tours to culebra

CULEBRA ISLAND Beach and Snorkel / Dive Tour

Beach & snorkel / dive tour to culebra island, puerto rico, explore the best of culebra island…flamenco beach a worldwide attraction known for its white sandy beach and crystal clear, shallow waters – great for smaller children to snorkel and join in the fun flamenco beach is considered by many as one of the top ten beaches in the world, making flamenco beach a top priority among visitors to puerto rico., important: since safety is our first priority and to provide a great experience, even though flamenco is our primary destination, the location can change on the same day of the tour. based on local weather conditions and the expertise of our captain he will choose the safest location which will be of equal or better quality than flamenco beach..

Beach & Snorkeling Tour to Culebra Island Details:

• Rates per person: Adults $125.00, Children (6 to 15 years old) $115.00 (plus taxes). Rates include $3 DNR fee
• Skill Level: Fun for the entire Family
• Tour Duration: full Day – 8:00 am to 3:00 pm approx.
• Check in time: 7:15 am at Pure Adventure’s Dive Center, Roosevelt Roads Marina, Ceiba, PR
• Departing Marina: 8:00 am
• Arrival Flamenco Beach, Culebra: 9:30 am (weather permitting)
• Lunch: 11:00 am
• Depart Flamenco: 12:30 pm
• Snorkeling: 1:00 pm
• Arrival at Roosevelt Roads Marina: 3:00 pm

Once in Flamenco Beach*, Culebra (weather permitting), we spend the morning exploring the world famous, white sandy beach, (snorkeling is possible at this beach), playing with the paddle boards, or simply relaxing and enjoying your fabulous day.

…with the Pure Adventure crew, where we start with a “101” learning session and briefing before getting in the water about safety and snorkeling. Your guide (we are the only tour operator with professional snorkeling guides in the water) will help you to identify the corals, marine life and where to snorkel to see the widest variety of sea life.

* Weather Permitting – If the weather conditions require a change of itinerary, your captain may decide on visiting an alternate beach. Not to worry, the beaches are all stunning!

Lunch will be served at this magical place. For those that like to hike or take photos, Culebra’s Flamenco Beach has two old navy tanks that provide a lot of photographic opportunities. After a great memorable time at the beach in Culebra we start our journey.

Coral reefs are considered the Tropical Rain Forest of the underwater world. The reefs are one of the most productive ecosystem in the planet, making it the perfect place to explore while either snorkeling or scuba diving. On a adventure at Culebra’s corals reefs its posible to have a close encounter with angel fishes, lobsters, sting rays and many colorful fishes!

All tour times and locations are weather permitting.

Be Advised that this Culebra Dive & Snorkel Tour, travels through open water where, at times choppy seas may be encountered. This trip may not be appropriate for those with recent surgeries, back injuries, children under 6 years and pregnant women. You can always contact us the day before for the current weather conditions. Your Captain will always decide the best destination possible according weather conditions.

Tour Includes:

• Quality snorkeling gear (mask & snorkel, fins & flotation devices)
• Snorkel & Dive instructions & orientation for beginners by Professional Guide
• Paddle Boards
• Ecological interpretation about the surroundings, marine life and history of Culebra
• USCG license Captain, professional snorkel guide and a Certified Interpretive Marine Biologist among the crew.
• Local in-season fruits, snacks, water, soft drinks & Lunch

Recommended Bring Sunblock and Towels

SCUBA Diver Rates – *Rates include $3 DNR fee Divers must be Certified / Rates shown + Tax

• One Tank Dive: $102 (incl. tank and weights)
• Gear Rental: $15

DSD (Discover Diver) Rates / Rates shown + Tax

• Two Tank Dive: $153 (incl. tanks, weights & gear

If You’re Driving In: Drive Time: 1 hr 45 minutes from Metro San Juan to Ceiba, Roosevelt Roads Marina ( Click here for Driving Map ) Drive Time: 45 minutes from Humacao to Ceiba, Roosevelt Roads Marina ( Click here for Driving Map ) Drive Time: 30 minutes from Fajardo to Ceiba, Roosevelt Roads Marina ( Click here for Driving Map  )

SNORKELING COST

Scuba dive cost, discover scuba diving cost, tour duration, check in time, transportation.

The Ultimate Culebra Travel Guide

Updated March 2024 ,   the Ultimate Culebra Travel Guide was originally written in January 2017

Culebra is Puerto Rico’s little gem off the east coast with some of the world’s most stunning beaches and a fun relaxed pace. Are you looking for beautiful, idyllic beaches, yet laid back, sans designer store, and barely touched the Caribbean? Good, this is the place for you.

Sitting in between Puerto Rico and St Thomas, Culebra is geographically speaking a part of the Spanish Virgin Islands. Though Culebra translates out to snake island, the island is also nicknamed Última Virgen, meaning the  last virgin .

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Looking for more in Puerto Rico? Check out  Cabo Rojo

Getting In & Out

Culebra is officially part of Puerto Rico, and therefore, part of the US. You will most likely be arriving from the island of Puerto Rico. US citizens only need a driver’s license/state ID card and foreigners will, of course, need to enter using a passport.

You can arrive to Culebra by flight or by ferry. Due to the frequent breakdowns of ferries that leave people stranded and the difficulty in purchasing tickets, I strongly recommend spending the money to take the flight to avoid the upset and headaches.

The ferry takes about 60-90 minutes (depending on the ship) to travel between Puerto Rico and Culebra. This is the cheapest option, but the ferry comes with a few caveats.

Ferries used to depart from Fajardo, but since 2018 have been departing from Ceiba according to friends in Puerto Rico. Tickets can be purchased at the ferry terminal office in Ceiba for about $2.50 one way or $5 roundtrip (plus plan to pay 0.60¢ per day for parking), however, many times the ferry is completely sold out (also worth noting is that residents of Culebra and Puerto Rico have priority over tourists on tickets) and it’s quite common for some of the ferries to be broken down and not in service.

I would advise booking your tickets in advance via Puerto Rico Ferries  to (hopefully) avoid any headaches.  If you are combining a visit to Culebra with Vieques you can also take the ferry between Vieques and Culebra as well.

The sea can be notoriously rough between Puerto Rico and Culebra, so if you are prone to sea sickness I would try to avoid the ferry, or at least prepare yourself for the worst. I also do not recommend the ferry for those on tight schedules as you should expect hiccups getting to/from Culebra.

More expensive but more efficient and predictable. Air Flamenco &  Vieques Air  offer connections to Culebra from both Isla Grande Airport and Ceiba Airport.

Ceiba is the cheapest option as it is lies on Puerto Rico’s east coast. The flight lasts about 15-20 minutes and will set you back $99 roundtrip. Expect to pay a little more from Isla Grande.

Being part of the USA the currency is, of course, the US dollar.

There is one ATM on the Island at the Banco Popular in Dewey near where the ferries dock. Otherwise, just stock up on cash before leaving Puerto Rico. Cash is still the favored form of payment here, however, several grocers, shops, and restaurants around Dewey accept Visa and Mastercard.

Tipping at restaurants is expected just like anywhere else in the USA. 15% is the norm.

The lines can be a little blurred here. You can spend a lot and live a little more luxuriously or you can kick around on the backpacker budget, though not quite as dirt cheap as you’ll find in Southeast Asia or Central America.

Considering that this is the Caribbean and the natural beauty of some of the beaches Culebra really is a bargain for what you get. From tent camping to lovely villas, walk or cycle the island or rent a golf cart…. you have plenty of options here that will fit most any budget.

Accommodation

You have a plethora of options here considering just how small the island is.

Your cheapest bet will be camping on Flamenco Beach. Camp slots are $20 per night with up to 6 people allowed to stay at each site. There are restrooms available albeit online reports say they’re pretty dismal.

If you don’t have your own camping gear don’t sweat it, gear can be rented nearby. As well as there are a few food kiosks just in a little way from the beach (trust me, you can’t miss them). Want more info on camping in Culebra?  Check out Camping Culebra .

Recommended Hotels/Hostels

Budget Culebra International Hostel | Culebrahostel.com |

Midrange Posada La Hamaca |  Booking.com  |

Splurge Club Seabourne Hotel |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |

There are also several Airbnb listings around Culebra, you can shop them  here .

Where To Eat

There are several small shops and grocery stores around the island where food and alcohol can be purchased if you’re trying to save. Expect similar prices to what you pay in Puerto Rico.

There are also several restaurants and bars around the island, expect to find dishes priced between $3 on up to $25 or more. There are prices to fit most budgets around in Culebra.

Cheaper options can be found at Zaco’s Tacos, El Panino, and Tiki Grill. Personally, I think my favorite dish I sat down to in Culebra was at the Krusty Krab, the grouper there is perfect.

Transportation

From my experience on Culebra, I personally recommend renting a golf cart from either  Carlos Jeep Rental  or  Jerry’s Jeep Rental . A golf cart will run you about $45/day. You can’t beat having the wind whip through your hair, plus it’s a blast. Jerry’s also rents scooters for the same price per day.

Another, slightly cheaper option is bicycle rental. Start by calling 787-645-5355 (La Romana Apartments) where bicycles can be rented for $20/day or $120/week.

The most expensive option is renting a full-on jeep from either of the aforementioned rental companies. Expect to pay $70+/day.

Official public transit doesn’t really exist here. There are Publicos around the island operate as taxis, expect to pay $3-5 depending on the length of the journey.

What To See & Do On Culebra

Beaches, beaches, and more beaches. Of course, catching a nice sunset, snorkeling among some pretty pristine corals, and kicking back are going to be the most popular.

The roughly 30 square kilometer island is home to about 1,800 residents, with Dewey being the main town on the island. This is where your main concentration of shops, hotels, restaurants, bars, and the ferry terminal are located. It’s fairly small, so no need to worry about getting yourself too lost here. For those traveling in by air, the airport is located just slightly north from Dewey.

Flamenco Beach

Flamenco Beach is regularly ranked as one of the top 10 beaches in the world. A long strip of sugary white sand with turquoise crystal clear waters lapping at its shores.

A main draw is checking out the tank further down the beach. It’s been covered in colorful graffiti and is a must-see if you end up out here.

The US navy used to use Culebra as a bombing and gunnery practice site and were eventually chased out, and this a remnant. There is also another tank hidden back in the trees off the beach as well.

You can camp a little back from the beach, find out more  here .

A nice, normally fairly quiet beach on the eastern side of the island. On a clear day, you can see clear over to  St. Thomas . But don’t worry if you don’t have perfectly clear skies, you’ll still be able to take in views of nearby Cayo Norte and Isla Culebrita.

Isla Culebrita

Isla Culebrita can be reached by renting a private boat (will run you about $150-200 for the day). If you think the beaches back in Culebra are quiet, these are barely touched. You may have it to yourself.

Going to the USVI too? Plan your visit to  Trunk Bay, St. John

Playa Tamarindo & Playa Melones

Both on the west coast, nearly right next to each other and usually pretty calm. Perfectly situated for a great sunset. Bring your bug spray, the sand fleas come out in full force at dusk.

Parallel park your golf cart on one of the roads and walk around Culebra’s compact little town. A number of shops, restaurants, and bars are all located along the main streets here.

Snorkeling/Diving

Stroll into a dive shop in Dewey and you can easily set up a trip, or if you have your own snorkel gear you can venture out from your chosen beach. Don’t worry if you’re a meticulous planner- you can book snorkeling trips in advance  here . There are plenty of good places to snorkel- check out that map earlier in the post for dive sites.

Shop Culebra snorkeling trips here

Culebra is super safe, even at night. Head down to any of the beaches and listen to the waves crash ashore and gaze up at the night sky. Flamenco is a great option for a nighttime visit as it’s far enough away from Dewey that there’s not tons of light pollution. You’ll probably even run into some families out camping and some fisherman.

Short on time?

If you only have a day to spare on your trip to Puerto Rico and want to see Culebra, a great option for you is to take a catamaran day trip from Fajardo. These types of tours will set you back about $120 For a visit to Flamenco as well as other beaches on the island, snorkeling, and lunch.

Check out Culebra day tours  here

Culebra is generally a pretty safe place. Just use the usual precautions and you can avoid most unfavorable situations.

Health Concerns

Mosquitos and roosters are about the only two nuisances around the island. Mosquitos can carry Dengue out on Culebra, so make sure to bring bug spray. Zika is present in Puerto Rico in general as well.

Roosters mostly will wake you crowing at the morning sun, but sometimes they can be a little aggressive and steal food right off your plate at a restaurant (I witnessed it).

Internet & Phone

Most US carriers will work and coverage falls under your US plan. Wifi is available at most hotels.

Other Important Information

• English and Spanish are spoken throughout Culebra.
• Culebra is a part of Puerto Rico, meaning that it is also part of the USA. Check out the  US gov website  to find out if or what sort of visa you may need to visit.

Have Any Questions About Traveling Culebra?

Ask in the comments sections below!

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6 thoughts on “the ultimate culebra travel guide”.

VERY helpful, I decided to book the plane from San juan to bulebra, thank you nicole

Oh good, hope you had a great time out there!

Hi Nicole, I work remotely so internet speed and reliability is critical. Do you have some information on what I might expect. Thank you, Jeff

Hi Jeff, Mobile coverage on the island is generally good, though outside of Dewey you can expect some spots where mobile internet isn’t as strong (in Dewey I always had at least LTE). In Dewey most all accommodations have wifi available too.

Hello, My family and I were planning to visit Culebra in April of 2022 but its my understanding that they are have been having serious seaweed problems that the government is not addressing. I understand many islands are having this problem. Check this video out and if you have any comments I would appreciate it.

Check this video out:

https://youtu.be/BJ1a7mmUmz0

Hey Bill, I did see the news about the sargassum problems in the area last summer. It’s hard to say what it will look like by April 2022, but hoping for the best for your trip!

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Bring your group to one of the World’s TOP TEN BEACHES on Culebra island, and have your every need catered to while you’re here!   Jawsome Tours specializes in group vacation packages on Culebra island. We exist to serve our guests and make their vacations easy, enjoyable and unforgettable! Plan your amazing Culebra vacation with us today!

AMAZING EXPERIENCES AT GREAT PRICES. ALL-INCLUSIVE WITH TRAVEL!

CULEBRA SNORKELING DAY TRIP

Depart from San Juan by yacht and snorkel the best spots around Culebra island over 4 hours.

• 4 Hour Yacht Charter
• We provide drinks and lunch on the yacht
• Access to Culebra’s best beach
• Free beach towel (1 for each guest)
• Feed the chickens on Culebra island

$120 per person. | Minimum 8 guests.

CULEBRA BACKPACKING DAY TRIP

Come by ferry and our tour guide will meet you, with drinks in hand, and take you around the best hiking spots on Culebra for the day.

Package includes:

• Ferry tickets for everyone in the group
• Tour guide and transportation to and from the ferry and around Culebra island
• Welcome tropical drink (your choice of Bushwacker, Sangria or Pina Colada)
• Feed the chickens on Culebra
• Group photo

$120 per person. | 8 people maximum per group.

CULEBRA WINDSURFING PACKAGE

Come to Culebra for a windsurfing class and get in some snorkeling or hiking while you’re here! We pick you up at the airport with drinks in hand and take you to the beach, where you’ll lean to windsurf and enjoy Culebra’s best beach.

• Round-trip airfare from Puerto Rico to Culebra Island on Flamenco airlines
• Welcome tropical cocktail (your choice of Sangria, Pina Colada or Bushwacker)
• Professional Windsurfing Class
• Transportation to and from the airport
• Beach access
• Feed the chickens

$120 per person | 8 people maximum. 4 people minimum.

• Round trip airfare on Flamenco airlines
• Fully stocked wine and beer during your stay
• One excursion per day during your stay (choose from Zip Lining, Horseback Riding, Snorkeling, Wine Tasting on the beach and more)
• Access to a yacht during your stay
• Beach towel for everyone in the group

$599 per guest per night. Minimum 10 people per group. Minimum 2 nights.

Experience this stunning villa located in the beautiful complex of Stars Hills Puerto Plata, Domican Republic.

12 Bedrooms | 10 Bathrooms | Sleeps 24

THE STORY BEHIND JAWSOME TOURS

Meet The Culebra Kid…

While growing up in Brooklyn my grandfather, John C. Padron, would often bring me to an island called Culebra.

My grandfather showed me the trails and fishing spots that make Culebra and Cayo Norte (an island that’s a short boat ride from Culebra) such special places.  As a kid on Culebra, I had odd jobs like working on a farm  where I fed the goats and cared for the horses. Eventually I ended up working at the restaurant Happy Landing with the owner, Gladlys Ortiz. Over time she taught me the hospitality business during our visits. Over time, I became familiar with the locals and was known as “The Culebra Kid”.

By 2001 I had a family of my own and was a municipality worker in New York City. The mother of my child, Lillian Lorosa, worked for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey as an Operation Supervisor. We continued visiting Culebra over the years. The day after 9-11 she went to the twin towers and spent weeks helping with the clean up. After a few weeks she complained of head pain and was diagnosed with brain cancer. Sadly she passed away on May 5th, 2005.

I have launched Jawsome Tours to honor the memory of my grandfather and Lillian and keep our family’s story alive.

Giving Back

With Jawsome Tours we work to build up the Culebra, Cayo Norte and San Juan communities. Our future plans include fund risers and forming business associations and with our profits invest in these communities. Our mission is simple: share the love of Culebra island and help the community in every way we can.

Andrew Kampuries AKA “The Culebra Kid” Jawsome Tours Owner

THINGS TO DO ON CULEBRA

Our Culebra connections can save you money on your vacation!

Work with us – we’re here to cater to your every need and make sure your Culebra experience exceeds your expectations.

Kayak & Snorkel With Turtles

UTV Rentals

Wave Runners

Windsurfing

Yacht Charters

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12 Best Tours & Excursions In Culebra, Puerto Rico (2024)

• Tours & Excursions

Culebra is a small island in Puerto Rico.

There are many exciting tours in Culebra that you must experience. 

Some of my best memories from childhood are from going on excursions with my family around the island, and Culebra is one of our favorite places.

In this article, I will cover the 12 best tours & excursions in Culebra, Puerto Rico:

1. Fishing tour

Take a boat out to the deeper waters surrounding Culebra island and see what you catch!

There is a good chance you might score something big like Bonefish (Macaco), Permit (Pompano), Tarpon (Sabalo), or King Mackerel.

You can book this tour with Culebra Bluewater Charters .

For the best places to stay during your trip, read our article Where To Stay In Culebra .

2. Charter tours

Take an all-inclusive day trip with your family on the island of Culebra, or even jet off to the surrounding islands and cays!

When I say all-inclusive, I mean it!

These types of tours are typically reserved for one party at a time, but they do have group charter tours.

You can expect a lunch, stops at Culebrita and the surrounding islands, tours of those areas with a guide, and other fun things like water sports or snorkeling.

You can book this tour with Sail Getaways .

For more information about Culebra’s most famous beach, read our article Flamenco Beach – All You Need To Know .

3. Snorkeling excursions

Get on your gear and check out the coral reefs and all the fish that live on Culebra.

Culebra is home to some of the most vibrant tropical fish in the world!

You will see fish like stoplight parrotfish, butterfly fish, and queen angelfish.

If you’re lucky, you might even catch sight of a manatee or a manta ray!

You can book this tour with East Island Excursions .

To learn more about snorkeling in Culebra and Puerto Rico, read our article 25 Best Snorkel Spots In Puerto Rico .

4. Scuba d iving excursions

Make sure to get certified, and you’ll be able to get up close and personal with the fish on a scuba diving tour!

Scuba diving allows you to wear an oxygen tank on your back and go into deeper waters and explore caves with a guide. 

You might see fish like barracudas or crustaceans like lobsters and mollusks.

You can book this tour with Aquatic Adventures .

5. Speedboat tours

You can take a super fast boat out on the waters by Culebra and enjoy many water sports and even lunch!

Most speed boat tours are reserved for single families, but there are group tours too.

You can expect to have a great boat driver who will give you an amazing tour of the island and its surrounding area.

You can book this tour with Escape to Paradise .

6. Kayaking tours

Go with a group and you’ll get to see the beautiful coast of Culebra.

This sort of boating is very peaceful and rewarding.

Being very close to the water you can reach out and feel it with your hands and see things up close like coral reefs.

You can book this tour with Kayaking Puerto Rico .

7. Catamaran tours

Think sailing, but bigger!

Most catamaran tours include lunch and a tour guide/boat driver.

It’s usually just a nice boat ride with a tour of the area, but sometimes they also offer snorkeling with certain packages.

You can book this tour with Sea Ventures .

8. Yacht tours 

Experience luxury with a yacht tour that you can book out for just your family or go with a group.

This is a very large boat that has amenities like a kitchen, refrigerator, and even a bathroom.

You can also expect comfortable seating and a beautiful place to take photos.

You can book this tour with Palomino Yacht Charters .

9. Paddle boarding excursions

Here is another really fun way to experience Culebra and it’s also very beautiful.

This is a beginner-friendly water sport, which is surprisingly easy to get the hang of.

When you pay for this tour, all equipment is included like life vests, boards, and paddles.

The guides are also well-equipped to help in an emergency and teach people of all skill levels!

You can book this tour with Bright Paddle .

10. Beach & island tours

Have a guide walk you through famous beaches like Flamenco Beach , the other nature reserves and sanctuaries, and have them explain to you its rich history.

11. Bioluminescent bay tour

Culebra doesn’t have a bioluminescent bay, but close by, in the island of Vieques , there is the brightest bio bay in the world.

If you are visiting Culebra, then I recommend that you also visit Vieques and see the bio bay at night. Check out our article to learn how to get to Vieques from Puerto Rico & San Juan.

You will see millions of bright sparkles as you kayak through the bay.

To learn more, read our article about Puerto Rico’s bioluminescent bays .

12. Tour Culebrita 

Take a charter or boat out to a small island off the coast of Culebra and experience the beauty it has to offer!

You can book this sort of tour with Cayo Water Taxi .

What is the best tour in Culebra Puerto Rico?

Snorkeling is the best type of tour you can take in Culebra. It allows you to experience what Culebra is famous for — its tropical fish!

What is the best tour in Culebra for families with kids?

Snorkeling is very family friendly, but my vote would be for paddle boarding. You won’t need to rent gear, and this is perfect for beginners as they teach you everything you need to know.

Final thoughts

Culebra is a small island in Puerto Rico that you must visit.

The most popular tours are snorkeling and boating.

You should also visit Flamenco Beach in Culebra. This is one of the best beaches in the world!

Finally, if you are visiting Culebra, you should also visit the neighboring island of Vieques . Here, you can experience the world’s brightest bioluminescent bay . 

Writer at PuertoRico.com. Growing up in New York and spending my summers in Puerto Rico, I have always loved writing, travel, and animals. I began my career as a travel writer, and after many different jobs in media, I have settled back into what I love most. I enjoy the beach, exploring the island with my family, and coffee!

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Snorkel & Beach Tours

Puerto rico, featured boat tours.

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Tobias Culebra Power Boat

Join us on a fantastic snorkel and beach tour to Culebra and the Cayo Luis Peña Nature Reserve.

• Hour Glass 3 or 5 hrs

Exclusive charters to the Fajardo Keys (Icacos, Palomino) Groups up to 6 guests. Custom-made packages to ensure our guests enjoy their trip to the fullest with full or half days options available.

Traveler Catamaran Sailing Tour

Glide through the calm, protected Caribbean waters of Fajardo Sound on the eastern coast of Puerto Rico as you enjoy the breathtaking views!

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Beach and Sunset Tour

Sail aboard the 54-foot catamaran Traveler as we glide through the calm, protected Caribbean waters of Fajardo Sound on the eastern coast of Puerto Rico.

Discover the beautiful beaches of Puerto Rico on one of our exciting snorkel and beach tours. If you are a first timer, sail to the Island of Icacos on the Traveler catamaran near the coast of Fajardo, take a snorkel class at the beach, and then head to the reef and explore the amazing marine life.

If you are feeling more adventurous, hop on the Tobias Culebra Power Boat and explore the beautiful coral gardens on the Island of Culebra on a snorkeling tour. Finish off in one of Puerto Rico’s popular destinations, Flamenco Beach. Either way, we are going to make sure this is a day to remember! Serving locals and visitors from many surrounding towns such as San Juan, Vieques, Isla Verde, and Luquillo, book your snorkel tour today!

Top-Rated Outdoor Activity in Fajardo, Puerto Rico!

Great experience! Crew was friendly and helpful. Communicated what we needed to know and expect very well, and consistently. Very professional but laid back enough to help everyone enjoy the experience. Overall experience was great.

Great boat tour and snorkeling. We went to the island of Culebra on the tour. Great staff and nice drinks! Definitely recommend the fast boat.Thanks to the skipper and the crew. You were great!

Captain & crew helpful and fun, brought us to some wonderful snorkeling spaces. Maybe 25 or so people total on boat, so a good size group but not overcrowded. Lots of fun!

Highly recommend this tour, wonderful service, food and attention. You must go to Flamenco beach and snorkel in Culebra they made our trip to Puerto Rico worth every penny.

My mom and I went on this trip and we loved it! Snorkel areas were amazing as well as playa flamenco. The crew is super cool, kind, responsible and friendly!

The crew was amazing and friendly. Couldn't ask for a better time out in Culebra. After a boat ride to the island we spent a couple hours snorkeling. Next up was a provided lunch on the boat and rum cocktails. Following that we went to Flamenco beach for a couple hours.

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Sail Getaways

Boat tours, private charters & snorkeling in fajardo, puerto rico, boat tours, private charters & snorkeling trips in fajardo, puerto rico.

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Culebra Power Boat Snorkeling & Beach Tour

Culebra Island in Puerto Rico offers a memorable experience for snorkeling and beach exploration. With its pristine white sand beaches and abundant tropical fishes, visitors are in for a treat. Whether you choose to relax on the shore or discover the wonders underwater, Culebra is just the place to be!

• Food Lunch included
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Icacos Power Boat Beach & Snorkel Island Hopping Adventure

Embark on an enchanting island-hopping journey that begins with a visit to Palomino. Explore the stunning coral reefs of The Cordillera Reserve, immersing yourself in the vibrant underwater world. Conclude your adventure on Icacos island, where you can luxuriate on its pristine, powder-white beach.

Public Vieques Power Boat Snorkeling & Beach Tour

Embark on an extraordinary journey with Sail Getaways to the enchanting island of Vieques. Immerse yourself in the pristine waters during our All-Inclusive Snorkel and Beach Excursion, promising a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.

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Sailing Catamaran Icacos Beach & Snorkel Tour

Explore the Cordillera Cays Nature Reserve aboard our 32-foot sailing catamaran, Getaway. Wade in knee-deep, crystal clear waters, sunbathe on stunning beaches and spot tropical marine life.

• Hour Glass 4 Hours

Icacos Double Dip Power Catamaran Snorkel & Beach Tour

Runaway, tailored for day charters – perfect for both early birds or late risers. This boat embodies fun and speed, providing ample time for snorkeling and beach enjoyment.

• Sunset Private Charter
• Hour Glass 2 Hours

Private Catamaran Sunset Sail in Fajardo

Relax and let the warm Caribbean wind carry your cares away while you sit back and enjoy some great music or the soothing sound of the boat sailing through the waves on this sunset sail.

• Sunset Sunset Sail
• Hour Glass 3 Hours

2 in 1 Icacos Beach & Sunset Adventure

If your vacation days are running out and you want to experience all that our aquatic world has to offer, then the 2 in 1 Icacos Twilight Beach and Sunset Adventure is for you!

Come Getaway With Us

Explore Puerto Rico on a public sail or private charter in a more intimate atmosphere compared to other tour operators that carry larger amounts of passengers.

Enjoy the best of popular tourist destinations like Icacos Cay and Culebra Island on an unforgettable sailing, snorkeling, and beach adventure in Fajardo!

Our vessels are equipped with private restrooms, shaded and open deck space, comfortable cushioned seats, fresh water showers, and easy water access ladders for snorkeling and swimming in the pristine Caribbean waters.

Sail Getaways is a family business committed to excellence by creating lifelong memories through personalized service delivered with genuine Puerto Rican hospitality.

Top-Rated Charters & Snorkeling in Fajardo, PR!

I did the tour to icacos island and palomino with the captain Jay, pablito and I forgot the tall guy name but three of them were great! We had a blast on our tour. Drinks were amazing. The crew was making sure we were safe and the most important part make sure we had fun and we enjoy the tour. Thanks for everything !! I will be back.

The spot chosen for snorkeling was just amazing. Flamenco beach is definitely a must. But what made a difference is the awesome Sail Getaways crew. All of them were super attentive and nice with us. They went above and beyond to ensure our trip was perfect. Not once I had to order for a refill of my drink. 11 out of 10, 100% recommended, I'll definitely repeat.

Was all of our first time and it was so beautiful and fun. We got to see a barracuda, big jellyfish and a bunch of other little fish. We enjoyed the guys explaining everything, Oscar was fun and kept us entertained since the music wasn't working haha. Loved that lunch and alcohol was included, was so worth the money!

We went with a friend to visit Culebra Island and everything was very nice, the trip was very pleasant, the guides were very attentive, VERY good music and food, I recommend them, 10/10!!

Wonderful experience. Clear turquoise water, white sandy beaches, lush green islands, and a remarkable crew. It was a perfect day of swimming, snorkeling, and positive vibes all around. Highly recommend these guys.

My friend and I took the tour to Tamarindo and Flamenco beach and it was amazing. The weather was perfect which made the ride super smooth. We were a fortunate group to enjoy a beautiful day. It was our first time experience and we loved it. We are beginner swimmers (to say the least) and the gentlemen were kind enough to get in the water with us so we wouldn’t miss the opportunity. Everyone on the boat was super friendly and made us feel like family! It’s definitely a must do activity when visiting the island. Looking forward to many more!!!

It was soo much fun. We took off on time went snorkeling not many fishes but still a great experience then we went to the flamingo island and got 2 hours to ourself to enjoy l. Crew was super friendly and kept the drinks coming. Would totally recommend

Great quick getaway for our group of 13. Quick boat ride to snorkel, excellent fish viewing and lunch. Then a quick boat ride to Flamenco Beach to wander around. The staff was friendly, knowledgable, and patient.

We took the three-in-one catamaran getaway on New Year's Day with Omar and Arturo. Our group was 2 adults a 9 year old and a 5 year old. All of us had an amazing time. Omar and Arturo were awesome sailors/hosts/guides making sure they got us to Icacos safely for snorkeling, answered all our questions, taught us about Puerto Rico and even served us delicious drinks and snacks. A really beautiful afternoon/evening with super friendly guides, Omar and Arturo.

Culebra Island Charters

Boats: caribe spirit, island flyer & eco isleño, culebra gateway day trip.

If you are looking for a unique fun aquatic adventure the Culebra Snorkeling tour is perfect for you. Flamenco’s turquoise waters and white sand, which stretches for a mile around a sheltered horseshoe-shaped bay, is one of the few beaches consistently ranked and included on the “Worlds Best Beaches” list.

The Getaway begins at the Marina Puerto Del Rey, Fajardo where one of our power catamarans will transport you to this unique treasure.  At the first stop you will enjoy some time to snorkel at one of the most  beautiful reefs  of the Island of  Culebra,  where you will be able to experience and enjoy the  beautiful and colorful marine life Culebra Island  has to offer.

Private charter up to 20 passengers to Culebra or Icacos option

Great for groups from 20 to 65 passengers call for more details  +1 (787) 860-3434  or text us at  +1(787)-409-2485.

Departure Site Information

This private charter normally departs from Marina Puerto del Rey in Fajardo, Puerto Rico at 9:30am please be on site at 9:00am for check-inn procces. If you have any questions about the boarding process or regarding your reservation please contact us at +1 (787) 860-3434.

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This old style schooner lends a bit of character to your tour of Old San Juan from the waters point of view. The crew were very friendly, professional, full of information, and were very attentive to making sure all aboard were comfortable. The ship was stocked with sodas, water, rum drinks, and beer, which was perfect for the length of this tour (1.5-2hrs). Despite its size, it is a substantial vessel in weight, so any rocking (even on high wind days) due to waves was not pronounced. The seating areas was covered by a shade screen, so even on hot days, it was quite comfortable. We will be doing this again in our next visit to Old San Juan.

Highly Recommend

An incredible experience on a great vessel with the most amazing staff that knew all the ins and outs of old San Juan.

Sunset sail

Our sunset cruise on the Amazing Grace was indeed amazing! Everyone was friendly and the crew was made up of skilled sailors who were equally good hosts! The ship is a topsail schooner designed to resemble ships used in the late 1700s and early 1800s. The ship’s cement hull makes it heavier, slower, and more stable than similar ships made from wood. The sunset cruise has a much greater selection of beverages than the daytime cruises, and appetizers are served. We were each served a slider and fish cake, and then a member of the crew brought around a tray of cured meats (salami, prosciutto. etc.) & various cheeses. These went well with the adult beverages we were enjoying! Another benefit of the sunset cruise is the time of day – the cooler evening temperature was more comfortable than what we had experienced earlier in the day while touring Old San Juan. I HIGHLY recommend the sunset cruise on the Amazing Grace!

Amazing Grace Sunset Tour

This tour was a great way to end our vacation in PR! The topsail schooner was clean and had comfortable seating, but no back rests. The children all received plastic swords, handkerchief and eye patches upon arrival. The staff is knowledgeable and personable! This tour has everything you need for an enjoyable cruise around San Juan. They serve drinks/food to you so you don’t have to move around the boat. (Yes, they have a bathroom onboard, but it’s down in the cabin area). Several choices in beverages and then as we headed back in we were offered tapas; such as beef or veggie slider, veggie or fish empanada, a tray of various meats/cheeses. Of course the sunset was beautiful!!!

Enjoyable Sunset Sailing

My fiancé and I went on a sunset cruise with both our families. The staff was friendly, the small children and adults both enjoyed their time, and the experience created a great memory with friends and family! I had high expectations, but it surpassed them!

Great experience

This really was a very nice experience. The crew was amazingly nice and friendly. The drinks and food were great and the scenery was beautiful. One of the sailors was ridiculously hot looking too. Lol. Anyways…..everything was clean and comfortable. Defenitely worth the price. They do a really great job making riders happy and they are informative.

Perfect and worth it

This was a fun evening sunset sail on a neat sailboat. The staff was funny, kind, and knowledgeable. We sailed very close to the 500 year old fort El Morro and they gave us a history of the surrounding area and Puerto Rico. They took pride in sailing and sharing the history of Puerto Rico. They served a variety of drinks and then on the way back from El Morro served sliders and empanadas. There was nice music too.

Fun Scenic Sail

We did the sunset sail with friends. Loved it. Met some nice people, nice drinks and appetizers. Great way to see the fort!! My favorite excursion!!

My husband and I truly enjoyed the sunset sail. The tour is suitable for anyone. There were other couples, families, and groups of friends. And everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves.The crew was extremely polite, personable, and accommodating. They played music throughout and stopped to give a brief history lesson. While sailing back, you were able to watch the sunset. The drinks were unlimited. They had water, Coke products, and alcohol. My husband and I do not drink, and the bartender was nice enough to offer making any of the drinks without alcohol. They also served appetizers. It’s just a few tastings of local food, so don’t expect to be full afterwards. Which we anticipated, and had a nice dinner in old San Juan right after. Being on our honeymoon, it was a beautiful and peaceful tour and a nice way to start our evening.

Enjoyable Experience!

I was a little bit thrown off by the pirate ship like appearance! Boy was I wrong! This wonderful boat and fantastic crew take you around part of the island touring and educating from the beginning of times of PR to present day interests! The drinks, appetizers and music are amazing! Vegan options available as well! A definite must see and do while in Puerto Rico! Pier 1 near the cruise ship port, across from Domino’s Pizza. It’s worth every penny!!!

Such a blast!

The crew was excellent, made us feel welcome, like we were the only 2 people there. Will visit again and again!

Best experience in Old San Juan!

The view from the sunset cruise was great. The crew kept everyone comfortable with drinks, food, music, history flowing. Great sunset!

Sunset Cruise on the Amazing Grace

My boyfriend and I were visiting for my birthday and went out. The crew was great, the drinks were good and it was 90 minutes of fun and history.

Had a nice relaxing sail. Took many pictures of the seaside view of El Morrow and the remaining gate in the wall to enter Puerto Rico. Almost forgot to mention, strong and refreshing fruit punch on board.

Just Relax and Enjoy

Loved this cruise. It was our first excursion of our trip. We loved it. The crew was great. The views were awesome. Food super.

Amazing Ride

The San Juan sunset tour was an amazing experience. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable. The boat was clean and beautiful and OMG the San Juan Bay and city is breathtaking. It’s so romantic and perfect for amazing pictures and video of the sunset.

It was amazing!!

The sea breeze, the sunset, the crew, the captain, the scenery, the food and the drinks were all awesome! HIGHLY recommended as one of the best things to do in Old San Juan. Kristi’s mojito’s are the best you’ll find on the island!

Super Sunset Sailing!!!

Our family of 4 truly loved this sailing experience on our February winter vacation in San Juan! They answered all of our questions about local history and the vessel itself, and the crew showed great interest in our backgrounds, too! There was a newlywed couple on the ship that night and they were treated like royalty by the crew and passengers! It was totally a dream night with great food (ordered from a local restaurant in town) and a beautiful sunset. If you’re looking to escape the cruise ship crowds on land, this is the sailing expedition for you!

Met all expectations for this traveling history buff!

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Thanks for sharing this, you are awesome !

Moyer Memoirs

Empty-Nest Travel Adventures

Beautiful Island of Culebra: Things to do on a Day Trip in Puerto Rico

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Last Updated on February 25, 2024

A day trip to Culebra Island: Paradise in Puerto Rico! 

You should definitely include all of these Culebra things to do on your Puerto Rico itinerary !  Culebra is an island that is a short day-trip from the main island of Puerto Rico.  It is Puerto Rico’s least populated town but is filled with exciting things to do for vacationers.

If you have extra time in your itinerary to Puerto Rico and you have already explored and toured all the historical sites in Old San Juan , visit Culebra Island and spend some time exploring all the white sand beaches on Culebra. It will feel like you have taken a trip to your own private island paradise!

I will tell you how to explore Culebra, how to get there, and everything you need to know about a quick trip to Culebra, the beautiful island in Puerto Rico!

Best Things to do in Culebra Puerto Rico

Where is culebra.

Culebra is a small island that is 17 miles to the east of Puerto Rico’s main island.  It is known mainly for beaches and snorkeling.  There is a lot of marine life including those adorable sea turtles swimming around Culebra’s healthy coral reefs.  The best beaches on the island are Flamenco Beach and Tamarindo Beach.

Important Note: There is another little island of Vieques , but Culebra is known for some of the top beaches in Puerto Rico and the better island spot for sailing, snorkeling, diving, and turtle watching. They are both outside the mainland of Puerto Rico and can only be reached by ferry or airplane.

How big is Culebra Island?

Culebra is a small island, measuring 7 miles by 5 miles. So spending 1 day in Culebra will be enough to see almost everything. If you extend your Culebra vacation, your itinerary will be filled with even more beautiful beaches and exciting snorkeling!

Follow along to learn about the CULEBRA ATTRACTIONS and all the wonderful things to do in Culebra Island Puerto Rico so that you can plan a PERFECT TRIP!

Flamenco Beach

Flamenco Beach is the best beach in Culebra, the best beach in Puerto Rico, and battles as one of the best beaches in the world .  It is 1 ½ miles long of white sand with a palm tree-lined backdrop and a great opportunity for beautiful green mountain vistas.

There are restrooms and changing facilities. There are a few Flamenco Beach food kiosks, picnic tables under the palm trees, showers, and vendors for chairs, umbrellas, and snorkel gear.  The island has spent a great deal of effort in renovating Flamenco Beach since it is quite popular with tourists.

There is a parking fee of $4 – $5 and a per-person ticket entry fee of $2.  It was a cloudy day when we were there… and in fact, it rained about 5 different times that day….  so the parking lot (and the beach!!) wasn’t that crowded.  I can imagine that parking gets difficult during peak times on days when the weather is beautiful.

The presence of official military tanks on Flamenco beach , one in the water and one on the land, give an eerie air to the whole beach since it can be seen in the distance as a large shadow looming in the water.  The tanks were left during the US presence in Puerto Rico.  Now, they sit, abandoned and rusting in the water.  They give an easel for those that love graffiti and a huge prop for those that love a unique selfie!

PRO TIP:   Wear water shoes around the tank in the water since there is a lot of rusted tank debris in the sand surrounding the tank.

How to get to Flamenco Beach

Depending on how you get to Culebra , there are a number of options for getting around Culebra. We opted for a golf cart rental.  It was so much fun tooling around that little island and going wherever we felt like going without a set driving itinerary!

The beach is only a short ride from the ferry dock.  You can easily drive there in a golf cart rental or take a taxi to Flamenco Beach from the Culebra ferry dock for around $10.

I discuss the options for getting to Culebra island itself, including the ferries to Culebra , in a later section.

Don’t want the hassle of driving?  Take a tour that includes the famous Flamenco Beach!

Tamarindo Beach

Tamarindo Beach does not have as nice of a sandy beach as Flamenco Beach.  The shore at Tamarindo has more pebbles and rocks.  However, the bonus is a better opportunity to see sea turtles at Tamarindo since there are usually more here. Take your snorkel gear and look out for those beautiful creatures!

Zoni Beach is a secluded paradise. It is the second-most popular beach on Culebra, but you would never know it while you are strolling its shores. The long stretches of sand are empty and beckon you to stretch out under the sun rays. There are numerous palm trees where you can pull up and devour a good book while enjoying the sea breeze.

It is on THIS beach that we were able to get our postcard-perfect Culebra beach photo under the palm trees to capture the essence of our trip to Culebra. We sent it to all our family and friends to make them jealous!

Explore the whole Culebra Island in a day

If you enjoy colorful Caribbean houses, green mangrove forests (like the amazing El Yunque National Forest and its hidden natural slides ), and visiting more than the popular sites on a day trip, you can explore the rest of Culebra Island for some hidden treasures and more secluded beaches, like we did.

One day in Culebra Puerto Rico is definitely enough time to drive around the whole island in a rental car —or even more fun —a golf cart.

How to get around in Culebra

Culebra Island is small, but not THAT small.  Once you arrive at the ferry dock in Culebra, there is a small town of shops and restaurants, but after that, you will not be able to walk everywhere.  Some of the beaches are a 5 – 10 minute drive from the ferry dock. That is kind of far to walk to!

After all, why waste your whole day WALKING to the beach, when you could zip there quickly with some rented transportation and spend more time in the sun!

There are a few options available for transportation if you are wondering how to get around Culebra Puerto Rico! –Golf carts and Jeeps!

Golf Cart Rental on Culebra

We rented a golf cart from Carlos Jeep Rental .  It was really easy.  We reserved one ahead of time and when our morning ferry arrived in Culebra, the shuttle was there to take hubby to the rental building to pick up the golf cart.  It was not cheap, but it was really fun exploring the whole island of Culebra during our short day trip.  We drove around on all the little roads and up and down the hills, through the mangroves for a little over an hour, and definitely put some miles on our little golf cart rental!

Carlos Jeep rental also has jeeps —it’s in the name!! — if you want a bigger vehicle!

If you are thinking SMALLER, there are also several bike rental companies on the island that average about $20 per day for a rental. Even smaller — there are scooter rentals with a guided tour !!

If you don’t want to drive yourself around Culebra, there will be plenty of taxi drivers waiting at the dock to take you to all the popular destinations, like Flamenco Beach, and then back to the ferry dock at the end of the day.

Walk around downtown Culebra by the dock

Spend some time near the ferry dock station.  There are several small shops, restaurants, and bars to enjoy. If you are a foodie, exploring all the small eateries in this area is one of the fun things to do in Culebra Puerto Rico!

In fact, we ordered a to-go pizza from Heather’s Pizza (take-out was the only option during the pandemic!) and found a bench looking out over the water.  It was the first time we had a pizza with plantains on it!  Plantains are common fruits in tropical areas so I wanted to try them.  They are a variation of our common banana and I enjoyed the sweet contrast of the plantains on my pizza!  We ate our dinner while waiting for our return ferry to the main island of Puerto Rico.

More time in Puerto Rico? Follow my Ultimate Guide!!!

Kayak in Culebra Puerto Rico

Paddling along the clear blue water around Culebra in a kayak is a great way to enjoy the Caribbean atmosphere and sea life.  

WARNING:  The tantalizing views will make you want to jump in and do some snorkeling for one of your next adventurous activities in Culebra! …so keep reading on for snorkel and scuba diving activities in Culebra! You can’t leave Culebra without doing some snorkeling too!

Paddleboard in Culebra Puerto Rico

The water on the west coast of Culebra is very calm and perfect for paddle boarding.  There are places that you can rent equipment and even snorkel gear for viewing the sea life when you are done with your paddleboard!

Take a guided paddle board tour, or rent one and explore Culebra on your own.

Culebra Snorkeling

Culebra is one of the best spots in the world for snorkeling because the underwater reefs have not been touched by millions of tourists.  They are preserved and living with vibrant-colored coral and sea life. The best snorkeling beaches on Culebra are Flamenco Beach, Tamarindo Beach and Zoni Beach as well as many other hidden gems.

Scuba Dive in Culebra Puerto Rico

Explore even more of Culebra’s reef system with a scuba diving tour.  There are dozens of dive sites and depths for all levels of divers.  You will be amazed at what you discover in Culebra’s pristine waters.

➡️ Where to find the BEST scuba diving all over Puerto Rico

Culebra Wildlife Refuge

The National Wildlife Refuge was formed by President Theodore Roosevelt and is overseen by the US Navy.  In the Caribbean, it is made up of 22 islands including Culebra.  On your tour through the National Wildlife Refuge, you will see grasslands, mangroves, canyons, and forests.

Food on Culebra Island & Culebra Drinks

Speaking of dinner, there are a handful of notable sit-down restaurants.

Dinghy Dock, located near the Culebra ferry dock, is a must-see experience of dining in an open-air restaurant with a fun-loving atmosphere, a beautiful view of the bay, and a delicious Puerto Rican menu.

The island’s signature cocktail is a Bushwhacker, a tropical chocolate-flavored alcoholic milkshake! Don’t forget to order one of THOSE with your dinner on Culebra.

How to get to Culebra Puerto Rico

In increasing order of cost, the options for getting to Culebra Island from the main island of Puerto Rico are listed below.  Choose your method and then continue reading for further tips and advice for getting from Ceiba to Culebra.

Method of transportation for a Culebra day trip from San Juan:

• A 1-hour ferry boat ride to Culebra from Ceiba (less than $5 per person round trip)
• An excursion or day-trip to Culebra from Ceiba that plans the boat trip & Culebra activities for you
• A 30-minute plane ride to Culebra from San Juan International Airport (~$100 round trip)
• An excursion or day-trip to Culebra that plans a flight from San Juan Airport to Culebra and the activities for you (~$375)

Ferry to Culebra – Method 1

How to get to the ferry terminal in ceiba in order to get to culebra.

The ferry dock is located in Ceiba Puerto Rico and is a little less than 50 miles from San Juan.  If you are planning to take the ferry to Culebra, you will also need to plan a way to get to the ferry dock.  If you have already rented a car in San Juan , it will just be a scenic 1-hour drive from your San Juan hotel to Ceiba.

• Taxi from San Juan to Ceiba (~$90)
• Car Rental in Puerto Rico ($ depends on # rental days)
• An excursion or day-trip to Culebra that includes a flight from the San Juan Airport to Culebra and all the activities (~$375)

Ferry to Culebra from Ceiba

The high-speed ferry from Ceiba is the cheapest way to get to Culebra and is a scenic ride that clips along the waves at an amazing speed.  However, it is definitely not the fastest method to get to Culebra.  You should only choose this method if you are planning a relaxed day in Culebra without any time constraints.

First, you have to travel to Ceiba, which is a 1-hour car ride away from San Juan.  Most travelers don’t stay in Ceiba, so the travel time from their accommodation adds up and results in waking up earlier in the morning.

Where is the ferry dock?

Ceiba Terminal: Marina Dr. Roosevelt Roads Ceiba, PR 00735 MAP to Ceiba Ferry Terminal

The ferry dock has boats going to Culebra Island as well as Vieques Island , so make sure you are buying tickets to the correct island!  The workers are all quite friendly, speak English, and will definitely help you find the right place to get in line for boarding your ferry to Culebra.

Ferry tickets are available online ahead of time BUT in very limited quantity.

If you want to be assured of a seat, pay attention to the release of your ferry tickets and get one right away.  If not, the rest of the unreleased tickets are sold first-come at the ferry dock.  Arrive one hour before your ferry time and get in the ticket window line. 

AFTER you purchase your ticket THEN park your car down the road in the visitor’s lot and take the free shuttle van back to the dock.

Price of Ferry Tickets to Culebra

Either online or in-person, the ticket prices are CHEAP!

• Adults  (Ages 12 – 59) $2.25 one way / $4.50 round trip
• Children ages (Ages 3 – 11)  $1.00
• Seniors (Ages 60 – 74)  $1.00
• Seniors (Ages 75 and up)  Free

*Prices subject to change, especially during peak season

What to know about the ferry ride to Culebra

It takes a little under an hour to get to Culebra from Ceiba on the ferry.  It is often a rough ride.  We went on a windy day and it felt like a roller coaster going over all the waves.   I watched out my window as the ferry dove into each wave and created a massive shower of water spraying against the windows of the boat each time.  

At first, everyone was cheering and lifting their arms up for each wave.  ….THEN it got eerily quiet and the crew started handing out barf bags!  I think about 10 people were seasick on our ferry ride to Culebra!! If you are prone to seasickness, maybe skipping the ferry to Culebra is your best choice!

The ferry itself is quite comfortable.  There is seating inside or outside, depending on the weather.  Although I think it could get very windy with outside seating. The seats are well-padded.  Hubby actually fell asleep during all the commotion but didn’t mind missing all the seasick sounds!

How long does it take to get to Culebra from San Juan

The total time to get from San Juan to Culebra is nearly 3 hours!

• + 1 hr car ride to Ceiba from San Juan
• + 1 hr arrive early at the ferry terminal
• +1 hr boarding and ferry ride to Ceiba

If you want to arrive in Culebra at 10 am to pick up a golf cart and drive to Flamenco Beach, you need to start your journey at 7 am  –or earlier if you anticipate taking a wrong turn or two!  We stopped at the Puerto Rican Bakery for breakfast sandwiches and donuts, so we left EVEN EARLIER than 7 am!  I HIGHLY recommend a pit stop at that bakery!!

Airplane Flight to Culebra – Method 2

Getting a quick flight to Culebra is a great idea if you are short on time and want to spend less of you vacation time traveling around from one place to another.

Silver Airlines or Cape Airlines fly to Culebra’s little Benjamín Rivera Noriega Airport.  Get an airplane flight from San Juan to Culebra and you could be there ready to hit the beach in a half an hour’s time! 

Have your snorkel gear ready to go as soon as your plane lands with this perfect Culebra Island day trip itinerary that includes transfers and snorkeling in Culebra .

Day Trip to Culebra Island – Method 3

Taking an excursion and day trip tour is the way to go to Culebra if you don’t want to worry about the planning and transportation details.  There are many organized trips to Culebra Island that leave from San Juan. 

Take a look at some of these day trips to Culebra and choose your fun activities for the day! Most of the day trips include complimentary drinks.

Culebra Tours & Day Trips to Culebra

Need more info & things to do in Puerto Rico?

• Ultimate Guide to Puerto Rico
• Guide to San Juan
• Where to stay in San Juan
• Guide to the Island of Culebra
• Guide to the Island of Vieques
• Guide to El Yunque National Forest
• Tours in El Yunque
• Finding the Las Paylas Natural Water Slide
• Pinones Kiosks
• Best Instagram Spots in Puerto Rico
• Adventure Guide to Puerto Rico
• Scuba Diving in Puerto Rico

Getting around Puerto Rico

• Renting a Car in Puerto Rico

Conclusion of THINGS TO DO IN CULEBRA Puerto Rico

I hope you found some great ideas for things to do on a day trip to Culebra Puerto Rico! We definitely filled up our 1 day in Culebra with all of these activities. It was a vacation day well spent enjoying the island.

Did I leave anything out? Leave a comment about some of the exciting activities in Culebra

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Related posts:.

We went to Puerto Rico a few years ago, but only had two days there to explore San Juan. I really want to return to explore more, so I’m definitely saving your article. Thanks for sharing.

yes, in order to have a chance to visit Culebra, you really need 4 days in Puerto Rico! ..on your next visit 🙂

I never heard about Culebrea, but always wanted to visit Puerto Rico! I will save this article for my future travels ❤️

This is on our bucket list. I love that you can find pizza the world over!

This looks like such a beautiful area to visit! I would really like to visit that beach and chill out there.

I’d love to visit Puerto Rico, I also love traveling round by golf cart!

Culebra sounds like a beautiful and fun island with plenty of things to do. I would opt to go by ferry, although I would definitely get seasick when the sea is rocky.

Your content is great, I will come back to read it again. You also have a quality site.

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Boat Rental in Puerto Rico – Boat Rental in Fajardo – Boat Rental in Culebra

All Inclusive Boat Charter With Captian

This is CULEBRA VIP & EAST, small and private groups where you will not have to deal with large groups of people and being uncomfortable. CULEBRA,VIEQUES AND FAJARDO KEYS, travel with no rush.

Reviews on Tripadvisor

“A DAY IN PARADISE” – A completely VIP 8 hour trip experience, during which we were able to visit three beautiful islands off the Fajardo coast: Icacos, Palomino & Palominito. Snacks, beverages (non-alcoholic), a barbecue meal, snorkeling equipment, beach games and even floats were provided. The service was completely professional and, most importantly, very friendly. Greatly recommend if you’re looking for a boat day without strangers, only close friends and family. Anais San Juan

“EXCELLENT ADVENTURE!” – If you come to Puerto Rico and are looking for snorkeling, scuba diving or just a day at the beach this are the guys you need to call. My boyfriend and I have been both on scuba diving and private boat tours with them and Esdras and his crew are extremely professional, attentive and go above and beyond for the client! The groups are always small, the food is pretty good and the spots are to die for. You just can’t go wrong with them. Alexandra USA

“SPECTACULAR & PERSONALIZED EXPERIENCE” – Esdras our captain, Carlos our first mate and Roxanne did an amazing job. They set up an amazing day and personalized the experience by bringing us to a beach where we could fish and showed us a spectacular reef when they saw we enjoyed snorkeling. The food was amazing, the beaches were beautiful and our guides were incredible. Everything from setting up the tour to the actual day was seamless. Highly recommend! Josh G. USA

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Puerto Rico ⎮ Culebra Puerto Rico

Top Rated Tour to Culebra

Culebra, a small island, stands as one of the last places in the Caribbean where beauty remains unspoiled by modern development.   Culebra mostly attracts day trip visitors, leaving the rest of the coastline free of crowds to enjoy as if it is your own paradise for the day.  Those that frequently visit Culebra, only wish it was a secret rarely shared, with the hopes that island will not change.

While Culebra may be compact and serene, it unfolds a tapestry of activities for nature enthusiasts, ensuring entertainment amidst its natural wonders.    Delight in beach hopping, hiking trails leading to secluded beaches,  snorkeling on colorful reefs where sea turtles call home, scuba diving, kayaking, and walking around the charming town, greeted by very friendly residents.  As you explore Culebra, you’ll enjoy tranquility in breathtaking landscapes, transporting visitors to a world that, although not distant, feels like a blissful escape.

Tourism in Culebra, Puerto Rico

While other Caribbean islands boast hotel chains and touristy activities, residents and Culeba lovers prefer to cherish the island’s natural treasures as the main attractions .  The majority of Culebra is a natural refuge, safeguarding it from excessive development and allowing visitors and residents to revel in a pristine tropical paradise.  The most popular activities on the island include beachcombing, kayaking, and hiking in serene and uncrowded settings.  Culebra is a haven for snorkeling enthusiasts, offering some of the healthiest coral reefs in the Caribbean.  Dining is a casual and relaxed affair with a calypso vibe; choose from a few seaside restaurants and places in town serving more traditional Puerto Rican cuisine.

For an unforgettable Puerto Rico vacation , we suggest starting with a 2-night stay in Old San Juan before catching a flight from SIG to Culebra for the remainder of your trip.  Explore the San Juan National Historic Site , stroll through Old San Juan’s charming streets, and savor exceptional dining experiences.  After a restful night, embark on a journey to Culebra for unforgettable days.  In Culebra, immerse yourself in swimming, snorkeling, relaxation, and the awe-inspiring beaches of this cherished island.  During your time on Culebra, you might join a community of visitors who return year after year; a few days here will undoubtedly turn you into a lifelong Culebra enthusiast.

Culebra...A Place to Relax, Recharge & Reconnect....

Culebra is an ideal haven for rejuvenation, providing the perfect escape to recharge before facing life’s challenges. Whether you’re seeking an extended vacation or a brief weekend getaway, Culebra’s natural allure offers the respite you desire.

Upon arriving in Culebra, you’ll find yourself in a place where time appears to have stood still. The island’s unhurried pace and relaxed ambiance invite you to disconnect and embrace the simplicity and enchantment of authentic island living. It’s a destination that encourages you to unwind and surrender to the magic of its surroundings.

Travel to Isla de Culebra, Puerto Rico

Getting to culebra.

There’s no need to traverse the globe to discover a truly extraordinary destination, a brief 3.5-hour flight from major cities in the USA will take you to the capital city of San Juan, Puerto Ric o.  From there, a quick 30-minute flight or ferry ride transports you to Culebra, where pure natural bliss awaits.  Learn more about reaching Culebra, Puerto Rico.

Hotels & Places to Stay in Culebra

Culebra provides several accommodation options, including a charming boutique hotel, several cozy inns and guesthouses, and a range of vacation rentals.  Notably, you won’t find towering oceanfront resorts, hotel chains, or standardized lodgings in Culebra; a characteristic that enhances the island’s allure for its admirers.  Whether you’re a honeymooner, a solo traveler, or a family seeking a getaway, Culebra Island ensures comfortable lodging and warm hospitality.   More about hotels/lodging in Culebra

Map - Culebra Puerto Rico

Best Things to Do in Culebra Puerto Rico

P lanning to visit the picturesque island of Culebra, a hidden gem nestled in the Caribbean Sea? Just a short ferry ride away from the mainland when you visit Puerto Rico, or a quick flight, there are some memorable things to do in Culebra Puerto Rico. 

Recently I visited Culebra with my friends, and we stayed for three days and two nights. I’m excited to share with you all that we learned so that you can have the best experience.

Known for pristine Culebra beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and vibrant marine life, the island of Culebra offers a slice of paradise for those seeking a tranquil and unforgettable getaway. Whether you’re a beach lover, an outdoor adventurer, or a nature enthusiast, this tropical paradise has something for everyone. 

In this post, I’ll take you on a journey to explore the top Culebra things to do, from basking in the sun on breathtaking beaches to snorkeling through underwater wonders and immersing yourself in the island’s rich natural beauty. Get ready to dive into this beautiful destination and uncover the best experiences Culebra has to offer.

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Where To Stay In Puerto Rico

One of the best places to stay in Puerto Rico is the Caribe Hilton in San Juan . It’s not only oceanfront, but it has its very own private beach with calm waters for snorkeling, an incredible outdoor pool area, and several restaurants on sight. I stayed here during my visit to San Juan, Puerto Rico and used it as a great central location. It’s only a 10-minute Uber ride to Old San Juan or a 15-minute Uber ride to the international airport.

Click here to check rates for Caribe Hilton.

If you’re looking for more fun in Puerto Rico beyond the adventurous experiences, then you may want to consider combing your trip to be part-adventure and part-relaxation and book a few nights in one of the top Puerto Rico resorts for families .

Don’t have time to read a bunch of Puerto Rico blog posts and reviews for planning a visit to Puerto Rico? Here are our top picks for tours and places to stay in Puerto Rico:

Highely – rated tours in Puerto Rico:

• Culebra Catamaran Day Trip
• Bio Bay Bioluminescent Kayak Tour
• Old San Juan Walk and Taste Tour
• UTV or ATV Tour
• Culebrita Snorkeling Tour

Best Places To Stay in Puerto Rico :

Caribe Hilton San Juan, Puerto Rico

Culebra Vacation Rental

How To Get To Culebra

There are a few ways that you can get to the remote yet beautiful island of Culebra from the mainland of Puerto Rico. 

Take a Ferry To Culebra

The most affordable and popular option is to take a ferry from Ceiba, a town on the eastern coast of Puerto Rico. The ferry ride takes approximately 1 hour, depending on the schedule and sea conditions. It’s advisable to arrive early, especially during peak travel times, as tickets are on a first-come, first-served basis. Learn more about the ferry service here . 

Charter A Private Boat or Catamaran from Fajardo

Another option is to charter a private boat or use a water taxi service from Fajardo. This option provides more flexibility in terms of scheduling, but it can be more expensive compared to the ferry. Several companies offer private boat charters to Culebra .

Take A Small Plane to Culebra

Culebra has a small airport called Benjamin Rivera Noriega Airport (CPX), which serves domestic flights from San Juan’s Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) and Isla Grande Airport (SIG). Flying can be more convenient and saves time compared to the ferry or private boat options. Several local airlines, such as Cape Air and Vieques Air Link, operate flights to Culebra.

Things To Do in Culebra

There are some fun things to do in Culebra, and the most popular attraction is exploring the beaches on Culebra. Or, consider visiting the Culebra National wildlife refuge. The tiny island offers a few day’s worth of activities if you’d like to plan a long weekend, or you could do a day trip as one of the top Puerto Rico Adventures and still experience some of the great things to do on Culebra.

Just be sure to check out our family beach vacation packing list before you head there to make sure you have all that you need. Let’s dive into some of the best things to do in Culebra PR.

Rent A Golf Cart and Tour the Island

In order to access the popular beaches on Culebra you’ll need transportation. There are two popular rental places where you can rent a jeep or a golf cart to get around the small island. We rented a gas powered golf cart from Carlos Jeep Rental. You can also look for rentals at Jerry’s Jeep Rental, both located within walking distance to the small airport.

The rental attendant showed me a map and explained how to get to the popular beaches and where to drive and not drive. It was nice to have a golf cart so that my friends and I could get around the island easily during our stay.

Visit the Famous Flamenco Beach

Flamenco Beach is often ranked as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. With its crystal-clear turquoise waters, white sandy shores, and stunning panoramic views, it’s a must-visit spot in Culebra. Honestly, Flameco beach is THE Culebra beach everyone raves about all around Puerto Rico.

It’s absolutely one of the best beaches in Culebra Puerto Rico.

Be sure to plan to grab some beautiful pictures while you’re on this beach! Take advantage of the green rolling hills background along with the aqua water. Much like the best beaches in the Florida Keys.

You can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, or simply relaxing on the white sand beaches. There’s even a lifeguard on duty and bathrooms and showers to rinse off when you’re finished. Be sure to bring your snorkel gear because there’s some great snorkeling on the west side of the beach near the tanks.

Yes, there are deserted US Military tanks that are on the beach and are regularly painted by the locals so they don’t look so rusted. In truth, the US military tested out bombing on Culebra in preparation for the Vietnam War.

Later the locals pushed back and the military left the island, and with that, left behind some tanks and other things. Yet, now people visiting Flamenco Beach are looking for the tanks as they are expecting to see them.

Go Snorkeling off of Culebra

Culebra is known for its excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities. Explore the vibrant underwater world teeming with colorful coral reefs, tropical fish, sea creatures and marine life such as sea turtles and stingrays. Some popular snorkeling and diving spots include Tamarindo Beach, Playa Carlos Rosario Beach, and even the west side of Flamenco Beach. 

While I was visiting, I found the calmer waters at Flamenco beach made for some fun and comfortable snorkeling. Scuba diving can also be done if you have the right gear.

Explore Culebra Town

Take a stroll through Culebra Town and explore its charming streets. Visit local shops and restaurants to get a taste of the island’s culture and cuisine.

Stop by the market to grab some food and drinks for a day at the beach, on a boat, or back in your hotel or rental.

Visit the Nature Reserve – Culebra National Wildlife Refuge

Culebra’s National Wildlife Refuge is a place to find many fish, plants and migratory birds. If you enjoy nature, this is place to spend an hour or two.

Take a Day Trip to Culebrita Island 

Hire a water taxi or snorkeling tour to Culebrita Island, a small uninhabited island located off the eastern coast of Culebra. Hike up to the Culebrita Lighthouse for stunning views, relax on secluded beaches like Tortuga Beach or Playa de las Hermanas, and soak in natural tidal pools known as “The Baths.”

This is where I saw both a stingray and a sea turtle snorkeling! It was such a beautiful experience. The boat ride was only 30 minutes from Culebra and the water taxi provided beach umbrellas, chairs, paddle boards. We packed up for lunch and drinks and spent an entire afternoon on Culebrita Island. 

Visit The Other Beaches On Culebra

From Tamarindo Beach, offering great Culebra snorkeling to the next popular beach called Melones beach which is a great place to watch the sunset, you can enjoy many small beaches during your time on Culebra.

Aside from Melones Beach and Tamarindo Beach, other beaches include Zoni Beach and other hidden beaches which are best to explore with a local guide. There are also some secluded beach and sea life preserves that you can go explore.

Eat at La Cocina Del Navegante

One of the best restaurants in Culebra Puerto Rico is at La Cocina Del Navegante. The coconut shrimp, fried cheese, and spicy crab was delicious. So were the mango drinks the girls had.

Eat at Zaco’s Tacos

Enjoy the fun atmosphere and delicious tacos at Zaco’s Tacos in Culebra.

Where To Stay and Hotels in Culebra Puerto Rico

There are a few good options when looking for Culebra Puerto Rico hotels or rental homes. Be ready for small, privately owned rentals, as Culebra is a very small island that only has a population size of 1,100 people.  

Before searching for Puerto Rico Culebra hotels, you are going to want to determine where to stay in Culebra Puerto Rico. If you plan to rent a golf cart or jeep, you can stay just about anywhere the paved roads will take you as the island is just a few short miles wide. But if you’d like to walk, then you’ll want to stay within a mile of the airport, which is within walking distance of the ferry terminal and most of the restaurants. 

A place that sleeps a family of 6 within walking distance to both the airport and ferry terminal is this 2 bedroom and 2-bathroom bungalow . It has a full kitchen and places for kids to sleep. 

This place offers 2 bedrooms and a jacuzzi on Culebra. 

When searching for Culebra Island hotels when planning our recent trip, we started by looking at reviews. Being a small island, we found that VRBO was a better choice to book the best place to stay on Culebra. 

FAQ’s for What to Do on Culebra

Are there day trips to culebra .

Yes, there are a few options for taking a day trip to Culebra. Here’s a great option for taking a catamaran to Culebra Puerto Rico . Or you can take the ferry to the Culebra ferry terminal in the morning and explore the island for the day, then take the ferry back to the main island of Puerto Rico.

Where’s the Best Pizza In Culebra?

Looking for the best pizza in Culebra? Then try sourdough pizza made with fresh ingredients by La Jibara Pizzeria .

Is there a grocery store or market on Culebra?

Yes, Culebra has a grocery store opened most days from 7am – 6pm called Colmado y Carnicería Milka. They offer a variety of foods including produce, chips, paper products, and even a meat counter.

How long should we plan to stay in Culebra?

You can stay for as short as a day trip or up to two nights. That way you can explore the beaches and find the best snorkeling spots, enjoy a few the Culebra restaurants, and have a bit of extra time to relax if it rains during part of your vacation.

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