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Snorkeling in Culebra
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Neva Flaherty (---.hsd1.ma.comcast.net)
Date:   01-05-07 15:41

Am thinking about visiting in March. Is snorkeling possible (as opposed to scuba, which I don't do)?
If there are reefs, can anyone describe them, and compare them to experiences in the Grenadines, or in Malaysia (two peak snorkeling experiences).
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Re: snorkeling
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Doug (---.aurorasys.com)
Date:   01-05-07 15:50

Culebra is a fantastic snorkling location. There are at least 6 beaches and two islets or cayos where the coral is within 4-8 feet of the surface and reachable from shore. The healthiest and prettiest is off Playa Carlos Rosario, aka Impact Beach. Also, the trail to Carlos Rosario has a dramatic spot where you crest the hill and have a view worthy of a Jimmy Buffet album cover.

I haven't traveled to many islands, but a friend who is a travel writer tells me Carlos Rosario's coral garden is comparable to what he saw in the Caymans. If you search this forum for snorkling, you can find some details about this area and the others on and near Culebra.

Doug
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Re: snorkeling
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Arroz (216.110.121.---)
Date:   01-05-07 19:13

We were recently in the Tobago Cays, supposedly one of the best sites in the Grenadines and the site we snorkelled at was not as good as Melones and Melones is not quite at good as Carlos Rosario. On the other hand, Carlos Rosario is not as good as the Barrier Reef in Australia but you have to take a boat to get out to the Barrier Reef and, as Doug noted you can reach the reef at Rosario from shore. We also found Carlos Rosario better than Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia.

Haven't been to Malyasia.
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Re: Snorkeling in Culebra
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Jorge Flores (---.dyn.optonline.net)
Date:   01-08-07 16:46

Not only do you have Melones and Carlos Rosario which is about a 20 minute walk from the parking lot at Flamenco Beach but the snorkeling at Flamenco Beach on the left hand side is also pretty good. You can also take a water taxi and snorkel in Culebrita which is breathtaking

Jorge Flores
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Re: Snorkeling in Culebra
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: upflore1 (---.dsl.chmpil.ameritech.net)
Date:   01-09-07 19:24

As for snorkeling right off the beach not many can beat Carlos Rosario. I snorkeled there last year and saw at least 20 species of fish, a ray, several eels and numerous coral. Just make sure to take plenty of snacks and drinks, with extra water for the short 20 minute hike over the hill. You'll want to spend all day snorkeling there as we did.

If you want a bit more aquatic diversity take the Taxi to isolated Culebrita.
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Re: Snorkeling in Culebra
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Tate Kauffman (---.hsd1.pa.comcast.net)
Date:   01-09-07 21:56

In addition to Carlos Rosario and Melones, there is great snorkeling off the north and west sides of Luis Pena. As with Culebrita, you will need a water taxi (or kayak) to get there. The snorkeling at Punta Soldado is also reasonable. Zoni does not have the same sort of reef as Melones or Carlos Rosario, but I have found it worthwhile (a variety of fish, an octopus, and a hawksbill turtle).
Don't worry, there is plenty to see from snorkel/freediving depth on Culebra.
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Re: Snorkeling in Culebra
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Gary Eichelberger (---.nas1.mbrg.pa.net)
Date:   01-10-07 07:48

found very good patch reef at Soldado, close to shore along left side. Saw octupus there.

Don't forget Tamarindo - between Melones and Rosario also on west/leeward side. Some spots quite good. Great fish incluing large angelfish

Melones can be hard to access the water due to coral outcroppings, except from north end - a bit of a hike. and watch for urchins there - seems to be alwys full of them.

As others noted, Rosario trmendous. Often see hawksbill turtles there and can get quite close if you're still. Culebrita often overlooked and some places stellar.

You'll have a blast.
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