Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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Playa
Carlos
Rosario
This beach,
connected to
Playa Flamenco
by a hiking
trail, has a coral
reef within a few
feet of shore and
is popular with
yachters. Water-taxis
run here from Dewey.
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Playa Soldado
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The coral reef at this rocky
beach, a snorkeler's delight, is
only 66 ft (20 m) from shore
and 10 ft (3 m) beneath the
calm surface
(above)
.
^
Playa Brava
A remote beach
accessible by dirt road
from the southeast side
of the island's airport,
Angry Beach is named
for the rough waves that
pound ashore. The sands
are protected as a marine
turtle nesting site.
&
Culebra National
Wildlife Refuge
Covering a quarter of the
island, this 245-sq mile
(627-sq km) wildlife
refuge protects breeding
habitats of marine turtles,
manatees
(above),
and
avian species, such as
red-billed tropic birds.
*
Cayo Luis Peña
(
Culebrita
Leatherback
Turtles
The critically endangered
leatherback turtle is
found in all the world's
oceans, and travels
great distances using
its thick layer of fat for
insulation in cold
waters. Unlike other
turtle species, it has
no external skeleton
or shell. Its streamlined
body is covered by a
leathery skin, hence
the name. Females lay
their eggs on tropical
beaches, like those of
Puerto Rico.
A craggy coral cay,
Cayo Luis Peña is an
important habitat for
seabirds, including
red-billed tropic birds. It
is enclosed by a fringing
reef, with sheltered
waters that are excellent
for snorkeling.
This tiny uninhabited
isle, half-a-mile (1 km)
east of Culebra, has
beautiful beaches shelving
into electric-blue waters.
It is perfect for picnicking
and snorkeling. Water-
taxis
(below)
will ferry
you from Dewey.
)
Bonefishing
The reef-protected,
crystal-clear, sand-
bottomed shallows off
Culebra are an angler's
delight. Silvery, well-
camouflaged bonefish
hook easily, but once
caught on the line, put
up a fight to remember.
19
For information on excursions to Culebra
See p110.
