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Discover Culebra Island

Culebra Island Puerto Rico by Mamacitas Guest House

Travel Culebra Island Puerto Rico
Undisturbed, undeveloped and pristine are just a few words used to describe Culebra Island. Although it rings cliché, many visitors say the island is reminiscent of stepping back 30 years in the Caribbean. With little more than 2000 residents, you’ll soon feel like part of the Culebra family meeting the diverse personalities in our local community.

With a fusion of Culebrenses, Americans and Puerto Rican residents, you’ll fit right in and meet life long friends in a few days visit. Residents go out of their way to ensure you enjoy your stay; and by the time you leave, you’ll find yourself pitching in by giving advice on local watering holes, beaches and restaurants or giving a ride to hikers exploring the island.

Off the beaten path, Culebra is geographically located in between Puerto Rico and the US Virgin islands. It is often coined one of the Spanish Virgin Islands due to its fusion of Virgin Island and Puerto Rican culture. Steel bands merge soca and salsa music and conga’s ring through happy hour at Mamacitas on Saturday night with an afro Caribbean pulse. Culebra’s laid back ambience lends itself to island time; where you can escape the grind and wind down from your daily routine.

With the Travel Channels 2nd most beautiful beach in the United States, Flamenco Beach, unspoiled white sand beaches and crystalline waters await. While Flamenco Beach is faultless, many lay claim to other island beaches as their favorite for diverse reasons. Whether it’s the views of St. Thomas and Tortola from Zoni Beach located on the Northeast side of the island, or the snorkeling at Melones Beach, a federally protected reserve on the Southwest side or the nature hike down to Brava beach, the choice is yours as to which beach is your favorite.

Culebra contains one of the most unique wildlife habitats in the Caribbean. One of the most surprising inhabitants of Culebra is the white tail deer, which has its origins on the island widely disputed. The two most popular stories are that they swam from a refuge for injured deer coming the mainland United States in St. Thomas; and the other being they were brought to the island by a Navy Captain who was an avid big game hunter. Whichever being true, they flourish on the island and can be seen in Fall, Spring and Winter throughout the island.

Another unique visitor to Culebra has been the Pink Flamingo, hence the namesake of our most popular beach. Many years have passed since the unique birds have visited the island, but as recently as 2008 they have been slowly returning to the lagoon adjacent to Flamenco beach. Other commonly seen exotic animals include the Manatee in our local mangroves, wild bird species, iguanas, wild horses and of course endangered leatherback turtles, which have been calling Culebra home for thousands of years.

Tours can be arranged through Fish and Wildlife to see the turtles nesting on Brava Beach. With a sustainable environment being one of our prime concerns by both the local government and residents, wildlife flourishes on our island paradise. Included in this distinct ecology are cays surrounding the island.

Culebrita, with its centuries old lighthouse a short hike from the southern entrance and Tortuga Beach, popular with boaters is arguably the most popular. Equally beautiful are the beaches on Cayo Norte, the largest of the cays, and Luis Pena, a protected wildlife reserve. All are accessible by local water taxis which will ferry you out to the islands for day trips. Sailors and boaters often spend sunburst days visiting these island beaches.

Culebra has long been a favorite destination of the sailing community for its free anchorages and protected harbors. Cruisers enjoy the crime free community and reasonable prices while provisioning on the island.