Where to Stay in Culebra (Best Areas & Places in 2024)

5 Best Neighborhoods & Areas to Stay in Culebra

Culebra is a small archipelago located off the east coast of Puerto Rico. 

The main island is divided into six neighborhoods known as Flamenco, San Isidro, Playa Sardinas I and II, and Dewey. Culebrita and Cayo Luis Peña are the two most visited offshore islands. 

The downtown is within walking distance of the ferry terminal and it’s where you’ll find most restaurants and hotels. Here is a map of Culebra.

Dewey Downtown

👉 Best Area For Walking | ✨ Best Dewey Hotels: Palmetto Guesthouse • Posada La Hamaca • Aleli Cottages

Dewey, also known as Culebra Pueblo, is Culebra’s downtown. Most stores, restaurants, and popular hotels are located here. It’s the best place to stay if you’re not renting a car. 

Dewey is within walking distance of the ferry terminal and some of Culebra’s most popular beaches.

In this neighborhood, you’ll find casual hostel-style hotels with extra amenities like free bicycle rentals and restaurants in guesthouses such as Mamacita’s Guesthouse and El Navegante de Culebra.

Pros of Staying in Dewey:

• Easy access to the ferry terminal
• Lots of restaurants and shops
• Beaches within walking distance
• Saving on rental car costs
• Easy to catch tours to the wildlife refuge 

Cons of Staying in Dewey:

• Far from the Flamenco Beach and Zoni Beach
• More crowds than in other parts of the island

Playa Sardinas I

👉 Best Area For for Staying Close to Ferry Terminal | ✨ Best Playa Sardinas I Rentals: Seahorse Villa • Casa Rural • Nido de Raven

Playa Sardinas is where to stay in Culebra island to have easy access to the ferry terminal and local gem beaches. 

In Playa Sardinas I, snorkeling lovers will find Melones Beach, known for its abundant corals, marine life, and sea turtles. Plus, if you’re traveling in groups, you’ll find that families and couples can stay at multiple Culebra beach villas, bungalows, and apartment rentals.

The Seahorse Villa is located in this area. It’s a great option for large families and even has an infinity swimming pool.

Pros of Staying in Playa Sardinas I:

• Near ferry terminal
• Nearby downtown
• Access to Melones Beach
• Closest kayaking route to Cayo Luis Peña

Cons of Staying in Playa Sardinas I:

• Lack of hotels
• Few restaurants and bars

Playa Sardinas II

👉 Best Area For Acessing Ensenada Honda | ✨ Best Playa Sardinas II Hotels: Club Seabourne Hotels • Posada La Hamaca • Oceania Villas

Playa Sardinas II is next to the Playa Sardinas I neighborhood, and it has quick access to all of downtown’s amenities while being more private. 

This side of the island is home to Club Seabourne Hotel, one of the highest-rated hotels on the island, with villas, a swimming pool, and free breakfast.

From Playa Sardinas II, you can take multiple boat tours and charters. Travelers also have access to remote beaches like Dátiles Beach and Punta Soldado Beach.  

Pros of Staying in Playa Sardinas II:

• Access to remote beaches 
• Easy to visit downtown
• Great views of Ensenada Honda

Cons of Staying in Playa Sardinas II:

• Lack of restaurants

Flamenco

👉 Best Area For Enjoying the Best Beaches | ✨ Best Flamenco Hotels: Aleli Cottages • Culebra Studios & Suites • Costa Bonita Private Villa

Flamenco is the biggest neighborhood in Culebra island and part of it belongs to the Culebra National Wildlife Refuge. This area is the best Culebra neighborhood to stay in to enjoy the best beaches in Puerto Rico.

Here beach fans will find Flamenco Beach, Playa Tamarindo, and Playa Carlos Rosario. 

These last two are considered some of the best snorkeling destinations on the island. There aren’t many hotels or apartment rentals on this side of the island since it’s mostly an environmentally protected area. 

Still, Aleli Cottages is one of the top Culebra hotels preferred for its seclusion and amazing ocean views.

Pros of Staying in Flamenco:

• Access to Culebra’s best beaches
• Access to Culebra Wildlife Refuge
• Culebra airport in this neighborhood

Cons of Staying in Flamenco:

• Lack of restaurants or bars
• Far from the ferry port

Fraile

👉 Best Area For Secluded Apartment Rentals | ✨ Best Fraile Rentals: Ocean View Studio • Casa Moderna • Rainbow Paradise

Fraile is on the less touristy side of Culebra island. Couples in particular will prefer Fraile over other Culebra neighborhoods for its seclusion and privacy. On this side of the island, Zoni Beach stands as one of the most remote and underrated things to do in Culebra.

This neighborhood is also flooded with apartment rentals and villas with amazing views and top-notch amenities including flat-screen TVs, Wi-Fi, and equipped kitchens ideal for a romantic getaway.

The Ocean View Studio at Culebra has an amazing view of Ensenada Honda, a swimming pool, and large rooms.

Pros of Staying in Fraile:

• Secluded and less touristy than other areas
• Variety of apartment rentals and villas
• Access to remote beaches
• Near Zoni Beach

Cons of Staying in Fraile:

• Lack of restaurants and bars in the area
• Apartment rentals and villas can be pricey

Tips for Staying in Culebra

Visit in the Low Season

Culebra is one of the most popular destinations in Puerto Rico. Even if it’s hard to get from San Juan to Culebra, the crowds will flood the island during the summer.

Choose the low season to visit and you’ll find better Culebra hotel deals and beaches all to yourself. Learn more in our guide to when to visit Puerto Rico.

Book a Water Taxi on Site

There are dozens of water taxi companies in Culebra. Instead of booking an expensive water taxi tour through a third-party website, wait until you arrive on the island to learn about the local companies. You can call multiple companies and negotiate your prices for your trip.

Rent a Car

Culebra is theoretically walkable, but the geography of the island plus the tropical heat makes walking too impractical. Renting a car or a golf cart allows you to move around more easily, save time, and stay out of the sun.

Renting a car in Puerto Rico is easy, and you can even compare rates online through Discover Cars. You can rent a bike too, but some areas of Culebra might be difficult to cycle through.

Buy Your Return Ticket 

When you visit Culebra, make sure to have a return ticket ready. Don’t wait until your departure to buy it, as tickets run out quickly and there’s no guarantee you’ll get a spot on your preferred date. I’ve come across families that had to extend their stay at Culebra just because there weren’t any return tickets available.

Buy Groceries

Culebra is usually expensive. Even a two-person restaurant meal can range between $40 and $70. To help with the costs, families and those renting an apartment should bring their groceries to save on meals during their stay if they are on a budget. You can also buy groceries in the local supermarkets. 

Check Attractions and Store Hours 

During the low season, many Culebra attractions have varied hours and tours might stop operating due to the low demand. Check out the restaurant and beaches hours before your trip so you can plan your trip accordingly.

FAQs About Where to Stay in Culebra

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Thanks for reading my guide to where to stay in Culebra! Up next, check out our guide to Culebra vs Vieques to continue planning your trip. Safe travels!