Flamenco Beach (Playa Flamenco)

The basics

Beach bums can spend a day at Flamenco Beach sinking their toes into sugar-like sand, splashing in the waves, and taking breaks to order smoothies or piña coladas from waterfront food stands. Those looking for more adventure can take Flamenco Beach (Playa Flamenco) tours that include snorkeling in coral reefs and observing underwater creatures such as parrot fish and sea turtles.

High-speed catamaran cruises run from Fajardo, Isla Verde, and San Juan, often stopping at nearby Culebrita Beach, Playa Tortuga, or the other La Cordillera Islands. Guided tours make it easy to equip yourself with gear while ensuring access to Culebra’s picture-perfect sights.

Things to know before you go

• Facilities at the beach include showers, restrooms, lockers, and picnic tables, as well as a selection of kiosks and beach bars.

• Beach chairs and umbrellas are available for rent.

• The sheltered bay has water that’s ideal for swimming in, so this beach is a perfect pick for families.

• The beach is free to enter, so you don’t have to buy Flamenco Beach (Playa Flamenco) tickets.

How to get there

Flamenco Beach is located on the northwestern shore of Culebra Island, about 17 miles (27 kilometers) east of mainland Puerto Rico. Ferries leave Fajardo (about a 90-minute drive from San Juan) for Culebra several times a day and take about 90 minutes; plan to arrive several hours before your desired departure.

For a smoother trip, take a 30-minute flight from Isla Grande Airport just outside San Juan. If visiting Playa Flamenco directly from Culebra Harbor or the airport, take a taxi or rent a car to access the beach. Book a guided tour to have all the logistics handled for you.

When to get there

Flamenco Beach is busiest in the winter and spring, when it’s best to visit on a weekday or arrive early to avoid crowds. The Caribbean waters are warm year-round, and although low-season visitors can enjoy fewer crowds and cheaper prices, visiting during hurricane season (June through November) means boats might be canceled due to the weather.

Beach brigade

The US Navy used Flamenco Beach as a practice ground from just before World War II until the 1970s. A pair of old US army tanks remain, abandoned on the northern edge of the beach. A reminder of Puerto Rico's military past, the rusted tanks have become something of a local landmark, spruced up with colorful graffiti, most notably a swirling green and yellow design painted by local artist Jorge Acevedo.

Ways to explore

Beach bums can spend a day at Flamenco Beach sinking their toes into sugary sand or splashing in the waves. It’s worth spending the entire day on Culebra, as it takes some time to arrive from mainland Puerto Rico. You can fly or ferry over on your own (definitely purchase tickets in advance), but taking a tour makes transport a breeze.

Most Flamenco Beach tours include snorkeling or diving in coral reefs and observing underwater creatures, such as parrotfish and sea turtles, while also providing you with the necessary gear to do so.

Accessibility

Flamenco Beach isn’t fully accessible to wheelchairs. While some ferries to Culebra are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (and they do allow service animals), the island and its beaches have rugged, sandy terrain.

Age limits

Flamenco Beach is family-friendly and suitable for all ages. However, dragging along strollers and car seats to Culebra on the ferry can be taxing, and only some vehicle rental agencies on the island provide car seats.

What to pack

Reef-safe sunscreen, snorkel gear, cash (some food kiosks don’t accept cards)

What to wear

Sun hat, swimsuit, flip-flops

Not allowed

Glass containers, littering

Amenities

Lifeguards, showers, bathrooms, parking

Address 

Hop on the ferry, sign up for a catamaran tour, or fly to Culebra. Once you reach the island, you can take an all-terrain vehicle, golf cart, or taxi to Flamenco Beach.

Driving

From the Culebra ferry dock, drive along PR-250 and PR-251 to reach Flamenco Beach. If you’re flying, it’s about a 5-minute drive from Benjamín Rivera Noriega Airport along PR-251. There’s paid parking at the entrance.

Public transportation

There aren’t any buses or trains on the tiny island of Culebra. You can hail a taxi or rent bicycles to get to Flamenco Beach or around the island if you’d prefer not to rent a car.

Best times to visit

Arrive in the morning so you can spend the whole day there. Most guided tours are day trips that leave early in the morning.

Best days to visit

Flamenco Beach is less crowded from Monday to Friday, since locals usually visit on weekends.

Best months to visit

The best months to go to Flamenco Beach are between December and April, which is Puerto Rico’s dry season. Avoid going there during the hurricane season (June through November).

Special events

Flamenco Beach is renowned for its rugged and vast natural landscape, and you won’t find many big events. Still, you might catch the locals celebrating the Carnaval Culebrense in August.