Pictures of Culebra
If you are looking for some pictures of Culebra, we have been driving around the island trying to snap photos. Recently, I added some photos to the Palmetto Guesthouse Culebra picture page and you can also find more on FLICKR.
Archive for September, 2007
Diving and Coral Reefs
Many people come to Culebra to go diving or snorkeling and both activities are really great ways to enjoy and experience the ocean and all of its creatures. Recently, a former colleague of mine told me about a person who was caught at San Juan International Airport trying to smuggle live coral and a live conch from the British Virgin Islands back to Colorado in his luggage. While I don’t think anyone visiting Culebra would want to smuggle out live coral there are some things we can do to help conserve and preserve the coral reefs and not inflict further damage.
The following is a list that I got off of the Association of Reef Keepers website that all divers and snorkellers should adhere to:
Touch Nothing - the slightest touch with hands, fins, or equipment can irreparably damage coral polyps.
Remain Horizontal - Snorkeling or diving on shallow reefs can easily inflict damage to the coral and cause personal injury.
Look, Enjoy, and Leave - Take nothing dead or alive from the reef.
Feeding the Fish - Feeding the fish can make them aggressive and dangerous and it may also introduce disease.
Taking Photos - do not brace yourself on the coral to take a photo.
Diving Equipment - adjust your buoyancy, know where your fins are, and secure all dangling gauges, consoles, and octopus regulators.
If you would like further information on coral reefs and their health http://www.ncl.ac.uk/tcmweb/tcm/crlinks.htm has a very comprehensive list of reference websites. For Culebra specific coral information please visit and support Coralations.
Flying to Culebra
Many people have asked, “What is the most convenient way to get to Culebra?” If you are short on time, don’t like boats, or live in San Juan then your best bet would be to fly to Culebra. Most flights leave from the regional airport in Isla Grande and not Isla Verde. This small fact is very important to remember if you are coming in from the states or overseas. When you land at the international airport and after you have collected your luggage you can expect a 15-30 minute taxi ride to transfer to Isla Grande (cost $15 as of the date on this post).
Also, if you plan to fly to Culebra you would be advised to make your reservations well in advance, especially if you are coming during a holiday time. Current prices are $55.00 for a one-way ticket or $100 roundtrip from San Juan. Should you find yourself out near Fajardo you can fly from there and I believe it is $30.00 one way or $60.00 roundtrip.
