Why go to Culebra?
The sole reason for people to visit Culebra Island is for Flamenco Beach. It is one of the prettiest beaches in the world for a reason. The accessibility is not very easy, but it is worth it.
Stretch of soft powder-white sands, palm trees, shades of turquoise waters, and warm waters to dip in and enjoy. Need I say more?
The colors of the water keep changing with the sun and the waves. That’s a marvelous sight!
How to get to Culebra?
First option- From Ceiba to Culebra via Ferry
We chose this option for our day trip because we would get the flexibility to stay on the island for as long as possible. Secondly, it is the cheapest option among others
The trip from San Juan to the Ceiba terminal by car is 45 minutes-1 hour approximately.
You can park your car at the Ceiba terminal for $8 per day.
The return fare of the ferry is $ 4.5 per person. You can book the tickets for the ferry here. All the information regarding the ferries is on the website. Try to book the tickets in advance and avoid traveling during weekends and holidays to avoid rush hour and crowds.
There are two types of ferries- Passenger only and Passenger and Cargo. The passenger-only ferry would reach 30 minutes earlier. But, we chose the latter both times because I wanted to avoid seasickness. If you want to take the fastest option, don’t forget to carry your motion sickness medicine.
From the Ceiba terminal, you can either take the shuttle/shared taxi or rent a golf cart/jeep. The shuttle costs $5-6 per person cash for a 10 mins ride. You can also rent a golf cart or a jeep at Carlos Jeep Rental or Jerry’s Jeep Rental.
The cost to enter Flamenco beach is $2 per person and $5 per vehicle. Food is limited unlike what I read online. There are two food kiosks serving food. One of these also serves drinks. The piรฑa colada was delicious!
There is one more kiosk renting beach umbrellas and beach chairs.
If you don’t have cash, you can withdraw from the ATM of the Banco Popular bank
The second option- A flight to Culebra
If budget is not a constraint then you could fly from either San Juan International Airport or Isle Verde airport to Benjamin Rivera Noriega airport in Culebra.
You could also fly one way and return via the ferry.
The third option- Book a Catamaran tour to Culebra
There are tours that take you to Culebra from Fajardo- This is the location mostly for catamaran departures
There are different tours that you might like – Some are Full day trip, Day trip, and Culebra getaway. The prices are upwards of $125.
Please check all details of these tours because sometimes they do not cover Flamenco citing weather conditions. This was another reason why I did not choose these tours. I did not want to miss Flamenco beach.
Other things to explore in Culebra
- Discover the small, uninhabited island of Culebrita via a boat day trip
- Go to Tamarindo beach ( For snorkeling- Sea turtles) and Zoni beach ( A Quiter beach) by car.
- Check out the rusted battle tank left by the U.S navy on the west part of Flamenco beach.
- Another secluded beautiful beach is Carlos Rosario
These are enough reasons for you to be convinced to include this in your Puerto Rican Itinerary.
Which amongst the three options to reach Flamenco beach do you prefer?
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