Flamenco Beach
Of all the truly gorgeous beaches on the island of Culebra, nine miles off the main island’s eastern coast, Flamenco leads the pack. This island municipality is a paradise of beaches so perfect they are almost impossible to believe.
The crowning jewel is Flamenco Beach, recently named one of the Best Beaches in America and Best Escape Beach by the Travel Channel. A magnificent mile or so of pure white coral sand framed by Culebra’s arid, sun-toasted hills, it is protected as a Marine Wildlife Reserve by the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources. Here, you can escape from the crowds, jet skis and motorized sea vessels found on many of the major beaches on the main island of Puerto Rico.
Flamenco is only one of many unspoiled, pristine beaches on Culebra where you can enjoy blissful solitude as you swim in the blue green waters or explore some of the most stunning coral reef formations in the Caribbean.
Until 1975 Culebra was used for naval military exercises. Abandoned tanks and other military relics dot the area west of Flamenco Beach. If you tire of taking perfect beach scenes, you’ll find interesting photographic material among the remnants of naval machinery.
Lodging choices on Culebra include a campground and several small inns in the town of Dewey. You can make the long hike to Flamenco Beach, take a público (public car) from town, or arrive by small boat. However you arrive, you will have discovered a piece of paradise. For more information please visit http://www.islaculebra.com/
How to Get There
From the International Airport take Road 26 and exit on Road 3 to Fajardo. Turn left on Road 194 and go southeast for 2.1 miles. Turn left on Road 195, then bear left at Fajardo Dock. Take the ferry to Culebra. You may also take a flight from San Juan or Fajardo. To get to Fernando Luis Ribas Dominicci Airport (Isla Grande) from Old San Juan take Road 26 towards Carolina and take exit to Road 1. Right after the Marina (Club Naútico de San Juan) make a right at Lindbergh St. to get to Diego Jimenez Torres Airport (Fajardo) from San Juan take Road 26 and exit on Road 3 to Fajardo. Once in Fajardo take exit Road 976 and follow the signs.
