With a large number of direct flights and no passport required for US travelers, Puerto Rico is one of the easiest and cheapest destinations for a Caribbean beach vacation. But those looking for Puerto Rico’s best beaches will have to go a little further than San Juan to Playa Flamenco in Culebra, considered one of the best beaches in the world.
Culebra Island, a municipality in Puerto Rico located 20 miles off the east coast of the island, has much more to offer than its famous stretch of sand. “Although Playa Flamenco steals the spotlight, this island has great food, friendly people, and a laid-back atmosphere, and has countless beautiful uncrowded beaches,” says Jorge Montalvo, founder and CEO of Patria Tours. “I can’t think of a better beach location in the Caribbean.”
Lots of locals packing the ferry with beach chairs and coolers filled with Medalla are the ultimate proof that a trip to Culebra is worth the effort. Crack a coconut and sink into the sand, or travel island-to-coast in just 25 minutes. Either way, you’re on pristine beaches and untouched landscapes that are increasingly hard to find in the Caribbean.
5 Best You Can’t Miss
- The charming casitas at Aleli Cottages sit above some of the island’s best beaches and offer uninterrupted views of the ocean sunsets.
- A fixture at the top of many lists of the world’s best beaches, Playa Flamenco is postcard-worthy white sand.
- Sea turtles hide among the swaying sea grass in the protected waters of the Reserva Natural Canal de Luis Peña, one of Culebra’s best swimming spots.
- Hop on the ferry and head straight to Dinghy Dock, an island institution serving fresh seafood and local cuisine with harbor views.
- All-terrain golf carts are a popular, convenient, and very entertaining way to access even some of the more hidden beaches around the island.
Best Places to Stay
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Aleli Cottages
Colorful Caribbean bungalows, some accommodating up to eight guests, are located on a 33-acre hillside property at Aleli Cottages. Stripped and simple, “the cottage is nice, but the view is even better,” says Joshua Diaz, founder of Wander Camp Puerto Rico, rating it the top place to stay on the island. The rooms feature beautiful views overlooking the nearby island of Cayo Luis Peña, which perfectly frames every spectacular sunset.
Villa Flamenco Beach
“There are surprisingly few places to stay near the famous Playa Flamenco,” says Montalvo. Villa Flamenco’s lovely beach is one of them, ticking all the boxes for an extended beach stay with kitchenette, backyard barbecue for guests, and plenty of beach chairs, all within steps of the sand. “It’s my favorite place to stay in Culebra, and one I’ll always come back to,” he says.
Club Seaborne Hotel
While Culebra is best known for its simple inns and luxury vacation rentals, Club Seabourne Resort is a great choice for travelers looking for the convenience and amenities of a boutique hotel. A daily à la carte breakfast and transfers from the airport or ferry terminal are included in the room rate, as are the use of bicycles and kayaks. Nestled in a quiet location on the south coast of Culebra, it feels close to the best of the island while being peacefully secluded.
Villa Pelicano
Quiet mangrove and cottage-lined doors hide Villa Pelicano, a six-bedroom holiday home perfect for families and groups of friends. The property’s private dock is attractive if you’re sailing from the mainland or looking to spend lazy days by the water. A lovely, shaded deck filled with hammocks and an outdoor kitchen means you’ll spend plenty of time outside.
Best Things to Do
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Soak up the sun at Playa Flamenco.
A perfect corner of sugary sand meets crystal clear water at Playa Flamenco, a beach so spectacular you’ll be amazed that it’s still untouched. The almost calm waters make it a great place for families, and beach amenities such as showers, changing facilities and showers make it ideal for long, fun days on the sand. Playa Flamenco has a unique feature that stands as a testimony to the island’s past as a testing and training site for US Navy equipment: an abandoned tank, now covered in colored graffiti, sits on the west side of the sand.
Snorkel with sea turtles.
Many dive sites filled with rays, colorful fish, and corals make Culebra a great place for divers, but there’s plenty to see even just a few feet underwater. Rent snorkel gear from Culebra Divers and head to the protected waters of the Reserva Natural Canal de Luis Peña on the west side of the island for a great chance to swim alongside sea turtles. They love to feed on sea grass near the beaches of Playa Tamarino and Playa Melones.
Go to Playa Resaca.
A hidden trail and small parking lot off Highway 250 on the north side of Culebra leads beachgoers to Playa Resaca, one of the island’s most beautiful beaches. “It’s a drive to get there, but it’s beautiful, and you’ll have it all,” says Diaz of the mile-long stretch of golden sand. The walk is only about 30 minutes, but it’s nothing to scoff at, so come prepared with sturdy, close-toed shoes.
Explore Culebrita.
If you thought Culebra’s beaches were clean and flawless, just wait until you see Culebrita, an uninhabited island off the island’s east coast. There are no ferries to the island, so you’ll have to take a water taxi or private charter to the island known for Tortuga Beach, where sea turtles nest near the clear waters. Despite its small size, it is one of the best places to visit in Puerto Rico.
Visit the Historical Museum of Culebra El PolvorÃn.
“I recommend visiting the Culebra museum if you’re looking for a little break from the beach or you’re interested in learning more about the island’s natural origins and modern history,” says Montalvo of the Museo Histórico de Culebra El PolvorÃn. The museum occupies a building that was once used by the US Navy for munitions and features everything from TaÃno pottery to exhibits detailing the history of the US military presence on the island.
Best Restaurants
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Dinghy Dock
Just a few blocks from the Culebra ferry terminal, the Dinghy Dock is a must first stop for every visitor to the island. This charming restaurant elevated above the harbor serves delicious Puerto Rican cuisine, heavy on seafood and accompanied by cold beer and live music in the evening.
Blac Flamingo Coffee
Blac Flamingo Cafe is the only cafe of its kind on the island, with an impressive array of coffees and sweet and savory options for breakfast and lunch. A relaxed indoor space and a mural outside bring a cosmopolitan vibe to the laid-back Caribbean restaurant.
Susie’s
An airy outdoor dining space lit by string lights and surrounded by plants makes Susie’s dining feel like coming home. This popular restaurant is famous for its lobster tail and fresh fish but has an extensive menu of refined island favourites. Reservations are recommended.
Zaco’s Tacos
Mexican street food favorites are forged into Caribbean flavors at Zaco’s Tacos near the waterfront facing Ensenada Honda. Frequent live music and free-flowing margaritas make it one of the island’s favorite spots for dinner and drinks.
Places to Visit
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Honda Cove
The area around Ensenada Honda (in English, “Deep Cove”) is the main commercial center of the island, where ferries and flights disembark, and shops, restaurants, and residences line the beaches and hills. However, don’t expect a bustling metropolis; Culebra has over 1,000 permanent residents, lending even the busiest streets a friendly, small-town feel. Travelers looking for convenience will find a great place to stay.
Flamenco Beach
Located on the north shore of Culebra, Playa Flamenco feels anything but built up and busy despite being the island’s main attraction. Immediately near the beach are small houses and vacation rentals with enough places to eat and drink to count on one hand. A large parking area and well-maintained beach amenities such as showers and changing rooms mean that many visitors come and go.
West Coast
Facing the protected waters of the Reserva Natural Canal de Luis Peña, the west coast of Culebra is home to some of the island’s most beautiful beaches. Protected from the waves and anchored by the uninhabited island of Cayo Luis Peña just off the coast, beaches such as Playa Tamarindo, Playa Tamarindo Grande, and Playa Carlos Rosario are some of the best on the island for diving and sunbathing, “but find only a small part of the guests in Playa Flamenco,” says Diaz.
Best Time to Visit
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The best time to visit Culebra is between December and May when the island enjoys sunny skies and warm weather with a gentle breeze, perfect for a day at the beach. Prices are slightly higher during these months, although not by much, as most visitors escape the cold weather back home, but locals tend to visit in the summer months.
The island’s location makes it susceptible to tropical weather during the hurricane season, which lasts from June to the end of November. Even when storms or hurricanes leave the island, the season is generally warm and wet.
How to Arrive
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By Ferry
For just a few dollars, travelers can book a 45-minute ferry ticket to Culebra from Ceiba, just an hour’s drive east of San Juan. Passengers can pre-book tickets online or buy them directly from the ferry terminal, and are recommended to arrive one hour before their departure time.
By Airplane
Culebra receives direct flights from San Juan, Ceiba, and the nearby island of Vieques at the small BenjamÃn Rivera Noriega Airport (CPX) near Ensenada Honda. Cape Air offers direct flights from San Juan’s Luis Muñoz Marin International Airport (SJU), but additional carriers such as Vieques Air Link fly a 25-minute route from the smaller airport. San Juan of Fernando Luis Ribas Dominicci (SIG). Private charter planes from major regional carriers like Tradewind Aviation fly directly to Culebra for those who want to skip the hassle altogether.
How to Get Around
Culebra’s small size makes navigating the island easy. Taxis are the easiest way for most visitors to get around, especially those planning to stick to popular spots like Playa Flamenco. Those looking to explore more freely can rent Jeeps, pickup trucks and even all-terrain golf carts at Jerry’s Jeep Rental. “This island is so small that most people only explore it with a golf cart,” explains Diaz. “It’s popular, easy, and of course, a lot of fun.”
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