Ultimate Guide to Flamenco Beach, Culebra
A crescent shaped bay, white sand, crystal clear water, Caribbean blue skies, and a palm lined shore Flamenco Beach on Culebra is what many would consider paradise. Continuously named one of the best beaches in the world, Flamenco Beach should be at the top of any beach goers list.
We visited Culebra, an island off the coast of Puerto Rico, for two nights and although we could have stayed longer two nights felt like a good amount of time. We visited Flamenco Beach two days in a row because it really is that awesome.
Keep reading to find out how to get to Flamenco Beach, Culebra (for free and away from the crowds!) as well as tips for spending the day at Flamenco Beach and where to stay on Isla Culebra, Puerto Rico!
Have you also considered visiting Isla Vieques? Read my guide on Vieques vs Culebra to find out which Puerto Rican Island is better for you!
Flamenco Beach FAQ
Where is Flamenco Beach, Puerto Rico?
Flamenco Beach is located on the Island of Culebra which is part of the archipelago of Puerto Rico.
Culebra is located approximately 17 miles east of main land Puerto Rico and is accessible by passenger ferry or chartered plane. The island of Culebra is part of the US territory of Puerto Rico, has more of an island vibe than the main land.
Is Flamenco Beach worth visiting?
100% yes! There is a reason it is constantly named one of the top beaches in the world. If you like swimming in turquoise water, snorkeling or simply relaxing on a tropical beach you are sure to love visiting Playa Flamenco.
How far is Flamenco Beach from the ferry?
Flamenco Beach is roughly 2.5 miles from the ferry terminal on Culebra. It takes about 10 minutes to get to the parking area at Flamenco Beach from the ferry.
How to get to Flamenco Beach from San Juan, Puerto Rico
Culebra is a small island at only 11 square miles and is reachable by ferry boat or small propeller plane. The ferry is available from the town of Cieba which is about one hour to 1.5 hours drive south east from San Juan.
The best way to get to Cieba is to drive (your own car or rental car) or hire a driver. Click here for directions to the Cieba Ferry Terminal from San Juan.
Flights also leave daily from Cieba as well as from Isla Grande airport in San Juan. Isla Grande is definitely the closer option if you are staying in San Juan or Old San Juan. The flight over to Culebra on Air Flamenco is only a fifteen minute ride!
Click here for directions to Isla Grande airport.
Ferry to Flamenco Beach from Ceiba Ferry Terminal
The Cieba Ferry Terminal is located on the east coast of Puerto Rico. There are multiple ferries leaving daily for both Isla Culebra and Isla Vieques.
You can buy ferry tickets in advance for only $2.25 each way at Puertoricoferry.com or buy them when you get to the ferry terminal. The ferry to Culebra takes about one hour from the Cieba Ferry Terminal.
Pro Tip: be weary if only the cargo ferries are running to the island. This means that the seas are rough. Unaware of this, we were cramped into a tiny cabin in the front of the cargo ferry and over half of the passengers were sea sick (including myself!)
Fly to Flamenco Beach from Cieba or San Juan
If you want to save on time you can certainly buy round trip air faire from Puerto Rico to Culebra. You can buy a ticket with Air Flamenco for the 15 min flight which leaves from the Cieba airport or Isla Grande a smaller airport located in San Juan.
How to get to Flamenco Beach from Dewey Ferry Terminal on Culebra
Once on the island of Culebra you’ll definitely want a mode of transportation if you are staying the night or a few days. Rent a golf cart or Jeep from Jerry’s or Carlos’. Both businesses are walking distance from the Dewey Ferry Terminal.
We rented a 6 person golf cart and riding around was half the fun and experience when exploring Culebra!
If you are only visiting Flamenco Beach as a day trip from Puerto Rico there will be taxi vans waiting at the ferry dock to take you to Flamenco Beach. Make sure to bring cash for this!
Drive to Flamenco Beach & Pay to Park
There is a parking lot at Flamenco Beach which costs $5 per car. There are bathrooms and kiosks with various amenities for your beach day near the parking area. (more on that below)
Drive to Flamenco Beach for Free with No Crowds!
If you want to experience this amazing beach with no one else around, you’re in the right place.
When you are driving on PR 251 towards Flamenco Beach there will be a dirt road on the right side of the road at mile marker 1.6k. This is where you will want to turn off!
If you’ve come to the sign for Flamenco Beach and Villa Flamenco Beach, turn around you have gone too far.
When looking at Google Maps, don’t go towards Flamenco Beach Parking Area. You are going to want to go around Laguna del Flamenco on the opposite side of the parking.
It is a dirt road and will be muddy and full of puddles if it has rained recently (this is honestly half the fun though!) It is about a ten minute drive and there are seven parking spots at the end.
We came mid week so there was no issue with parking but if you are arriving on a weekend day I would try to come early!
Spend the Day at Flamenco Beach on Culebra
Yay! You have arrived!
If it were me, I would pack a picnic for an epic beach day on Flamenco Beach. However, there are kiosks at the opposite end of the beach if you need them. Bring your snorkel gear, beach games, and a camera – you are going to want to stay all day!
Flamenco Beach Amenities
There are bathrooms and changing rooms available at Flamenco Beach 24/7 in the parking area. Additionally, there are food kiosks where you can buy water, drinks and food all day.
If you’d like to rent beach gear there are plenty of places that rent chairs and umbrellas for you to use for the day at Flamenco Beach!
Best Spots to Sit on Flamenco Beach
If you want all of the amenities at Flamenco Beach like the bathrooms and food stalls I would recommend sitting close to the paid parking lot!
If those luxuries aren’t important to you I would head down the beach to the right. There was barely anyone there! We basically felt like we were the only people on the beach and it was so much fun to pack a cooler with drinks and lunch to hang out for the day!
See the Painted Tank on Flamenco Beach
The famous painted tanks are left over from the US Military is all the way down the beach to the left (or on the west side of the beach) when you are looking out towards the water. The tanks were used for bombing practice in the 1930’s and were abandoned when the military left Culebra in the seventies.
Go Snorkeling at Flamenco Beach
The water is so clear and perfect to do a little bit of snorkeling. You’ll be sure to see lots of tropical fish! The best snorkeling is on the east side of the beach near the rocks or to your right if you are looking out at the water.
If you didn’t bring your own mask and snorkel there are rentals up near the main parking lot for Flamenco Beach.
What to Bring to Flamenco Beach
- Water and beverages are must!
- Snacks and lunch
- Beach games like Pro Kadima
- Snorkel, mask and flippers
- Beach towels
- Beach umbrella
- Camera and/ or GoPro
- and never forget your sunscreen!!!
Pro Tip: After a day at the beach, watch the sun set at Melones Beach and then head to the Dinghy Dock for pain killers (the drink!) and a classic Puerto Rican meal. After dinner drinks can be had at The Spot just down the road.
Visiting Culebra would be the perfect addition to your beach holiday on Puerto Rico. Explore the surf town, Rincón on the west coast, walk the historical streets of Old San Juan, or discover all the beaches of Vieques!
Where to stay on Culebra near Flamenco Beach Puerto Rico
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Camp on Flamenco Beach
The camping area is located just a few feet away from the beach and is the only “acomodation” on Flamenco Beach! If camping is your style, camping on Flamenco Beach seems like a bucket list spot.
The campsite is government run and no reservations are required. You can register to camp at the office which is located at the entrance of the campground.
If you didn’t bring your own camping gear you can rent a tent, mattress and other camping accessories at Tent City where the other kiosks and stalls are located.
Culebra Hotels
When we stayed on Culebra we went with a group of friends and booked an Airbnb as our base to explore from. Linked here is the place we rented and we really enjoyed it!
Aleli Cottages
Aleli Cottages offers three private villas and a one bedroom villa all with sea views from atop the hill – you won’t regret the views from Aleli Cottages! The villas are located only 1.5 miles from town and 1.5 miles to Melones beach.
This would be a great choice for couples wanting rest and relaxation! Click here for Rates.
Club Seabourne Hotel
The Club Seabourne Hotel is the biggest hotel on the island and would be my first choice for a Culebra hotel. The hotel is located 1.5 miles from town overlooking the beautiful Fulladoza Bay. Click here for Rates.
Oceania Villas
This small hotel is located near Club Seabourne on the water to the south of town. Oceania Villas has a one bedroom villa, a two bedroom villa and a three bedroom villa option. All villas overlook the breathtaking Fulladoza Bay. Click here for Rates.
Guesthouse Options:
Tips for Visiting Flamenco Beach:
- Bring your own snorkel gear! There is a great spot to snorkel just to the right (or they rent equipment near the parking lot)
- Walking the whole length of Flamenco will take you about 20-30 minutes each way!
- Don’t even try to bring your rental car. Cargo ferry space is reserved for locals and truck deliveries. If you’re lucky enough to get your rental car on you may not be so lucky on the way back!
- Recommended time on Culebra: 2-4 days
Leave a Comment OR Question Below!
I’d love to respond to your questions or know if you used this blog post to help plan your trip!
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I will be traveling to Puerto Rico to celebrate my dad’s 80
I will be traveling with elderly people. After reading your blog on Viequez versus Culebra, I feel culebra might be a better option. Is culebra hilly. How much does it cost to rent a jeep in Culebra?
Hey! Culebra is very hilly! Jeeps are about $200/day. How many days are you planning on visiting? There are more beaches, restaurants ect on Vieques and might be a bit easier to navigate. Feel free to email me too – if you want to tell me a bit more about your trip and what you’re looking for! ariana.jasuta@fora.travel