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Home to Flamenco Beach, one of the best beaches in the world, and amazing snorkeling, it’s no wonder why Culebra is one of the most beautifulislandsinPuerto Rico. From where to eat and the best things to do in Culebra, we have the ultimate Culebra travel guide waiting for you below!
In this article we share the best advice on where to eat and the best things to do in Culebra. Whether your spending just one day on Culebra or have a few days to spare, this slow-paced Puerto Rican island will give you the tropical getaway fix you’ve been fiending for..
Things To Do In Culebra, Puerto Rico
There are lots of exciting things to do in Culebra but it is always a good idea to research all the exciting things to do when you visit the white sand beaches of this small island, or anywhere for that matter.
Proper planning will help you budget more effectively so you can fit as many activities and adventures in your holiday as you can.
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Visiting Culebra – Planning Tips
Ok, so first things first, you’re probably wondering how to get to Culebra, Puerto Rico, right? Well, we have a complete guide on the best ways to get to this tropical island paradise. Be sure to check that out so you know what transportation option is best for you.
Moving on….
So, there are a few things we want to call out about Culebra before we jump into our “what do on Culebra” list.
- How Big Is Culebra | About 7mi (11km) long and 2mi (3km) wide
- Culebra Bombing | Yes, bombing. The US Navy used the island of Culebra as gunnery and bombing practice site. Not all bombs have been accounted for so when snorkeling or hiking, please use caution.
- Culebra ATM | There is one ATM on the island. Located by the ferry terminal, Banco Popular, is where you can get some cash.
- Culebra Grocery Store | Colmado Carniceria Milka is a great spot to grab a few essentials, just expect minimal selection.
- Culebra Gas Station | If you decide to rent a jeep, you may need to top off. Total Villa Pesquera and Dakiti Gas Station are your options.
If you’re looking to venture off of Culebra island, check out our full Puerto Rico itinerary!
How Many Days Do You Need In Culebra?
A day trip to Culebra is possible if you want to see the highlights, like snorkeling and Flamenco Beach.
However, if you want to get a feel for the best Culebra has to offer, we recommend spending at least 2-3 full days on the island.
Check Out: 13 Amazing Things To Do in San Juan, Puerto Rico
Spend a Day at The Famous Flamenco Beach
Ok, first up on our list of things to do in Culebra is Flamenco Beach. Ranked among the top beaches in the world, Flamenco Beach is an absolute must-see when visiting Culebra.
Located about 3 miles from the Culebra Ferry terminal, Flamenco Beach is about a 10-minute jeep-ride away.
Spend your day tanning on its soft white sandy beaches, swim in the crystal clear waters, and take a walk down the beach to the abandoned, painted military tanks.
Flamenco Beach Good To Know’s
- Flamenco Beach Admission: $2 per person + parking ($5 per jeep, $4 per golf cart)
- Beach Rentals: If you need some beach chairs and umbrellas, you can rent these from a few vendors located right next to the parking lot and just before the main entrance of the beach. Beach chairs and umbrellas are $5 each.
- Flamenco Beach Food: There are a few food kiosks located right next to the main beach entrance. We promise you won’t go hungry or thirsty.
- Lockers & Storage: There are lockers you can rent if you are needing to store items that can’t get wet or sandy. The locker fee is $5 for a small locker and $10 for a large one. (It’s ideal to avoid leaving anything important in your rented jeep or golf cart.)
- Flamenco Beach Snorkeling: Home to some amazing snorkeling, you can rent a mask and snorkel at one of the kiosks at the main beach entrance for $15.
NOTE: A few no-nos for Flamenco Beach are no glass bottles, no animals (like dogs or horses), and no bonfires or grilling on the beach.
Check Out: Puerto Rico Vacation Planning and Travel Guide to get great travel tips to plan your ultimate Puerto Rico vacation.
Flamenco Beach Camping
Located just behind the beach you’ll find a camping area where visitors can pitch a tent for the night. The fee is $30per night/per two-person tent.
The campsite offers basic amenities like drinking water, showers, and bathrooms making it a lodging option for those wanting to get up close and personal with the flora and fauna of Flamenco Beach.
If you’re looking for ab accommodation right on Flamenco Beach that’s not a campsite, book your stay at Casona 1D for the perfect beach getaway.
Don’t Miss Happy Hour at Dinghy Dock
If an open-air beach bar offering up amazing views of the bay filled with sailboats sounds good to you, then Dinghy Dock is your spot. With happy hour specials on food, beer, and booze, an ice-cold beer at Dinghy Dock is a must when visiting Culebra.
Check out: Santurce Street Art – A Guide to San Juan Graffiti Neighborhood
Book a Scuba Diving Trip
Culebra is home to some of the best scuba diving in Puerto Rico and with two dive shops located on the island, booking a two-tank dive is a no-brainer.
If you’re looking to book a scuba diving trip, Aquatic Adventures or Culebra Divers are who you should call. Both shops offer two-tank dives for around $120 and that includes lunch.
Or, you can check out Sea Ventures Pro Dive Center for more details on their 2 tank dive options to Culebra.
Whichever company you go with, Scuba Diving is not a bad way to spend a day, if you ask us!
Swim With Sea Turtles at Tamarindo Beach
The second most popular beach in Culebra is Tamarindo beach. Why do you ask? Well, because of its sea turtle population.
Located about a 10 minute jeep ride away from the Culebra Ferry Terminal and 6-minute jeep-ride away from Flamenco Beach, Tamarindo beach is a snorkeling paradise.
A part of Cayo Luis PeñaNature Reserve, Tamarindo Beach is nowhere near as developed as Flamenco Beach but that’s also part of its charm.
You’ll find no rental or food kiosks here. Meaning, whatever you need for your day here, you must bring those items with you. But, the natural beauty of the spot makes it worth it.
NOTE: Tamarindo beach is a safe haven for sea turtles so PLEASE do not touch them or feed them and please pick up your trash.
Grab a Coffee at Blac Flamingo Coffee
A little sleepy from all that island sun? Well it sounds like you need some fuel. Make a pitstop at Blac Flamingo Coffee for a little pick-me-up.
From expertly made lattes and espressos to artisan breakfast options, Blac Flamingo Coffee is a quaint coffee shop that has an amazing hipster vibe.
A perfect way to start the day if you ask us.
Visit Culebrita Island
Isla Culebrita is a small island off the east coast of Culebra. This island is uninhabited and you can reach it by taking a water taxi since it is very close to Culebra. The tiny island is part of the nature reserve so it is also a wildlife refuge for wild animals.
On this island, you can go and visit the Culebrita Lighthouse, one of the oldest lighthouses in the Caribbean. The island also offers beautiful sandy beaches to walk and lots of beautiful scenery to explore.
Just be sure to clean up any trash to keep your trip environmentally friendly.
Rent a Jeep and Explore The Island
If you’re looking for the best way to explore and get around the island of Culebra, we definetly recommend renting something with four-wheels. For us, that was a jeep!
There are two jeep rental agencies on the island, Carlos Jeep Rental and Jerry’s Jeep Rental. Costing anywhere from $50 – $75 a day, a jeep is a great way to see the island and beach hop.
If renting a Jeep is be a little too pricy, both locations offer Golf Cart rentals as well for around $40 a day.
While renting a car is the easiest way to explore the island, a car is not 100% necessary. If you want a more active way to explore Culebra, consider renting a mountain bike. Give Dick & Cathie Bike Rentala call (787) 742-0062.
Visit Cayo Luis Pena
This is another small uninhabited island off the west coast of the island. You can take a water taxi to the island and enjoy nature walks, snorkeling, and swimming. No visitors are allowed to stay overnight since the island is a wildlife refuge but it is still a terrific spot to spend your day if you love peace and quiet.
There any many exotic species native to here as well, so wildlife lovers will absolutely be at home.
Book a Culebra Tour or Rental
If you’re looking for some extra fun in the sun, consider booking a Jet Ski for a few hours.
If you want something a little more chill, some paddle boarding or a fishing trip might be more your speed. Or perhaps you just want to cruise the beautiful waters of the Caribbean with a boat tour. If that’s the case, give Gammy’s Water Tour a call.
Regardless of what you do, just be sure you get plenty of beach time in. Culebra is an island after all 🙂
Visit the Other Beaches
Flamenco beach is one of the most popular beaches on the island but there are many other beaches to visit and explore. Each of these beaches offers something unique in terms of clean water, natural beauty, and tranquility. Some of the best beaches to explore include Zoni Beach, Melones Beach, Playa Tamarindo Grande Beach, Playa Sardinas Beach, Playa Resaca beach and many others.
Some of these beaches like Melones Beach or Tamarino Grande Beach are considered hidden gems because they are not as populated and they do look completely different from the normally white sand beaches such as Zoni beach.
If you have the time, each beach is totally worth checking out.
Check out the History Museum
It is always good to learn about a location’s history. The Museo Historico de Culebra is an ideal spot to visit if you want to know more about this island. This museum isn’t particularly large but it does offer quite a few interesting things to see.
Here you can learn about how the island used to be the site of Camp Roosevelt.
Where to Eat In Culebra?
Looking for a few Culebra restaurants to check out to get your fill of tasty food? Well, we have a list of some popular places to grab a meal just below.
- For Beach Bar Food and Good Vibes: Dinghy Dock
- Fresh Seafood & Caribbean Eats: El Eden
- For a Taco Fix: Zaco’s Tacos
- Organic, wholesome fare: Vibra Verde
- For a Burger: Tiki’s Grill
- Coffee and Breakfast: Blac Flamingo Coffee
- For a Slice: Heather’s Pizzeria
Culebra Nightlife & Bars
Culebra, Puerto Rico isn’t known for its nighttime adventures. The nights here are mostly peaceful with not too many things to do. If you’re looking for a night out on the island, we definitely suggest a beer (or four) at Dinghy Dock. Offering live music and great views of the bay, let’s just say we spent many blissful hours here.
If you want a few other places to check out to get your nightly libations on, Mamacitas Guest House, The Spot, and El Batey are a few other great bars on Culebra.
Is Culebra Safe to Visit?
With the island being so small, crime is not a real issue in Culebra. You’ll want to use caution when driving as some of the island roads are bumpy and not well maintained though.
All in all, there was never a point when we felt unsafe. Just use common sense by keeping valuables out of sight and locked away and you shouldn’t have a problem.
The most dangerous part about visiting Culebra is probably the snorkeling. Even though the waters are clear and shallow, you still need to practice caution to stay safe. The rocks can be pretty sharp and there are also predators (keeping a respectful distance will also keep you safe).
When traveling to any new place, its always a good idea to make sure you have proper insurance to protect yourself if something happens. We have travel insurance through World Nomads and we will say, it has come in handy a time or two.
Where to Stay on Culebra
- The Luxury Inclined:The Seabourne Hotel offers private balconies and bay views, making this hotel perfect for relaxing. With an easy to access dock and signature rum co*cktails, a few days at Seabourne will have you feeling right.
- The Budget Conscious:Hotel Kokomo is located in the center of town close to the ferry terminal, restaurants and bars. Offering private rooms with AC, Kokomo is a great place to call home for a few days.
- Something in Between:Mamacitas Guest House is situated along a water way. With an onsite restaurant and bar, Mamacita’s is a great location on Culebra.
For more accommodation choices and places to stay on Culebra,you cancheck the latest place and prices hereto secure an unforgettable Puerto Rican accommodation.
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Happy Travels,
– Lauren & Jesse Stuart (The Stüs)
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