Culebra – the Last Spanish Virgin

Culebra – Location and History

Culebra is an island municipality under the domain of Puerto Rico, which has been under the protectionof the United States, since its takeover from Spain in 1898. It is located approximately seventeen miles east of the Puerto Rican mainland, twelve miles west of St. Thomas and nine miles north of Vieques. Culebra is spread over 5 wards and Culebra (Dewey) Pueblo is the downtown area and the administrative center of the city. The island is also known as Isla Chiquita (Little Island) and Ultima Virgen (Last Virgin). The residents of the island are known as Culebrenses. Christopher Columbus was the first European to discover the island in 1493. The island was populated by Taíno Indians prior to this and used by pirates as a place of safety for more than 3 centuries.

Culebra – The Places of Interest

Culebra is a popular weekend tourist destination for Mainland Puerto Ricans, Americans and residents of Vieques. Because of the dry nature of the island, there is no run-off from rivers or streams resulting in very clear waters around the archipelago. Culebra has many beautiful beaches including Flamenco Beach (Playa Flamenco), which can be reached by shuttle buses from the ferry. The beach extends for a mile of white coral sand and is supported beautifully by arid tree-covered hills. The Flamenco beach is ranked no. 2 in the world. The area west of Flamenco Beach was used for United States Navy military exercises until 1975. Many military remnants, including tanks, remain in the area.

Culebra is also a popular destination for scuba divers because of the many reefs throughout the archipelago and the crystal clear waters. Culebrita is the largest cay near Culebra. Culebrita’s beach is the finest of white sand and the water visibility is almost unlimited. It is accessible only by boat and boasts the oldest operating lighthouse in the Caribbean. Luis Peña is the second largest cay near to Culebra. Many sandy beaches can be found on this cay, as well as wonderful coral reef located on the SW side.

On February 27, 1909, a bird refuge was established, making it one of the oldest refuges in the system. Since then much of the island and the surrounding 23 islets including Culebrita are protected by the US Fish and Wildlife Service as a nature preserve, making the islands one of only two nesting sites for giant sea turtles in the USA.

Culebra – Lodging

In order to accommodate the rising number of guests who have discovered Culebra, numerous guest houses and restaurants have recently been built or remodeled. Together with some of the classics, you should not have a problem fulfilling your needs whether they demand a tight budget. You can stay here for as little as $10 per night. Flamenco Beach, Casablanca Condo, Casa Las Palmas and Casa Jardin are some of the notable guest service providers.

Culebra – Travel

The island has a small airport with domestic service to the mainland and to Vieques. The airport is served by Air Culebra from San Juan’s Luis Munoz Marin International Airport and by Vieques Air Link from San Juan, Fajardo and Vieques. To get to the island, you can also take a ferry boat from Fajardo, available twice a day.