Best Things to Do in Culebra, Puerto Rico: Top Activities and Hidden Gems on This Island Paradise
If you are visiting Puerto Rico and have not yet made it to the island of Culebra, let me be the one to tell you that you are missing out! I planned my best friend’s bachelorette party and it was the perfect addition to our Puerto Rico itinerary. This tiny island sitting just 17 miles off the eastern coast of the main island is home to one of the most beautiful beaches in the entire world, and has plenty of reasons to visit.
Culebra is small, quiet, and completely different in energy from the buzz of Puerto’s Rico’s most popular destinations. There are no big resorts, no cruise ship crowds, and no overwhelming tourist infrastructure. What you do get is crystal clear turquoise water, incredible snorkeling, colorful street art, and a laid back Caribbean vibe that is unmatched to the rest of Puerto Rico.
Whether you are planning a day trip from the main island or thinking about spending a night or two, this guide covers all of the best things to do in Culebra, Puerto Rico, along with everything you need to know to plan your visit.
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The Basics of Visiting Culebra Island
If you are planning a trip to the island of Culebra, here are a few key things to understand before you start building your itinerary.
⭐️ What is Culebra Known For?
Culebra is best known for Flamenco Beach, which is consistently rated as one of the top beaches in the entire world. But the island has a lot more going on beyond its most famous stretch of sand. It is known for incredible snorkeling and marine life, sea turtle nesting in the summer months, stunning offshore cays, and a colorful, laid back town vibe that feels completely removed from the hustle of the main island.
It is also one of the most accessible offshore islands in Puerto Rico, making it one of the most popular day trip destinations from San Juan. That said, spending a night or two gives you a completely different and much more relaxed experience of the island.
🤔 Is Culebra Good for Tourists?
Culebra is a fantastic destination for pretty much every type of traveler. Families, couples, solo travelers, and groups all love it. The island is safe, easy to navigate, and has just enough to do to fill a full day or a couple of days without ever feeling overwhelming.
The one thing worth managing expectations on is the infrastructure. Culebra is small and intentionally low key. Do not come expecting a wide range of restaurants, a buzzing nightlife, or resort amenities. Come expecting pristine nature, warm locals, and one of the most beautiful beaches you will ever set foot on.
📍 Where Exactly is Culebra?
Culebra is a small island that belongs to Puerto Rico, located just 17 miles east off the coast of the main island in the Caribbean Sea. It sits between the main island of Puerto Rico to the west and the US Virgin Islands to the east, and its position in these clear Caribbean waters is a big part of what makes the snorkeling and beaches so spectacular.
How to Get to the Island of Culebra, Puerto Rico
The first step to experiencing all of the best things to do in Culebra, Puerto Rico is figuring out how to get there! You will first need to make it to the main island of Puerto Rico, and from there you have a few good options.
✈️ How to Get to Culebra by Air
Flying is the quickest and most scenic way to get to Culebra, and the views on the short flight over the Caribbean are genuinely stunning. There are three departure points on the main island:
💡 Flights do sell out, especially on weekends, so we recommend booking in advance.
🚢 How to Get to Culebra Island By Ferry
The ferry is the most budget friendly way to get to Culebra and departs from Ceiba. The ride takes around an hour to an hour and a half, and is slow, but scenic and comfortable.
Tickets are just $2.00 per person, but they do sell out a few days in advance, so we’d recommend booking your tickets online ahead of time. That said, a portion of tickets are always held back and sold at the ticket office an hour before departure, so if you show up early you can often still get on. Just make sure to arrive well ahead of time, especially on weekends!
Keep in mind that rental cars cannot be brought onto the ferry, as the spots on the ferries are reserved for locals. So if you have a car on the main island you will need to leave it behind and arrange separate transportation on Culebra.
Taking the ferry is the most economical way to get to the island of Culebra, Puerto Rico.
💡 keep in mind there are extra charges if you decide to bring coolers, tents, or some other bigger items onboard.
⛵️ Getting to Culebra By Excursion
If you want to combine your trip to Culebra with snorkeling and a fun day out on the water, booking a boat excursion is a fantastic option. Several operators run full day trips from the main island that include transportation, snorkeling, and everything in between.
🛂 Entry Requirements for Culebra
Culebra follows the same entry requirements as the rest of Puerto Rico and the United States. If you are a US citizen, no passport is required and your regular ID is all you need. International travelers who require a visa to enter the US will need to have that sorted before arriving in Puerto Rico.
Local Adjustments for Culebra
Alright, so you know how to get there. Before you go, here are a few local details worth knowing to make your trip run smoothly.
- 🗣 Language: Spanish is the official language of Culebra and Puerto Rico. The local Spanish is spoken very fast and words tend to run together, so even Spanish speakers sometimes find it tricky at first. That said, most locals speak English as well, so communication is generally easy for visitors.
- 💵 Currency: Culebra uses the US Dollar, just like the rest of Puerto Rico and the United States. Cards are accepted in most places, but we recommend having some cash on hand for taxis and tipping.
- 🔌 Electrical Plugs: Culebra uses the same Type A and B plugs as the rest of the US, with a standard voltage of 120V and frequency of 60Hz. No adapter is needed if you are traveling from the US.
- 🚰 Water Potability: Tap water on Culebra generally comes from the same source as the main island and is considered safe to drink. That said, we suggest asking at your accommodation to confirm, as experiences can vary. Bringing a reusable insulated water bottle is always a good idea in the Caribbean heat.
- 💸 Tipping Culture: Tipping in Culebra follows the same standard as the rest of the US. A tip of 15 to 20 percent at restaurants is the norm, and some establishments automatically include gratuity so always check your bill before tipping.
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The Best Things to Do in Culebra, Puerto Rico
Culebra is small, but it definitely has quite a few reasons for visiting! Here are the best things to do in Culebra, Puerto Rico.
🏖 Relax at Flamenco Beach
This was rated as one of the top ten beaches of the world! A stunning Caribbean gem, Flamenco beach is definitely the number one thing to do on the island of Culebra.
The long sandy white beach has beautiful greenery jutting out in the back, turquoise waters, and amenities such as beach bars, chairs, and umbrellas for rent.
Flamenco Beach is rated as one of the best beaches in the world.
💡 When I visited there was a lot of seaweed. While I do think there are definitely more beautiful beaches in the world, this one is still for sure one for your bucket list, and one of the top beaches in Puerto Rico.
🪖 Explore the Colorful Military Tank
If you’re looking for colorful spots in Puerto Rico, then this is a great one to check out. Located right on Flamenco beach is an old US military tank that is rusted and covered with colorful graffiti. If you like photography, then this is definitely a place worth stopping by!
🐢 Check Out the Turtle Nesting at Zoni Beach
If you want to explore a bit more off-the-beaten-path, then head over to the other side of the island to Zoni Beach. If you happen to visit the island of Culebra in the summer, you may just be able to witness the turtle nesting!
🚤 Take a Boat Trip to Culebrita
Want to explore some of the other gems that the area has to offer? Culebrita is a tiny island off the coast of Culebra that you can visit by boat. With some of the most stunning waters in Puerto Rico, this is definitely one of the best things to do in Culebra, Puerto Rico – especially if you’re spending more than one day!
Sailing around is a great way to explore the island of Culebra, Puerto Rico.
🤿 Go Snorkeling
There is some beautiful marine life that the Caribbean has to offer, so it’s no surprise that the island of Culebra is a great place to snorkel. You can bring your own gear to one of the small coves, or you can also book a tour to get to the best spots.
Here are a few excursions with snorkeling in Culebra that you can choose from:
🚣♂️ Go Kayaking
Another great option for exploring the shoreline of Culebra is to go on a kayaking trip! It really allows you to enjoy the waters in a whole new way, and to get a bit of activity in you amongst those lazy beach days.
We actually found the perfect activity for those that want to include transportation, kayaking, and even snorkeling all in one! Check out the activity below for an all-in-one experience.
Exploring the Best Things to Do in Culebra, Puerto Rico: Getting Around
If you want to do a few of the best things to do in Culebra, Puerto Rico, then you’ll definitely want to find a mode of transportation. Despite the island not seeming so big, walking all of it would take quite a while. Here are the different options for getting around the island of Culebra, Puerto Rico.
🛺 Rent a Golf Cart
Our absolute favorite way to get around the island of Culebra is by golf cart. There are just a couple of companies on the island, and the one we used in Vieques actually also had a spot in Culebra.
We used UTV rental, which is just a short walk from the port. Golf carts are for 4 people, and you’ll need a license and a deposit to put down. There are a few different options, and the only one available at the time for us was the most expensive- which was $110 for the day.
The cheapest cart that is available in advance can be reserved online for just $50. So we definitely suggest booking via their website early, especially since on weekends they sometimes sell out even before the morning ferry arrives.
🚗 Rent a Car
If you’d like to get around faster and have AC, then you can also rent a jeep or SUV for the day. Two companies that offer daily rental are Jerry’s Jeep Company, and Carlos Jeep Company, and prices start at $95/day.
🚕 Take a Taxi
Ubers are not available on the island of Culebra, so if you don’t rent something, then you’ll unfortunately be stuck relying on taxis.
While taxis on the mainland run by meter generally, the taxis on the island of Culebra are a flat rate. We’re not talking $10 rides – we’re talking flat per person rates.
You can imagine that paying $30-$40 for your group to go to the beach can be quite frustrating, which is why we don’t necessarily recommend it. However, if you simply want to go to just one beach and not move around more, then this would be the cheapest option.
If you do want a taxi you can simply call one (don’t worry- if you’re from the US your phone will work as if you were in the states).
How to Get Around in Puerto Rico: The Ultimate Guide to Exploring the Island
In this guide, we’ll break down exactly how to get around the island of Puerto Rico, along with the smaller islands nearby.
Food & Drinks on the Island of Culebra
Food in Culebra is simple, fresh, and local. Do not come expecting a wide restaurant scene, because the island is small. But what is here is good, and diving into the local cuisine is one of the most enjoyable parts of visiting.
We were only on the island for a day on our visit, so we did not get to try everything, but here is what we loved and what locals recommended to us.
🍴 Where to Eat in Culebra, Puerto Rico
- Zaco’s Tacos: A fun and casual spot in town with great food and a fantastic vibe. They also serve Bushwackers, the famous frozen cocktail from St Thomas, which is reason enough to stop in on its own.
- Susie’s: This came highly recommended by a local we met on the island. It only opens for dinner from 6:30pm, so it is best suited for those spending the night. We did not get to try it ourselves but it has a fantastic reputation and is absolutely worth booking in advance if you are staying over.
Zaco’s Tacos is a great Mexican Restaurant in the town of Culebra.
🍱 Local Foods to Try in Culebra
Puerto Rican cuisine is rich, flavorful, and super satisfying. Here are some of the dishes you should not leave the island without trying:
- Mofongo: The national dish of Puerto Rico and an absolute must. Mashed plantains mixed with garlic and topped with grilled meat or seafood. It is hearty, delicious, and unlike anything else.
- Tostones Rellenos: Fried plantains pressed into small cup shapes and stuffed with meat or shrimp. The perfect snack to start a meal or enjoy with a cold beer on the beach.
- Pastelillos: Mini empanada style snacks that you can find at beach bars across the island for just a dollar or two. Easy to grab and perfect for a day at the beach.
- Mamposteo: A hearty and comforting mix of rice, beans, and spices that is a staple of Puerto Rican home cooking. Simple and absolutely delicious.
- Piña Colada: Puerto Rico is the birthplace of the Piña Colada, and ordering one at a beach bar on a hot Caribbean day is basically mandatory.
Where to Stay on the Island of Culebra
While most people visit the island of Culebra on a day trip, you can definitely stay a night to experience all that it has to offer. There aren’t a ton of accommodation options, but here are our top picks for you:
Is the Island of Culebra, Puerto Rico Safe?
One of the great things about visiting Culebra is just how safe and relaxed the island feels. There are no concerning areas on the island, crime rates are extremely low, and the overall vibe is friendly, welcoming, and completely laid back. Solo travelers, couples, families, and groups all visit Culebra comfortably and without any issues.
Puerto Rico as a whole sometimes gets a mixed reputation when it comes to safety, largely driven by stories about specific neighborhoods in San Juan. None of that applies to Culebra. This is a tiny, peaceful island where the biggest safety concern is making sure you have enough sunscreen.
As always, basic common sense applies. Keep an eye on your belongings at the beach, stay hydrated in the Caribbean heat, and be careful on the rocks around some of the more rugged coastlines. Other than that, Culebra is as easy and comfortable a destination as you will find anywhere in Puerto Rico.
Other Things to Know About Visiting the Island of Culebra, Puerto Rico
Now that you know how to get around, how to get to the island, and the best things to do in Culebra, Puerto Rico, we have a few other things to share with you to help make your travels go smoothly.
📆 The Best Time to Visit the Island of Culebra, Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is located in the Caribbean, so our favorite time is definitely to visit in the winter months, when temperatures are a little more mild. Try to avoid visiting these islands from August to October, as this is hurricane season, and Puerto Rico is pretty susceptible to intense storms.
For visiting the island of Culebra in general, we suggest going during the week when it is not so busy.
The island is very quiet when it comes to nightlife. We suggest sticking to having your weekend parties in San Juan or other areas of Puerto Rico, and recommend going to the island of Culebra anytime from Sunday to Thursday.
Suggested Read: The Best Time to Visit Puerto Rico
☀️ Weather & Packing for a Trip to the Island of Culebra, Puerto Rico
The island of Culebra is super hot year round, and the Caribbean sun is very strong. Make sure to pack plenty of sunscreen and aloe vera. A towel, swimsuits, and flip-flops are all you’ll need for staying on the island. However, it is important to note that the ferry requires everyone to be fully dressed.
The Island of Culebra is very tropical and hot year round.
You can’t simply wear a sheer cover up, a bathing suit as a top, or a towel around you. They are quite strict about this, and we even saw them turning people away before entering the vessel.
Masks are required for the ferry ride, and they won’t even let you go to the ticket counter unless you have one. Make sure to have one on you before you enter the gate so you don’t have security freaking out on you like they did to us. Finally, you may want to bring bug spray, as some of the beaches had little sand fleas.
🎒 Packing List for the Island of Culebra
- Sunscreen (the sun is super strong)
- Aloe
- Bug Spray
- Reusable Water Bottle (we use this water bottle from Cafago because it holds the temperature)
- Flip Flops (we personally always get Havaiana flip flops, as they are comfy and long lasting)
- Towel
- Bathing Suit
- Cover Up for the ferry (not sheer)
- Zippered Bag or Backpack – take a look at these backpacks for travelers!
- Power Bank (we use Anker power banks, as they are super long lasting and sturdy)
- Drone (You can get epic shots from above. We use the Mavic Mini 4 Pro because it’s super light and has great quality)
- Camera (we use the Sony A7Riii)
- Standard Lens for a dynamic range (we use the Sony GM 24-70)
- Wide Lens to capture great panoramas (we use the Sony GM 14 F1.8)
- Tripod to get pictures while no one is around or for multiple shots from far away (We use the JOBY Rangepod Tripod)
- Action Camera (we use the Insta 360 X3 because it’s small & waterproof)
- Waterproof Phone Pouch (we use the Casemate Waterproof Phone Pouch)
- Dry Bag (for the kayak excursions)
- Mask for the ferry
- Driver’s License if you want to rent a golf cart or cart
🤔 Is it Worth Staying in Culebra?
Culebra is the perfect place to go for a day trip, and is definitely worth the trip from the main island of Puerto Rico. We’d recommend spending a night if you have the time to do so.
⏳ How Many Days Should I Stay in Culebra?
You can easily experience all of the best things to do in Culebra, Puerto Rico on a simple day trip. However, if you’re looking to really explore deeply and spend some time relaxing, we’d recommend 2 days, and one night on the island.
FAQ About Visiting Culebra Island in Puerto Rico
How do you get to Culebra, Puerto Rico?
You can get to Culebra by ferry or by small plane from the main island of Puerto Rico. The ferry departs from Ceiba and costs just $2.25 per person, taking around an hour. Flights are available from San Juan and Ceiba, with the shortest flight being just 12 minutes from Ceiba. We recommend booking in advance as both options sell out, especially on weekends.
Do you need a passport to visit Culebra?
No, US citizens do not need a passport to visit Culebra. It is part of Puerto Rico, which is a US territory, so a government issued ID is all you need. International travelers who require a visa to enter the United States will need to have that sorted before arriving in Puerto Rico.
What is the best beach in Culebra?
Flamenco Beach is consistently rated as one of the best beaches in the entire world, and it is the undisputed highlight of Culebra. For something more off the beaten path and quieter, Zoni Beach on the other side of the island is equally beautiful and far less crowded.
Is Culebra worth visiting for just a day?
Absolutely. Culebra makes for a perfect day trip from the main island of Puerto Rico, and one full day is enough to visit Flamenco Beach, explore the town of Dewey, and enjoy some snorkeling or kayaking. That said, spending a night gives you a much more relaxed and immersive experience if you have the time.
What is the best way to get around Culebra?
Renting a golf cart is our top recommendation for getting around Culebra. It is fun, affordable when booked in advance, and perfectly suited to the island’s laid back pace. Jeep rentals are also available for those who want air conditioning and more speed. Taxis are available but charge flat per person rates which can add up quickly for groups.
Is Culebra safe for tourists?
Culebra is extremely safe and one of the most peaceful islands in Puerto Rico. Crime rates are very low and the island has a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Solo travelers, families, and couples all visit comfortably without any issues.
What language is spoken in Culebra?
Spanish is the official language of Culebra and Puerto Rico. The local Spanish is spoken very fast and can be tricky to follow even for fluent speakers. That said, most locals speak English as well, so communication is generally easy for visitors.
What currency does Culebra use?
Culebra uses the US Dollar, just like the rest of Puerto Rico and the United States. Cards are accepted in most places but we recommend carrying some cash for taxis and tipping.
What is the best time to visit Culebra?
The best time to visit Culebra is between November and April when the weather is most reliable and hurricane season has passed. For sea turtle nesting at Zoni Beach, you will need to visit in summer. We also recommend going on a weekday rather than a weekend to avoid the day trip crowds from the main island.
Can you see sea turtles in Culebra?
Yes! Zoni Beach on the eastern side of Culebra is a sea turtle nesting site, and visiting in summer gives you the chance to witness this incredible natural phenomenon. It is one of the most magical experiences the island has to offer and well worth timing your visit around if you can.
Is snorkeling good in Culebra?
Culebra is one of the best snorkeling destinations in all of Puerto Rico. The waters are crystal clear, the marine life is abundant, and there are excellent spots accessible from the shore as well as by guided boat tour. If snorkeling is a priority, booking a guided tour will get you to the very best spots.
Is the water safe to drink in Culebra?
Tap water in Culebra generally comes from the same source as the main island of Puerto Rico and is considered safe to drink. We suggest confirming with your accommodation on arrival and bringing a reusable insulated water bottle to stay hydrated throughout your visit.
How many days do you need in Culebra?
One full day is enough to see the highlights of Culebra including Flamenco Beach, the military tank, and a bit of snorkeling. If you want a more relaxed experience and the chance to visit Culebrita or Zoni Beach without rushing, two days and one night is our recommendation.
Things to Do in Culebra, Puerto Rico: Final Tips & What’s Next
Culebra is one of our favorite places in Puerto Rico to visit, and it definitely is also one of the most overlooked.
Most people visiting the island never make it here, and it’s honestly a shame! Between Flamenco Beach, the snorkeling, and the laid back island energy, there is more than enough to keep you busy and happy for a full day or two.
If you are renting a car and exploring Puerto Rico beyond San Juan, do yourself a favor and make time for Culebra. You will not regret it.
⭐️ A Few Final Tips Before You Go to Culebra:
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👀 What’s Next?
Now that you know the best things to do in Culebra, Puerto Rico and all the details for visiting, let’s help you explore more of the main island.
Here are other Puerto Rico guides we have:
🛳 How to get to Puerto Rico
✈️ How to get to San Juan, Puerto Rico
🍴 10 Best places to eat in San Juan
🚤 Top 16 things to do in San Juan
🤿 14 Beach activities & water sports in San Juan
🚁 24 Unique activities in San Juan
🍛 San Juan food guide
🚐 11 Day Trips from San Juan
🚗 How to get around San Juan
📖 San Juan travel guide
⭐️ 10 Reasons to visit Puerto Rico
✈️ What you need to know about traveling to Puerto Rico right now
❣️ The 15 best places to visit in Puerto Rico
💧 The 15 best waterfalls in Puerto Rico
🍃 Visiting El Yunque National Park
🗺 The perfect road trip around Puerto Rico
📸 The 20 most Instagrammable places in Puerto Rico
⛵️ 20 Awesome experiences in Puerto Rico
🏝 Top 10 beaches in Puerto Rico
🎨 5 Reasons to visit Aguadilla
✨ How to see bioluminescence in Puerto Rico
🧂 6 Reasons to visit Cabo Rojo
💦 Las Pailas natural waterslide
🥾 Hiking Cerro Rodadero
🌈 8 Colorful spots in Puerto Rico
🤩 30 Amazing spots to see in Puerto Rico
🏝 Vieques Island guide
📆 The best time to visit Puerto Rico
🚌 How to get around Puerto Rico
📖 The ultimate guide to planning a trip to Puerto Rico
Now that you have all there is to know, you are ready for a fun trip to this Caribbean Island! With the relaxing tropical vibes of the Island of Culebra, Puerto Rico, we think one full day is perfect here.
Are you planning on visiting other parts of Puerto Rico? We have plenty of other Puerto Rico travel guides for great things to do all around the main island!
Are you ready to start planning your trip? Sit back, relax, and let us do the hard work. With Scratch Your Mapa Travel Planning you can now adventure more, and save money through the process. Curious to know exactly how it works? Take a look at a few of our travel planning package options.
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