This small Caribbean island off the coast of Puerto Rico is home to one of the best beaches in the world – no passport required

With plenty of direct flights and no passport required for American travelers, Puerto Rico is one of the easiest and cheapest destinations for a Caribbean beach vacation. But those looking for the best beaches in Puerto Rico 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 just 20 miles off the east coast of the island, has much more to offer than its famous sand. “Although Playa Flamenco steals the spotlight, the island is full of good food, friendly people, and a laid-back vibe, and has many beautiful, open beaches,” says Jorge Montalvo, founder and CEO of Patria Tours. “I can’t think of a better beach destination in the Caribbean.”

The many locals packing the ferry with beach chairs and coolers filled with medals are the ultimate proof that a trip to Culebra is worth the effort. Plant a coconut and sink into the sand, or travel the island coast to coast in just 25 minutes. Either way, you’re in for pristine beaches and untouched landscapes that feel hard to find in the Caribbean.

Top 5 can not be missed

  • The charming casitas at Aleli Cottages sit above some of the island’s best beaches and offer uninterrupted views of the sun setting over the ocean.
  • Compiled by many lists of the best beaches in the world, Playa Flamenco is a stretch of the white sand card.
  • Sea turtles hide among the sea turtles that have entered the protected waters of the Canal Asili Canal de Luis Peña, one of the best spots in Culebra.
  • Hop on the ferry and head straight to Dinghy Dock, an island institution serving fresh seafood and local cuisine with harbor views.
  • The area’s golf carts are a popular, convenient, and very fun way to reach even some of the hidden beaches around the island.

Best places to stay

Private villa on the water in Culebra.

Courtesy of VRBO


Aleli Cottages

Caribbean-themed bungalows, some suitable for up to eight guests, occupy the 33-acre hillside property at Aleli Cottages. It’s down to earth and simple, “The cottages are nice, but the views are even better,” says Joshua Diaz, founder of Wander Camp Puerto Rico, rating the top places to stay on the island. The rooms feature sweeping vistas overlooking the nearby island of Cayo Luis Peña, which perfectly frames every spectacular sunset.

Villa Flamenco Beach

“There are a few amazing places to stay near the famous Playa Flamenco,” says Montalvo. Villa Flamenco’s colorful beach is one of them, ticking every box with beach seating and a kitchen, a barbecue grill in the backyard 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 Seabourne Hotel

While Culebra is best known for its simple guest houses and villa rentals, Club Seabourne Hotel is a great choice for travelers looking for the convenience and amenities of a boutique hotel. Daily à la carte breakfast and transfers from the airport or ferry terminal are included in the room rate, as is the use of bicycles and kayaks. Set in a quiet Kitchen on the south coast of Culebra, it feels close to the best of the island while being peacefully secluded.

Pelican Villa

A quiet entrance lined with mangroves and lined with cottages hides villa Pelicano, a six-bedroom holiday home ideal for families and groups of friends. The property’s private dock is attractive if you’re traveling from the mainland or looking to spend lazy days by the water. A lovely, fully shaded deck with hammocks and an outdoor kitchen means you’ll be spending your stay outside.

Best things to do

Visitors to Flamenco in Culebra, Puerto Rico.

Miguel Gallardo/Travel + Leisure


Soak up the sun at Playa Flamenco.

A beautiful mix of sugar sand meets crystal clear water at Playa Flamenco, a beach so beautiful you’ll be surprised that it’s still untouched. Almost waveless waters make it a great place for families, and beach amenities like showers, changing facilities, and showers make it ideal for long, fun days on the sand. Playa Flamenco carries a unique feature that stands as a testament to the island’s past as the US Navy Munitions Testing and Training: A secluded tank, now covered in colorful graffiti, sits on the west side of the sand.

Snorkel and sea canvas.

Many dive sites teeming with rays, colorful fish, and coral make Culebra a desirable destination, but there’s plenty to see even just a few feet underwater. Rent gear from Culebra divers and head to the protected waters of the Natural Canal Canal de Luis Peña on the west side of the island for a good chance to swim along the seawalls. They especially like to dig sea grass near the beach at Playa Tamarino and Playa.

Going to Playa Resaca.

A secret trail and small parking lot off Highway 250 on the north side of Culebra leads beachgoers to Playa Resaca, one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. “It’s a journey to get there, but it’s great, and you get it all to yourself,” says Diaz of longtime golden sands. The hike 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 the beaches on Culebra were clean and blameless, just wait until you see Culebrita, an uninhabited island along the island’s east coast. There are no ferries that reach the island, so you will have to take a water taxi or private charter to the island known for Tortuga Beach, where sea turtles live near the clear water. Despite its small size, it is one of the best places to visit in Puerto Rico.

Visit the Historical Museum of Culebra el Polvorín.

“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 indigenous roots and modern history,” says Montalvo of the Museo Historico de Culebra el Polvorín. The museum occupies a building once used by the US Army for housing and features everything from Taíno Pottery to detailing the US military presence on the island.

Best restaurants

Harbor restaurant on Culebra.

Essdras M Suarez/The Boston Globe via Getty Images


Dinghy Dock

Just a few blocks from the Culebra ferry terminal, the dinghy dock is a mandatory first stop for every visitor to the island. This charming eatery perched above the harbor serves hearty portions of traditional Puerto Rican dishes, heavy on seafood and accompanied by cold beer and live music in the evening.

Blac Flamingo Coffee

Blac Flamingo Coffee is the only cafe of its kind on the island, with an impressive range of coffees and sweet and savory options for breakfast and brunch. The spacious interior and colorful exterior lend a cosmopolitan vibe to the cafe set against the backdrop of the Caribbean.

Susie’s

A lovely outdoor dining space lit by string lights and surrounded by plants makes a meal at Susie’s feel like coming home. This popular eatery is famous for its lobster tail and fresh fish but has an extensive menu of refined island favorites. Reservations recommended.

Zaco’s Tacos

Mexican street food favorites are given a Caribbean twist at Zaco’s tacos near the Ensenada Honda waterfront. Live music and free margaritas make it one of the most popular spots on the island for dinner and drinks.

Places to visit

A rusted tank on Flamenco Beach in Culebra, Puerto Rico.

CDWheatley/Getty Images


Ensenada Honda

The area around Ensenada Honda (in English, “Deep Cove”) is the main commercial heart of the island, where ferries and planes land, and shops, restaurants, and residences line the beach and hillside. However, don’t count on the capital; Culebra has more than 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 coast of Culebra, Playa Flamenco feels anything but built up and busy despite being the island’s main attraction. Immediately surrounding the beach are only small houses and vacation rentals and enough places to eat and drink to count on one hand. Ample parking and well-maintained beach amenities such as showers and changing rooms mean many guests are in and out.

West Coast

Facing the protected waters of the Natural Canal 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 wake by the uninhabited island Cayo Luis Peña just off the coast, beaches like Playa Tamarindo, Playa Tamarindo Grande, and Playa Carlos Rosario are some of the best on the island for sunbathing, “but get only a portion of those visitors In Playa Flamenco,” says Diaz.

Good time to visit

Palm trees along the coast of Culebra.

Chris Marinaccio/Travel + Entertainment


The best time to visit Culebra is between December and May when the island enjoys sunny skies and warm weather with strong winds, perfect for a beach day. Prices are higher during these months, although not by much, as more visitors escape the cold weather at home, but locals tend to visit in the summer months.

The location of the island makes it susceptible to tropical weather during the hurricane season, which lasts from June to the end of November. Even when storms or hurricanes are completely over the island, the season is generally marked by warm, rainy weather.

How to get there

Boats docked on Culebra Bay.

RakSybh/Getty Images


And the ferry

For just a few dollars, travelers can book a ticket for a 45-minute ferry to Culebra that departs from Ceiba, an hour’s drive east of San Juan. Passengers can book tickets in advance online or buy them directly from the ferry terminal, and are recommended to arrive one hour before their departure time.

By plane

Culebra receives direct flights from San Juan, Ceiba, and the nearby island of Vieques at Benjamín Rivera Noriega Airport (CPX) near Ensenada Honda. Cape Air offers direct flights from San Juan’s Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU), but additional carriers like Vieques Air Link fly the 25-minute route from San Juan’s smaller Fernando Luis Ribas Dominicci Airport ( SIG). Private charter flights from regional carriers like TradeWind Aviation fly directly to Culebra for those looking to skip the hassle altogether.

How to get around

Culebra’s small size makes getting around the island a breeze. Taxis are the easiest way for most visitors to get around, especially those who plan to stick to popular spots like Playa Flamenco. Those looking to explore and be more independent can rent jeeps, canisters, and even golf carts from Jerry’s area at Jerry’s Jeep Rental. “The island is small enough that most people explore it all by golf cart,” explains Diaz. “It’s popular, easy, and really, really fun.”


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