Culebra is a humble island in Puerto Rico that is sparsely populated and almost an untouched natural paradise. The island is fenced by pristine white sand beaches, blessed with world-class diving reefs, and untainted by loud commercial tourism. Expect to be immersed in the local scene because there are no high-end hotels, country clubs, casinos, fast-food restaurants, and no rush-hour traffic! In short, you will certainly join the local vibe during your stay. Culebra offers a hideaway from the hustle and bustle of the urban jungle and it is the perfect place to recharge and relax. Enjoy the solitude that the island has to offer and be sure to check out the unending list of things to do in Culebra, Puerto Rico below.
1. Go snorkeling in Zoni Beach
Zoni Beach is the second most popular beach in Culebra, next to Flamenco. It is ideal for tourists who prefer a more peaceful place to relax and be embraced by nature. This beach has amazing rock formations in the southern region with crystal clear water, perfect for snorkeling and swimming. This secluded paradise has a lot of shady spots where you can lie down and read a book or watch the sunset glistening over the divine waters. Aside from these, Zoni Beach is a known nesting site of leatherback and hawksbill turtles so remember to be careful not to bother them in their natural habitat. If you are picturing a calm and serene day by the beach, Zoni Beach is your best place to be.
Zoni Beach
Address: Puerto Rico, Fraile, Puerto Rico
Website: Zoni Beach
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
2. Catch the sunset view at Melones Beach
Located on the west of Culebra, Melones Beach boasts of having the most amazing sunset views on the whole island. Enjoy the golden sun and different shades of orange in the afternoon as you stroll through the shores of Melones. The beach is another hidden tropical paradise that’s ideal for travelers who seek some peace and downtime. It prides itself on its clear and calm water where you can watch the creatures living under the sea. Melones Beach is a perfect place to relax, unwind, and appreciate the tranquility of nature like no other.
Melones Beach
Address: 77CP8M3Q+ Culebra, PR, 00775
Website: Melones Beach
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
3. Explore the past at Culebra History Museum
Blessed with a richness in beautiful beaches and landscapes, Culebra also holds an interesting and unique history. Get a glimpse of the island’s past to understand their present ways of living and culture. The humble Culebra History Museum, or Museo El Polvorín, offers a concise and condensed knowledge of the past of Culebra. The museum also showcases historical movies and documentaries on the preservation of turtles and if you want to expand your knowledge, the friendly volunteers will be thrilled to answer any question that you might have. Enjoy a day of learning and exploring only at the Culebra History Museum.
Culebra History Museum
Address: Fraile, Culebra 00775, Puerto Rico
Website: Culebra History Museum
Opening hours: Fri - Sun: 10am - 3pm (closed from Mon - Thu)
Price: Free (donations are accepted)
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4. Go on a full-day tour of Flamenco Beach (from USD 199.0)
Visit two of the best beaches in San Juan in just one guided trip. Traverse the Flamenco and Culebra beaches in a speedboat with other people and explore the biodiversity under the blue waters of the two beaches. Go snorkeling accompanied by professionals and immerse yourself with different sea creatures along the way. On this tour, you get to experience the life on the island up close and get to explore things you could never imagine.
Culebra, Flamenco Beach Speedboat and Snorkeling Tour
Duration: 8 hours
5. Go diving or kayaking at Tamarindo Beach
Another one of Culebra’s gems is Tamarindo Beach that is part of Cayo Luis Peña Nature Reserve. If you are a diving enthusiast, this beach offers extraordinary ecological biodiversity for you to explore. Spot a multitude of fish in varying vibrant colors, stingrays, and sea turtles. Kayaking is also a famous water activity to do at the beach because it has the perfect current to enjoy the ride. Aside from this, enjoy the breathtaking views of landscapes and of sunsets by the shore while enjoying a picnic under breezy shaded areas.
Tamarindo Beach
Address: Tamarindo Beach Road, Culebra, 00775, Puerto Rico
Website: Tamarindo Beach
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
6. Visit the protected area of Culebra National Wildlife Refuge
Culebra National Wildlife Refuge is an enormous wildlife reserve that includes 23 islands and 4 tracts on the main island of Culebra. The refuge is a well-known nesting site for a diverse species of seabirds and home to migratory birds and other unique animal species, most especially for endangered sea turtles. As a highly protected area, visitors are only permitted at Cayo Luis Peña and Culebrita where spectacular diving and snorkeling spots are found and are considered as a paradise for birdwatchers and nature lovers. Anywhere you go, remember to be a responsible tourist, respect the place you visit and have fun!
Culebra National Wildlife Refuge
Address: Culebra, 00775, Puerto Rico
Website: Culebra National Wildlife Refuge
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
7. Stroll around Culebrita Island
Culebrita is a small uninhabited island on the eastern coast of Culebra. The ‘little Culebra’ is a nature reserve and part of the Culebra National Wildlife Refuge. You can hike, kayak, or rent a water taxi going to Culebrita and travel through breathtaking sights along the way. Going to the island is quite a challenge, but it is surely worth every step. Snorkel and explore the reefs of Culebrita, especially its southern part, and see wildlife you have never seen before. This little island is also home to the famous Culebrita Lighthouse, where a majestic panoramic view of the island awaits you!
Culebrita
Address: Culebrita 77CM9V5M+ GH Culebra, PR, 00775
Website: Culebrita
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
8. Take a dive at Playa Carlos Rosario
Culebra is truly blessed with beautiful beaches and water formations that one can enjoy and explore. Another one of which is Playa Carlos Rosario which is part of the marine-life protected Cayo Luis Pena Natural Reserve. This is an ideal place for people who are very much into diving and snorkeling. This beach is a quieter and more relaxed one than the others, so expect an intimate dive with the creatures of the water. It is not every day that one gets to be close to marine wildlife, so ready your gear, dive into the deep water, and be part of their world!
Playa Carlos Rosario
Address: Playa Carlos Rosario 77CP8MFC+R3 Culebra, PR, 00775
Website: Playa Carlos Rosario
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
9. Enjoy the sun and get a tan at Playa Punta Soldado Beach
Known for its calm waters and beautiful underwater wildlife, Playa Punta Soldado Beach is yet another perfect spot for divers and underwater enthusiasts. But, if you just want to relax by the shore, lay a beach mat, read a book, and get your tan, this beach is just as perfect a spot for you. Playa Punta Soldado Beach is not very crowded so you will enjoy this piece of paradise almost by yourself. Do not forget to bring your own food and whatever you might need because there are no facilities or food kiosks available on the beach.
Playa Punta Soldado Beach
Address: Punta Soldado beach Culebra, Puerto Rico
Website: Playa Punta Soldado Beach
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
10. Stroll through Brava Beach
Brava Beach is an unadulterated gem in the Caribbean that lets you escape for a while and be carefree. Brava is another word for fierce, rightfully describing the majestic beach, the landscape it holds, and its waters. Brava Beach prides itself on its pristine blue water that makes you want to dive into, but do it at your own risk because swimming is not advisable. Take a walk along the shore or better yet, hike through the designated walking trail where a great reward is waiting. After the hike, be welcomed by a fresh breeze and calm surroundings where you will enjoy solitude and peace.
Brava Beach
Address: Hwy 250, Puerto Rico
Website: Brava Beach
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
11. Visit the beautiful ruins of Culebrita Lighthouse
One of the remaining Spanish-era structures in Culebra, Culebrita Lighthouse offers a panoramic view of the island. It was built in the 1880s by the Spanish crown and presently, it is a national treasure with historical value and has claimed its place in the scenic landscape of the Culebra. The way to the lighthouse might be a tiring 20-minute-uphill hike, but surely a tantalizing backdrop and interesting history await you. On your way down, take a side trip to the “hot tub” and take a cool dip to freshen up a bit before heading home.
Culebrita Lighthouse
Address: Isla Culebrita Lighthouse PR-250 Culebritas Culebra, PR, 00775
Website: Culebrita Lighthouse
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
12. Relax at Playa Sardinas
By now, you should know that the island of Culebra has a ton of beaches to explore. Playa Sardinas is another place to relax and unwind because of its calm environment. The beach is set on the southwest coast of Culebra and it is situated in a major tourist area which lets you roam around and to taste the local flavor of the place. Although it is on the busier side of the island, Playa Sardinas is embraced by nature and surrounded by trees that still give you the serendipity of the more secluded beaches.
Playa Sardinas
Address: PR-252, Playa Sardinas I, Culebra 00775, Puerto Rico
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
13. Go surfing at Playa Resaca
Playa Resaca is a very secluded beach that only a few locals visit. It has the most difficult hike on the island, with its narrow and steep trails. After the challenging hike, expect the landscape of Playa Resaca in its bare form. There are no establishments here and few tourists or locals, so you can enjoy this island by yourself. The waves are all yours so surf as much as you want. However, Playa Resaca is a nesting place for turtles, so it might be closed during the hatching season.
Playa Resaca
Address: Culebra, 00775, Puerto Rico
Website: Playa Resaca
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
14. Camp out at Playa Datiles
Playa Datiles is one of the less popular beaches in Culebra due to its location that can be missed easily. If you are traveling with your kids, this is an ideal place for them to enjoy because it has shallow water where they can swim all day without you worrying too much. Spot playful schools of tiny fish along the grass beds, go kayaking and floating, and after a fun day, set up your tents and have a restful sleep. Playa Datiles is a beach camper’s dream with its serenity, simplicity, and beauty.
Playa Datiles
Address: Culebra, Puerto Rico, Caribbean
Website: Playa Datiles
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
15. Hide away at the pristine Ensenada Malena
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
If you find the other beaches a little bit crowded for you, head out to Ensenada Malena bay to enjoy a sweet little island nestled in greenery. Unpack your beach mat, lay down on the silky smooth sand of the shore, and get that island tan. The bay is ideal for snorkeling so swim along with schools of fish and live corals. Sailing is also a famous thing to do in the bay, but be sure that you are experienced enough to ride a sailboat. Culebra has enough beautiful beaches for everyone to enjoy, so choose what best fits you or better yet, try them all out!
Ensenada Malena
Address: Punta Salado, Culebra, Puerto Rico
Opening hours: 24 (daily)
Price: Free
16. Have drinks at The Spot
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Puerto Rico has rice and beans as their staple meal, so if you crave for something else The Spot has got you covered. The owners of the bistro serve a very diverse menu ranging from Indian, Lebanese, Italian, Asian, and Mediterranean cuisines. Surely, they know how to give locals and tourist alike a fresh palette and this just might be their edge in the food scene of Culebra. This bistro also prides itself on the famous coffees that will energize you with its mere smell. The owners of The Spot are passionate about serving the best exotic food in Culebra, so every spoonful is truly top quality.
The Spot
Address: Cll Pedro Marquez, Culebra, 00775, Puerto Rico
Website: The Spot
Opening hours: 7pm - 12am (daily)
17. Get your local coffee fix at Blac Flamingo Coffee
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
We are open until 11am today? Buenos días!! . . . #happy#monday#blacflamingocoffee#coffee#life#coffeeshop#island#vibes#sunshine#espresso#puertorico#travel
Posted by Blac Flamingo Coffee on Monday, July 27, 2020
Start your day with a sumptuous breakfast and a cup of local craft coffee only at Blac Flamingo Coffee. They serve artisan breakfast like avocado egg toasts and spinach salad with poached eggs. They also serve a light lunch if you get a tad bit hungry. Previous customers highly recommend the coffee shop’s wide array of coffees that are served hot or iced. Blac Flamingo Coffee is a popular place to get your coffee fix so expect to see a line but a purchase is really worth it.
Blac Flamingo Coffee
Address: #10 Cll Jesus M Ortiz, Culebra, 00775, Puerto Rico
Website: Blac Flamingo Coffee
Opening hours: Wed - Mon: 6:30am - 1:30pm (closed on Tue)
18. Buy souvenirs at Galería de Regalos Gift Shop
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by GdR on Wednesday, November 18, 2015
When traveling, many of us keep some mementos to relive the memories we had from the place. Others buy some gifts and souvenirs for people they remember while they were away. Galería de Regalos Gift Shop is your local souvenir shop that has been operating for two decades now, and it features local arts and crafts that you can bring home. From handmade accessories to cigars, coffee, and magnets, the local shop has something for all personalities. So keep your memories of Culebra alive when you purchase something quirky from Galería de Regalos Gift Shop.
Galería de Regalos Gift Shop
Address: Culebra, 00775, Puerto Rico
Website: Galería de Regalos Gift Shop
Opening hours: 8:30am - 6:30pm (daily)
19. Enjoy a great view of Playa Manzanilla
Playa Manzanilla is one of Culebra’s secluded beaches which boasts scenic views and stillness. Playa Manzanilla does not drive too much tourist traffic so going here feels like owning a private island, but it is still conveniently located near the town’s amenities. Catch the sunset over the long beach and enjoy the views of tropical trees and the sand bar. Playa Manzanilla has a unique view compared to the surrounding beaches and it maintains a peaceful ambiance for you to enjoy.
Playa Manzanilla
Address: 00775, Puerto Rico
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
20. Watch a movie at the ambient Cine Culebra
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
If you need some silver-screen entertainment, Cine Culebra is a quaint cinema that gives you just that. This is not like any other cinema you might have been to and that is the charm that attracts tourists and locals to give it a try. The cinema is a converted shipping container with an enormous flat-screen TV and cozy theater seating. Cine Culebra screens local and international movies that guests enjoy very much. Not bad for two to four dollar tickets!
Cine Culebra
Address: Calle Playa Sardina, Culebra, Puerto Rico
Website: Cine Culebra
Opening hours: Wed, Fri, Sat : 7pm - onward
Price: 2 - 4 USD
21. Feast on fresh sea food at Dinghy Dock
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Dinghy Dock Culebra on Monday, February 25, 2019
If you want to dine with a view, check out Dinghy Dock that is just a few feet away from the waters. The recommended best time to eat here is in the early evening when you can catch the golden sunset by the bay of Ensenada Honda. Dinghy Dock offers a tasty menu of various kinds of seafood accompanied by cold draft beers and quality service. This is a famous stopover for locals and curious tourists because of its unique, aesthetic, and airy atmosphere. Be sure to complete your experience by bringing the best company you got!
Dinghy Dock
Address: Culebra, 00775, Puerto Rico
Website: Dinghy Dock
Opening hours: Sat & Sun: 9am - 3pm, 6pm - 9pm; Mon - Fri: 11am - 3pm, 6pm - 9pm
22. Enjoy a Tex-Mex dinner at Zaco's Tacos
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Zacos Tacos on Sunday, July 4, 2021
Great food, great drinks, great ambiance, and great music- Zacos Tacos is the complete package for your next dining experience in Culebra! Try their weekly specials that patrons and previous guests highly recommend, like the cucumber jalapeno margarita, crab and shrimp nachos, tuna poke, and many more. Spending time over dinner with your family and friends should be paired with Zacos Tacos’ delicious feast!
Zaco's Tacos
Address: Cll Pedro Marquez, Culebra, 00775, Puerto Rico
Website: Zaco’s Tacos
Opening hours: Fri - Mon: 12pm - 8:30pm; Tue - Thu: 12pm - 9pm
A sweet escape
If you are looking for a sweet escape from the noise and stresses of the city, Culebra will give you that paradise. Enjoy a slow-paced life and local living during your stay; disconnect for a while, and just appreciate the solitude that the island has to offer. Surely, after your quiet time on this island, you will feel recharged and ready to take on another day! Include the listed things to do in Culebra, Puerto Rico, and have the best vacation yet!
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