Spanning less than twelve square miles, Culebra is a little slice of heaven. This small island, home to fewer than 2,000 full-time residents, sits on Puerto Rico’s eastern coast.
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You might have heard of Culebra mentioned alongside Vieques, another small but gorgeous island framing Puerto Rico. They’re two of the best options for (semi) secret tropical getaways for Americans who don’t have a passport.
As Puerto Rico enjoys a new heyday of interest thanks to the recent Super Bowl halftime performance by local star Bad Bunny, it’s the perfect time to pull the curtain back on Culebra.
Use these tips on how to visit Culebra to make your escape to Puerto Rico a little more adventurous and way more unforgettable.
Why visit Culebra?
There are three reasons you should consider adding a visit to Culebra to your Puerto Rican itinerary.
First, it’s remote, quiet, and peaceful—something that you might not find in spades, depending on where you stay on the main island. (Some even call it an ‘anti-tourist’ destination.)
Second, it’s home to some of the most pristine beaches in the world. Playa Flamenco has been listed as the globe’s top beach more than once.
Lastly, its corals are also a treat for scuba divers and even snorkelers.
In short, if you like to drop off the map, Culebra is one of the most accessible places to do so from the United States. (On the contrary, if you like to stay amid the hustle, Culebra isn’t for you—this is pure ‘lay in the sun’ territory.)
Despite its remote nature and small population, the Puerto Rico Tourism Company still has a small passport book and guide on the island. So, while you’re removed from most of Puerto Rico’s tourism infrastructure, you’ll do just fine. Locals interact with tourists more than in other visitor hubs.
What I like about Culebra is that it’s also a vacation zone for Puerto Ricans. You can rub elbows with locals while they also unwind, giving you a more authentic experience. Another plus is that more of your money will be funneled into Puerto Rican-owned businesses, meaning you’re directly supporting the local economy.
How to visit Culebra: getting there
You can fly to Culebra’s small airport or take a ferry ride to the island. The easiest way is to fly from San Juan International Airport. However, flights can be a bit expensive. If you’ll be traveling around the island before heading to Culebra, you might want to take a ferry from Fajardo.
Fajardo is a town on the eastern coast of Puerto Rico’s mainland. The distance to Culebra is only twenty miles from the coast. However, to take the ferry, you need to drive south of Fajardo to Ceiba. The car ferry leaves from there and takes about two hours to arrive in Culebra.
That brings me to my next point. Some people bring a car rental on the ferry so they can explore Culebra more thoroughly. Just know that some stretches are rugged, meaning you might want an off-road-ready rental. Otherwise, you can rent a car directly on Culebra or take advantage of the public transportation shuttles and taxis.
How to visit Culebra: don’t miss these experiences & sights
The main vacation fare in Culebra is its stunning beaches and their vibrant corals. Again, you can scuba on an official tour or just take it easy snorkeling. Aside from beach days, expect plenty of lazy beach town vibes, from little artisanal bazaars to shabby bars by the docks.
These are the top beaches in Culebra:
- Flamenco Beach
- Tamarindo Beach
- Zoni Beach
- Resaca Beach
- Melones Beach
Here’s where to stay:
Dewey is the island’s main hub, which you can reach just a short walk from the ferry terminal. It’s convenient for its restaurants, shops, and guesthouse options.
Playa Sardines II is a more remote area that’s home to the island’s only boutique hotel, which I recommend staying at: Club Seabourne Hotel.
