Puerto Rico is known for many things. It’s home to the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System. It’s one of the oldest colonies in the world and it features about 300 miles of pristine coastline for a delightful Caribbean trip under the sun. But, one interesting thing about the U.S. territory that many might not know is that Puerto Rico is actually comprised of far more than one island. In addition to the mainland, the archipelago actually features 143 smaller islands, one of which is the treasured gem of the Isla Culebra.
A bucket-list adventure like no other, Culebra Island is definitely worth visiting. Nestled off the east coast of the mainland, the small island offers tourists the chance to swim with sea turtles in pristine waters and be one with nature. Without a doubt, it’s the perfect island getaway for any relaxing vacation.
Top Things To Do In Isla Culebra
From its pristine beaches to its incredible wildlife refuge, here’s everything to know about exploring Culebra Island.
1 Relax On The Beach
Waves crashing on Culebra Island in Puerto Rico
One of the more obvious things to do in Puerto Rico, especially on Culebra Island, is to visit the numerous beautiful beaches. From catching the sunset at Melones Beach to marveling at nature at Luis Pena Beach, the options are endless.
Just be sure to lather on the sunscreen and stay hydrated for a long day spent under the Puerto Rican sun.
2 Visit Flamenco Beach
A graffiti-covered tank under a breathtaking purple sky in Flamenco Beach.
When it comes to beaches on Culebra Island, there’s one in particular that’s deserving of its own shout-out: the world-famous Playa Flamenco. Nestled on the island’s north shore, there’s much to see and explore on this little slice of heaven, including the iconic graffiti-covered tanks.
The parking fee is $5. There’s also an additional $2 fee in order to use the beach’s amenities, including the bathrooms, rental chairs, and umbrellas.
3 Go On A Snorkeling Tour
Cayo Luis Pena across the calm, turquoise waters off the coast of Isla Culebra, Puerto Rico
Another beach must-see is Playa Tamarindo. For an incredible underwater experience, take a dive into the beach’s waters with Beach Snorkel Culebra. The tour agency offers an exhilarating experience immersed in the ocean, from swimming with sea turtles to exploring the coral reefs.
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Address:
Playa Tamarindo Culebra 0884, Culebra, 00775, Puerto Rico -
Visit the website
for rates and availability.
4 Go Kayaking
An incredible aerial shot of the Puerto Rican shoreline
Another way to experience Puerto Rico’s shimmering waves is to cruise along them via a kayak. Kayaking Puerto Rico is one tour agency where tourists can access kayaking rentals for a thrilling time out on the ocean blue.
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Address:
Tamarindo Beach, Culebra, 00775, Puerto Rico -
Visit the website
for rates and availability.
5 Visit The Culebra History Museum
A tank being lapped in the waves on the shore of Culebra
Not into snorkeling? Take a deep dive into Puerto Rico’s history instead at the Museo Histórico de Culebra. The history museum is located in the old weapons warehouse, called El Polvorín.
It serves as a great reminder of when the island served as the U.S. Navy’s military training camp, hence the old war tanks, which were used for bombing practice, situated on Flamenco Beach.
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Address:
8P68+5P4, Fraile, Culebra 00775, Puerto Rico -
Hours:
Open Fridays through Sundays from 10 am to 3 pm -
Cost:
Admission is free; however, donations are encouraged
6 Hit The Open Waters On A Jet Ski
Jet ski hitting the open waters off the shoreline
For a rip-roaring time, visit Culebra Jet Ski Tours, located in the southwest portion of the island. Embark on a two-hour tour on the waters via a jet ski at your own speed or on a boat. While out in the ocean, swim among the various marine life, from sea turtles to coral reefs. This experience is sure not to be easily forgotten.
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Address:
BOX 946, Culebra, 00775, Puerto Rico
According to the jet ski tour agency, it is located on Route 520 between the airport and the ecological school right across the street from the daycare playground’s parking lot.
7 Set Sail To Culebrita
Culebrita, Puerto Rico to the southeast of Culebra Island
A trip to Isla Culebra wouldn’t be complete without a stop at its little island sister, Isla Culebrita. Nestled off of Culebra’s southeast coast, the tiny cay may be small but still offers a mighty list of exciting experiences.
Namely, the Culebra National Wildlife Refuge can be accessed on the island as well as a historic lighthouse.
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Address:
8Q8C+77G, Fraile, Culebra, Puerto Rico
8 See The Culebrita Lighthouse
A marvelous view of Flamenco Beach in Puerto Rico
Don’t pack up and leave the little island just yet. Be sure to visit the historic gem of Culebrita Lighthouse, one of the cay’s best-kept treasures. One of the last remaining structures in the archipelago left over from the Spanish era, construction on the Caribbean lighthouse was completed back in 1886.
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Address:
8Q7F+C2Q, Fraile, Culebra 00775, Puerto Rico
Although the landmark stands derelict now, the scenic trails surrounding it afford visitors exceptional panoramic views of the surrounding scenery.
9 Hike To Resaca Beach
A sandy beach lapped with the green waters in Puerto Rico
Located on the northern tip of the island, Playa Resaca is well worth the challenging hike it takes to get to it. Hike downhill about half a mile to get to the picturesque shoreline.
And, although the beach is not a swimming beach, it still affords visitors the opportunity to wander in nature and sunbathe on the warm sands.
10 Culebra National Wildlife Refuge
An incredible aerial shot of Flamenco Beach on the Isla Culebra
Another terrific option in terms of hiking, this protected area was founded in 1909 and serves as the home to lush dry forests and mangroves as well as hidden lagoons and spectacular beaches. Planning a visit? Check out the website for a complete list of the many species residing on the property.
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Address:
8PF6+GGP, Culebra, 00775, Puerto Rico
Visitors are currently only able to explore the wildlife refuge in Cayo Luis Peña and Culebrita.
11 Best Time To Visit
An exquisite pink and purple sky at sunset in Culebra
Tropical weather is the dream. For an enjoyable vacation to Isla Culebra, consider visiting Puerto Rico in the mid-fall to early spring. The months ranging from November to March typically offer tourists warmer temperatures and the ability to avoid the rainy monsoon season, which usually lasts from the spring to the fall.
12 Best Ways To Get Around
A view through the trees on a beach in Puerto Rico to the endless waters beyond
Fun fact: Isla Culebra is only about 10 square miles. Meaning, navigating the island without a car is completely possible. Opt for a bicycle, scooter, or golf cart rental to zip around in.
There is also a wide range of rental car agencies, especially near the Benjamín Rivera Noriega Airport, which is located in the southwest portion of the island.
13 Where To Eat
Dining out in Culebra offers travelers dishes from not just Puerto Rico, but other places around the globe.
Breakfast
Culebra Coffee
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Address:
2 Cll Pedro Marquez, Culebra, 00775, Puerto Rico -
Cuisine:
Healthy breakfast fare
Blac Flamingo Coffee
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Address:
10 Cll Jesus M Ortiz, Culebra, 00775, Puerto Rico -
Cuisine:
Breakfast staples
Lunch
Treasure Bay Restaurant
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Address:
Apartado 766, Culebra, 00775, Puerto Rico -
Cuisine:
Local fare
Dinghy Dock Restaurant
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Address:
372 Calle Fulladoza, Culebra, 00775, Puerto Rico -
Cuisine:
Caribbean fare
Dinner
Harspoon’s
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Address:
99 Bariada Clark solar 40, Cll Luis Muñoz Marin, Culebra, 00775, Puerto Rico -
Cuisine:
Caribbean cuisine
La Cocina Del Navegante
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Address:
33 Cll Pedro Marquez, Culebra, 00775, Puerto Rico -
Cuisine:
Puerto Rican fare
Drinks
La Lobina
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Address:
8M2X+WG4, Cll Pedro Marquez, Culebra, 00775, Puerto Rico
Dinghy Dock Restaurant
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Address:
372 Calle Fulladoza, Culebra, 00775, Puerto Rico
14 Where To Stay
A small pool amid lush greenery in Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico has every type of hotel to suit every traveler and their budget.
Budget-Friendly Hotels
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Address:
Cll. Juaquin Parrilla #68, Culebra 00775 -
Amenities:
Free parking
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Address:
128 Manuel Vasquez Street, Barrio Flamenco, Culebra 00775
Mid-Tier Hotels
Island Charm Culebra Studios & Suite
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Address:
Calle 1 Lot C-7 Barrio La Romana Attn: Box 667, Culebra 775 -
Amenities:
Free parking and snorkeling
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Address:
Pedro Marquez Street 254, Culebra 00775 -
Amenities:
Free parking
Upscale Hotels
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Address:
State Road #252, Playa Sardinas Ii Ward, Culebra 00775 -
Amenities:
Outdoor pool, free airport shuttle, free parking, free shuttle service, bar/lounge
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Address:
Barrio Fraile, Sector Punta Canero Costa Bonita, Culebra 00775 -
Amenities:
Beachfront, coffee shop, child pool, free valet parking, room service
15 Tips To Know When Visiting
The lapping waves off the coast of Puerto Rico.
There are a plethora of budget-friendly hotels in Puerto Rico, and Isla Culebra is no different. In fact, that’s pretty much all that will be found on this largely undeveloped island. For those desiring a more lavish vacation, a stay on the mainland is the best bet as there are few opportunities to head to Culebra Island for a day trip — namely, by plane or by boat.
For those that opt for this option, it’s a good point to book travel arrangements ahead of time as they tend to book up quickly, especially in the peak season.
Although this destination will make tourists feel like they’re in a different country, since Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, U.S. citizens don’t have to present a passport in order to enter.
16 How To Spend The Perfect Day In Isla Culebra
The peaceful waters of Puerto Rico.
A day spent on Isla Culebra could easily be filled with beach and water outings, from jet skis and kayaks to boats and snorkeling. Some key places to visit during a brief 24 hours on the island are Flamenco Beach and Tamarindo Beach. The former is arguably the island’s crown jewel and is a truly Instagrammable spot for those looking to catch the sun’s rays.
After a morning (and possibly afternoon) spent sunbathing and tackling the waves, explore the history of the island with a tour of the history museum. Then, if time permits, consider exploring the charming cay of Culebrita. Not only does it afford visitors the opportunity to trek through the wildlife refuge, but it also features the old lighthouse, plus some pretty amazing beaches.
For a helpful food itinerary, breakfast at Blac Flamingo Coffee is top of the list. Located near the island’s airport, the quaint little coffee shop is the perfect morning stop for fuel to power through the day. A great lunch option is the iconic Dinghy Dock Restaurant. Just don’t be alarmed if it’s busy as this is a popular lunch, dinner, and drinks spot on the island.
Situated right across the waters is also Zaco’s Tacos for those looking to tuck into some Mexican fare. And for a scrumptious dinner after a long day spent beachside, Harspoon’s, which is located nearby Blac Flamingo Coffee, has rave reviews. It serves everything from American classics to seafood and local fare.
FAQ
Q: Is Isla Culebra worth visiting?
Culebra Island is definitely worth visiting and offers tourists a number of outdoor and water adventures.
Q: What is Isla Culebra known for?
One of the best things to do in Puerto Rico, Culebra Island is famed for its Flamenco Beach and beautiful cays.
Q: Is Isla Culebra expensive?
The island is quite affordable and there are a number of budget-friendly hotels available for those looking to book an inexpensive trip.
