If you're planning a trip to Puerto Rico and want to experience one of the world's most beautiful beaches, a day trip to Culebra from San Juan should be on your list. On our most recent vacay, we enjoyed snorkeling off Culebra Island and relaxing on Flamenco Beach, which is one of the top beaches on the planet! I'll break down how to get there and what to expect for you in this post.
And if you enjoy this post, you'll love my day trip to Loíza, Puerto Rico article, too!
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Why Visit
Culebra is a small island off Puerto Rico’s east coast known for its untouched natural beauty, vibrant marine life, and laid-back vibe. Once used as a U.S. Navy bombing range, it was returned to civilian use in 1975 thanks to local protests. Today, it's a peaceful haven with protected wildlife reserves--though real estate development is growing.
The island is best known for Flamenco Beach, often ranked among the top beaches in the world for its soft white sand and turquoise waters. Compared to the mainland, Culebra is sparsely populated. And with no large resorts or cruise ports, it offers an unspoiled environment for snorkeling, beach lounging, and slowing down.
Go to Culebra for the kind of beach day that feels straight out of a dream (or an Instagram reel).
Read my Puerto Rico itinerary to build the perfect vacation!
Getting to Culebra from San Juan
While Culebra may feel remote, you have a few options for getting there:
1. By Ferry (Cheapest but Least Convenient Option)
- San Juan to Culebra ferry tickets are only available from the port in Ceiba (not directly from San Juan)
- Ceiba is about a 1–1.5 hour drive from San Juan
- Ferry tickets sell out quickly and the schedule can change with little notice—check the official Flamenco Beach ferry schedule in advance
2. By Plane (Fastest but Most Expensive Option)
- Direct flights leave from San Juan's Isla Grande airport to Culebra Airport
- Flights are short—just 30 minutes—and offer gorgeous views of the coast
3. By Guided Tour (Easiest Option)
I booked a Culebra day tour from San Juan with hotel pickup included. We had an early 7 am pickup from our hotel in San Juan and drove about 45 minutes to Fajardo. From there, we hopped on a catamaran for a Culebra boat excursion that included snorkeling, lunch, drinks, and time at Flamenco Beach.
What You'll Need
Now that transportation is taken care of, here are the essentials you'll need to pack.
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Swimsuit + cover-up
- Towel + waterproof bag
- Cash (to tip the tour staff and purchase from beach vendors)
- Dramamine (some parts of the boat ride were choppy)
Pro Travel Tip
Wear your swimsuit under your clothes and pack light. Pack anything you want to take onto the beach into a small waterproof bag because you'll need to swim a short distance from the boat to the shore.
The Culebra tour from San Juan we booked provided snorkeling gear and life vests, so you won't need them unless you just want to use your own stuff.
Check out my Puerto Rico packing list to be properly prepared for all the activities, nightlife, and excursions!
Snorkeling in Culebra
Our boat stopped at a calm, clear snorkeling spot near Luis Peña Cay, just off the coast of Culebra. The water was so clear, we could see fish and coral below the surface before even putting our heads underneath!
If you're into snorkeling, this is one of the best places in Puerto Rico. Some popular Culebra snorkeling beaches include:
- Tamarindo Beach (great for turtles!)
- Carlos Rosario Beach (amazing coral reef)
This was a DIY snorkeling experience, so we were on our own. And this guided Culebra snorkeling excursion comes highly recommended on Viator.
Flamenco Beach: Is It Worth the Hype?
Flamenco Beach consistently ranks in the top 10 beaches in the world and was in the number two spot when we visited—and yes, it is stunning.
The sand is soft and clean, the water is a gorgeous turquoise-blue, and there's plenty of room to spread out. There are a few food kiosks and stands nearby selling fresh coconuts, snacks, and local drinks.
That said, while Flamenco Beach was gorgeous, it wasn’t my absolute favorite beach in Puerto Rico. Still, it’s definitely worth your time.
Not sure if you'll make it out to this pristine beach? Read my list of the best beaches in San Juan!
Review of Our Day Trip from San Juan to Culebra
So, is this day trip worth it? In my opinion, absolutely. If you're craving a mix of relaxation, adventure, and natural beauty, a Culebra island excursion is a nice escape from the city buzz of San Juan.
The Culebra, Puerto Rico day trip from San Juan we booked was like an all-inclusive beach day with a bit of everything. This was part of my 30th birthday trip with a group of five friends, so I definitely recommend the experience for groups.
There were also plenty of solo travelers, couples, and families, and the boat was equipped with kid-friendly options. Here's what else was included:
- Round-trip hotel transportation (essential after a long day!)
- Catamaran boat ride with shaded seating
- Snorkeling stop near Culebra (gear provided)
- Lunch (usually sandwiches or local fare)
- Unlimited rum punch, mojitos, and piña coladas
- About two hours of beach time at Flamenco Beach
Pro Travel Tip
Book a tour that includes transportation from San Juan so you can nap on the way back! We actually slept in both directions because we were tired in the morning from partying at La Placita the night before and in the afternoon from a long day of swimming and frolicking.
This excursion was one of my favorite things to do in San Juan!
More Favorite Puerto Rico Activities
I hope you enjoy an amazing excursion to Culebra and Playa Flamenco soon and very soon. And sharing is caring so be sure to pin this post for later and follow me over on Pinterest. Thanks for reading!
