Culebra, with its pristine beaches and vibrant culture, is an idyllic destination for family, couple and solo adventures. Relax on the white sand beaches or go snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, and savor delicious local cuisine. Spend a week or do it all in a day- a day trip, that is! Yes, it’s doable and worth it.
My recent TikTok video had so much traction that I decided to create a blog post sharing my actual Culebra day trip itinerary. I hope I’ve answered all of your questions and that I’ve inspired you to take the trip to one of the world’s most beautiful beaches- Flamenco Beach.
Remember, don’t liter, be kind and just have a great time 🙂
Note: This post contains affiliate links. All opinions/recs are true and honest.
This itinerary will guide you through an easy day trip to Culebra. You will surely create some lasting memories in this tropical paradise.
Before you head to Culebra, plan accordingly.
Culebra is a small island with a dense population. There are only a handful of shops and restaurants so it’s wise to bring your essentials with you. Many locals bring beach chairs, coolers, and more. The ferry is also pet friendly but make sure to check their website ahead. Here’s a checklist in case you need one.
- Beach Towels
- Sun Screen
- Bug wipes/spray (we didn’t really need it, there was not a bug issue)
- Snacks and Water
- Water Shoes
- Waterproof phone case
- Battery pack / chargers
- First Aid and Medicine kit
Shop my Travel essentials here.
Catch the Ferry to Culebra
The first thing you want to do is secure your ferry tickets. You can also get to Culebra via a board plane but it will take time between getting to the airport and you can only carry a small bag. Plus, it is more costly. Keep in mind that some seasons are very busy and tickets are limited and locals get first dibbs. You can purchase them online but from my past experiences, I have purchased in person and gotten same day or next day tickets. It all really depends on your schedule and where you are staying. For example, the last time I went I was staying in Fajardo which is less than 30 minutes from the ferry terminal at Ceiba. Because we were not too far, we decided on next day tickets because the weather would be nicer. When visiting Vieques, we took a ferry the same day and drove from San Juan which was a little under 1 hour. The ferry ride to Vieques is shorter than to Culebra. If you’re only goinf for the day, please purcahse round-trip tickets. You do not want to get stuck out there. Lodging is limited and businesses close early.
Note: there is parking at the ferry terminal. It’s $15 per day.
Warning: the boat ride can be very bumpy! Pack anti-nausea medicine if needed.
Greet Hector el Protector
The first thing you want to do when you arrive to Culebra is greet Hector el Protector. He watches over the island, making sure it’s free of ill intentions. He’s kind of iconic. So snap a photo and start your day.
Pick Up the Car Rental
We rented our Jeep from Carlos Jeep Rentals online the night before. I would recommend doing this in advance when you know what date(s) you will be there. We went during the off-season so it was doable but if you plan to visit during the summer, lots of tourists will beat you to it. FYI: You could choose a Jeep, Bronco, or golf cart. As a car reviewer, I can tell you that Jeep and Bronco are great for off-roading. Many people have shared that they enjoyed the golf carts but I saw quite a few struggling on certain roads. Choose wisely.
More Reading: Puerto Rico: Things to Do for Free
Grab Breakfast at PanCafé bakery
The shuttle to the car rental pickup only allows for the driver to get picked up. So my daughter and I took a quick stroll and stumbled upon PanCafé bakery. They had the yummiest sugared donuts and lots of breakfast options. They also had a full bar.
First stop: Flamenco Beach
Flamenco Beach is often hailed as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Revel in the soft, powdery sand and take in the most stunning views. Lay out your beach towels and set up a cozy beach spot. The shallow waters are perfect for young swimmers and there are life guards on site. There is a small fee of $2-3 per person to get into the beach and you also have to pay for parking which is about $6. Flamenco Beach has kiosks with food, beverage (alcohol as well), rentals, gifts and more. There are also bathrooms and showers. It’s a really nice set up. Take a stroll along the beach to see the remains of two large US military tanks.
Product Recommendations:
• Beach blanket
• kids’ beach ball
Some history behind the tanks…
M4 Sherman tanks are a reminder of the US military weapons and testing that took place for over 30 years.Culebra was previously used as a naval training ground by the U.S. Navy, and when they left in 1975, they left behind the tanks, which now remain as a visible relic of that military past. Bombing practice took place since 1936. But it worsened over time. In 1969, when pilots trained for Vietnam, missiles hit the island on an almost daily basis. Culebra residents dealt with trauma, pollution, abuse-the military’s attempt to evict the islands entire population resulted in the people’s resistance. After several marches and protests, the Navy finally agreed to stop using the island for testing in 1975.
Zoni Beach
Next, we drove over to Zoni beach. The ride there was scenic. Renting a car really allows you to take in the views of the island. Zoni is known for having turtle nestlings and it’s a more quiet beach, perfect to stroll and just relax. The views are beautiful from this beach, too. Flamenco, Zoni and Tamarindo beaches are said to be the top 3 on the island.
Tamarindo Beach
We headed over to Tamarindo beach to watch the sunset and it did not disappoint. It was STUNNING. What a show off- rainbows, pink and blue skies with warm yellow tones reflecting onto the water. It was straight out of a postcard. The waves were smooth and the water was the perfect temperature.
Dinner at Mamacita’s
Last but not least, we dropped off the car rental at the lot and walked up to Mamacita’s. The food there was SO good. This restaurant’s has a cute boho vibe and is partially indoors with open views of the Laguna de Lobine and the Culebra Bridge. And you can see some cool fish. We especially loved the yuca mofongo with chicken in criollo sauce and the piña colada’s were yummy, too.
Head back to Ceiba
After an adventure-filled day on the island, we headed back to the ferry. We opted for the last ferry of the day which was 9:30pm and made sure to get there early. I’ve heard people say that if you’re late you can miss it or that sometimes it has been cancelled so we took a risk by taking the last one. Thankfully, we were just fine and made it back with no issues.
Culebra offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. From stunning beaches to great cuisine, scenery and more- it’s a must-see if that’s your vibe. I cannot wait to return!
