Culebrita Island
Culebra, PR, 00775
This uninhabited coral island off the coast of Culebra, another of Puerto Rico's islands, exudes Caribbean paradise vibes with crystal clear waters and powder-like sandy beaches. Culebrita is part of the Culebra National Wildlife Refuge and is home to the Culebrita Lighthouse, one of the oldest lighthouses in the Caribbean. Travelers head to Culebrita to escape the Puerto Rico mainland.
The basics
Charter a boat or book a guided catamaran tour to reach Culebrita. Once there, visit picturesque beaches like Playa Tortuga (Turtle Beach), which is used as a sea turtle breeding ground. Treasure Beach, also known as Trash Beach, got its nickname after the flotsam, driftwood, and natural “trash” that washes ashore. Don’t let the name discourage you; it’s beautiful. Travelers take advantage of the island’s large tidal pools at the end of Turtle Beach, known as the “Jacuzzi.”
Things to know before you go
Consider bringing a dry bag to store your personal items and water shoes.
Water taxi tickets typically include the use of beach gear, including chairs and a snorkel set.
East and South Beaches are known as prime snorkeling spots.
West Beach is where most of the water taxis drop off visitors.
How to get there
To reach this island, you'll need to charter a boat, book a guided tour from Culebra, or take a water taxi. Some adventurous travelers kayak to Culebrita. From the anchorage, it’s about a 15-minute challenging hike to Turtle Beach. Signs direct you to the trailhead. You'll need to ascend a rocky ridge and then take a steep path to the water.
When to get there
You can visit Culebra and its sister island, Culebrita, year-round. Like mainland Puerto Rico, a popular winter getaway from the US, Culebrita experiences larger crowds in winter, with the dry season lasting until June. The period between June and November is hurricane season in the Caribbean, with peak season starting in August.
Cayo Luis Peña
An alternative day trip option, Cayo Luis Peña is also located off the coast of Culebra and is part of the Culebra National Wildlife Refuge. Visitors come here to take nature walks, snorkel, and swim, and like Culebrita, it’s only accessible via water taxi or kayak. The island is usually quiet, as few people visit. Remember there are no facilities, so you must bring all your supplies.
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