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Showers & Bathrooms at Flamenco
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: kmoore (---.customer.cloud9.net)
Date:   01-14-08 17:38

How are the bathrooms for the campers at Flamenco beach? Are they clean? And do the showers work? Any advice would be appreciated.
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Re: showers & Bathrooms
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Detlef (---.chrlwv.east.verizon.net)
Date:   01-14-08 22:45

I was at the campground Feb2007, and I assume not much has changed since then.

With that said, I'll try to describe the facilities:
1) The showers are not private--they consist of a concrete wall with shower heads projecting from the upper wall. The showers do not always work--I think they do this to conserve water (I think they turn the water on at 4PM for a couple hours, and maybe in the morning for a couple hours). Some days the showers work continuously. Be prepared to use a gallon jug of water to wash if you're left high & dry...
2) The toilet houses can be unpleasant. I think each camp area (A thru E) has a toilet facility. Each facility has four small toilet rooms. The light bulbs sometimes don't work--so bring a flashlight. Toilet paper is not provided. This situation becomes really unpleasant when the campgrounds are crowded (esp. holy week, maybe President's Day weekend). Again be prepared to wipe the seat with rubbing alchohol or something. Each toilet does have running water (which almost always works). Some toilets have low pressure. I've seen bugs, lizards, etc lurking in these facilities.

So that's the deal. If you've frequently used an out-house or porta-john, these facilities will probably not bother you too much. Monk would not use them, though.

Detlef
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Re: showers & Bathrooms
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Jeannie G3 (---.asm.bellsouth.net)
Date:   01-15-08 08:42

We were at Flamenco Beach in July 2007 and I don't think much has changed. The beach was not crowded so it was great in that sense. The showers only work once a day, usually late afternoon so campers can shower. The beach also has big tanks so you can rinse your feet off but if there is a crowd you have to wait. The bathrooms were awful; we usually used the beach or went back to our hotel. It is very rugged camping, take everything: toilet paper, etc. Good Luck! J

supergarcia3
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Re: showers & Bathrooms
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: kmoore (---.customer.cloud9.net)
Date:   01-15-08 10:37

Thank you for your help. I wonder since the showers are not private and only cold water if you could set up your own small portable shower. I don't know where the grey water would go. Do you think that is possible? Also can you buy small bottles of propane in Culebra? Thanks, Kevin
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Re: Showers & Bathrooms at Flamenco
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Jeannie G3 (---.asm.bellsouth.net)
Date:   01-15-08 21:19

During my camping days, back in college, we had a portable shower. It was like a big black bag in which the water warmed up with the sun. They sell these at REI, Sports Authority and even the camping section at Walmart. The only problem is dragging all that gear with you for a few days of camping. You could probably get the propane at Culebra but it is going to be more expensive since everything has to be ferried over, costs for items like that are higher than at the mainland.
During our stay in July, we met a big family group that spent a few days camping on Flamenco beach. They said it was fun but if they had to do all over again, they would have stayed in a guest house or hotel. You have to take a lot of gear with you because if you forget something, it can cost you a lot of money to acquire or replace. Take my advice: for a few days, stay at Casita Tropical, they have an efficiency rooms so you can save and make your own meals (you can bike to the nearby grocery for supplies), a BBQ, bicycles for your personal use, snorkeling gear, beach gear, all included in the price. Check out their website n the Isla Culebra page. Happy Travels! J.

supergarcia3
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Re: Showers & Bathrooms at Flamenco
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: richard (---.hsd1.dc.comcast.net)
Date:   01-16-08 02:01

Ahh, just relax and be grubby, that Flamenco sand is so fine it'll be weeks before you get it out of everything. Because it is a fairly delicate place, I'd avoid ad hoc bathing arrangements, and I learned, as long as you smell ok, then screw it if you track sand on to the plane.

Plus, even with the plumbing improvements a few years ago, you'd still need to spend a day at a proper hotel in SJ at the end for full clean-up if it's that important.

Wear your blast-tan and salt water hair as badges of honor...
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Re: Showers & Bathrooms at Flamenco
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Doug (---.aurorasys.com)
Date:   01-16-08 10:18

First of all, the hassle of hauling consumables like propane tanks is far greater than the premium that you pay on Culebra for such items. You might save 5-6 bucks over a week's time, if that. Secondly, the fine people of Culebra are kind enough to share their paradise with us, and that creates an unspoken obligation on our part to support their economy. Culebra represents the finest tourism bargain to be found in the Caribbean. The ferry is $3.25 fer cryin' out loud. It is critical to this social contract that people put something back into the community so that Culebrenses can maintain our wonderful island as it is, rather than letting the spoilers turn it into a Cancun. Buy Culebran.
<Doug jumps down from his soapbox>
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Re: Showers & Bathrooms at Flamenco
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: richard (---.hsd1.dc.comcast.net)
Date:   01-16-08 11:03

no, stay up there!
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Re: Showers & Bathrooms at Flamenco
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Frank (---.static.gwi.net)
Date:   01-16-08 15:49

WHAT! (he said in horror)

The ferry is $3.25?
I thought it was $2.25!!

Well, that does it .. I ain't visiting this over-priced island again.
I'm going to Cancun instead! ;-)

Or is this a subtle scare tactic on Doug's part to keep the traffic down?

Frank
24 Days And Counting ...
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Re: Showers & Bathrooms at Flamenco
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: MJ (---.prtc.net)
Date:   01-16-08 19:33

Ah Frank...good on you! Too bad we won't be seeing you again though.

No, the ferry is still 2.25...if that extra buck is not terrifying, you can use it in part of the tip for your bartender. Doug would second and third this idea (we have the BEST bartenders and servers here and they do deserve your tips - and if they don't, give it to the ones who do).

Little propane bottles can be bought at Superette Mayra, if you want to drag down the stove. Doug is such a cheerleader! And a good one at that. When you can get a HUGE plate of food from the kiosks for five bucks, why bother? Or...there are grills in the campground and charcoal for sale as well. We even have the quick lighting kind now. Go crazy.
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Re: Showers & Bathrooms at Flamenco
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: richard (---.hsd1.dc.comcast.net)
Date:   01-17-08 00:38

Doug, I think the worry (mine anyway) is not that it will turn into a Cancun, but some exclusive, uber-rich sort of place, not necessarily perfect, just not the goofy, scruffy place I fell in love with. Imagine: Kobe beef at el Batey!

like what happened to Aspen, or Telluride, or Jackson Hole.

ok they're a little chillier.

It'll take some time, too many other, more convenient Caribbean places.

Buy Culebran - or face TSA with propane! (they really can't allow to be seen as having much of a sense of humor)
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Re: Showers & Bathrooms at Flamenco
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Doug (---.aurorasys.com)
Date:   01-17-08 10:12

"face TSA with propane"

Well, there is *that*, too.
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Re: Showers & Bathrooms at Flamenco
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Doug (---.aurorasys.com)
Date:   01-17-08 10:15

Cancun or the Hamptons. Either way, we and the Culebrenses lose.
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Re: Showers & Bathrooms at Flamenco
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: R. Emmett (---.maine.res.rr.com)
Date:   01-18-08 08:50

11 days and counting!!! Culebra is a bargain in more than just the price.

One forum person who's at Flamenco has been writing using a blackberry about how wonderful their 10 days of camping is.

We've another drooly freezing rain day here in the NE. But smiley face yes - 11 days and counting.

Owlihoot2
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Re: Showers & Bathrooms at Flamenco
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Herb (67.65.139.---)
Date:   01-18-08 08:53

Yep, I am counting my 11 days also.

Herb
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Re: Showers & Bathrooms at Flamenco
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Michael (190.166.18.---)
Date:   01-18-08 15:41

Did you know you can send your cell phone pics to flickr and with the right tags it would show up immediately on this website? Right from the beach?!

Enjoy Culebra!

Michael
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Re: Showers & Bathrooms at Flamenco
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: MJ (---.prtc.net)
Date:   01-18-08 20:13

So Michael, what are you suggesting here? Pics of the heads and beds? Sorry (sort of, ok, not) couldn't resist.
I just saw on the BBC online a news bit about some Google pics of naked people all over the world, sunbathing on their own balconies, or beaches, taken by satellite, which are being posted all over the internet - not recognizable of course (to us, to the gov't's, no doubt they have all the info). It's getting a wee bit insane...? Or should my krypton shield be built soon.....
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Re: Showers & Bathrooms at Flamenco
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: richard (---.hsd1.dc.comcast.net)
Date:   01-18-08 23:18

MJ: a tin-foil lined cap will work just fine for blocking thought survevillance and incoming messages.

visual observance is an entirely different issue.

to paraphrase Louis Armstrong, "and I think to myself, what a GIS world..."
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Re: Showers & Bathrooms at Flamenco
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: richard (---.hsd1.dc.comcast.net)
Date:   01-19-08 00:34

and I did mean GIS, not GPS - related, but not the same. In case any one wondered that is. (I'll stop being geeky now and log off)
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Re: Showers & Bathrooms at Flamenco
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Mort (---.tampabay.res.rr.com)
Date:   01-20-08 14:54

I just returned yesterday from ten nights at the campground. (The most beautiful formal campground on earth? I say yes.)

There is only one working shower area (three nozzles), and it's out in the open, near the campground entrance.

The showers at the other end of the campground are not operational, though it appeared that some work is underway... SLOWLY.

The showers were open from noon to 5:30.

The water was cool but not incredibly cold. After the first 10 seconds, it's actually refreshing.

They do not allow soap products, but most people use them anyway. My family used biodegradable camping soap that we got at Wal-Mart.

We used small quick-dry camping towels.

We wore our swimsuits while showering.

Some of us preferred to do "bucket showers" by filling up old water jugs at the cisterns. That made for a lot less walking... We were in section E.

The bathrooms were very clean considering they are campground bathrooms. A cleaning woman serviced them early every morning.

There are quite a few bathrooms throughout the campground.
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Re: Showers & Bathrooms at Flamenco
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: DC (---.washdc.east.verizon.net)
Date:   04-24-08 14:46

Will they ever re-open the shower house at the entrance of the campground? Why was it shut down in the first place.
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Re: Showers & Bathrooms at Flamenco
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Jeannie G3 (---.asm.bellsouth.net)
Date:   04-24-08 16:02

My friend, all I can say is let them know how you feel. Who is "them"? Everyone at Culebra and the mainland that will hear you. Tell of your experience and how you feel to the people at Culebra Town Hall, the people in charge of the campsite at Flamenco Beach, personnel at the PR Tourism Company kiosk at Culebra Town Hall, airport, any where, so they can pass the word.
Things like this happen very frequently, money gets assigned for a project, it is started but never gets finished. Funds are spent or disappear and nothing is done. That's the way it is in Puerto Rico, Isla del Encanto. You have to take it in stride, do the best you can. I do hope in spite of this you had fun and will return. I know camping is all about "roughing it" (believe me, I did MANY years of it) but, I do understand that at the end of the day, a nice shower is needed. Especially if your going into town for dinner and drinks. No one wants to make a stink! Improvise the next time, bucket wash or rent an inexpensive room somewhere the day before leaving so you can wash up and enjoy being shiny clean. Happy travels! J

supergarcia3
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Re: Showers & Bathrooms at Flamenco
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: MJ (---.prtc.net)
Date:   04-25-08 17:18

Or...just go to the cistern water tanks, fill up a gallon water bottle and have your own shower. Joy soap (do we have Joy? I don't know) works in saltwater and isn't bad for the water either, and sand is a great washcloth (says one who has taken many a Joy bath on deliveries and charters) while enjoying your time here.
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Re: Showers & Bathrooms at Flamenco
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Jeannie G3 (---.asm.bellsouth.net)
Date:   04-25-08 22:40

I saw on the weather that it has been raining today in Culebra. It is very pleasant to take a shower in the rain. Just be careful if there is lightning. For all you campers who like to shower, now may be a good time to invest in a sports camp shower. It's like a bag with a small hose and shower head attached, comes in various sizes, one gallon to 5 gallon capacity. Some of them even have a solar heating cover so the water gets hot. You can fill it up with the water from the campsite cistern (as MJ mentioned), hang it on a tree branch in the sun. I always had one in our campsite because at the end of the day, nothing beats a cool shower. It packs flat and light. Happy travels! J

supergarcia3
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Re: Showers & Bathrooms at Flamenco
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: MJ (---.prtc.net)
Date:   04-26-08 06:35

Actually, it wasn't raining here. It was overcast on and off, but the rain slid by us on the north and south...as it so often does!
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Re: Showers & Bathrooms at Flamenco
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Jeannie G3 (---.aep.bellsouth.net)
Date:   04-26-08 19:10

Too bad, no rain bath. Shower bladder will be better. Pick one up at Walmart before setting up camp. Happy travels! J

supergarcia3
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Re: Showers & Bathrooms at Flamenco
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: MJ (---.prtc.net)
Date:   04-26-08 23:50

Rain baths tonight!! Oh forecaster woe...I mean...even I could change the forecast by looking at the sky as it slip slid around us and then on us. But still, it's a rain shower, not a true shower shower.of the best sort..the solar (bag) showers are wonderful; ten bucks or so for a hot shower outside, while watching the waves? Who could complain? Well...complainants line up <here>, we have your brochures for *not here* on the table, stacked high. The rest of you? We'll toss in a towel and a grin.
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Re: Showers & Bathrooms at Flamenco
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Mort (---.hsd1.va.comcast.net)
Date:   04-27-08 09:10

In some weather conditions, you can take a dew bath. It's a lot slower, though.
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Re: Showers & Bathrooms at Flamenco
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: MJ (---.prtc.net)
Date:   04-27-08 14:40

Slower and it has to be exactly the right time of year, and you have to be very tiny to puddle around in the leaf of choice. I'd bottle the dew over a period of days though, to really get the soap off.
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Re: Showers & Bathrooms at Flamenco
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Mort (---.hsd1.va.comcast.net)
Date:   04-27-08 16:13

MJ, yet again you prove that there is no substitute for local knowledge!
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