The Culebra Natural Wildlife Refuge encompasses 23 off shore islands and four tracts of land on the main island of Culebra, comprising a total of 1,480 acres. It is the home of more than 120 marine bird nesting colonies, including the largest sooty tern colony in Puerto Rico.

Visitors (other than migratory birds and other wildlife) are only permitted on two of the islands: Cayo Luis Peña and Culebrita, and then only from dawn to dusk. Camping, littering, fires, firearms, and motor vehicles are prohibited.

If you are an amateur or professional naturalist concerned about preserving a precarious ecosystem, this is the perfect place for you. It is an extraordinary site, rough and rustic, where endangered species of birds, lizards and turtles are hidden away from the ravages of mankind.

Among the biggest attractions are communities of a dozen or so exotic birds that include the rare red-billed tropicbirds and brown boobies, laughing gulls and sandwich terns. It is also the home of endangered sea turtles and the Culebra giant anole lizard.

While the Natural Wildlife Refuge has its own appeal, the main island with its 2,000 residents is also unique and picturesque. It's one of the favorite destinations of Puerto Ricans, who hop on a ferry or private boat to spend weekends there.

For information on the Refuge call (787) 742-0115 or write: Refuge Manager, General Delivery - Lower Camp, Culebra, PR 00645.

How to Get here

Culebra is located about 20 miles east of Fajardo. It can be reached by plane from San Juan and Fajardo or by ferry from Fajardo. Small boats (with captain) can also be hired at Fajardo marinas.

Travelers wanting to visit an island destination far from the beaten path, away from the tourist areas and luxury resorts, and where there are opportunities for quiet enjoyment of natures glories should consider paying a visit to Culebra Island. Small, lovely, and the scene of fierce political controversy, Culebra is a popular stop-over for the tourist who wants something just a little out of the ordinary.

Culebra is one of three out-islands that are part of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. In addition to the main island, Culebra, Vieques, and Mona are part of the Greater Antilles chain. Mona Island is much smaller than the other Puerto Rican islands and is uninhabited. Culebra, with a year-round population of 1,868, is protected as a natural wildlife preserve and refuge by the US Fish and Wildlife Service. Its forests are green, cool, and quiet; more than a few visitors have been startled by the frantic rustle in the vegetation that means a mongoose is scuttling out of the way. The mongoose was introduced to the island to control rats among the sugar plantations of the Puerto Rican Islands. A visitor may pause at night to listen to the lilting song of what sounds like a nightingale. In fact, the song is made by a tiny tree frog, the coqui. As on the main island, night visitors stop in awed silence to gaze at the phosphorescent waters that glow in the dark because of small sea-dwellers that emit a green light when they move. Deep-sea fishermen visiting Culebra find vast schools of tuna, blue marlin, bonefish and amberjack. Visit Snorkel SVI for more info on fly-fishing for bonefish, permit and tarpon.

The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico is a United States territory; its residents were granted US citizenship in 1912. After 400 years of Spanish rule, the islands were ceded to the US after the Spanish-American War in 1898. The main island is the primary focus of trade and tourism. But Culebra has an allure for those looking for a different type of vacation experience; to see for themselves the site of so much political controversy and unrest about such a small island.

The strife began in the early 1970s. Relations between Puerto Rico and the US mainland became severely strained over the use of Culebra Island as target practice by the US Navy. Residents were subjected to constant annoyance by frequent bombing and shelling of their island home. To make matters worse, the navy had placed restrictions on travel between Culebra and the main island. Residents of Culebra were literally stuck, unable to get away from the bombardment. Tourism to Culebra came to a standstill, devastating the islands economy. Resentment rose to a furious height when the navy declared that no other site was available for practice maneuvers. Demonstrators called for the immediate cessation of all naval activities on Culebra. In January of 1971, the firing of Walleye missiles around Culebra was discontinued, but the practice bombardment did not cease. In 1974, Puerto Rican officials filed a lawsuit under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to force the navy to remove Culebra from their gun sights. The suit was based upon the sea turtles that inhabited the island; their nesting grounds and the turtles themselves were at ground zero for the navys war machines. In September, the last navy training exercise was conducted; Culebra had won its freedom from economic and environmental devastation.

The turtles and their nests are still there, having returned to numbers essential for an endangered species. Fortunate visitors to Culebra can see them swimming gracefully in the deep water that surrounds the island, and often observe them as they come ashore to dig nests in the sand, deposit their eggs, and depart back to the sea.

WarmIslands.com provides information on all types of tropical vacations and Caribbean cruises. Reviews include Hawaii, the Caribbean, Bahamas, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Southern Pacific, and many more travel destinations. Enroll for a free membership at their cruise forums and participate with other cruise vacation lovers. Whether you want a tropical vacation on a cruise or are looking for a secluded stay in a villa or resort on the island of your choice, we can help you. Just imagine yourself on a warm and sandy beach enjoying your favorite tropical drink.

A pod of bottlenose dolphins helped protect the severely injured boarder

Chartering in the Spanish Virgin Islands and Eastern Puerto Rico

By Warm Islands

Travelers wanting to visit an island destination far from the beaten path, away from the tourist areas and luxury resorts, and where there are opportunities for quiet enjoyment of nature’s glories should consider paying a visit to Culebra Island. Small, lovely, and the scene of fierce political controversy, Culebra is a popular stop-over for the tourist who wants something just a little out of the ordinary.

Culebra is one of three out-islands that are part of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. In addition to the main island, Culebra is part of the Greater Antilles chain. Mona Island is much smaller than the other Puerto Rican islands and is uninhabited. Culebra, with a year-round population of 1,868, is protected as a natural wildlife preserve and refuge by the US Fish and Wildlife Service. Its forests are green, cool, and quiet; more than a few visitors have been startled by the frantic rustle in the vegetation that means a mongoose is scuttling out of the way. The mongoose was introduced to the island to control rats among the sugar plantations of the Puerto Rican Islands. A visitor may pause at night to listen to the lilting song of what sounds like a nightingale. In fact, the song is made by a tiny tree frog, the coqui. As on the main island, night visitors stop in awed silence to gaze at the phosphorescent waters that glow in the dark because of small sea-dwellers that emit a green light when they move. While visiting Culebra one may find vast schools of tuna, tarpon, bonefish and permit. Snorkeling eco-tours of the wildlife refuge can be arranged by visiting Snorkel SVI - Culebra.

The strife began in the early 1970’s. Relations between Puerto Rico and the US mainland became severely strained over the use of Culebra Island as target practice by the US Navy. Residents were subjected to constant annoyance by frequent bombing and shelling of their island home. To make matters worse, the navy had placed restrictions on travel between Culebra and the main island. Residents of Culebra were literally stuck, unable to get away from the bombardment. Tourism to Culebra came to a standstill, devastating the island’s economy. Resentment rose to a furious height when the navy declared that no other site was available for practice maneuvers. Demonstrators called for the immediate cessation of all naval activities on Culebra. In January of 1971, the firing of Walleye missiles around Culebra was discontinued, but the practice bombardment did not cease. In 1974, Puerto Rican officials filed a lawsuit under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to force the navy to remove Culebra from their gun sights. The suit was based upon the sea turtles that inhabited the island; their nesting grounds and the turtles themselves were at “ground zero” for the navy’s war machines. In September, the last navy training exercise was conducted; Culebra had won its freedom from economic and environmental devastation. The turtles and their nests are still there, having returned to numbers essential for an endangered species. Fortunate visitors to Culebra can see them swimming gracefully in the deep water that surrounds the island, and often observe them as they come ashore to dig nests in the sand, deposit their eggs, and depart back to the sea.

BRISA's Culebra Raftup

More Editorial by Tony Miro
August 2007 Issue

Over the Memorial Day holiday eight families from the BoRinquen Islands Sailing Association (BRISA) sailed over from various marinas in Puerto Rico to the island of Culebra in the Spanish Virgin Islands for a long weekend full of sailing, fun and family activities.  The cruise was organized by José Pla, one of BRISA’s active members, who did an excellent job of planning, organizing and motivating members to join the cruise.

Seven of the eight families who participated rafted their sailboats, ranging in size from 32 to 41 feet, in “Las Pelas” bay where they spent three days swimming, kayaking, sailing, windsurfing, exploring by dinghy, and just plain relaxing. Evenings were spent boat-hopping to gather and talk, sing, play dominoes and to share and enjoy some fine Puerto Rican food.

BRISA is a sailing association, founded by its present Commodore, Professor Nelson Ramirez, to promote the sailing lifestyle in a family-oriented environment.  There are currently over 30 sailboats/families in the association. Members are grouped into four “flotas” or teams named Alpha, Bravo, Charlie and Delta. Each flota has its own captain.

BRISA hosts various seminars, regattas, parties and cruises throughout the year for its members and friends. For more information, or to join BRISA please contact Prof. Nelson Ramirez by phone at (787) 367-7083, or via email at profnramirez@gmail.com.

You can also visit their web site at www.brisaweb.net where you will find their calendar of events, photos, additional information as well as the BRISA membership application.

This was our family’s first cruise with our new BRISA friends. We are already looking forward to our next gathering, maybe in Vieques or the Virgin Islands. So what are you waiting for? Join BRISA today and start making new sailing friends. We are glad we did!

Capt. Tony Miró is a life-long sailor, photographer and web developer who currently lives in Puerto Rico with his family. Whenever possible you can find him sailing aboard his Hunter 376 ¡Nada Mas!  His web site is sailboatspecs.com.

Tuesday, July 24, 2007

Flamenco Beach Culebra - Puerto Rico

Flamenco Beach is a Blue Flag Beach. Divers rent the B and B's and small apartments here on Culebra, but otherwise this island would probably sink into obscurity if it weren't for Flamenco Beach.

Truly the best location for the beach, on Culebra's wild western shore, it's only five minutes from the ferry dock. And bus fare is $2.00 from where you put in, at Dewey, the main settlement of Culebra.

Flamenco Beach is horseshoe shaped, half-mile-wide, is bordered by the Culebra National Wildlife Refuge, one of America's oldest preserves from 1909. What makes the beach special is the surf break over the reef which is about a quarter-mile offshore on the west side. If you're curious, there's an old World War II tank, half-buried and rusting as a reminder that Culebra was once a firing range for the military.

But the balneario at Flamenco on the west shore is first class. Fine, white-sand greets you and goes gently around to a pleasant picnic area. Here you'll find some vendors and the beginning of the campground area. We found the bottom here relatively rock free. And when you try snorkeling out towards the rock outcroppings, there are some nice brain coral with plenty of parrot fish, blue tang, and wrasse to see but the undertow is infamous. The best way to see the reef is with a tour company. I highly recommend Snorkel SVI - Culebra. This is an eco-tour by boat which will take you to the best spots and all you have to do is sit back and relax. www.culebrai.com

Flamenco Beach Culebra - Beach Index:

• Sand - fine grain and white/tan
• Facilities - a Blue Flag beach, full facilities
• Shade - available, trees, beach huts
• Sports - swimming, snorkeling, diving
• Notes - recommended

Flamenco Beach at Culebra Island - A Peaceful Oasis

Flamenco Beach is part of a public park and is very popular among the locals. It's a laid back escape that features camping spots for overnight stays that are so close to the ocean that you'll fall asleep to the sound of crashing waves. A mixture of peaceful beauty.

Culebra Island is one of those rare finds in a getaway. It's managed to avoid massive development and you're not going to find these huge resorts with casinos galore...instead you're going to find a little town called Dewey that's inhabited by about 1500 spanish speaking islanders but don't think that a vacation here would be boring by any stretch of the imagination!

There are all kinds of adventures that are waiting for you. Call Snorkel SVI Boat Charters for an Eco-Tour of the marine sanctuary and out-islands. The captain is from the states and is very professional.

How would you get to this tropical oasis? From San Juan in Puerto Rico, you'll jump onto a little prop plane for about 20 minutes, over a dry tropical forest before landing on a single lone landing strip. Another mile and a half journey will bring you right to Flamenco Beach and on the weekends, you'll be joined there by tons of Puerto Ricans coming in on the ferry!

Culebra Island Pic:

Ariel of Culebra Island

Hillary Rhodes | April 13, 2007 | 

Roosters in Culebra make sure nobody sleeps in too late. (AP Photo/Courtesy of Kristy Koch) (Photo: kristy koch)

The Dinghy Dock, a Culebra hot spot.

 

 

CULEBRA, Puerto Rico - The title of this piece - ''Night Out'' - is something of a misnomer, because ''nights out'' were more like ''lights out'' for me on this small Puerto Rican island.

I'm normally a night owl, rapidly gaining energy as daylight fades, but roosters and an assortment of other chatty birds and animals made sure that mornings began posthaste on the isle - as in, well before sunrise.

Combining those early risings with exhaustingly fulfilling days at the beach meant that my traveling partner, Kristy, and I found ourselves on the Culebra clock, which dictates a bedtime of about 10 p.m.

Nevertheless, this place was a dream at all waking hours.

The chosen few

Traveling to Culebra requires at least a small sense of adventure, because you can only get there via tiny, nine-seater plane, or a cheap but bumpy hour-and-a-half-long ferry ride.

We flew into San Juan, took an hour-long taxi ride to the coastal town of Fajardo and caught the boat to Culebra for $2.50 - a long day of travel, but well worth the push.

Once you arrive, you're automatically part of an exclusive group - people who all ventured boldly off the beaten path to escape a little further into the sea.

There, along the narrow, winding streets lined with cheerfully colored homes, tourists mingle with locals, backpackers consort with gringo ex-pats and neighborhood children wait in line for ice cream beside retired couples who have made this spot a regular winter getaway.

For the time being, no matter what brought you to the island in the first place, you are part of a community - temporary though it may be. You will see the same people over and over again, each time with a little more sun in their cheeks and one more tip or story to share from their growing collection.

My favorite everyday encounter was exchanging smiles with an older Puerto Rican man who sat on his front porch doing word searches all day. He was always there, hunting his letters and nodding warmly at passersby.

Drinking your problems away

From the window of a taxi cab in New York City, a passenger would likely see more bars and restaurants than exist on the entire island of Culebra. Options are scarce, but each is a gem.

Mamacitas restaurant and bar draws the biggest crowds. It's a quintessential tropical bar, almost so much so that it feels over-the-top. And then you remember, it isn't trying too hard to appear like a Caribbean hot spot; it IS a Caribbean hot spot.

It even has hand-painted signs that say ''Do not feed the iguanas,'' because there are giant iguanas that march by the outdoor seating area in the mornings to sun themselves on the concrete.

The beer is cheap, tropical drinks flow readily (we had passion fruit daiquiris), and the clientele is friendly. I spent most of my time talking to a construction worker from Montana who claims to have come to Culebra for a three-day vacation some months ago and hadn't yet left.

I also met a deeply tanned, shaggy-haired 16-year-old kid from Michigan who has been here for the greater part of the winter after convincing his parents to let him join his friend and his friend's dad.

''I'll probably have to get a job or something this summer,'' he said, ''But I'm trying not to think about it.''

For now, the lucky dog is getting a taste at hippie island living, and why not? What's high school, anyway? Life is supposed to be about having a good ol' time, no?

In the land of palm trees, rum punch and ocean breeze, it's easy to believe that serenity - not pre-calculus or S.A.T. studying - is the secret to the good life.

A pleasurable feast

If you're willing to shell out some dough and wait at least an hour, you can get a good meal at Mamacitas, too. We split coconut shrimp and chicken taquitas for an appetizer and an amazing avocado shrimp salad (because there's no such thing as too much fresh shrimp when you're on a beach vacation) for the main course.

But the food was even better at a place called Barbara Rosa's, down the road from the main town of Dewey.

After a long day of biking, snorkeling, swimming, and soaking in the sun, nothing beats beans and rice, tostones (flattened fried plantains), and grilled swordfish with homemade steak fries.

Oh, and rum cake, of course. The. Best. Ever.

Barbara Rosa makes everything herself in the back kitchen, while customers wait (for a considerable amount of time) on the front porch, nursing wine or beer that they brought from the bar down the street. Eating there feels like being a dinner guest in somebody's home.

But once the food settles and the drinks wear off, your thoughts turn eagerly to the next day's activities.

You'll probably head to the renowned Flamenco Beach or spend the afternoon snorkeling in the reefs. Maybe you'll rent a Jeep for the day and drive around to discover more remote parts of the island, or maybe you'll explore by foot, camera in hand. A great snorkel tour is recommended . See culebrai.com

Whatever the next magical day brings, one thing is certain: It can't come soon enough.

So you meander home at a leisurely pace. You rinse out your suit, crawl under the sheet, read another couple of pages in that book you brought and have barely touched, turn out the lights and drift off to the distant sounds of bad karaoke at the bar down the street.

Soon, the roosters will begin again, and you'll bounce out of bed before the sun itself awakes.