(c) Neala Schwartzberg
Where do the people of Puerto Rico go to get away from it all? The island of Culebra off the east coast of Puerto Rico.
Many people have heard of Vieques, the island that had been used for weapons practice until 2003. But there was another island as well. Tiny Culebra, only 7 miles long and 3.5 miles wide, was also used for military purposes until 1973. Today, except for the occasional stranded tank, there is little left of its military past. Instead, it’s a rural retreat and nature preserve -- part of the Culebra National Wildlife Refuge (along with 23 adjacent islands) – one of the oldest under the US Fishing and Wildlife Service.
One of the major lures is Flamenco Beach (Playa Flamenco) which could be the icon for Tropical Paradise beach. On the north side of the island, sprawling around a quiet bay, it is pure white sands and clear calm turquoise water. Camp sites are available (reservations are required) but with miles of beach, even on weekends, it’s not crowded.
On the east side Zoni Beach is another spectacular beach, as well as a sea turtle nesting site. More secluded and without the services offered by Flamenco, it is smaller and almost empty, but also with calm turquoise water. The turtle nests are cordoned off for the protection of the eggs but the rest of the beach is open to visitors, and there are fewer of them, despite being a truly beautiful spot. For a quiet picnic this is one of the best places to go.
Melones Beach on the west side is even emptier with a smaller, wilder beach, with rocks and old coral brought up by the ocean and tides. It’s a good place for exploring in relative isolation and snorkeling.
Puerto Rico Pleasures:
And if Culebra isn’t remote enough, try tiny Culebrita, accessible only by boat (including water taxi), and boasts the oldest operating lighthouse in the Caribbean, built in 1886.
Going to Culebra: The only town, Dewey offers shops, guest houses, small restaurants. On the southern tip is Club Seabourne, a small charming Caribbean style hotel with an excellent restaurant and delightful pool. Try one of their Culebra Island Blends - rum and fresh fruit blended with ice. Both the cantaloupe and honeydew are delicious.
Located about 17 miles east off the coast, Culebra can only be reach by public ferry from the town of Fajardo. The ride costs about $3.00 per person. Call for current departure time to make reservations at (787) 863-0705 or (787) 863-0852. Reservations are highly recommended to avoid incredibly long lines and guarantee a seat on the ferry. Note: These phone numbers are for Puerto Rico.
For more information on Puerto Rico:http://www.gotopuertorico.com/
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(c) Neala Schwartzberg, all rights reserved
Comments
You can also fly to Culebra.
Is the owner of Culebra Island Realty. Provides vacation rentals on Culebra for 13 years best homes in the best locations
web site www.culebraislandrealty.com and can be contacted at 787-435-6752. Supplies info and travel hints to make your vacation on our special island an enjoyable one. culebraislandrealty@att.net
Find out more about Culebra at Culebra's Forum:
www.islaculebra.com/forvm
also available in the town area is mamacitas guest house. Its a 10 room waterfront guest house with a restaurant and bar. check out our website @ www.mamacitasguesthouse.com or feel free to give us a call @ 787-742-0090
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