snorkeling spots in Culebra!

The beaches that face westward tend to have the best snorkeling on Culebra due to land blocking most of the waves that come from the northeast. These beaches are typically not the ones with the powder white sand, like Flamenco Beach, but you will have the opportunity to spot turtles, fish, and coral.

However, if you’re looking for great snorkeling on a beautiful beach, Flamenco Beach actually does offer a couple of smaller reefs within reach. Head left on Flamenco Beach to explore the reef right off the beach. The water is shallow and you’ll be able to see it through the clear blue water. Continue further down and there is another reef located out behind the tank. The water there is a bit deeper.

Another option, is to go to the far right on Flamenco Beach where the sand ends and the rocks pick up. Here is an area called Muellecito by the locals – translated to “Shark Cages”. Note that as you swim out closer to the point of the island, the current will pick up – snorkel safely!

Check out this awesome snorkeling tour to Culebra from Ceiba.

5. Rent a Kayak or Paddleboard

Another great way to get out on the water of Culebra is via kayak or paddleboard. You can of course bring your own if you are willing to struggle through getting it there or you can rent them on Culebra, which is the easiest way.

Kayaking Puerto Rico is one of the best places to rent kayaks in Culebra, and they are located on Tamarindo Beach making it simple to rent one and get out on the water in just minutes. You can also opt to combine kayaking and snorkeling with a Culebra Island Adventure tour.

6. Take a Side Trip to Culebrita

Culebrita – or little Culebra – is a small uninhabited island off the Eastern coast of Culebra. It’s only about a mile long. To get here, you’ll either need to book a day trip, charter a boat, or find a water taxi to take you over to this stunning little island. If you’re up to a challenge, you can also try paddling over from Culebra in a kayak.

Why visit Culebrita? Well, on Culebrita, you’ll find some of the best snorkeling and reefs in Culebra. Make sure to take your snorkel gear. You’ll also want to visit Playa Tortuga, which is the more popular beach on Culebrita.

You also won’t want to miss the only man made structure on the island. It’s the Culebrita Lighthouse and it offers panoramic views of the surrounding area.

7. Catch an Amazing Sunset

Sunsets in Culebra are quite memorable – particularly if you can catch them on the west side of the island. To find the best sunset in Culebra, head to Melones Beach. It also offers clear and calm waters making it a great place to wind down the day.

Another great option is to wait for sunset at Flamenco Beach. It’s a beautiful place to relax until the sun sets as you’ll be able to enjoy the beach as it starts to empty out from all of the day trippers.

8. Learn about Culebra at the Culebra History Museum

Want to learn more about this beautiful island? Head to the Museo Historico de Culebra. This museum showcases the island’s ecosystem, animals, and people from the past and present. This includes when it was under US military control. You’ll be able to learn about the military history and admire the ancient artifacts on display.

This neat museum is located downtown in a former Naval munition warehouse and offers a small gift shop that’s a great place to check for souvenirs from Culebra.

Open: Friday – Sunday from 10am – 3pm
Cost: $2 entrance fee

9. Visit the Culebra National Wildlife Refuge

Another can’t miss Culebra activity is visiting the Culebra National Wildlife Refuge. This area is actually much larger than Culebra Island, encompassing 23 islands and 20% of the main island of Culebra. It’s considered a wildlife refuge due to the large diversity of animal species that call it home, including endangered sea turtles and more than 13 species of birds.

To visit the Culebra National Wildlife Refuge, you need to head to Cayo Luis Pena or Culebrita. Here you’ll find mangroves, beaches, lagoons, dry forests, coral reefs, and seagrass beds.

10. Explore Local Life in Town

While the town in Culebra is small, there are some great places to check out while you’re there. Stop at Blac Flamingo Coffee. Shop at Galeria de Regalos Gift Shop. Eat at Zaco’s Tacos, Dinghy Dock, and El Eden. Taste the local seafood.

As the island is small, just remember accommodation, shopping, and restaurant options are limited and the few places that are on the island offer short hours. I highly recommend you take some snacks and drinks with you just in case!

Learn More about Visiting Culebra

Still debating if there’s enough things to do in Culebra to make it worth the trip from San Juan? You may want to look at doing a day trip to Culebra from San Juan or a snorkeling trip to Culebra from Ceiba. These options allow you to see the highlights of Culebra while not monopolizing your time in Puerto Rico.

How to Get to Culebra Island

Find all the nitty gritty details about how to get to Culebra, Puerto Rico in this detailed post. It covers the four main transportation options with all of the details and links needed to start booking your trip to Culebra:

1. Book the Ceiba to Culebra ferry ahead of time online.
2. Fly to Culebra from San Juan or Ceiba on one of the many airlines available.
3. Take the inter-island ferry from Vieques to Culebra.
4. Plan a day trip to Culebra Island, like these options:
   • Full day catamaran tour of Culebra from Fajardo
   • Flamenco Beach day trip from San Juan which includes flights
   • Kayak and snorkel adventure from Ceiba which includes ferry tickets

Where to Stay in Culebra

Being a small, popular vacation island, the limited selection of hotels in Culebra do fill up quickly. Make sure to book your accommodations well in advance if you want to stay overnight. To help get you started, here are some recommended Culebra hotels to check out: Aleli Cottages, Club Seabourne Hotel, Island Charm Culebra, Ulala Culebra, and Posada La Hamaca.

Check Booking.com now to see what hotels are available!

Explore Other Parts of Puerto Rico

Culebra, Puerto Rico is one of the gems of this US territory, but Puerto Rico does offer many other amazing opportunities. Now that you know the best things to do in Culebra, let’s take a look at some additional posts to help you make the most of your time in Puerto Rico:

• How to Get to Culebra, Puerto Rico: 4 Key Transportation Options
• 16 Helpful Things to Know Before Traveling to Puerto Rico
• 10 Top Things to Do in San Juan for the Trip of a Lifetime
• Where to Stay in San Juan, Puerto Rico: Best Hotels & Areas
• The Essential Beach Packing List: What to Pack for a Beach Vacation

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ᐉ COSTA BONITA CULEBRA VILLAS PRIVADAS ( CULEBRA, PUERTO RICO ) REAL PHOTOS & GREAT DEALS

Costa Bonita Culebra Villas Privadas

The budget Costa Bonita Culebra Villas Privadas is located within walking distance of Culebra Villas Privadas National Wildlife.

It is located about 3.5 km from Playa Sardinas. The city center is about 4 km away.Ensenada Honda is within walking distance of the hotel.

Rooms feature cable TV, a patio and a refrigerator as well as private bathrooms. Here you can enjoy the sea view. A bathtub and a shower are provided for your comfort.

1000 m

Services in the hotel

Description

• SEF

Power and drink

• kitchen belongings

Room in number

• Patio
• Dining table
• TV with a flat screen

Important to know

Registration of the race: from 15:00 to 20:00

9000 from 08:00 to 11:00

• Extra bed information
• All children under 18 years of age stay free of charge using existing bedding.
• Baby cots are not available in the rooms.

FAQ

• Costa Bonita Culebra Villas Privadas provides free parking.

• On average, Costa Bonita Culebra Villas Privadas offers rooms for $118. For more information, please contact the hotel representatives.

• 5 km separates Culbra Airport from Costa Bonita Culebra Villas Privadas.

• Guests are requested to leave Costa Bonita Culebra Villas Privadas by 11:00.

Check the conditions of your booking

For bookings made from April 6, 2020, we recommend that you evaluate 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.

Room information

Rooms feature cable TV, a patio and refrigerator, as well as private bathrooms. Here you can enjoy the sea view. A bathtub and a shower are provided for your comfort.

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Hotel stay

Casa Robinson Culebra – current prices 2023, reviews, book now

Casa Robinson

Casa Robinson is a 3-star hotel located 3.5 km from Playa Flamenco. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property, as well as a sundeck, free parking and free private parking.

The center of Culebra is 2 km from the hotel, while the Culebra National Wildlife Refuge is a short drive away. Ensenada Onda is approximately 15 minutes’ walk from the Guest House.

Some rooms also offer city views. A refrigerator and microwave are provided for your comfort.

Snorkelling, windsurfing and diving can be arranged on site.

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Rooms and availability

Hotel CASA Robinson 3*

Wi-Fi

24 Watch Service

A 24-hour reception 9000

Express registration

9191 9191

Express check-in/out

Sports

Fishing

Air conditioning

No pets allowed

Casa Robinson is a 3-star hotel located 3,5 km from Playa Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property, as well as a sundeck, free parking and free private parking.

The center of Culebra is 2 km from the hotel, while the Culebra National Wildlife Refuge is a short drive away. Ensenada Onda is approximately 15 minutes’ walk from the Guest House.

Some rooms also offer city views. A refrigerator and microwave are provided for your comfort.

Snorkelling, windsurfing and diving can be arranged on site.

Amenities

Description

• Non-smoking property
• Wi-Fi
• Parking
• 24-hour reception
• VIP check-in/out express

0017

Reasons

• Air conditioner
• Zone for rest
• Terrace
• Gardener
• Dinner table
• Free toilets 900 territory prohibited
• Wi-Fi
• Parking
• 24-hour reception
• VIP check-in/out
• Express registration of arrival/ exit
• Pets are prohibited
• Storage of baggage
• Detectors of smoke
• fire extinguishers

Important information

Registration: from 15: 00-23: 59 9000 9000 900 until 11:00

• Children and extra beds
• Baby cots are not available in the room.

Amenities

Location

Casa Robinson

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• Local attractions

• Culebra Public Library

  1.4 km

• The steam terminal of the Kulebra

  1.4 km

• 006

  2.1 km

• RESAKA Beach

  2.2 km

• Melosa Bich

  2.1 km

• PUNT-Melobes

  1.9 9000

• CULEBURA Refuge

  1.