Culebra

From CruisersWiki

Revision as of 11:42, 28 September 2012 by Istioploos (Talk | contribs)
Jump to: navigation, search

Culebra

Overview

Culebra is a popular weekend tourist destination for Mainland Puerto Ricans, Americans and residents of Vieques. Because of the "arid" nature of the island there is no run-off from rivers or streams resulting in very clear waters around the archipelago.

Flamenco Beach, Culebra, Spanish Virgin Islands

Culebra has many beautiful beaches including Flamenco Beach (Playa Flamenco). The beach extends for a mile of white coral sand and is framed beautifully by arid tree-covered hills. The beach is also protected by the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources as a Marine Wildlife Reserve.

Culebra
Culebra Flag

Cruising the region

Great sailing in the Spanish Virgin Islands. Winds mostly from the E and NE at a steady 10+ knots. Watch for reefs and fish pots, mosquitoes, and sun burn. People are generally friendly, but remember this is a third world area in State's clothing. Always start a conversation with asking how the person is doing, in Spanish if possible: "Buenos dias. Como estas?" Then ask your question.

Charts

Submit the chart details that are required for safe navigation.

Radio Nets

None

Routes to/from

Most popular is from Fajadro on "The Big Island" less than 20 miles to the W. Other approaches are from Vieques to the SSW and St. Thomas from the NNE. All are likewise less than 20 nm away.

Approach

From the W (Fajardo and Vieques) there generally are two approaches: straight into Dewey on the W shore (ferry dock side) 18*17.90N, 65*18.65W, or from the E into Ensenada Honda (lighted and marked entrance at 18*17.33N, 65*16,35W). There is a connecting canal with a very low, immovable bridge between E and W, as it were, Dewey.

Check-in facilities

Call Customs and Boarder Patrol if you are coming in from other than "The Big Island" or Vieques.

Customs & Immigration

Immigration
Call Customs and Boarder Patrol if you are coming in from other than "The Big Island" or Vieques. This includes St. Thomas and St. Croix.

Customs

Same as Puerto Rico

Ports and Popular Stops

  • Cayo de Luis Pena Lies W of Dewey (approx. 19*20.0N, 65*20.00W). Unpopulated, protected nature preserve. Wonderful snorkeling and swimming.
  • Bahia Melones Lies just N of of the ferry dock. Wonderful snorkeling and swimming.
  • Bahia Tamarindo Lies just N of of the Melones. Wonderful snorkeling and swimming.
  • Bahia de Flamenco Lies on the N side of the island (18*20.0N, 65*19.0W) Most beautiful beach on Culebra; wonderful swimming. Can hike out of the parking lot over the W hill to Tamarindo.
  • Playa Zoni Lies NE shore across from Cayo Norte. Great swim. Snorkeling???

Marinas & Yacht Clubs

None


Anchorages

Dewey on either side, although the Ensenada Honda side is most popular.

Dakity just inside the entrance to Ensenada Honda and just behind the reef has mooring balls, good breezes and light insect infestations. But, it can a long, wet ride to town.

Bahia Cabras on the E shore about 1/3 in. This is the "waiting room" for the mangroves.

Health & Security

Same as PR: You can drink the water (from El Junque, by the way). Lock your dingy just to be extra cautious. No need to lock your boat in the anchorages/mooring fields. Don't leave anything lying around.

Things to do ashore

List places of interest, tours, eateries, etc.

Marine stores

In Dewey there are two hardware stores, one downtown just off the S side of the connecting canal having limited marine stores.

Offshore Islands

  • Vieques Lies SSW less than 9 miles (to Green Beach). Also populated and economically depressed. Secure your dingy well.
  • Cayo de Luis Pena Lies W of Dewey (approx. 19*20.0N, 65*20.00W) less than 1 nm. Unpopulated, protected nature preserve. Wonderful snorkeling and swimming.
  • Isla de Culebrita Lies (approx. 18*19N, 65*13.6W) just NE of the entrance to Ensenada Honda. Protected anchorage at approx. 18*19.2N, 65*13.8W in Bahia de Tortuga. "Washing machine" pool on NE corner of the bay hidden in the rocks. CAREFUL: when the surf's up it's UP! Also an abandoned light house tops the island and is well worth the hike: what a view! But, spray on mucho repellant or suffer the itches later. Wonderful snorkeling and swimming.
  • St. Croix Lies SE approx. 40 nm - Part of the U.S. Virgin Islands
  • St. Thomas Lies NE approx 18 mn - Part of the U.S. Virgin Islands

References & Publications

Puerto Rico Tourism Company's Puerto Rico Travel Planner: Explore Beyond the Shore

Kathy Parsons, Spanish for Cruisers

Stephen J. Pavlidis, A Cruising Guide to Puerto Rico

Cruiser's Friends

Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.

Forum Discussions

List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)

External Links

Links to relevant websites.

Personal Notes

Be sure to get a FREE copy of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company's Puerto Rico Travel Planner: Explore Beyond the Shore. gotopuertorico.com; 800-866-7827. A MUST get.


Template:Guide1



SailorSmiley.gifContributors to this page

Names:


Cruising Wiki Navigation

| HOMEPAGE | Wiki Contents | Greater Antilles | Puerto Rico | Spanish Virgins | Culebra |
Personal tools
advertisement
Friends of Cruisers Wiki