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Newbie to Culebra

Author: mnfun2bme (---.mpls.qwest.net)
Date: 03-03-16 15:41

Hi All,
I'm a total newbie to Culebra but I have been on many other islands in the Caribbean. I think I'd like to try Culebra next. For months I've read many of the TripAdvisor questions and I've also been reading in this forum.

I'm trying to get an overall feel for the island as far as where to stay. We will likely need at least two rooms (4 women who travel together) and we'd like to be near good snorkeling. We are not opposed to renting a jeep.

We have traveled for many years and many times to St John. I wonder how the island compares to that? I can tell it's not as mountainous and likely not as many places to go out and eat. How does snorkeling compare?

What are your favorite places to snorkel on the island? For us, it's really ALL about snorkeling and beaches for the day. We aren't looking for a night life. We just look for a quiet place to get together, snorkel, and swim.

So for now, my questions are:

1. Best beaches for snorkeling
2. Places to stay that you can recommend or rental companies that handle places? We have often rented from VRBO. We don't need anything too fancy... but we also don't want to stay in a hole.
3. Do we have to worry about security or our safety?
4. Is flying in really necessary or are you better off ferrying over?

I'm sure as I continue to plan, I will have many other questions.
Thanks in advance for your help!

Sincerely,
Lisa

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Re: Newbie to Culebra

Author: Michael (---.netvisao.pt)
Date: 03-04-16 01:26

Lisa, you have come to the rigth place (forum wise AND island wise :)):

I love St John and have sailed there many times. Your assessment regarding food options is correct (shopping as well as restaurants). Snorkeling is better IMO, but then I mainly go snorkeling via dinghy which gets you to different places than from the beach.

With all the airBnb, VRBO etc options you should be able to find something that suits your needs/budget. High end stuff is not on there but it seems that's not in your budget anyway.

Get a golf cart!

Enjoy Culebra!

Michael

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Re: Newbie to Culebra

Author: mnfun2bme (---.mpls.qwest.net)
Date: 03-04-16 12:02

We plan to try to enjoy every inch of it. (maybe not all in one visit)\r\nIs a golf cart enough? I\'m trying to envision the roads and being able to access the WHOLE island. It seems I\'m reading that Zoni can be a ways away. Also, since you\'ve been on ST John, you realize that a golf card would be frightening as hell!\r\n\r\nIt seems like having a kayak is a great idea, too. Are there mooring balls all over that you can tie up to? Renting a dinghy would be a blast. We\'ve done that on St John in the past and it makes for some interesting snorkeling. :)\r\n\r\nAny more info to share on what to expect for a first timer?\r\n\r\nLisa

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Re: Newbie to Culebra

Author: Michael (---.netvisao.pt)
Date: 03-05-16 11:42

you could WALK the entire island in a day ... personally I would try to tread as lightly as possible ..

Enjoy Culebra!

Michael

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Re: Newbie to Culebra

Author: Nick & Michelle (---.bstnma.fios.verizon.net)
Date: 03-05-16 12:37

Hi Lisa,

Glad you will be going to Culebra. We will be going for our fifth year in April.
Try to get one of those visitor tourists maps that show pictures of everything. Most places have them on the island.

Here are some answers to your questions, based solely on our experience. Others, on the forum, will chime in as well giving you more answers.

Getting There:
It depends on your preference and how much stuff you are bringing over. Since we only use our carry on bags for packing, we fly Air Flamenco out of San Juan International directly to Culebra. The have less expensive flights at Isla Grande airport, which is about 20 minutes west of San Juan International.

Getting Around:
We have always Jerry\'s Jeeps and are very happy with them and their attentiveness. He has both golf carts and jeeps. Some of the roads are full of craters, so a jeep may suit your needs better. 787-742-0526

Best Snorkeling Beaches:
We like Tamarindo for the turtles and other sea life. The also rent kayaks there.
Melones is just out side of town past the hospital - watch the current.
Make sure to wear snorkeling shoes.

Food Shopping:
Costa Del Sol - Closest to the airport up the hill. open every day.
Suprette Myra - Nice large selection, by the orange bridge that connects the two islands.
Colmado Milka - On the other side of the orange bridge, open every day.

Eating:
Zaco\'s Tacos - excellent food and prices. Their hours change every year, so you need to check the times this year.
Susie\'s - We go there for our splurge nights because they are pricier. We love their food. You need to make reservations: 787-340-7058
Homeless Dog - You call and they will deliver. Superb food. We call between 1 & 2 pm to ask what is on their menu that day and to get into their list for delivery (they can get backed up). 939-452-9563
Kiosks at The Campground- nice variety and excellent fruit smoothies ans Pina Coladas

That should get you started Lisa - have a blast

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Re: Newbie to Culebra

Author: Michael (---.netvisao.pt)
Date: 03-06-16 01:46

Nick & Michelle,

I had to edit your post. Due to a sript error none of the line breaks were displayed properly. It should work now!

Thanks for a great post!

Enjoy Culebra!

Michael

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Re: Newbie to Culebra

Author: Tim S (---.cqi.psu.edu)
Date: 03-07-16 11:36

Lisa,

Here's a map of some the places we explored and the things we saw.

https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=z8ddU5tnpxgk.kklpZ16UQwT4

Tim

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Re: Newbie to Culebra

Author: Michael (---.netvisao.pt)
Date: 03-07-16 12:58

Tim, that's a great map! I hotlinked it!

Enjoy Culebra!

Michael

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