Culebra Blog | Culebra, Puerto Rico

(Note: We are happy to announce a new feature here at CulebraBlog;  Culebra Visitor and Guest Spotlight.)

Names: Joe Novack & Maybeth Ryan from New York

What was the weather when you left NY for Culebra?
Hahaha. It was 11 degrees! COLD! Snow! We were wearing jeans & anticipating the next storm due the next day.

Why did you come to Culebra?
For the sun and fun. We were looking for a bit more of a “rough” destination than an all-inclusive. Simple, low-key with lots of beaches, lots of sun and no pressure.

What was the best part of your trip?
The friendliness of the people and their willingness to sit and talk.

Describe Culebra in 3 words:
Welcoming, fun and un-pretentious!

Is the cold and snowy winter finally getting to YOU? Come on down and see us here in Culebra at the Palmetto Guesthouse.

Share This

Culebrita, the small island off of the east coast of Culebra has been closed until January 23. The U.S. military used the island for bombing practice from 1930 to 1975.

You can read more here: Puerto Rico closes Culebrita island for cleaning.

(special thanks to Visit-the-Coqui for the heads up)

Share This

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

Share This

Is it cold and rainy where you are? Or worse, is it snow-mageddon? Well let me tell you the weather was absolutely perfect on Culebra today!

When I looked at our thermometer at around noon time is was 85 degrees with a nice cool breeze and it seemed perfect for a bit of a bike ride. So I decided to cycle to Playa Soldado and then over to Playa Zoni.

It sure beats shoveling snow!! Need to get away? Give us a call at Palmetto Guesthouse.

Share This

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.

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.

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!

Share This

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.

Flamenco Beach looking west air temp about 80 degrees.

Flamenco Beach looking north with a bit of swell for body surfing.

Flamenco Beach looking east.

And of course, Kona had to come and dig for crabs!

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

Share This

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?

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.

Share This

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.

Share This

Telecommunications… Culebra style!

We often get the question of whether or not folks’ cell phones will work on island, here in Culebra. AT & T (formerly Cingular) and T-Mobile (previously SunCom Wireless) both work pretty well. Verizon too, but we’ve heard perhaps less so.

Too, there are some “dead” spots in the Zoni area and on the road to Flamenco, although, you can get reception from the beach (just to make your colleagues jealous!).

If you have had any success or challenges with your mobile while on island, please post a comment so that we can further share the info.

Share This

For those of you looking to take the ferry from Fajardo to Culebra you can take the passenger or cargo ferry for $2.25 one way (or $4.50 roundtrip). As of October 20, 2008 the correct ferry times between Fajardo and heading to Culebra are as follows:

Passenger ferry from Fajardo to Culebra travels EVERYDAY, weekends included, at the same time -
9:00 a.m.
3:00 p.m
7:00 p.m.

The cargo ferry only runs during the week, meaning Monday through Friday, at the following times -
Monday, Tuesday & Thursday 
Fajardo to Culebra: 4:00 am & 4:30 pm

Wednesday & Friday
Fajardo to Culebra: 4:00 am, 9:30 am & 4:30 pm

Share This