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The current weather in Culebra
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Logistics: splitting time b/w Culebra + El Yunque
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: R. Keller (---.buckeyecom.net)
Date:   12-10-05 17:15

I aplogize if this has been covered before, but I'm trying to plan a week trip in early March trip for a group of 7 and am stuck on a few details. Seems like people on this forum are unusually helpful so I thought I'd give it a shot. We'd like to spend ~3-4 days on Culebra and the remainder of the time in and around El Yunque. We'd like to have a car on the mainland (we're all squeezing in an SUV) and also on Culebra (Do we need one?). Flight leaves San Juan on tues. at 3:15pm. We're students and on a bit of a budget (aren't we all?). My buddy wants to arrive in San Juan (3:15 pm tues.) and drive to Fajardo, catch the ferry and be done with all the travel in a day. Some say just catch a plane from San Juan, rent a car in Culebra, ferry back to mainland, and then rent another car in Fajardo (which would be dropped off in San Juan). Another option is to do Culebra at the end of the trip, and catch a ferry back to mainland (with car) and drive to San Juan to catch the departure at 3:15pm. So, ideas anyone? I'm sorry this is so long, but I'm having trouble wrapping my brain around this one and am concerned about ferry reliability/crowdedness. Thanks again,

-Chip

p.s. Thinking of staying at the Tati's on the bay. Anyone been there?
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Re: Logistics: splitting time b/w Culebra + El Yunque
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: gretchen orr (67.189.83.---)
Date:   12-16-05 16:16

Hi Chip,

I am planning an April trip and had similar concerns. Having never been to PR I'm not exactly an expert authority, but since noone else has responded to you, I thought I'd share with you what I have been told.

A PR native warned me that it can be nearly impossible to take a car over to Culebra and Vieques. Even if you make reservations way in advance, Culebra residents take priority over other passengers, thus "bumping" your reservation. So, you could be waiting a very long time to get over there. Apparently on the weekends even the passenger ferries can fill up quickly, so allow yourself that time.

I've also been told the ferry schedule can be a little unpredictable. If you can afford it, I think the flight would be much less of a headache and allow you more time to enjoy the island.

Also, L&M rental agency (787-791-1160) allows you to pick up in Fajardo and drop off at the San Juan airport, charging only a $25 fee. I found their rates to be much better than Thrifty.

Last piece of advice- Jeeps and SUVs seem to go fast, so I wouldnt wait til the last minute to make your rental reservation.

Have fun!
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Re: Logistics: splitting time b/w Culebra + El Yunque
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: gretchen orr (67.189.83.---)
Date:   12-16-05 16:20

Oh yeah- one more thing:

You asked about the necessity of a car in Culebra. Ive been told YES. A lot of the beach access roads are a bit rough so a Jeep or 4WD is best.

Cheers,
Gretchen
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Re: Logistics: splitting time b/w Culebra + El Yunque
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Jeff Donatello (---.hsd1.nh.comcast.net)
Date:   12-16-05 20:29

If you have the cash, take a plane. The ferry schedule can be seriously affected by the weather. Planes also can be affected but not as badly. Renting a jeep in Culebra is a breeze as there are two places within a stones throw from the airport. Logistically, its not an easy place to get to which is part of the reason why once you get there, its pretty special.
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Re: Logistics: splitting time b/w Culebra + El Yunque
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Monica (---.ene.com)
Date:   12-21-05 14:15

Being from PR, I usually will go to visit my family for the holidays or long weekend and always try to sneak out for a night or two to Culebra, my favorite place on Earth.

I have never had a ny trouble renting a jeep in Culebra. I would highly recommend a Jeep. Depends how many you are but a Jeep is ideal, so i would say rent it there and splurge on the SUV on the mainland where trips are going to be longer. The longest car ride in Culebra will be 20 minutes but you will be happy to have a Jeep that can get into the rougher spots. You'll also be hiking and leaving your car parked so you don't want to have a nice SUV there.

Planes are very convenient but the ferry is a beautiful cheap ride. If you drive to Fajardo, you can hike El Yunque, go to Luquillo and ahgn out at the beach. Stop at the roadside food shops and get some local fried food and ice cold beer (no dieting!). Then, spend the night in Fajardo and take off to Culebra first thing the next day. You can take a 15 minute flight (totally cool scenery and well worth it!) out of Fajardo or the Ferry if you are strapped for cash.

Point is, don't try to rush to get to Culebra and pass up the beautiful rainfores tand the cool beach. Culebra is amazing and you won't miss it if you don't spend an extra night there. Also, be aware that there is not really a night life, so a crazy Friday night is like a crazy Tuesday night at a big city. Then again, it's all what you make of it, so have fun and Enjoy!

Monica
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