Isla Culebra

[kodiac]

We will be visiting PR again on our upcoming HAL cruise. This time, we are in port (San Juan) from 10AM – 11PM and decided it may be worth our while to go experience something different. Everyone from PR tells us to visit Isla Culebra while we are there --- but there is never enough time to do so. We were thinking about taking one of the private airlines like Famecio from San Juan to Isla Culebra which is about a 35 minute flight. Our question to everyone, is it worth it? Has anyone done this before while on a cruise? It seems if we left at around lunch time and returned at 5 or 6PM – we would have plenty of time and nothing to worry about. If anyone has input, it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[orquidia]

if you are looking for white sandy beaches (the only place in Puerto Rico were you can find white sandy beaches), the most beautiful beach in Puerto Rico is here, relaxation away from it all and water sports then Culebra is for you. There are no big hotels, no chain hotels, no traffic, only small bed and breakfast guesthouses and small restaurants. This is a 'secret' hideaway for the 'rich and famous'.

Culebra is an island municipality of Puerto Rico, located east of the mainland.

[rainforestgirl]

I Love Flamenco Beach, it is a beautiful place. But on a cruise, you will be able to get to so many beautiful white sand beaches on other islands without the effort/expense it takes to get to Flamenco (St Thomas is loaded with them!).
But if you want to go, you can easily get a taxi to Isla Grande and fly over quickly. Then a taxi ride to the beach. Spend the day (bathrooms, showers, food etc are available). Then taxi it back to the airport and before sunset, you are in SJ. Take a taxi back to OSJ and you still have time for dinner and exploring OSJ.

Besides white san beaches.... is there something else you like to do? With specifics, I am sure we can think of some other "something differents" for you to do. Then you can decide time/expense vs worth.

[kodiac]

Originally Posted by rainforestgirl

Besides white san beaches.... is there something else you like to do? With specifics, I am sure we can think of some other "something differents" for you to do. Then you can decide time/expense vs worth.

We are big divers and also like to snorkel. I heard this private oasis is just worth the trip - so that is why we are thinking about going... thanks.

[rainforestgirl]

Well then, it might be worth your trip- real nice diving- easy, shallow dives and great snorkeling too. If you bring your own snorkel gear it will be easier.
You might be able to get a dive in, in the afternoon if you wanted.

[rasta]

Sounds like a great plan. One thing to perhaps consider is that the commuter type flights aren't always exactly on time in PR. Sometimes they may wait until they get a certain number of people before leaving. I'm sure others have more experience with this but I have received this caution myself when making similar plans to fly over to Culebra.

[rainforestgirl]

Originally Posted by rasta

Sounds like a great plan. One thing to perhaps consider is that the commuter type flights aren't always exactly on time in PR... .

That is a good thing to realize. Be flexible and leave some leeway in your schedule, no matter what you plan to do.
Nothing is exactly on time in PR!!

[toonjie]

Originally Posted by kodiac

We are big divers and also like to snorkel. I heard this private oasis is just worth the trip - so that is why we are thinking about going... thanks.

I'm a diver as well and we did some snorkeling in Culebra and it was very good. Flamenco Beach is also one of the nicest in the Caribbean! I would look at the schedules and prices to go and then post them back here and we can help you evaluate if it is worth it. Flying over is definitely the only option. We did it as a day trip off of a 4 day post cruise stay and we would definitely do it again!

[kodiac]

Thanks everyone for the info. Since we are flying to and from on the same day, diving is out of the question. However, a snorkel tour may be considered.

[fridaythe13th]

Besides beautiful beaches is there anything else "not to miss"? What is the best way to get around? We will be in PR post cruise for a few days so we are flexible.

[dcikon2]

We just returned from Puerto Rico and flew Air Flamenco from the Isla Grande Airport to Culebra. We plan to do this again. I believe the last flight leaving Culebra is 5:15. There are kiosks to eat food. The airport on Culebra is close to the beach. The cost of taxi will be cheap. We will definately go back to Flamenco Beach on our next trip.

We also visit Magen's Beach on St. Thomas. We flew to St. Thomas for the day. Magen's Beach gets very crowded and it costs more than Flamenco Beach. Souvenirs, food, and drinks are double the cost at Magen's Beach than on Culebra.

We took the first flight out to Culebra. I believe I have a flight schedule if you are interested.

[fridaythe13th]

Originally Posted by dcikon2

We just returned from Puerto Rico and flew Air Flamenco from the Isla Grande Airport to Culebra. We plan to do this again. I believe the last flight leaving Culebra is 5:15. There are kiosks to eat food. The airport on Culebra is close to the beach. The cost of taxi will be cheap. We will definately go back to Flamenco Beach on our next trip.

We also visit Magen's Beach on St. Thomas. We flew to St. Thomas for the day. Magen's Beach gets very crowded and it costs more than Flamenco Beach. Souvenirs, food, and drinks are double the cost at Magen's Beach than on Culebra.

We took the first flight out to Culebra. I believe I have a flight schedule if you are interested.

I did print the flight schedule I found on line. Thanks!