Archive for Puerto Rico

Seeking Beaches, Rest, & Relaxation on Culebra

1. Friendly people

2. Fabulous beaches

3. Serendipity

On their way to the airport they assured us that they would definitely be back!

If you are in need of some rest, relaxation and beach time then please give us a call at the Palmetto Guesthouse.

Scenes from Around Culebra (video)

If it’s cold, snowy, and miserable where you are, Nathan and Becky Smit were in Culebra recently (staying at the Palmetto Guesthouse) and they shot this fantastic video.

During the course of the seven minute video Nathan has captured video and photos from Flamenco Beach, Resaca Beach, Zoni Beach, Carlos Rosario Beach, and Tamarindo…really great stuff!

Culebra for a Tenth Anniversary

Recent Palmetto Guesthouse guests, Mike and Darcy, traveled all the way from Portland, Oregon to Culebra to celebrate their tenth wedding anniversary (CONGRATULATIONS!).

It was their first time visiting Puerto Rico and Culebra.

Mike and Darcy Urness - Palmetto Guesthouse Culebra

When asked to define Culebra in three words they chose: Beautiful, Rustic and Fun!

Darcy’s  favorite part of the trip was visiting Culebrita, she said, ”Because you can do alot of hikes and there are three gorgeous beaches all located on this very small island.” And Mike enjoyed snorkeling at Carlos Rosario and Tamarindo Beach.

Here they are getting ready to depart for a day of fun on their scooter.

Mike & Darcy Urness - Palmetto Guesthouse Culebra

Culebra Photos from Recent Palmetto Guests

Trey and Laurie Porter from New Hampshire were recent visitors to Culebra and guests at the Palmetto Guesthouse. They took some really great photos of the island and I wanted to share some of them with you.

Zoni Beach
Zoni Beach

Arte Shop
Culebra Arte Shop

Punta Soldado
Punta Soldado Culebra

Island Dogs
Island Dogs Culebra Style

Canal Sunset
Canal Sunset Culebra

Thanks to Laurie and Trey for the photos and you should have a look at the full set on FLICKR.

TripAdvisor Caribbean Press Release Mentions Culebra

TripAdvisor’s press release today, “TRIPADVISOR UNCOVERS THE CARIBBEAN ON THE CHEAP,” announced five destinations to take advantage of the Caribbean on the cheap this winter, based on recommendations from TripAdvisor editors and travelers.

Here is what they had to say about Culebra (and Puerto Rico):

“Inexpensive flights and hotels are an incentive for frugal travelers to take their time and explore this popular island’s beautiful rainforests, bioluminescent lagoons, picturesque beaches, colonial towns and coffee plantations.

Hotels: Affordable accommodations can be found throughout Puerto Rico. In Culebra, stay at the Palmetto Guesthouse for $95 per night; on Isla de Vieques, check out Casa de Kathy for $80 per night or Casa Alta Vista at $80 per night.

Restaurants: Inexpensive restaurants include El Jibarito for authentic Puerto Rican cuisine in San Juan, Isla Nena Cafe on Isla de Vieques, and Lolita’s in Luquillo for mouth-watering Mexican food.

Flights: Fly to San Juan in February or March for about $275 from New York City, $300 from Chicago or $395 from Los Angeles.”

If you need to get away (and who doesn’t)  for some relaxing beach time or snorkeling, get in touch with us here at the Palmetto Guesthouse. You can read the rest of the press release here: TRIPADVISOR UNCOVERS THE CARIBBEAN ON THE CHEAP

Culebra Transportation: Taking the Publico

Culebra is a small island and it has a good taxi/bus system. For $3.00 per person you can ride the bus from town to Flamenco Beach. Guests of the Palmetto Guesthouse can pick up the same bus just around the corner.

Willy Publico Culebra

The buses run the loop back and forth between town and Flamenco daily from around 7am until about 5pm when the last passenger ferry departs for Fajardo. Arrangements can be made to have a driver retrieve you from the beach later if you want to stay beyond the 5pm time.

Culebra Public Taxi

The buses are small vans or a bit larger “people-mover” type vehicles and will stop for you along the side of the road. There are no specific bus stops and no specific schedules, but they are a convenient and inexpensive mode of transportation to get around the most popular areas of Culebra!

Culebra Weather – December 12, 2008

The weather on Culebra seemed really nice this morning while I was drinking my coffee here at the Palmetto Guesthouse. So after watching yet another fantastic sunrise over the harbor I decided to head down to Flamenco Beach and snap some pictures.

Sunrise in Culebra on the morning of December, 12.
Culebra Sunrise

Flamenco Beach looking west air temp about 80 degrees.
Flamenco Beach Culebra

Flamenco Beach looking north with a bit of swell for body surfing.
Flamenco Beach Culebra, Puerto Rico

Flamenco Beach looking east.
Flamenco Beach Culebra, Puerto Rico

And of course, Kona had to come and dig for crabs!
Kona digging at Flamenco Beach

Give us a call at the Palmetto Guesthouse if you would like a weather report or if have any questions about Culebra.

Culebra: A Great Choice for a Destination Wedding

Are you getting married soon? Would you like to gather with your guests in a romantic Caribbean location with tremendous beaches and lots of activities to keep everyone happy?

Flamenco Beach Culebra

Here are the top ten reasons why Culebra makes a fantastic destination for you and your future spouse:

1) If you’re coming from the U.S. there are no passports required.

2) There are plenty of quirky, fun shops & restaurants.

3) Culebra has an unpretentious and relaxed laid back island style.

4) The island has unmatched unspoiled natural beauty.

5) There are plenty of secluded hideaways, where you can be the only one on the sand with the one you love and your guests.

6) For lodging there are charming, quaint, small scale accommodations (particularly Palmetto Guesthouse)

7) Need help or directions? There are plenty of friendly, helpful locals.

8) Culebra boasts top notch snorkeling adventures with you & the fish (and nobody else).

9) No shoes, no shirt, no problem…

10) We’ve got a night sky filled with romantic stars (and not tall buildings and bright lights to impair the view!).

If you are planning a wedding or need some information, please feel free to contact us here at the Palmetto Guesthouse for assistance.

Culebra Transportation: Ferrying from Culebra to Fajardo (video)

A couple of weeks ago I posted a video and subsequent travel times for folks who are interested in departing from Fajardo and arriving in Culebra.

For those of you interested in heading the other way, today is the second part – Ferrying from Culebra to Fajardo.

As of November 13, 2008 the fare to get from Culebra to Fajardo is $2.25 one way or $4.50 for a roundtrip.

The passenger and cargo ferry times from Culebra to Fajardo are as follows:

Passenger Boat Schedule
Monday thru Sunday
Culebra to Fajardo: 6:30 am, 1:00 pm & 5:00 pm

Cargo Ferry Schedule
Monday, Tuesday & Thursday
Culebra to Fajardo: 7:00 am & 6:00 pm

Wednesday & Friday
Culebra to Fajardo: 7:00 am, 1:00 pm & 6:00 pm

Of course, if you have any additional questions feel free to email or call us here at the Palmetto Guesthouse.

Culebra Beautiful as EVER – Hurricane Omar Completely Misses

If you have not heard, hurricane Omar decided to take a turn and head further east and as such, it completely missed the island of Culebra. The sun is shining and I just went for a swim at Tamarindo Beach and the water temp is perfect!

We feel extremely fortunate that the storm decided to spare Culebra and I would encourage anyone who is looking to get away from the chilly fall temperatures of the northeast or midwest to come on down.  As always, if we can help you with your plans, please don’t hesitate to email or give us a call here at the Palmetto Guesthouse.