Culebra Island Beach Guide

Many potential visitors to Culebra have the same questions:

• Where are the best beaches in Culebra?
• How is the access?
• How about snorkeling?

To try to help our potential visitors, below is a list of the most visited beaches on Isla Culebra and some general information about each one.

flamenco beach

The jewel of the island and consistently ranked among the top ten beaches in the world. Flamenco is probably the most accessible beach in Culebra. All public (for $3.00 per person each way) go there for the day, if you have a rental car it’s an easy drive, or you can even walk 1.7 miles from the airport to find yourself on this amazing stretch of Caribbean sand. .

During the winter, Flamenco (like all north-facing beaches) is exposed to northerly swells. All that snow and bad weather you see on TV sends waves and choppy seas our way. That usually results in great breezes too!

Flamenco has a few snorkeling spots on the left side by the tank and on the east side by the mullecito (small pier), but overall there are better snorkeling spots on the island.

Carlos Rosario Beach

One of the best places to snorkel is Playa Carlos Rosario. It is a place that you will definitely want to visit while in Culebra. Located twenty minutes walk from Playa Flamenco, Carlos Rosario, is one of the best places to dive in Culebra.

The trail leaves on the left side (as you enter) of the Flamenco parking lot. At the end of the road (after going up and over the hill, about 20 minutes), you will see a beach area on your left. This is not yet Carlos Rosario. Go straight until the road ends and the water is in front of you. Then turn right and walk down the beach for about 200 meters to find some nice sea grape trees for shade and a good snorkeling reef waiting for you.

Zoni Beach

Zoni Beach is another popular stretch of white and golden sand on Culebra that requires no hiking. However, to get to Zoni, some form of transportation will be required; a bicycle, a car or a scooter since the public do not like to venture out there.

Zoni beach is exactly 5 miles from town and about as far east as you can go in Culebra. When you arrive, head to the right hand side of the beach (facing the ocean) a bit. Here you will again find sea grape trees offering shade and a great place to swim directly in front of this area. Also, on the way to Zoni, as you reach the last high point before going down a steep slope to the beach/parking area, you have a great view of Cayo Norte, Culebrita (with the lighthouse), and even Santo Tomas in the distance. .

Tamarindo Beach

The turnoff to Tamarindo Beach is approximately 1/2 mile before reaching the Flamenco parking area. If you are coming from the city, keep an eye out for the first tree in the middle of the road, followed immediately to the left by a large yellow house and turn left. Take that turn and continue down. If you park next to the Tamarindo sign (just before you start up the incline past the beach) there is good shade on both sides.

Snorkeling in Tamarindo can be quite good if you head to the extreme left or right. Tamarindo is a great beach, however, since it has a large amount of sea grass, there is a good chance that you will see a sea turtle or two.

Melons Beach

Melones is easily accessible by car, foot or bike from the popular Palmetto Guesthouse and is located just across town from the post office and health clinic. If you are heading towards the ferry dock, turn right immediately after the post office and follow the paved road straight up to Melones.

This beach is not like Flamenco with a mile long stretch of white sand. However, what it lacks in grains of sand, it more than makes up for in quality snorkeling. Melones is also a fabulous place to watch a sunset.

brava beach

Brava beach requires a little more work to get to than the other beaches.

Heading towards Zoni beach, you pass the cemetery, go up a hill, see the Culebra museum on your left and make an immediate left. Follow the path to the end and then start your hike. Brava is about a 30 minute walk away, but it’s definitely worth it! This crescent-shaped beach can be tough, but it offers an amazing view of a beach, many times, with just YOU on it!

surf beach

Resaca Beach is similar to Brava in that it is quite secluded and also requires a hike to reach. Before you reach the trailhead, you need to follow the road to the other side (towards Zoni) of the airport, past the public works building, and continue up, up, and up. The paved path turns to concrete and narrows and once you reach the circular turning point at the top you need to look for the little turtle sign indicating the path.

Resaca takes a bit of effort as the trail can include scrambling over rocks and ducking under trees. There are usually pink inspection markers attached at various points to make sure you’re taking the right path. Sneakers are recommended for this hike, but the reward for reaching this stunning beach is great!

soldier beach

Finally, Soldado Beach is a small, relaxing spot with shade and good snorkeling opportunities for beginners. If you cross the bridge in town, turn left and continue. When the paved road ends, you can park at the top and walk down (about 15 minutes) or continue on the dirt road if you have a well-maintained ground clearance vehicle. At the bottom you will park on the right hand side and can find a spot in the sun or under the tree and look out over Vieques as you go about your day.