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The current weather in Culebra
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Holy Week Question
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Nick & Michelle (---.bstnma.fios.verizon.net)
Date:   08-21-11 20:33

Easter in 2012 is on April 8th. We were thinking of going 3/30/12 and returning 4/8/12, but are not so sure given that it will be during Holy week/weekend. What is Holy week like on Culebra in terms of availability of services (restaurants, GASOLINE, groceries) as well as travel and crowds? Do the locals celebrate more (and louder) that week/weekend as well? We appreciate your help, so that we can plan accordingly to have a relaxing first visit to Culebra.
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Re: Holy Week Question
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Linda H (---.dhcp.mrqt.mi.charter.com)
Date:   08-22-11 00:41

We were there during Holy Week in 2010, leaving on Good Friday on the first ferry out of Culebra. It was busier and more crowded on the island than the previous year, but nothing like many Carribean beaches. Flamenco was fairly crowded, but if you pick another beach you'll see less people. Make your reservations for lodging and a jeep or bikes early, and be prepared for a line at the ferry terminal in Fajardo. We have been able to get on the ferry by getting in line by 7:30 a.m. for the 9 a.m. ferry, but I read some time ago on this forum that they are running smaller ferries now due to the dock on Culebra being damaged by last fall's hurricane. Not sure if this is still true, but if it is, it might be harder to get on the ferry. And if you are leaving on Sunday it may be crowded leaving Culebra. When we have left it has been on Friday morning and the ferry from Culebra has been pretty empty at 6:30 a.m.

Restaurants and groceries should be no problem. The one gas station ran out while we were there in 2010, but had gas the next day. We only had a 20-minute wait for gas by going first thing in the morning, but talked to one guy who waited 7 hours. As long as there is only one gas station for the whole island, gas is a potential problem any time of year.

Both times we visited, we stayed out of town, but within biking/walking distance, and didn't have any noise issues either time. It tends to be noisier in town because that's where the restaurants and businesses are, but we didn't find it to be a problem. There are plenty of vacation rentals and guest houses away from the downtown area, and if you stay where it is close enough to walk or bike you don't have to worry about finding a legal parking place in town. We walked from Casa Culebra to Susie's, Dinghy Dock, and on into town with no problem. Just be watchful walking after dark, as the roads are narrow and there aren't always streetlights everywhere. On the other hand, there's not much traffic, and you can hear cars coming and/or see the lights in time to react.

Enjoy Culebra! I am jealous -- wish we could get back there, but it looks like it will be 2013 for us.
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Re: Holy Week Question
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Nick & Michelle (---.bstnma.fios.verizon.net)
Date:   08-22-11 10:12

Thanks Linda for such a detailed response:)

It is helping us to plan differently. We will most likely try to arrive on Good Friday and then stay the week after Holy week. We will be staying at Villa Flamenco Beach, so we will be spending a lot of time on Flamenco beach and want to avoid those crowds that you mentioned.
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Re: Holy Week Question
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: wendy hartung (---.dyn.embarqhsd.net)
Date:   08-22-11 14:25

I thought I was the only one who planned a trip this far in advance... my husband and I will be coming to Culebra as well in April 2012 and after investigating this site and others, we decided to push our trip back to arrive on Mon. the 16th and camp on flamenco until the following Friday when we'll be going to town to stay at Casa Ensenada for the next few days. I have read MANY MANY MANY reviews of being there anytime near Holy Week and we decided better safe than sorry with the crowds. It's our first visit to Culebra (as well as our first year anniversary) and want everything to be as perfect as possible. We are in our 50's and are looking for a very laid back experience so we thought the further away from Holy Week we could come would be better. Have a wonderful time!!!!! :)

Wendy Hartung VA
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Re: Holy Week Question
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Linda H (---.dhcp.mrqt.mi.charter.com)
Date:   08-22-11 14:58

Be sure to talk a walk over the ridge to Carlos Rosario and Tamarindo, since you will be so close. Great snorkeling, fewer people, and nice sunsets from Carlos Rosario. Just remember to bring a headlamp and/or flashlight if you stay for the sunset, so you can see where you are going.
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Re: Holy Week Question
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Nick & Michelle (---.bstnma.fios.verizon.net)
Date:   08-22-11 16:47

Since this is our 1st time traveling to Culebra (we had been to Rio Mar in Luquillo in 2010 & heard so many good things about Culebra) we thought we'd be adventurous. We have been going to St. Barts for 10 years & due to the euro & also in need of a change. Realizing we're planning around Easter week, it is becoming a little complicated. We would go the following week as you are, Wendy, but wanted to avoid school vacation week. Staying at Villa Flamenco - the owners Esmeralda & Max have been so helpful. And thank you Linda for the tip on Carlos R. and Tamarindo. Just added a flashlight to our packing list! Half the fun is planning & anticipating. Whatever happened to living in the moment!
We thank others for all your travel suggestions. Very helpful, friendly forum!

Michelle & Nick
Boston
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Re: Holy Week Question
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Geronimo (---.customer.broadstripe.net)
Date:   08-23-11 07:55

I'm sure you are aware but Culebra is nothing like St Barts.
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Re: Holy Week Question
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: wendy hartung (---.dyn.embarqhsd.net)
Date:   08-23-11 10:03

o.k. michelle and nick... you've got me worried...are we coming to culebra during a school vacation week that is on the island or are you referring to school vacation in Boston??? If it IS on the island what do you know about crowds then??????

Wendy Hartung VA
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Re: Holy Week Question
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Nick & Michelle (---.bstnma.fios.verizon.net)
Date:   08-23-11 13:08

Hi Wendy,

I just reread my email & realized it was ambiguous. School vacation in Boston is 4/16-4/22. And school vacations in US vary from state to state. I do not know about school vacations in Puerto Rico.
We figured it's best for us to go Easter week-end into the following week 4/6-4/15 rather than the week leading up to Easter. We're sure the week-end will be busy but hope it quiets down after that.

Hope this clarifies things for you.
Maybe others will have some input, too.

Regards,
Michelle & Nick

P.S. Thanks Geronimo for your Post. Yes, St. Barts is quite special & magical but looking to experience other islands as long as there are beautiful turqouise beaches & happy to hear about the snorkeling!
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Re: Holy Week Question
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: wendy hartung (---.dyn.embarqhsd.net)
Date:   08-23-11 13:14

WHEW!!!!!! thanks for the clarification....I hadn't heard about crowds on Culebra ant any other time in the spring other than Easter/ Holy Week and I thought I had missed out on some MAJOR info. Again, enjoy your planning AND your trip!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)

Wendy Hartung VA
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Re: Holy Week Question
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Linda H (---.dhcp.mrqt.mi.charter.com)
Date:   08-23-11 13:22

Throughout March and April I think it is safe to assume it is spring break somewhere. Having said that, based on our two visits to Culebra, I think most college kids on break gravitate towards more "tourist-y" spots where the liquor flows freely and there are lots of other young people to party with at casinoes, etc. I can't imagine Culebra attracting a lot of college-age crowds at any time. And many families with younger kids choose the more structured experiences of the larger resorts and theme parks. People who choose Culebra choose it because of the lack of such things. Doesn't mean you can't go out and have a few drinks, or have some fun in a bar, but it just isn't a party hot spot.

I believe spring break in PR is Holy Week, or at least it was in 2010, and there were more young people and families around than the previous year, but nothing like the big resort areas. Even during Holy Week you can find isolation if you want it. We had Resaca all to ourselves all day, and I hear Brava is an easier hike.
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Re: Holy Week Question
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Nick & Michelle (---.bstnma.fios.verizon.net)
Date:   08-23-11 13:41

Thanks Linda for your input and experience during March/ April in PR & Culebra! We'll definitely look forward to trying the hikes to other beaches which is our main attraction to vacationing in Culebra.
I also just sent Wendy a private email of a web site showing that Holy Week/vacation week is leading up to Easter Week, confirming what you wrote.
Also, it is fun to experience some of the festivities during part of our vacation, too.
Thanks Again,
Michelle
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Re: Holy Week Question
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: danielle gilbert (---.flagstaff.az.npgco.com)
Date:   12-19-11 03:39

My boyfriend and I are are planning to be in Culebra March 12-18. When is holy week? Are reservations needed for the campground?
Thanks for any info!
Danielle
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Re: Holy Week Question
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Kathy J. Smith (---.dsl.rcsntx.sbcglobal.net)
Date:   12-29-11 06:09

We just returned from 4 days in Culebra...extended family of 7 from 19 - 76...each of us enjoyed the island and would love someday to be able to return. Culebra is beautiful, slow paced, not glitzy or glamorous...just pure natural beauty.

We were there the week leading up to Christmas and the only time we saw any crowds was at the ferry dock...we were never at a crowded beach...and there are so many to choose from!

Enjoy!
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