Experience Culebra Island

Overview

The tiny stunning island of Culebra or Isla Culebra is nestled off the east coast of Puerto Rico. Culebra is one of the most popular islands in the archipelago due to its sparse population, spectacular pristine white sand beaches, countless natural areas, vibrant coral reefs, and an abundance of marine life including turtles. The perfect destination for a peaceful tropical vacation with opportunities for snorkeling, and diving in the tranquil tropical turquoise waters, island and beach hopping, and views of dramatic sunsets make a trip here worthwhile.  

Culebra Island is surrounded by over 20 cays and the surrounding waters are home to vibrant underwater landscapes. Visitors have plenty of opportunities to immerse themselves in the island's natural beauty with nature reserves and wildlife refuges. The tranquil island is acclaimed for its white sand beaches, it does not offer any large hotels or over-the-top amenities it provides a simple, laid-back atmosphere for a heavy dose of ultimate relaxation in a remarkable setting. 

Things to see and do

Take a stroll around the main town of Dewey, where you will find a few shops, restaurants, and bars that line the main street. Stop into one of the restaurants offering great views and menus offering fresh catches of the day including snapper, swordfish, octopus, and shrimp, and enjoy a tropical cocktail such as the `Partly Cloudy` cocktail made with Puerto Rican rum.

Choose your mode of relaxation; by the pool, or on an idyllic beach, Culebra offers a handful of award-winning beaches and sensational aqua blue waters ideal for paddling, splashing, swimming snorkeling, kayaking, fishing, and paddleboarding.

Culebra’s Flamenco Beach is the most famous beach on the island and is recognized as one of the most beautiful in the world. This stunning strip of sand has absolutely everything you need to adjust to island life, there are food and drinks available from beachside vendors, a long stretch of soft white sand for sunbathing and strolling, and some of the best snorkeling in Culebra. Culebra`s offshore cays boast some of the most vibrant coral reefs in the world teeming with tropical fish and other marine life like the majestic local green sea turtles.

Culebra and the surrounding archipelago offer endless opportunities for days filled with fun! Whether you choose a day trip to one of the spectacular offshore islands such as Cayo Luis Pena or Culebrita, take a snorkeling or scuba diving tour of the vibrant offshore reefs, or do some hiking, you will be sure to have an unforgettable day either on the water or on land.

Visit Isla Culebrita an uninhabited island reached via a water taxi. The island boasts six small idyllic beaches, Playa Tortuga being the most famous layered in diamond dust sand and lapped by tranquil turquoise waters. There are many pristine natural areas to see on the island including the Isla Culebrita Lighthouse which makes for a picture-perfect backdrop, it's one of the oldest lighthouses in the Caribbean.

Go on a vigorous hike from Dewey to Playa Flamenco. This hike spans for about 3 miles, traveling through a trail that stretches through tall grass and cool verdant forests, and eventually leads off to the beach. 

Visit Culebra National Wildlife Refuge, established by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1909, it is one of the oldest refuges in the system protecting large colonies of sea birds. Here you might catch a glimpse of the red-billed tropicbirds, boobies, and terns along with nesting sea turtles. The mangroves within the refuge are a unique habitat for the endangered brown pelican. Wander through the pristine environment and take in the scenic beauty.

Check out a few museums on the island. The former Navel warehouse for the U.S. Navy features several exhibits on the story of the island with information about culture, ecology, and the formation of the island. 

The Culebra Historical Museum was built in 1905 and is dedicated to the presence of the military, the endangered sea turtle species, and Tainos on the island with many ancient artifacts on display including historical maps, photos, and videos.

The Museum Fort Count Mirasol was a military structure built by the Spanish in 1840 at the order of Count Mirasol, the governor of Puerto Rico. The Spanish colonial-style structure was restored in 1991 and houses a beautiful art gallery with a collection of indigenous artifacts along with Spanish weapons and ancient coins.

Beaches

Culebra Island is blessed with bountiful alluring beaches, it is the place for a day filled with sun, sand, and sensational tropical blue seas. It is known for being blessed with some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean, these idyllic stretches of sand offer a unique paradise to sit back and enjoy the breathtaking surroundings. 

Flamenco Beach is at the top of the list, this world-famous, award-winning beach is known for its crescent-moon shape, diamond dust white sand, and turquoise waters, it is the definition of an idyllic beach. Palm trees sway, families with small children play in the wave-less waters, water sports are bountiful, and the backdrop to the beach is the verdant green rolling hills of the interior of the island. Flamenco is filled with sacred beauty and allows visitors the opportunity to pitch a tent and camp at the designated campground just feet away from the waters.  

Tamarind Beach is the destination for snorkeling on Calebra Island, a more secluded beach from the others with a nice private setting. Exploring the underwater life here is amazing with crystal clear waters teeming with diverse marine life such as sea turtles, manta rays, and tropical fish. Tamarind is also an ideal place to capture a beautiful sunset, with opportunities to go horseback riding during sunset along its sands. 

Zoni Beach is an isolated slice of paradise boasting a long stretch of sand on the eastern side of the island. The 2-mile narrow stretch of pure white sand is lapped by the deep blue waters of the Caribbean Sea, it offers a romantic setting or a peaceful getaway to read and absorb the awe-inspiring scenery. This is one of the more remote beaches on the island and from April to June beachgoers might get the opportunity to spot the leatherback turtles that come here to nest. 

Resaca Beach is a sheltered peaceful stretch of sand that requires a challenging hike to reach it. There is a downhill hiking trail that leads to the beach, it requires climbing over rocks and trekking through the forest (some opt to go the easier way; by boat) for about ½ a mile. You will be rewarded by Resaca’s striking beauty, one of the topmost pristine beaches in all of Culebra. The unspoiled beach stretches for a mile.

Cuisine

The cuisine found on Culebra Island consists of authentic Puerto Rican dishes, Caribbean cuisine, Asian cuisine, and plenty of freshly caught fish and seafood. There are several great restaurants found dotted throughout the island, many are located along the beachfront, and many of the guesthouses feature restaurants on site. The menus boast a catch of the day including snapper, swordfish, octopus, and shrimp, and a great selection of tropical cocktails including the `Partly Cloudy` cocktail the bar`s version of a Dark and Stormy. There are several food vendors camped out at Flamenco Beach grilling up delicious beachside snacks like meat on a stick along with cold drinks.

Food is a very important part of Puerto Rico’s culture blending elements of Spanish, African, and native Taino cuisine into delicious dishes full of flavor. Some of the staple dishes to try on the island include mofongo; deep-fried green plantains, and tostones; double deep-fried plantain wheels, and lechon asado; a slow spit-roasted* pork dish with mouthwatering meat and crispy skin which has been declared a Puerto Rican culinary legacy.

Nightlife

The nightlife on Culebra island is pretty laid back, there are beachside bars and restaurants found in the main town of Dewey offering delicious food, drinks, and live music and entertainment. Dewey is the most happening location on the island for bar-hopping along the main strip.

One of the most popular and unique things to do at night is star gazing along the beautiful beaches and taking a trip to Bahia Mosquito on Vieques, the Bioluminescent Bay with the fascinating sights of dinoflagellate, tiny microorganisms that cause the bay to light up bright blue and green which is best seen under a new moon.