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Planning for my trip in late August
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Nate Kayhoe (---.dhs.gov)
Date:   06-09-09 16:54

First of all, I'm thrilled to have found this site. There is no question in my mind that all my questions will be answered if I take the time to search through this forum. Alas, the search function is pretty rough.

I'm in need of some adventure, and found $250 r/t tickets I couldn't refuse for a long weekend.

After reading about Culebra on this site, it's clear that's where I'm going to have to go.

My plan:
- Fly in to San Juan Friday 2pm
- Find public transport to Fajardo (using information from this forum and the information on this website.)
- Get into Culebra Friday night, go to Flamenco Beach (not sure if I can walk but I'll look into this) and hopefully already have reservations for a campsite.
- Spend Saturday and Sunday adventuring!
- Monday morning take ferry as early as possible back to Fajardo, then find transport to San Juan in time for my 2pm flight.

I know the specific information I need to find are in this forum, I'll keep searching. My question is general - does the timing of this all work out?

I know I need to figure out:
- exactly how transport from san juan to fajardo works using the public cheap option
- what the ferry schedule is for heading to the island (friday night) and leaving the island (monday morning)
- how to get reservations for the beach camping

What else do I need to research that I'm not thinking of?

Thank you!
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Re: Planning for my trip in late August
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Amurphy08 (---.hsd1.sc.comcast.net)
Date:   06-09-09 17:02

First of all, I would look into flying to Culebra maybe on Flamenco Air instead of ferry. It takes a lot less time and when all said and done, not much more than getting a taxi or car and then taking ferry. It's about $105 RT and runs several times a day.
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Re: Planning for my trip in late August
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Linda H (---.dhcp.mrqt.mi.charter.com)
Date:   06-09-09 22:05

When we visited in March/April we used John's Publico, and he was very efficient, on-time, etc. However, there were three of us, so the $70 we paid (one-way) was cheaper than flying for us. We rented a car one-way when we came back because we wanted to see El Yunque. However, if you are traveling alone, I would agree that you should consider flying. John charges from $60-75 one-way (plus tip), depending on where in San Juan he picks you up, so flying would actually be cheaper, plus it would give you more time on the island. The other disadvantage to flying for us was the weight restriction, since we were staying for a week. If you are just doing a quick trip you shouldn't have to pay for extra weight.
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Re: Planning for my trip in late August
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Nate Kayhoe (---.dhs.gov)
Date:   06-10-09 09:56

Thanks for the tip on flying Linda and Amy.

My thought is that I really enjoy the adventure and unknown, so shuffling through a bunch of random and hard to figure out public transporation systems fits in with that sense of adventure. Plus, I'd like to see a little bit of PR before I head to the island.

BUT, as you've said, since my trip is so short, and if I can't figure out the public transport option taking a taxi is more expensive, flying might make the most sense...

I'll have to put some thought into this and see if I can search and find some testimonials of folks who have used the public transportation with success or failure.
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Re: Planning for my trip in late August
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Geronimo (---.customer.broadstripe.net)
Date:   06-10-09 12:16

As noted by the others, a single person flying is in the same ballpark price as taking a cab and ferry but the cab and ferry could take you 4+ hours depending on schedules, traffic, etc and the flight could get you there in 30 min. but you have to check the fligh schedules as well. Good luck. Either way it will be fun.
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Re: Planning for my trip in late August
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Amurphy08 (---.hsd1.sc.comcast.net)
Date:   06-10-09 12:41

You could always fly one way and do the other via ferry. That way you could explore a little of the mainland on one of the legs. The one way ticket is $60 on Flamenco. Just booked one for a couple weeks from now.
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Re: Planning for my trip in late August
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Linda H (---.dhcp.mrqt.mi.charter.com)
Date:   06-10-09 13:37

IMO, what you see from the window traveling from SJU to Fajardo by publico pales in comparison with Culebra. I'd love, on another, longer trip, to spend some time getting off the main roads and exploring Puerto Rico, but for the short trip you have I'd recommend flying so as to maximize your time on Culebra.

I don't know how you are planning to get to Flamenco, but if you are walking (it's a couple of miles, with some hills) it's a shorter trip from the airport than from the ferry. There are vans that run back and forth during the day for $3 (I think) each way. We rented bikes and found it to be a very doable ride, carrying lunch, snorkeling gear, cameras, etc. Dick and Cathie's bikes have a rack on the back that you can tie your stuff to, and he even provides old inner tubes that you can use as tie straps. He met us at the ferry with our bikes, and I'm sure could meet you at the airport as well.
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Re: Planning for my trip in late August
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Chelsey (---.thehighlandmint.com)
Date:   06-24-09 15:02

I think it was like an hour ride from airport to Fajardo. Then the ferry is about an hour and a half. Contact Ken the owner of the bike shop http://www.culebrabike.com/ he might pick you up at the ferry and bring you over to flamenco for a cheap price (in case the vans arn't running at that time) He rents snorkel gear too.

I think your timeline sounds possible. But bring extra cash in case you run behind and have to get a taxi.
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Re: Planning for my trip in late August
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Terry Spalding (24.224.117.---)
Date:   06-26-09 13:05

Who are dick and Cathy, what place do they run? My girlfriend and I are going to Culebra July13 - 20. We still haven't chosen the place to stay. We are young and fit (we ride bikes here at home a lot) Can we get to most beaches by riding bikes? Are there any places to stay that offer bikes for free with your stay? Thanks Terry and Brandy
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Re: Planning for my trip in late August
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: palmettoculebra (---.coqui.net)
Date:   06-26-09 14:59

Good afternoon,
Dick & Cathy rent Volkswagon "Things" & bikes. Both D & C & Ken rent bikes for $17/day pp.

The furthest you can go from us is 5 miles, thus a 10 mi. r/t bike ride & we've had plenty of guests move around the island by bike. It is, however very hot this time of year.

Also, July is one of the busiest months of the year so reservations are STRONGLY encouraged for any transport (cars, bikes, etc.) as well as accomodation (asap).

Enjoy!
Terrie
Palmetto Guesthouse, Culebra

http://www.palmettoculebra.com/
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Re: Planning for my trip in late August
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Linda H (---.dhcp.mrqt.mi.charter.com)
Date:   06-26-09 23:25

Dick & Cathie rent Specialized bikes with racks on the back. We were able to bike to Zoni, Melones, Punta Soldado, and Flamenco -- didn't have time to hit Resaca or Brava. I'm 40+ and not as fit as I should be, and our daughter is 14, and we had no problem except the killer hills at Zoni. We carried lunches, snorkeling gear, cameras, etc, in backpacks and on the racks. We also biked into town a couple of times a day most days to get groceries or go out to dinner. Dick & Cathie's phone number is on this site under Transport/Getting Around. Dick met us at the ferry with our bikes, gave us a tour of town, and dropped us off at our house, then picked us up and took us to the ferry when we left.
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Re: Planning for my trip in late August
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Terry Spalding (24.224.117.---)
Date:   06-27-09 08:56

Thank you very much for the reply Linda. To know that it is feesable to bike to all those locations and into town is great.
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Re: Planning for my trip in late August
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Frank S. (---.nyc.res.rr.com)
Date:   06-28-09 10:21

It's $60 one way on air flamenco? from sju?
but it is a pretty good idea to get there asap and doing a little tour on the return.
you can rent a car, one way, from avis.
they;; pick you up at the ferry.

i know there is a way to get from the airport to the bus station in fajardo (or reverse)for cheap. like $10 or less.
i just cant seem to get a reliable answer from anyone as to how.

if you find out the info, please post here in a seperate thread.
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Re: Planning for my trip in late August
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: CindyT (---.hsd1.ga.comcast.net)
Date:   06-29-09 18:16

IMO, I don't think biking is feasible especially to Zoni Beach, which is a must. I rented a scooter with my husband which should be $40 per day. Spend the first day taking the publico bus ($5) to Flamenco beach and then rent a scooter for the rest of the trip.

I run a 6-7 minute mile and consider myself to be fit. The heat, the potholes, rocks and oncoming cars made biking a real challenge. The road conditions there are nothing like suburban USA.

I've read Linda H's comment about biking before. As I recall, someone had to drive and pick their daughter up for the return bike trip...

I agree with others on flying. Since your stay is so short, it would be more useful to fly than take transportation from SJU to Fajardo and ferry. I think the last ferry from Fajardo to Culebra is 5PM or 6PM and you'd be cutting it really close if you took local transportation from SJU to Fajardo.

Camping is also an excellent idea. Housing and food on Culebra is expensive considering what you get in return. Most restaurants are $15-20 per person. The room rates are also rarely below $100/night.

I would definitely pack food/ice/water/snorkel gear from the Walmart in San Juan or Fajardo. You should be able to find the camping phone number on this website. I don't think reservations are necessary except for Flamenco beach.

Overall I think your timeline is really aggressive and remember, logistics there don't run as smoothly as in the States.

Oh yes, bring BUG SPRAY and use it every night regardless.
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