Culebra is a remote, sleepy island with long stretches of pristine, uncrowded white-sand beach. It's a great escape from the development and faster pace of the main island. Along with the island of Vieques, Culebra has the best diving and snorkeling in Puerto Rico. Part of the island and the surrounding 23 islets make up a national wildlife refuge. The refuge is accessible by ferry from San Juan aboard the Island Hi-Speed Ferry (seasonal, does not operate April-December; toll-free 877-899-3993), a public ferry from the east coast, or by plane from Isla Grande, San Juan or Fajardo. Used by the U.S. military for bombing practice until 1975, these coral-reef-fringed islands are home to mangrove forests, dozens of species of seabirds and four species of sea turtles (it's one of only two known U.S. nesting sites for giant sea turtles).
Daytime excursions may be made to
Culebrita (old lighthouse, rare flora and fauna),
Cayo Norte and
Cayo de Luis Pena. Accommodations range from basic cabins to comfortable villas.
One of the Caribbean's most beautiful beaches is Flamenco. Small waves, crystalline water and white sand make this spot an oasis. Locals like to camp and picnic at Flamenco, and others may prefer to rent a bicycle or a Jeep to tour the island. It's a wonderfully relaxing (and inexpensive) way to see the sights. Culebra is about 45 m/72 km east of San Juan.