Flamenco Beach, Culebra

If you’re after pristine beaches and Puerto Rico’s best snorkeling and diving then the Island of Culebra is your destination. Accessible by ferry from the port city of Fajardo the ferry ride is one of the cheapest things in Puerto Rico, costing only $4.50 round trip and taking 1.5 hours. The ferry will take you away from the hustle and bustle of the mainland and transfer you to a destination filled of tranquility and relaxation. Just remembered the ferry can get very busy so make sure you arrive early to purchase a ticket and that they cannot pre-purchased. Ferries depart daily from Fajardo leaving at 9am, 3 and 7pm, and return boats depart Culebra at 6:30am, 1 and 5pm.

Culebra is home to one of Puerto Rico’s best beaches, Flamenco beach. Each year thousands of Puerto Ricans and other tourists flock to this picture postcard location. The horseshoe bay with its white sandy beach and light blue water is only a 20 minute taxi ride from the ferry terminal and should only cost you around $4. Compared to the beaches on the mainland, Flamenco beach is surprisingly untouched with only three accommodation options. I stayed at and can recommend the Culebra Beach Villas, which are located right on the beachfront. Facilities include BBQ’s, fully equipped kitchens and ocean views for breakfast! For a more rustic approach you can camp at the campsite or the last option is the Villa Flamenco Beach. All properties at Flamenco beach are popular so make sure you book in advance.

View from Culebra Beach Villas

Before leaving the ferry dock for Flamenco beach make sure you stock up on some basic supplies from the local supermarket because there’s no stores close by. The campsite does have some food stalls but you’ll have to head back to the ferry terminal for more food options. If you do head back into town for food the best and most recommended place to eat and drink is at Mamacita’s, which is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Another option for snacks is Marta’s, which is located near the ferry dock where a little old lady makes the best pastelillos (puffy fried meat turnovers with meat or cheese) on the Island.

In addition to swimming and lying on the beach you can go snorkeling and diving in Culebra. Only a 30 minute walk from Flamenco beach lies Carlos Rosario Beach which is famous for its snorkeling. You don’t have to swim far with the coral reef being right on the beach. The only thing you need to be careful of is the jellyfish. In tomorrow’s post I will head to the untouched Island of Culebrita which is located off the coast of Culebra. To ensure you don’t miss one of my travel posts simply click on the RSS feed located in the top right-hand corner of the screen.