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Best Snorkeling for 7 year old
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: DLT (---.washdc.fios.verizon.net)
Date:   01-12-13 01:04

Hello
My family has only a day to explore the island and snorkel. My daughter is a good swimmer in a pool but has only snorkeled a couple times. Her first time was in St. Thomas and it was incredible for her, the water super calm and shallow, just 5 steps in from shore and no deeper than her (she was 5), no waves and so clear with lots of fish very very close by. She just loved it! but has been unimpressed with her other limited opportunities. I know the good spots on culebra are at melones, Carlos Rosario and tamarindo, plus flamenco, BUT, with limited time, which would be the best for an awesome repeat experience?
We will bring our own mask and snorkel, should we rent/buy fins, life jacket and/or wetsuit? Or just use some sort of floaty, or is there no need to bother? I feel comfortable myself but not to have to offer safety support too far out.

First time on this site and it's great...thanks for all the info! Getting very excited for our trip!!!
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Re: Best Snorkeling for 7 year old
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: John W. (---.ips.direcpath.com)
Date:   01-12-13 08:07

Melones and Carlos Rosario provide some of the best snorkeling for viewing a wide variety of fish. Between the two, Melones requires a further swim to the reef unless you walk down along the rocks 50 yards or so. Plus you will need transportation.

Carlos Rosario requires a 20 minute hike and it is best to head out first thing in the morning. Snorkeling is very easy and a sand beach is available to enter the water. The beach is remote and heavenly and the walk provides gorgeous views of Luis Pena and Puerto Rico. Wear tennis shoes or Teva's for the hike.

So if you are on Island early and only have a day, a suggestion would be to go to Flamenco parking lot, hike over to Carlos Rosario and spend morning snorkeling. At noon head back to Flamenco Beach and enjoy the afternoon at Flamenco before heading home. You avoid running all over the island and will have experienced two of the most lovely beaches ever.

Enjoy!
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Re: Best Snorkeling for 7 year old
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: John W. (---.ips.direcpath.com)
Date:   01-12-13 08:12

Also dont forget to bring water and a snack if heading to Carlos Rosario.

Tamarindo is great snorkeling to see the sea turtles but you may have to swim out to the grassy bottom area and search them out. Itis probably a 30-50 yard swim. Not as many fish and very little coral, but you may see a ray or two.
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Re: Best Snorkeling for 7 year old
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: mss289r (---.hsd1.ct.comcast.net)
Date:   01-12-13 10:00

I'd suggest the area to the right of the shark pen at the east end of Flamenco. It's easy in and the reef goes out to the right.
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Re: Best Snorkeling for 7 year old
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Herb (67.65.139.---)
Date:   01-12-13 14:43

This is a one day trip and you want a winner for your daughter, therefore I would vote for Little Tamarindo. The publico driver will take you right there. You will have a 40 foot walk and you are in the water. Easy access. Shade to the left once you enter the water and go on out....you will find the turtles at 100 yards. When you are done bedazzling your daughter, there may be a publico that is dropping people off and you can ride back into town with them, if not, hoof it to the main road and a publico will pick you up.

Safety.....always be safe. There are no lifeguards! Period! You are your backup plan and rescue. I would get a good snorkel vest for everyone....even you.

I always wear a short wetsuit because I do not like even a little bit of cold, and it enables me to stay in the water for a very long time, (I have seen many people who do not use a shortie) which is why I go there in the first place. Fins are a must, if you are schlepping a mask and snorkel, bring along your fins as well.

Little Tamarindo....easy access, turtles, calm water and a little further to the south, you will see some coral and colorful fish.

Tamarindo Grande is a pretty good hike but has a lot more coral and colorful fish. No publico to take you there, access is a little dicey because of the urchins (when we were there) but a knock out if you and your family really enjoys the fish and coral.

I maybe possible to do both in the same day. Gotta hustle.

Peace out
Herb
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Re: Best Snorkeling for 7 year old
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: DLT (---.washdc.fios.verizon.net)
Date:   01-13-13 13:05

Thanks for the replies! I am loving this site.

I guess I was wondering too if it's possible to rent the snorkel vests and fins there, either at the ferry or on flamenco beach and then return at end of day? We sometimes dont bother with fins due to space and I am hoping to travel light. Do the rental places even have little sizes available? Kids 13

Is the water real calm there, no current? I know she can swim 50 yards in a pool but it's different when the salt water gets in your nose and mouth and there is no railing to hold onto.
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Re: Best Snorkeling for 7 year old
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Herb (---.dsl.stlsmo.swbell.net)
Date:   01-13-13 17:48

If 50 yards is your daughters range, you will have calm water at Little Tamarindo and most of the other beaches that have been mentioned.

Peace out
Herb
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Re: Best Snorkeling for 7 year old
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: GEichelberger (---.hrbgpa.btas.verizon.net)
Date:   01-14-13 22:38

Consider punts soldado as well. Reef is close to shore. Some very good reef last I was there. Saw an octopus there once. Lots of fish. Easier than melones or Rosario and tamarindo as well. Often sheltered if you stay to the center and left where the reef is anyway.
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Re: Best Snorkeling for 7 year old
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: richard (---.lightspeed.stlsmo.sbcglobal.net)
Date:   01-25-13 03:44

there's a dive shop right on the ferry plaza. I'd call ahead for sizing and availability.

http://www.islaculebra.com/puerto-rico/scuba-diving.html

dunno about equipment at Flamenco, wouldn't surprise me, but I'd bet choices are few (and who likes ill-fitting equipment?)

I too vote for Rosario, placid water and a good wall to check out.
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Re: Best Snorkeling for 7 year old
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Tom W. (---.ind.choiceone.net)
Date:   02-13-13 22:00

First timer question..... is Little Tamarindo the same as Tamarindo? Or a separate part of it? Thanks!
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Re: Best Snorkeling for 7 year old
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Drew (---.cmdnnj.fios.verizon.net)
Date:   02-21-13 08:39

My kids grew up snorkeling on culebra vacations. If truly a one day trip and snorkling - not laying on the beach - is the goal, then for little kids I agree with Soldiers Point. The best is a water taxi or hire a boat to Luis Pena...snorkeling 5 feet from shore in shallow water, totally safe and totally beautiful. Maybe do a 1/2 day there, then home, get some Zacos Tacos and go to Tamarindo to see the turtles? Sounds like a great day to me.
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