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The current weather in Culebra

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isla Culebrita
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: kate burley (---.dsl.spfdmo.sbcglobal.net)
Date:   06-21-06 13:55

Is it worth a day trip? Who should we use? We think we will wear out with the kayak. So we will take a water taxi likely. Anything special we should take with us? Any help will be appreciated. Thanks.

k8

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Re: isla Culebrita
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Doug (---.dsl.stlsmo.swbell.net)
Date:   06-22-06 17:08

It is definitely worth the trip. I used Capt. Jack/Capt. Pat, but there are several others, as well. We were dropped at 10 am and picked up at 4 pm, so we took plenty of sunscreen, snorkling gear, lunch, water and comfortable shoes to walk to the various beaches and the lighthouse.

Doug

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Re: isla Culebrita
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: JoseGuzman (---.mia.bellsouth.net)
Date:   06-25-06 05:20

Culebrita is the best beach you will ever see.

Kayak ... if you are expereinced OK, else go power boat.

Capt. J.Guzman

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Re: isla Culebrita
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Ginger Bowman (---.proxy.aol.com)
Date:   06-25-06 17:50

Culebrita was the highlight of our trip. You know when you see the Corona beer commercial and you think there couldn't really be a place on earth that looks like that...there is. The beach is called Tortuga and it is on Culebrita. You get to hike across the island through a path that leads you to this beautiful beach. The hike is alot of fun and pretty easy if you don't take everything you own like I did! There are other diverse beaches on Culebrita that are also great. We used a local guy named Galen to take us to the island. We stayed at Tamarindo Estates and they arranged our trip for us. Galen was a wonderful guide. He didn't just drop us off and leave, he gave us lots of neat facts about the island and tips on beaches to go to and areas that were dangerous to swim in.Our group would ask questions about a certain sea urchin and Galen would literally walk out into the ocean and pick up that sea creature. He would carefully let us hold them and educate us on the species. I don't believe I have every met someone that loved their job more than Galen. It was so much more to him than the $40 he charged for the trip. I think, if he could, he would do it for free. Galen taught me, if you want to learn about an island use a local. I will be going back to Culebra in November and I hope Galen will be available for a Culebrita trip! Have a wonderful trip to paradise. I promise, after experiencing Culebra, you will never be the same.

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Re: isla Culebrita
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Jackie (---.pupr.edu)
Date:   06-27-06 10:19

Hello Ginger.....

I was wondering how much Galen charged you to take you to Culebrita? Was it $40 per person? How many people could go in the boat? I'm going with a group of friends and will greatly apreciate your reply. And also, do you have any way to contact Galen?

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Re: isla Culebrita
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: JoseGuzman (---.mia.bellsouth.net)
Date:   06-27-06 10:38

You should not pay more than 35/40 dollars per person, for a whole day trip.
Boats in Culebra are NOT allowed to carry more than 6 passengers, that is a USCG regulation. Only inspected ( COI ) vessels may carry more than 6, and there is none in that category in Culebra. Do not get into a boat carrying more than 6, or ask to see the COI ( CERTIFICATE OF INSPECTION )
In that document you'll see how many passengers the vessel is allowed to carry, how it must be manned, and the security equipment required.

The estimated time from Ensenada to Culebrita is close to 20 minutes, depending on the speed of the boat, a slow boat may take more than 30 minutes.
Take plenty of water, and test your celluar phone, most do not work from Culebrita.


Capt. J.Guzman

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Re: isla Culebrita
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Ann-Marie (38.117.178.---)
Date:   06-27-06 11:59

Hi, I'm curious about these day trips to Culebrita...specifically, do I need to reserve it beforehand or can I do so when I get there? I will be in Culebra for a week in August.

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Re: isla Culebrita
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Peter Bowden (---.alb.choiceone.net)
Date:   06-27-06 14:56

Is it worth it? Well, as you can see in this image:

http://www.pbase.com/peterb/image/39921692


the beach was pretty crowded ;>)


We rented a boat and went on our own so we could spend as long as we wanted there. We went to "The Baths" on Culebrita where only one of the four of us escaped without scrapes & bruises...be careful if you enter that cauldron of rocks & waves or better yet, think twice about it.

Yes, I guess it is a little like those scenes from a Corona Beer ad:

http://www.pbase.com/peterb/image/39927831

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Re: isla Culebrita
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: luis grundler (---.mycingular.net)
Date:   06-27-06 18:32

sorry capt. Guzman we have in culebra a USCG boat certificate for 18
passenger ................... the regular rate now is $ 45.00 p.p if you are
more that 4 the rate change.... the fuel is not same 2 years ago
capt .Guzman you now how much is the fuel in Culebra today...
when you have a water taxi service in culebra you can charge
$ 35 or free .......... if dont you cant put the rate ... sorry...

atte. Capt. Luis Grundler

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Re: isla Culebrita
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Jen N (---.nrfdvt.tds.net)
Date:   06-27-06 19:47

Earlier this month we used Capt. Luis to get to Culebrita. He was a great captain and proudly displayed his credentials. We paid $45 per person. One other boat to Culebrita wanted $65 per person. The $45 for Capt. Luis' services is well worth it.

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Re: isla Culebrita
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: JoseGuzman (---.mia.bellsouth.net)
Date:   06-28-06 07:54

It is impossible to have a BOAT CERTIFICATE, unless it is ilegal.
You on the other hand, may have a BOAT CERTIFIED for more than 6 passengers.
For everybody's info, the USCG certifies vessels, they do not issue a certificate that might be used on several boats.

That is what can be understood from capt Luis words.
This is a federal government document and must be shown upon request.
It can be removed only by the USCG, should they determine so.
And the most important info, for paying passengers, is how the boat must be manned, safety/security gear required, and how many souls the vessel may carry.
I have been on two USCG inspections, and believe me, thay are very meticulous about securuty concerns, and overall vessel performance.
They even require to keep log af all engines maintenance, parts replacement, drills, and more. They require, and they are to be present of at least one Man Overboard/Fire drill a year. That does not mean it is enough, a careful owner must cary out these drills regularily.

Another important document is the radio station license, it must not be expired . When a passenger examines these documents, and find them in good order, you can be sure the owner of the vessel cares for its passengers.
It is not as easy as posted by capt luis.

Capt. J.Guzman

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Re: isla Culebrita
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: luis grundler (---.mycingular.net)
Date:   06-28-06 09:07

Capt. Jose Guzman you dont live in culebra you dont now nothing
about culebra today .......
maybe you live in florida
but we have the same rules .................
if you think is impossible have inspeccion boat for more that 6 passanger
in culebra ....we have that
if you want to see all paper certificate come to culebra
or you can call USCG
you are right Capt Guzman is not easy but is not impossible
have a Certificate of Inspection
if you need more information i can helpyou

Capt Guzman i now you want to help the peolple but
is you dont now about something please dont write

att. Capt. Luis Grundler

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Re: isla Culebrita
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: kate burley (---.dsl.spfdmo.sbcglobal.net)
Date:   06-28-06 10:04

thanks for all your help. we will be there tommorow! cant wait.

k8

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Re: isla Culebrita
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Ginger Bowman (---.proxy.aol.com)
Date:   06-28-06 17:06

Thanks for the pictures Peter. They were the next best thing to being there!!! Your photos also reminded me how important water shoes/tennis shoes helped when snorkeling and exploring the island.

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Re: isla Culebrita
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: JoseGuzman (---.mia.bellsouth.net)
Date:   06-29-06 07:35

Do not be offended capt. Luis, see I do not doubt there is a boat certified, what I meant is that your words were incorrectly phrased.
And, as opposed to you I do not have economical interest in Culebra, my postings here have two purposes.

One, keep in touch on the distance with my country, my land, and a tiny island I love so much.

Second, to provide good information that might be helpful to our visitors, who kindly come to our shores to have fun, relax, and help our economy too.
I know visitors who post here are grateful to learn, and receive this kind of information. This information must not be kept confidential, it may even help our visitors feel more confident, and willing to return.

If you get a visitor who is willing to come back, then you have a business.

Your last statement shows you are angry, I do know a lot about boats, and it is very possible that I was already steering boats, when you were on skates.
When I post something you can be damm sure I know what I'm talking about.
Be smart, be wise, open your mind.

Capt. J.Guzman

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Re: isla Culebrita
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: luis grundler (---.mycingular.net)
Date:   06-29-06 18:47

sorry capt. Guzman im not angry......that you say
i have a service in culebra and i think you cant put the water taxi
rates isnt your business that is .............................
if you want i sell you my boat and you charge $ 35 or free
capt guzman you now how much you spend only in gas to go to culebrita
each way .........you are the big captain.............

if you need information please callme (787) 360-9807
you have a friend in culebra

att. Luis Grundler

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Re: isla Culebrita
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: JoseGuzman (---.mia.bellsouth.net)
Date:   07-10-06 21:14

Luis I'm not a big captain, I'm just a very good one. Willing to learn from others.

I have taken more than 142 passengers on a tour boat just 3 to 4 miles off Miami River.
I have also worked on a live aboard dive boat to Bahamas ( Bimini ),
such an experience is damn good, but Culebra is better.
If an employment opportunity, paying more than 38,000.00 is offered , you can be sure I will consider relocation.
I can tell you this, YOU HAVE A FRIEND in Miami. I know you, but you do not know me.

Truly yours,

Capt. J.Guzman

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Re: isla Culebrita
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: serafinapup (---.dhcp4.washington.edu)
Date:   07-27-06 11:51

If anyone's still interested, Culebrita is TOTALLY worth it!! We paid $40 pp and went with Luis. He was flexible and picked us up whenever we wanted even though he had to come back earlier to pick up another couple. The beach on the west side where they drop you off is best for snorkeling (watch out, we had a lovely curious barracuda friend there!). The beach on this side is a thin white strip with water ever so slightly lapping up to the beach. I have a picture of "The view from me" with just my toes and the ocean beyond. Heaven! If you hike over the island (mostly flat area) to the east side you'll be on another beach with larger waves that is a perfect blue crescent, and people sailing the Caribbean or in from the Virgin Islands anchor their boats. Hiking up to the lighthouse took us probably about 40 minutes, and it is very hot (in April) with no shade! It's not until the top that you get some nice ocean breeze. Sneak through the fence to see the lighthouse! We were advised to even go up it, but as the floor was falling out in the spiral staircase we opted against!

I would recommend sneakers for hiking around on Culebrita. Also, bring lots of strong sunscreen (I never burn, usually wear 15, and by the end of the day even I was slathering on the 50...) and LOTS OF WATER. We actually bought a styrofoam from the store in town (Milka?) and took sandwiches and two liters of water (just barely enough...). Bring a book and relax on the beach after snorkeling and hiking! It is great!

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