17 Best Things to Do in Culebra Puerto Rico [2024]
LOOKING FOR THINGS TO DO IN CULEBRA PUERTO RICO?
You’ve come to the right place! We enjoyed a wonderful trip to Puerto Rico and were so glad we had the chance to explore Culebra Island. Located just off the east coast of Puerto Rico, Culebra Island is full of some of the world’s most stunning beaches with a laid-back atmosphere.
Visiting Culebra was one of our favorite parts of our trip to Puerto Rico. On our next trip, we are planning on camping at Flamenco Beach, so we have a little more time to enjoy the beautiful island, delicious food, and enjoyable atmosphere.
Until then, we’re happy to share with you some of our favorite things to do in Culebra, Puerto Rico, as well as some tips to help make your adventure top-notch! Taking some time to explore Culebra will be well worth your time, we promise!
Things to Do in Culebra Puerto Rico
Culebra Island is best known for its unspoiled beaches and while you should plan on spending lots of time at the beach, there are other fun things to do and places to explore on the island of Culebra. It is a quiet island with lots of activities to enjoy in nature.
1. Flamenco Beach
The easiest and most famous place to recommend is Flamenco Beach. It is consistently ranked as one of the most beautiful top beaches in the world, and within a few footsteps on the beach, you will see why. One of the island’s main attractions it’s a horseshoe-shaped beach surrounded by green rolling hills and beautiful blue water.
Because of the limited access to Culebra, Puerto Rico, the beach was not very busy while we were there. The waves were the perfect size to let Rowen and Raven swim in the turquoise water. Snorkeling is also a popular activity on the beach. A visit to this beach is definitely one of the best things to do in Culebra Island, Puerto Rico with kids.
There are bathrooms at the beach and some small changing rooms. Toilet paper was not always stocked in the bathroom, so it would be a good idea to bring some of your own. We love taking these compact travel toilet paper rolls.
Just outside the beach gates, there is usually a truck renting chairs, umbrellas, and snorkel gear. There is also a small food court with picnic benches just inside the beach gates.
In addition to playing on the beach, be sure to check out the military tanks. They are found on the west end of the beach and in the brush behind the beach.
2. Luis Peña Nature Reserve – Tamarindo & Carlos Rosario Beaches
Luis Peña Nature Reserve is a nature reserve that protects the coral reefs, seagrass beds, and the mangrove forest in the area. The reserve includes both Tamarindo and Carlos Rosario beaches and is a popular place for scuba diving.
Tamarindo Beach
The main highlight of Tamarindo Beach is snorkeling. There are parts of white sand beaches here, but it is mixed with pebbles and pieces of coral, making it not quite as soft and nice as Playa Flamenco.
The beach is about a mile long and has beautiful ocean views. The water is pretty shallow for about five feet out but then drops off.
The water is very calm, which makes it a great place for kayaking. This is the most popular place to see sea turtles in Culebra. It is a safe haven for the turtles, so remember to keep your distance! Manta rays and other species of fish are often spotted here too.
The coral reefs are beautiful and a sight to see for sure! Kayaking and looking for wildlife through Luis Peña Marine Reserve is one of the most fun things to do in Culebra, Puerto Rico.
Keep in mind there are no rentals and facilities at Tamarindo Beach. You will need to bring your own food and snorkel gear. There are lots of parking spots available.
Carlos Rosario Beach
Carlos Rosario Beach is often considered the best place to go snorkeling in Puerto Rico. It’s usually pretty quiet and makes for a peaceful beach experience. That said, be prepared for some rocks and other ocean debris on the beach. It’s not our favorite beach, but the exceptional snorkeling makes up for it.
There is a beautiful reef that circles the entire cove. There is usually good snorkeling out by the boat buoys on the left. Be on the lookout for the sign showing the snorkeling areas. Expect to see lots of live corals and Caribbean marine life. If you’re lucky, you might see a turtle or stingray.
If you’re up for a trek, you can walk from Flamenco Beach to Carlos Rosario Beach. The route is about a mile up a hill and then back down to get to the beach. If you’d rather travel by water, you can kayak there or catch a ride on a water taxi.
3. Zoni Beach
Zoni Beach is located on the eastern side of the island and is considered the second most popular beach on Culebra Island. It is a beautiful beach with amazing shades of blue. If you’re looking to avoid potential crowds at the famous Flamenco Beach, this is a great option.
The best time to visit the beach is at low tide. The water is calmest from spring until early fall. There are no facilities here, so make sure to bring your own food, sunscreen, and snorkeling equipment. There are some rocky parts at the beach and in the water, so make sure to bring some good shoes.
4. Explore Culebra National Wildlife Refuge
The Culebra National Wildlife Refuge is about 1,480 acres and 23 islands! The refuge makes up more than 20% of the island of Culebra. If you decide to visit the refuge you can anticipate some amazing hiking, birdwatching, and quiet beaches. This is one of the best places to go in Culebra!
The refuge is also an important habitat for the endangered sea turtles as well as a variety of different seabirds. It is home to more than 50,000 birds, and your family will love spotting new ones throughout your adventure in the refuge!
5. Visit Culebrita Island
Culebrita Island is one of the smaller islands off the coast of Culebra and is home to Playa Tortuga. It is a small, uninhabited island with no public transportation going to it. To get there, you will either need to charter a boat or join a local tour.
The boat ride over is about 25 minutes, and you may just have the place to yourself. This is one of our favorite Culebra activities!
The beach on Isla Culebrita is similar to Flamenco Beach but much more secluded. You can spend the day snorkeling, lying on the beach, and exploring the island. A unique point of interest on the island is the ruins of the old Culebrita lighthouse.
The tour also includes the use of snorkeling equipment, beach chairs, and umbrellas. This tour does leave from Culebra so you will need to make sure you have plans to already be on the island by the time the tour leaves.
▶️ BOOK Culebrita Boat Day Trip
6. Go Kayaking or Paddleboarding
Kayaking and paddleboarding can be some of the most serene or playful ways to enjoy time on the water in Culebra. The calm waters of Tamarindo Beach make it an amazing place for both activities.
Remember, there are no rentals available at Playa Tamarindo, but there are some available at different locations around the island.
7. Go Snorkeling
The island of Culebra has some of the best snorkeling in Puerto Rico. One of the best places to go snorkeling here is Flamenco Beach. You can easily get to the first reef from the shore. There are usually quite a few people snorkeling on days with calm waters.
Another popular place to snorkel at Flamenco Beach is Shark Cages. You can find the reef here on the right of the beach, where the rocks start. If you don’t have your own snorkel gear, you can rent it at Flamenco Beach.
If you want to snorkel a little off the beaten path on Culebra, Tamarindo Beach is also a great place to visit. There are calm waters here and a wide range of sea life. It is very common to see turtles and stingrays there, as well as a bunch of different kinds of Caribbean fish.
The beach at Carlos Rosario is a secluded yet beautiful place to snorkel on Culebra Island. It is part of the Culebra Nature Reserve, which helps protect underwater life. There is a trail from the parking area that goes down to the beach.
Melones Beach is another excellent location for snorkeling if the other Culebra beaches don’t fit what you’re looking for.
If you’d rather snorkel in a guided experience, there are some amazing tours offered on Culebra. Culebra Island Snorkel with Turtles Adventure would make for an amazing family memory during your Puerto Rico family vacation.
▶️ BOOK Culebra Island Snorkel with Turtles Adventure
8. Go Boating
One of the best ways to experience Culebra is on a boat. Many catamaran and other tours like All Day Beach & Fun Experience by Catamaran are ready to whisk your family around the beautiful island.
This type of experience allows you to capture some of the island’s best highlights while some also offer additional fun, like snorkeling, paddleboarding, or kayaking, too!
▶️ BOOK All Day Beach & Fun Experience by Catamaran
9. Go Hiking
Though Culebra is known for some of the best beaches, so much beauty and splendor can be enjoyed on the land as well. For those not looking for anything too strenuous, there’s a simple loop around Flamenco Lagoon that offers excellent views of the area.
As we mentioned before, the hike from Flamenco Beach to Carlos Rosario Beach is the best way to break a bit of a sweat before enjoying the joys of the beach. And don’t forget, some of the most lush and rewarding hiking on the island can be explored at Culebra National Wildlife Refuge.
10. Go Fishing
Even anglers will be happy in Culebra! Fishing charters are popular here, so if you’re interested in sinking a line during your vacation there definitely are resources to do so.
The island’s shallow bays have made it a popular destination for fly fishing, especially during the winter months. Bonefish can be challenging to snag, but you might be lucky!
Deep sea fishing for barracuda, tuna, and sailfish is one of the great things to do in Puerto Rico Culebra. Even spearfishing is okay in Culebra, so that makes for an adventure in and of itself! Best of all, fishing licenses are not required, so check that one off your list!
11. Explore the Island on a Bike
If you’re looking to get around the island in a fun and healthy way, consider renting bikes during your visit. Biking is one of the most fun things to do in Isla Culebra, Puerto Rico, because it’s such a free and easy way to make your way from place to place and allows you to enjoy the weather and landscape up close.
There are a few places you can rent bicycles from on the island at a reasonable rate.
12. Visit the Culebra Museum of History
If you’re interested in learning more about the history, culture, and ecology of Culebra, a visit to the Museo Historico de Culebra (Culebra Museum of History) is well worth your time. The small museum has exhibits that focus on the island’s unique history, covering the indigenous Taino residents and the military occupation.
It is a free museum, but donations are always welcome.
13. Take a Tour 
Joining a tour is a great way to visit Culebra. You get the benefit of letting someone else do the planning, and you get to sit back and relax. Plus, I also love all of the knowledge and experience guides share during the tours. We always learn so many cool and interesting facts.
If you are interested in joining a tour, there are tours leaving from San Juan or Fajardo on the main island of Puerto Rico, or you could meet up with a tour group when you are already on the island of Culebra.
Culebra Tour Leaving from San Juan
This tour includes pickup and drop-off in the San Juan area of mainland Puerto Rico, which is very convenient if you don’t have a rental car. After pickup, you will take a private boat over to Culebra.
A great choice for beach lovers, you get to visit two of the most popular beaches, and the use of snorkel equipment and instructions are included. Plus, lunch is included!
▶️ BOOK Culebra and Flamenco Beach Snorkel Tour from San Juan
Culebra Tour Leaving from Fajardo
If you have your own transportation or are going to be on the east side of the main island, you can book a tour leaving from Fajardo. Fajardo is about an hour east of San Juan.
This tour focuses on the great snorkeling spots around Culebra. You will get to visit two different spots on Culebra.
Lunch is included, as well as some alcoholic beverages. Snorkeling equipment, as well as transportation to Culebra, is included in the tour.
▶️ BOOK All-Inclusive Culebra Snorkeling Trip from Fajardo Tour
Things to Do in Culebra Puerto Rico at Night
Culebra, Puerto Rico, is a small town, so there’s much of a nightlife scene aside from a few bars that stay open a little late. If you’re looking for the best things to do in Culebra PR at night, check out these fun spots.
14. Dance the Evening Away at Dinghy Dock
Dinghy Dock is a Culebra favorite for a good time. It’s a wonderful open-air beach bar to devour some tasty seafood, enjoy a beer, and the bay views, all while live music fills the air.
We weren’t able to visit in the evening, but we did enjoy lunch at Dinghy Dock. In the clear water, there are giant tarpons that often eat diners’ leftovers. Rowen and Raven loved watching them swim while eating their lunch.
15. Let the Evening Slip by at Mamacita’s Restaurant and Bar
Mamacita’s is a no-frills eatery where the atmosphere is casual. The food isn’t anything to write home about, but it can be a fun, lively spot to hang out in the evenings in Culebra.
16. Grab a Drink at The Spot
The Spot is a hot spot for locals and tourists alike. A small island bar, their drinks and fun company are known to be amazing, but there isn’t much seating inside.
Don’t be surprised if you stop by and see everyone hanging out on the street and the steps leading into the bar.
17. Make Friends with the Locals at El Batey
If you’re looking for a fun sports bar atmosphere with a local flair, check out El Batey! They have flat-screen TVs to watch if there’s a big game you want to check out. Or you can jump into a game of pool yourself or take it to the dance floor!
How to Get to Culebra Puerto Rico
Working out the logistics of getting to and from the island can be a little tricky, depending on your travel plans. If you take some time to do your research and plan, you won’t run into many difficulties.
You can get to Culebra, Puerto Rico, by either airplane or boat. The major deciding factor in this is cost.
The easiest and fastest way of traveling to Culebra Puerto Rico, from San Juan is to fly. There are flights leaving out of the airport in San Juan. It is a very short flight with stunning views of Puerto Rico and Culebra Island.
The Culebra ferry is a much cheaper option but doesn’t have a convenient San Juan departure. You would need to make your way to Fajardo, which is about an hour east of San Juan, to take the ferry.
The last option is to join a tour that is going to Culebra. What is very nice and convenient about many of the tours is a lot of them offer pickup and drop-off from the Old San Juan area. If you don’t want to rent a car or aren’t comfortable driving, this is a great solution.
Culebra by Ferry
There are two different types of ferry options when traveling on the Culebra Puerto Rico ferry from Fajardo. The first is the passenger ferry. The ride takes 45 minutes, and the boat travels fast. The second is the cargo ferry, which moves slower and takes about 90 minutes.
The waters along the boat ride can be rough, so if you or anyone in your family struggles with motion sickness, it is a good idea to bring some Dramamine. We would also recommend the slower ride for any family prone to motion sickness. We did not have any problem with motion sickness on the cargo ferry.
A ferry ticket to Culebra is $4.50 per person for a round-trip. It’s a great price, but the savings comes with some trade-offs. If you are planning to purchase tickets at the ferry terminal you should arrive no later than 90 minutes before the departure time for the best chance to be able to get tickets.
We got there about an hour early on a weekend. We were able to get tickets for our desired departure time, but the return time was full, so we ended up leaving the island later than we originally planned. Make sure you purchase a round-trip ticket to ensure you have a way to get back to the main island.
If you decide to take the ferry, just know that you will need to be flexible with your schedule and overall travel plans.
Culebra by Air
Flights to Culebra from San Juan are usually around $40 each way. You will save a lot of time going by airplane. The flight time is about 10 minutes. You can buy tickets through Air Flamenco or Vieques Air Link. It is a good idea to buy tickets ahead of time as each plane only has ten seats available.
If you are on more of a budget but still want to fly, you can fly out of Fajardo. This will require you to get to Fajardo, which, again, is about an hour east of San Juan. So, there is a time commitment associated with this choice.
You can rent a car to drive over to Fajardo or hire a taxi to take you over.
Where to Eat in Culebra Puerto Rico
In addition to Dinghy Dock, we also ate at the Krusty Krab. It’s another seafood restaurant, but it’s well worth a stop in.
It has a casual flair to it, as the menu is written on a chalkboard and is always changing. If the fish tacos are on the menu, order them! They were delicious and came in a very large serving size. Keep in mind this is a cash-only restaurant, so be prepared.
Other popular spots to eat around town include Zaco’s Tacos and Tiki’s Grill!
Where to Stay in Culebra Puerto Rico
There are not any large resorts or hotels in Culebra, Puerto Rico, but there are a handful of small hotels and private rentals. If you are interested in a private rental or hotel, Cozycozy is a great resource for finding a place to stay on Culebra. On the site, you can compare a wide range of bookable Airbnb, apartment, hotel, and bed and breakfast offers.
⭐️ Rating 8.8/10 | 📍Location: 254 Calle Pedro Marquez in Culebra | 🏩 View on Expedia.com
A great hotel option in the heart of Culebra is El Navegante de Culebra. It is two miles from Flamenco Beach. There is an onsite restaurant and bar. Plus, each room comes with air conditioning and WiFi.
They offer a variety of modern rooms ranging from standard queen bedrooms to standard triple rooms, which have a twin bed and full bed. It is also close to restaurants and is a quiet area.
▶️ Check Rates & Availability at El Navegante de Culebra
Club Seabourne Hotel
⭐️ Rating 9/10 | 📍Location: State Road #252, Playa Sardinas II Ward in Culebra | 🏩View on Expedia.com
If you’re looking for a place outside the city, Club Seabourne Hotel is another great option. It is two miles from the town center and four miles from Flamenco Beach. There’s also an outdoor pool and hammock; it’s a perfect place for relaxing in the beautiful Culebra weather.
▶️ Check Rates & Availability at Club Seabourne Hotel
Camping on Culebra Island
If you want to save money on accommodations or spend more time outdoors, you can bring your RV and stay at many of the great nearby RV parks and campgrounds. If that’s the case, we recommend checking out The Dyrt, the #1 camping app. The Dyrt Pro has so many great resources to make planning your trip so easy:
- Take advantage of PRO Membership discounts to save up to 40% on campground costs
- Plan camping road trips with the Trip Planner
- Find free dispersed camping locations
- Use the Dyrt app anywhere with offline access
We have arranged with The Dyrt to give the CS Ginger viewers a FREE 30-day Trial using the code “csginger.” Normally, the trial is 7 days!
30-Day Free TrialTips For Visiting Culebra Puerto Rico
Transportation on Culebra Island
Public transportation does not really exist on the island. Taxis operate throughout the little island and charge $3-5 depending on the length of the ride.
If you are just looking to see Flamenco Beach, there are shuttles that will take you from the ferry terminal to the beach. The shuttle prices are about $5.00 per person per way. Depending on how many people you have and how you want to spend your time on the island, this is a simple option.
We rented a Jeep for about $45 from Carlos Jeep Rental. In addition to car rentals, they have golf carts available. The golf cart rental costs less money, but if you have a car-seat-aged child, you are not able to rent the golf carts. It is nice to have air conditioning in the jeep.
There is a shuttle that will take you from the ferry terminal to Carlos Jeep Rental. It isn’t bad on foot either if you want to spend some time on a short walk wandering the streets of Culebra, Puerto Rico.
Internet and Phone Coverage on Culebra Island
Most United States phone providers will work on the Caribbean island and fall under your US plan.
Safety and Health
Mosquitos can carry Dengue as well as Zika in Puerto Rico, so make sure you bring adequate bug repellent.
We used Sawyer Products Premium Insect Repellent while we were there, and it worked great. We did not get any mosquito bites and had a good user experience. They carry both spray and lotion versions.
▶️ SHOP Sawyer Products Premium Insect Repellent
Toilet Paper
Toilet paper is sparse on the island. Most of the restrooms we visited did not have any, so we recommend bringing your own. We love the compact rolls that easily fit in a backpack or purse.
Power Outages
You can expect power outages while visiting Culebra, Puerto Rico. They are a common occurrence on Culebra, so it’s wise to be prepared. While we were eating dinner, the power went out and the restaurant continued running as normal.
Cash Availability
There is only one ATM on the Culebra, Puerto Rico so bring some cash with you. Some places only accept cash, so it’s essential to have some on hand. Some of the grocers and shops do accept Visa and MasterCard.
FAQ: Things to Do in Culebra Puerto Rico
Yes! Culebra is a tiny island, and most people are happy and hospitable to tourists. As long as you use caution, the same as you would traveling to any location, to keep an eye on your belongings and practice common sense you should be all set!
Also, when driving around the island, remember to use caution on rocky and dirt roads. Some roads aren’t maintained as well, and you don’t want to put your Culebra Island adventures on hold due to road troubles!
No, you cannot drive from San Juan to Culebra. The only way to travel to Culebra from San Juan is by flight. Ferries are an option as well if you’re willing to commute to Fajardo.
Air Flamenco and Vieques Air Link are the main airlines that transport passengers from San Juan to Culebra.
Culebra Island is approximately 115 km from San Juan. Flights can get you out to the island in a manner of minutes, and the ferries can do the same in 45-90 minutes.
We recommend spending a couple of days on Culebra Island. This will give you a chance to enjoy the most beautiful beaches, head out snorkeling, take a scuba dive adventure, and enjoy the downtown area.
Staying on the island overnight will give you a more local and authentic vibe to the island rather than rushing on and off in one day.
The best time to visit Culebra Island is from November to March. The climate is dry with mild temperatures, perfect for swimming in the ocean. You will also avoid the monsoon season, which usually leads to humid temperatures.
The weather on the island of Culebra is beautiful year-round. The average temperature is about 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
The most popular place to see turtles in Culebra is at Tamarindo Beach and Luis Pena Marine Reserve.
Conclusion: Things to Do in Culebra Puerto Rico
Culebra, Puerto Rico, is a wonderland of pristine beaches and adventure. We had such a fun time exploring the island and hope this guide can serve as a helpful framework while planning your own trip. Here’s to enjoying all the amazing things to do in Culebra Puerto Rico!
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I need to put Puerto Rico on my bucket list. Yummy food and so many beautiful beaches. It looks like you guys had the beach to yourself, what a great trip!
We would definitely recommend it. Puerto Rico is the perfect mix of culture and beaches without needing a passport! We were spoiled to have the beach almost completely to ourselves.
We really enjoy go to one of most Beautiful beaches we had so much fun the water was the most beautiful colorI love being their in Puerto Rico at Culebar beach we will go back.
We want to go to Culebra again as well. There is a campground just a few steps away from the beach that we want to stay at.
Beautiful beaches, great people. I love the west side of the Island, Aguadilla, Rincon, Isabela. Great waves for water sports. We ended up buying a condo in Aguadilla. Not by the water but have ocean view.
Oh how awesome. We are hoping to go back in the next year and spend more time on the west side of the island. We heard it was so beautiful over there.
Can I purchase an umbrella on the island?
Hi Beth Ann. You can rent an umbrella right at Flamenco Beach if that’s where you’re planning on going. If you’re wanting to use it for a longer period then I would recommend bringing an umbrella over from the main island.
This is a very complete guide. Puerto Rico is on our list so will get back once we can travel again!
I’m glad you found it helpful Ilse. Puerto Rico is such a beautiful place and you can’t beat the beaches there. I hope you get to visit soon.
Thanks for the tips on Culebra, we will be visiting in 2 weeks! Check out my travel site for some tips too!
Oh fantastic! We loved it there so much. We want to go camping there the next time we go back. Have a great trip!