The Ultimate Culebra Travel Guide!
Puerto Rico’s little gem off the east coast with some of the world’s most stunning beaches and a fun relaxed pace. Are you looking for beautiful, idyllic beaches, yet laid back, sans designer store, and barely touched Caribbean? Good, this is the place for you.
The lay of the land:
Dewey is the main town on the island. This is where your concentration of shops, hotels, restaurants, bars and the ferry terminal are located. It’s fairly small, no need to worry about getting yourself too lost here.
The airport is located just slightly north from Dewey.
Flamenco Beach is probably Culebra’s biggest tourist draw. It’s located on the north shore of the island.
Zoni Beach is another popular stop, located on the east coast.
Money Matters:
Easy for US citizens seeing that Culebra along with its bigger sibling Vieques, are a part of Puerto Rico thus technically making it a territory of the USA. Where I’m going with this is that they use the US dollar.
There is one ATM on the Island at the Banco Popular in Dewey, near where the ferries dock. Yes, Culebra is just small enough that you can give directions this vague! Otherwise just stock up on cash before leaving Puerto Rico. Cash is still the favored form of payment here.
Several grocers, shops and restaurants around Dewey accept Visa and Mastercard.
Costs:
The lines are blurred here, you can spend a lot and live a little more luxuriously or you can kick around on the backpacker budget (not quite as dirt cheap as you’ll find in SE Asia or Central America). Considering that this is the Caribbean and the natural beauty of some of the beaches Culebra really is a bargain for what you get. From tent camping to lovely villas, walk or cycle the island or rent a golf cart…. you have plenty of options here that will fit most any budget.
Accommodation:
You have a plethora of options here considering just how small the island is.
Your cheapest bet will be camping on Flamenco Beach. Camp slots are $20 per night with up to 6 people allowed to stay at each site. There are restrooms available albeit online reports say they’re pretty dismal. If you don’t have your own camping gear don’t sweat it, gear can be rented nearby. As well as there being a few food kiosks just in a little ways from the beach (trust me, you can’t miss them). Want more info on camping in Culebra? Check out this website.
There is one hostel on the island that will run you $32.50 on up per night and is located in Dewey. Check out the Culebra International Hostel and make bookings here.
There are several midrange priced guesthouses and hotels scattered around Dewey. Expect to pay around $90 per night.
The other great option here is AirBnB. There are several AirBnB rentals on the island (this is actually what did). If you want to receive $20 off your first AirBnB booking Click Here!
Food & Alcohol:
There are several small shops and grocery stores around the island where food and alcohol can be purchased if you’re trying to save. Expect similar prices to what you pay in Puerto Rico.
There are also several restaurants and bars around the island. Expect to find dishes priced between $3 on up to $25 or more. There are prices to fit most budgets around here. Your cheaper options can be found at Zaco’s Tacos, El Panino and Tiki Grill. Personally I think my favorite dish I sat down to in Culebra was at the Krusty Krab, the grouper there is perfect.
Tipping:
Expected just like anywhere else in the USA. 15% is the norm.
Transportation:
Walking is always free! Another option on the cheap is bicycle rental. start by checking out Pedal Power where bicycles can be rented for $20/day or $120/week. Another option is the Kayaking Puerto Rico office.
Just slightly more expensive (and the most fun) is renting a golf cart from either Carlos Jeep Rental or Jerry’s Jeep Rental. A golf cart will run you about $30/day. You can’t beat having the wind whip through your hair.
The most expensive option is renting a full on jeep from either aforementioned rental. Expect to pay $50+/day.
Public transit doesn’t really exist here. the Publicos around the island operate as taxis, expect to pay $3-5 depending on the length of journey.
Activities:
Activities probably aren’t going to bleed you dry here. The beauty of Culebra is that there isn’t much to do other than relax. You’ll probably spend your time lazing around one beach and making your way to another. However a handful of tour operators can take you on excursions around the island.
What To See & Do:
Beaches, beaches and more beaches. Of course catching a nice sunset, snorkeling among some pretty pristine corals and kicking back are going to be the most popular.
Flamenco Beach:
Regularly ranked as one of the top 10 beaches in the world. A long strip of sugary white sand with neon turquoise crystal clear waters. A main draw is checking out the tank on Flamenco Beach. It’s been covered in colorful graffiti and is a must see if you end up out here. The US navy used to use Culebra as a bombing and gunnery practice site and were eventually chased out, and this a remnant. There is also another tank hidden back in the trees off the beach as well. Camping can be had here. This is the most popular beach on the island for obvious reasons, but it won’t feel crowded.
Playa Zoni:
A nice, normally fairly quiet beach on the eastern side of the island. On a clear day you can see clear over to St. Thomas. But don’t worry if you don’t have perfectly clear skies, you’ll still be able to take in views of nearby Cayo Norte and Isla Culebrita.
Isla Culebrita:
Can be reached by renting a private boat (will run you about $150-200). If you think the beaches back in Culebra are quiet, these are barely touched. You may have it to yourself.
Playa Tamarindo & Playa Melones:
Both on the west coast, nearly right next to each other and usually pretty calm. Perfectly situated for a great sunset. Bring your bugspray, the sand fleas come out in full force at dusk.
Dewey:
Parallel park your golf cart on one of the roads and walk around Culebra’s compact little town. A number of shops, restaurants and bars are all located along the main streets here.
Snorkeling/Diving:
Stroll into a dive shop in Dewey and you can set up a trip. Or if you have your own snorkel gear you can venture out. Plenty of good places to snorkel- check out that map at the beginning of post for dive sites.
Stargazing:
Culebra is super safe, even at night. Head down to any of the beaches and listen to the waves crash ashore and gaze up at the night sky. Flamenco is a great option for a night time visit. You’ll probably even run into some families out camping and some fisherman. Light pollution isn’t too bad there.
Short on time?
If you only have a day to spare, want to see Culebra and aren’t bothered by shelling out some dollars a great option for you is to take a catamaran day trip from Fajardo. These types of tours will set you back about $120 For a visit to Flamenco as well as other beaches on the island, snorkeling and a lunch. Start shopping tours here.
Getting in & Out:
Culebra is officially part to the US territory of Puerto Rico. You will most likely be coming from Puerto Rico and will need a passport if you are not a US citizen. US citizens only need a driver’s license/state ID card.
By ferry:
The cheapest option. Tickets can be purchased at the ferry terminal office in Fajardo for about $2.25 one way or $4.50 roundtrip. The ferry operates as listed:
Fajardo-Culebra:
- Monday – Friday 6:00am – 1:00pm, 5:00pm.
- Saturday, Sunday & Holidays – 6:30am, 1:00pm, 5:00pm.
Culebra-Fajardo:
- Monday – Sunday 9:00am, 3:00am, 7:00pm
The only drawback to taking the ferry is that it can fill up, there are recommendations to be there several hours before the ferry leaves in order to get a ticket. Making the biggest issue that there is no guarantee you’ll make it on as residents of Culebra and Puerto Rico have priority over tourists. The other complaint seen online is that the sea can get fairly rough through here, so sea sickness may be a concern. Still a great option for budget travelers and for people with a flexible schedule.
A website exists claiming that they can book your ferry tickets online. I personally do not know if this is possible or if this is legitimate. Anyone who has used it, please e-mail me and let me know!
By plane:
More expensive but more efficient and predictable. Air Flamenco & Vieques Air Link offer connections to Culebra from both Isla Grande Airport and Ceiba Airport. Ceiba is the cheapest option as it is lies on Puerto Rico’s east coast. The flight lasts about 15-20 minutes and will set you back $88 roundtrip. Expect to pay a little more from Isla Grande.
Visas:
Culebra is a part of Puerto Rico and is a US territory. Check out the US govt website to find out if or what sort of visa you may need to visit.
Cuisine:
Puerto Rican, American and Seafood can be found around Dewey.
Communication:
English and Spanish are the most widely spoken here.
Safety:
Culebra is a pretty safe place. Just use usual precautions and you can avoid most unfavorable situations.
Health Concerns:
Mosquitos and roosters are about the only two nuisances around the island. Mosquitos can carry Dengue out on Culebra. Make sure to bring bug spray. Zika is present in Puerto Rico in general as well. Roosters mostly will wake you crowing at the morning sun, but sometimes they can be a little aggressive and steal find right off your plate at a restaurant. You will never so much in your life see a chicken cross the road as much as you will in Culebra.
Internet & Phone:
Most US carriers will work and coverage falls under your US plan. Wifi is available at most hotels.
Ready to start planning your Culebra holiday?
Have updates or corrections? E-mail me at adventuresoflilnicki@gmail.com!
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