Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Playa Tamarindo
SNORKELING BEACH
A little bit beyond Melones, this is a very good snorkeling beach. It's accessible by foot
by either turning off the Dewey-Flamenco Beach road at the bottom of the hill just before
the lagoon, or from an unmarked trail west off the Flamenco parking lot. This is an often-
overlooked beach; it's not as flashy and fabulous-looking as others are, but offers a good
combination of sun and shade, gentle currents and lots of underwater life for good snorkel-
ing.
Playa Carlos Rosario
SNORKELING BEACH
If you follow a path west from the parking lot at Playa Flamenco, about a 15-minute hike
over the hill will bring you to Playa Carlos Rosario, an antidote to the crowds at Playa Fla-
menco and one of the best snorkeling areas in Puerto Rico. But don't get confused: Playa
Carlos Rosario is not the first beach you'll reach along this path.
To reach Carlos Rosario, head north from this first beach, cross the narrow peninsula,
and head down to the sandy basin and shade trees. A barrier reef almost encloses this beach,
and you can snorkel on either side of it by swimming through the boat channel - look for
the white plastic bottle marker - at the right side of the beach. But be
very
careful: water
taxis and local powerboats cruise this channel and the reef, and in 1998 a longtime Culebra
resident and diver was struck and killed by a boat.
For really spectacular snorkeling, work your way along the cliffs on the point south of
the beach, or head about a quarter mile north to a place called the
Wall
, which has 40ft
drop-offs and rich colors.
Playa Flamenco
FAMILY BEACH
Stretching for a mile around a sheltered, horseshoe-shaped bay, Playa Flamenco is not just
Culebra's best beach; it is also generally regarded as the finest in Puerto Rico, and quite
possibly the whole Caribbean. In fact, certain discerning travel writers have suggested that
it is among the top 10 in the world. While individual musings may sound trite, there is no
denying that this gentle arc of white sand and crystal surf is something special. Backed by
low scrub rather than craning palms, and equipped with basic amenities, Flamenco is the
only public beach on the island. It is also the only place where you are allowed to camp. Fa-
cilities include two guesthouses, a collection of kiosks (selling both snack food and beach
gear), toilets, outdoor showers, lifeguards, picnic tables and a parking lot. There are no
full-blown restaurants or stores in the area, so visitors should stock up with provisions in
Dewey before they arrive.
