The rumors are true: the things to do in Culebra are enough to fill an entire vacation in Puerto Rico. This lightly-developed island off the east coast of Puerto Rico boasts clear shores teeming with sea life and is an ultimate Caribbean paradise for beach lovers.
I’m a Puerto Rico local who’s explored Culebra. In this article, I’ll spill the beans on the best things to do in Culebra, including where to find the best Culebra beaches.
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21 Best Things to Do in Culebra
Flamenco Beach
Swim at the most acclaimed and recognized Puerto Rico beach for its beauty and peculiar landmarks.
📍 Google Maps | Hours: 7 am – 5:30 pm daily | Entrance: $2 per person + $5 per parking | 👉 Book a Snorkeling Flamenco Beach tour on Viator
Located on the north coast of Culebra, the famous Flamenco Beach features turquoise blue water and white fine sand. It’s also the only beach in Culebra with amenities. You’ll have access to parking, food kiosks, showers, lockers, and restrooms here.
Beachgoers can rent snorkeling gear, beach chairs, and umbrellas at the beach too.
While visiting, walk west to get a view of the iconic military tank, which contrasts completely with the natural landscape of the popular Puerto Rico beach.
Carlos Rosario Beach
Snorkel at the beach with the best-preserved corals at Culebra.
📍 Google Maps | Hours: 7 am – 5:30 pm daily | Entrance: $2 per person + $5 per parking | 👉 Book Carlos Rosario Snorkeling tour on Viator
Carlos Rosario Beach is ideal for those who appreciate remoteness and calmness over amenities. Plus, it’s great for snorkeling and diving. Just off the beach, there’s a diving area known as “the wall” with soft corals and schools of fish.
You can also hang out on the rocky shore or sit at the shallow pool on the west.
To get to Carlos Rosario Beach you have to hike for 20 minutes from Flamenco Beach’s parking lot.
👉 Pro Tip: To enter this beach, you need to hike to your right until you find a deep blue “trail” in the water, that gives you access to the corals without stepping on them. Generally, boats and catamarans dock in this area.
Tamarindo Beach
Remote and uncrowded, Playa Tamarindo is a haven for sea species like turtles, stingrays, and fish.
📍 Google Maps | Hours: Sunrise to Sunset | Entrance: Free | 👉 Book a Tamarindo Snorkeling tour on Viator
Tamarindo Beach is one of Culebra visitors’ favorite beaches for seeing sea turtles, and visiting will have you understanding why Culebra is one of the best places to visit in Puerto Rico.
The large fields of seagrass on this beach attract turtles throughout the day. Stingrays and fish also roam these waters. The high visibility and shallowness make it easy to spot marine life for beginner snorkelers.
Just make sure to pack snorkel gear together with your beach essentials in your Puerto Rico packing list. You won’t find any rentals or amenities in Tamarindo Beach.
👉 Pro Tip: The Tamarindo Beach road is bumpy and filled with potholes. Drive slowly to prevent a flat tire.
Zoni Beach
Stroll peacefully through this remote beach in the early mornings.
📍 Google Maps | Hours: Sunrise to Sunset | Entrance: Free
It’s easy to find peace at Zoni Beach. This remote beach located on Culebra’s eastern coast is a local gem and is a perfect addition to your Puerto Rico itinerary. This beach is long with lots of shade and the clear water is great for snorkeling when the tide is low.
The water around here is known for having sea urchins though, so make sure to wear water shoes like the Ziitop Water shoes to protect yourself from their spiky shells.
Of course, even if you’re not up for swimming, you’ll love this beach. It’s one of the best places on Culebra for a relaxing morning walk on the sand.
👉 Pro Tip: On your way to Zoni Beach, stop at any of the green rolling hills to enjoy a better view of Culebrita and Cayo Norte.
Melones Beach
See the sunset at this small beach near Culebra’s downtown.
📍 Google Maps | Hours: 24 Hours | Entrance: Free | 👉 Book Melones Beach Snorkeling tour on Viator
Melones Beach is located a short walk from the Culebra ferry terminal. Of course, it’s proximity doesn’t make it less impressive than Culebra’s top beaches.
Melones Beach is small with a rocky shore. It features coral reefs and large fields of seagrass that attract sea turtles. Couples often visit during the sunset to get a picture-perfect view of the sun hiding behind Cayo Luis Peña, one of Puerto Rico’s best islands.
Culebrita Island
This small uninhabited island is home to a 19th-century lighthouse with a view of the Caribbean.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (305) 394-2028 | Website | Entrance: Free | 👉 Book Culebrita tour on Viator
Culebrita is a tiny island off Culebra’s east coast. To get here, you’ll have to rent a water taxi or book a guided tour from Culebra.
The island is part of Culebra’s nature reserve and one of the best spots for Culebra snorkeling and scuba diving. Sea turtles and marine life roam freely at Playa Tortuga.
Of course, if you’re not a snorkeling buff, then you’ll love the hikes on the island. I recommend trekking to the Culebrita lighthouse at the top of the island.
Playa Resaca
Catch waves at this hidden beach within the Culebra Wildlife Refuge.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (305) 394-2028 | Website | Hours: 6 am – 6 pm daily | Entrance: Free
Are you a surfer? This one’s for you! Resaca Beach has one of the largest swells on the island, and it attracts surfers from all over. If you are a beginner surfer, take lessons with Surfing Culebra to get the hang of it before surfing on your own here.
However, while a gem, Resaca Beach is one of the hardest locations to get to in Culebra. You’ll need to hike downhill through a challenging trail with boulders, trees, and roots for over 20 minutes to reach the beach. Needless to say, there are no amenities here and you’ll have to pack everything you need.
Still, due to the trek to get here, you may just find you are the only visitor for hours.
👉 Pro Tip: Ignore the big gate at the end of the road. The trail to Resaca Beach starts to the left of the turtle nesting sign. Due to the swell, don’t go swimming at this beach.
Brava Beach
Cross the wildlife refuge and reach one of the most hidden beaches at Culebra.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (305) 394-2028 | Website | Hours: 6 am – 6 pm daily | Entrance: Free
Playa Brava is also a remote beach located west of Playa Resaca. Although it isn’t for swimming, Brava Beach attracts surfers, photographers, and nature enthusiasts.
Getting there is only possible by hiking through a rough trail for 20-30 minutes. Overall, hiking back is more strenuous than going in.
While visiting, head over to the left side of the beach to get a closer view of Cayo Matojo. During the day, dozens of birds rest at this small cay. It’s also possible to see turtle nests at the beach.
Culebra National Wildlife Refuge
Hike and go birdwatching on the challenging trails and remote beaches of this wildlife refuge.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (305) 394-2028 | Website | Hours: 7 am – 5:30 pm daily (Flamenco Beach’s side), 6 am – 6 pm | Entrance: Entrance: $2 per person + $5 per parking on Flamenco’s side, Free on Brava and Resaca Beach
Culebra National Wildlife Refuge covers Culebra’s surrounding cays and islands and three different regions within the main island. The refuge is home to dozens of seabird and migratory bird species and is the nesting site of endangered sea turtles.
Hikers can adventure into some of the refuge’s open trails, including those that lead to Playa Resaca and Brava Beach.
To visit the refuge’s cays and islands, take a water taxi from Culebra.
Dewey Downtown
Hop between restaurants and shops at Culebra’s downtown.
To take a break from all the nature adventures, head to Culebra’s downtown area! This small downtown has a lot to offer.
For food, I recommend hopping through the multiple restaurants and getting a taste of the island’s cuisine. Dinghy Dock, Zaco’s Tacos, and William’s Pizza are some local restaurants to try out. For dessert, grab ice cream at Rolls of Heaven.
And before taking the ferry back to the main island, stop at Mi Pequeña Patria Boutique and La Cava to buy souvenirs.
Cayo Luis Peña
Kayak to an uninhabited cay part of a Culebra National Wildlife Refuge.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (305) 394-2028 | Website | Hours: 6 am – 6 pm daily | Entrance: Free | 👉 Book Cayo Luis Peña tour on Viator
Cayo Luis Peña is one of the many cays that surround Culebra, Puerto Rico. It’s also part of the Culebra National Wildlife Refuge.
Beachgoers love Cayo Luis Peña for its clear coasts. Snorkeling is a must-try at this cay, where corals and sea creatures are untouched and pristine.
Taking a water taxi or private boat tour is the most common way to visit, although daredevils can kayak from Tamarindo or Melones Beach. Just remember to pack everything for a beach trip.
Museo Histórico de Culebra “El Polvorín”
Learn about Culebra’s history and battle with the Navy at this small museum.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (787) 617-8517 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 3 pm Fri-Sun | Entrance: $2 per person
El Polvorín is Culebra’s historical museum. Here, you can learn about the island’s tumultuous past with the United States Navy. You’ll also find multiple indigenous artifacts left behind by the island’s natives hundreds of years ago.
History enthusiasts will enjoy the museum photograph collection. It captures Culebra’s history and nature. This is also a great place to buy a local souvenir on your way to Zoni Beach.
Puente de Culebra
Experience the thrill of diving from this drawbridge into Lobina Lagoon.
📍 Google Maps | Entrance: Free
Culebra’s bridge goes over Lobina Lagoon, connecting the main island to a smaller islet. The bridge has practical purposes, but it’s also a center of fun for thrill seekers staying downtown.
During the day, you’ll find locals diving from this steel bridge into the lagoon below.
Adventurers visiting can try the activity for free. But, make sure to ask locals for advice before jumping, and keep an eye open for any boats passing by.
👉 Read Next: Best Places to Stay in Culebra
Laguna de Lobina
Paddleboard and kayak into one of Culebra’s most transited lagoons.
📍 Google Maps | 👉 Book Glowing Paddleboard tour on Viator
Laguna de Lobina is right next to Dewey’s downtown in Culebra. It’s frequently used by water taxis and boats.
Similar to Condado Lagoon in San Juan, Lobina Lagoon is popular among paddleboarders and kayakers. So, if you’d like to partake, then I recommend renting paddle boards and kayaks from Bright Paddle and Snorkel with Locals.
In particular, the SUP glow night tour from Bright Paddle lets you paddle on a glowing board through the mangroves of the lagoon.
Playa Sardinas
Relax at this beach with picnic tables, a swing, and a rocky shore.
📍 Google Maps | Entrance: Free
Playa Sardinas is easy to visit from Dewey downtown and the Culebra ferry terminal. Its accessibility doesn’t make it any less beautiful. In the afternoons, both locals and visitors stop at this beach to relax. There are multiple tables and rock formations where you can sit to observe the shore.
For a great photo spot, I recommend heading to the area next to Melones Beach. You’ll find the swing pictured above.
Ensenada Honda
Admire it from afar or immerse yourself in it with a jet ski tour, but don’t miss out on the largest inlet in Culebra.
📍 Google Maps | Entrance: Free
Ensenada Honda refers to a bay in Culebra where you’ll find dozens of sailboats and catamarans.
Photographers can admire the bay from its surrounding shore by stepping in any of the multiple wooden docks that go into the water. The photography opportunities are endless.
Rent a jet ski with a local tour operator like Culebra Jet Ski Tours to get an immersive experience in the bay.
Punta Soldado Beach
Snorkel and dive at Playa Punta Soldado.
📍 Google Maps | Entrance: Free | 👉 Book Culebra Diving tour on Viator
Punta Soldado Beach is an off-the-beaten-path beach and one of the best snorkeling spots in Culebra. The beach has shallow and clear waters that are perfect for all ages. Here, you’ll swim with rays, fish, and around corals.
Divers will also find Punta Soldado Beach to be worth a trip. If you’re up for a scuba dive, then I recommend booking a tour with Culebra Divers.
Keep in mind the shore is rocky and there are sea urchins in the water. Wear water shoes.
DomiRico Flavor Food Truck
Taste the most delicious local cuisine at this food truck that’s open until late.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (939) 891-1072 | Hours: 7 am – 8 pm Wed-Sun, Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays
Most Culebra restaurants are worth checking out, but DomiRico is one of the best-kept secrets of the island! This food truck serves a combination of Puerto Rican and Dominican food that will be sure to impress even the most critical of foodies.
On the menu, you’ll find classic Puerto Rican dishes like rice and beans. The traditional Dominican dish known as Mangu will leave you feeling full after a long day of beach hopping.
Dinghy Dock
Grab a drink and feed the fish from the dock at Dinghy Dock.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (787) 599-6429 | Hours: 4 – 9 pm Tues-Sat
Dinghy Dock boasts both great food and a view of Ensenada Honda. Its menu is varied and vegans and seafood lovers will find something suited for them. The northern red snapper with tostones is one of the restaurant’s most acclaimed dishes.
The on-site bar should also be on the list of visitors who would like to enjoy Culebra nightlife.
Blac Flamingo Coffee
Start your morning by tasting the best of Culebra coffee in this artsy coffee shop.
📍 Google Maps | Social Media | Hours: 7:30 am – 1:30 pm Sun, Mon and Thurs, 7:30 am – 1:30 pm / 4:30–7:30 pm, Fri-Sat, Closed Tues-Wed
It may be an off-the-beaten-path island, but finding good coffee on the small island of Culebra is possible courtesy of Blac Flamingo Coffee.
Blac Flamingo Coffee in Dewey downtown is a compact coffee shop that serves hot and cold coffee. Breakfast includes varied options like tacos, toast, and oatmeal.
The atmosphere is casual and relaxing. You can expect long waiting periods, but you’ll find the craft coffee to be worth it.
Dátiles Beach
Adventure in a 4×4 vehicle through a bumpy road to a secluded beach.
📍 Google Maps | Entrance: Free
Dátiles Beach is one of the least known beaches of Culebra. It might not be as mesmerizing as other beaches on the island, but getting there is much more exciting.
To get to Dátiles Beach, you’ll need a 4×4 vehicle. The road is muddy and full of potholes. Some car rentals will even ask you not to take their vehicles to this beach.
But, adventurers who take on the challenge with a Jeep will be rewarded with a secluded beach with depthless clear water.
👉 Pro Tip: If you want to explore other hard-to-reach beaches with challenging roads, check out Playa Manzanilla, Playa Larga, Tortolos, and Mosquito Beach.
FAQs About What to Do on Culebra
How long does it take to get to Culebra?
The trip from Ceiba to Culebra takes between 45 minutes and 1 and 30 minutes. The trip’s time depends on the sea conditions and the type of ferry visitors are traveling in. The cargo ferry takes the longest time.
How do you get around Culebra, Puerto Rico?
Travelers can get around Culebra by walking, rental car, taxi, golf cart, or bicycle. The most common transportation methods are rental cars and golf carts. It’s also the most practical method for travelers staying for a few days.
How many days do you need in Culebra?
Travelers need from one to five days to explore the whole island of Culebra. One to two days will be enough to explore the popular beaches. Staying three to five days allows time to explore remote beaches and offshore islands like Culebrita and Cayo Luis Peña.
What is Culebra Puerto Rico known for?
Culebra is known for its beautiful beaches and natural beauty. The lack of urbanization and development in Culebra keeps its beaches clean and healthy. Flamenco Beach in Culebra has ranked as one of the best beaches in the world.
👉 Read Next: Best Day Trip Tours to Culebra from San Juan
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Now you know about all the things to do in Culebra when you visit Puerto Rico! Continue reading our guide to how to go from San Juan to Culebra to get there. Safe travels!
