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.

flamingo beach

The jewel of the island and consistently ranked in the top ten beaches in the world. Flamenco is probably the most accessible beach on Culebra. All public (for $3.00 per person each way) go there during 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 incredible stretch of Caribbean sand. .

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

Flamenco has a few snorkel spots on the left side next to the tank and on the east side next to the mullecito (small pier), but overall there are better snorkel 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 you are in Culebra. Located a twenty-minute walk from Playa Flamenco, Carlos Rosario, is one of the best places to dive in Culebra.

The trail exits from the left side (as you enter) of the Flamenco parking lot. At the end of the path (after going up and across 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 about 200m to find some nice sea grape trees for shade and a nice reef for snorkeling waiting for you.

Zoni Beach

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

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

Tamarind Beach

The turnoff to Tamarindo Beach is approximately 1/2 mile before you reach the Flamenco parking area. If you’re coming from town, watch 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 keep going down. If you park by 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 lot of seagrass there is a good chance you will see a sea turtle or two.

Beach Melons

Melones is easily accessible by car, on foot or by 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 to Melones.

This beach is not like Flamenco with a mile 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.

brave beach

Playa Brava requires a bit 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 turn immediately left. Follow the path to the end and then start your hike. Brava is about a 30 minute walk away, but definitely worth it! This crescent shaped beach can be rough, but it offers a stunning view of a beach, many times, with just YOU on it!

surf beach

Playa Resaca is similar to Brava in that it is quite secluded and also requires a hike to reach. Before you get to the trailhead, you need to follow the road to the other side (toward 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 get to the circular turning point at the top you need to look for the little turtle sign that points the way.

Resaca takes some 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 payoff on reaching this stunning beach is great!

soldier beach

Finally, Soldado Beach is a small, relaxing spot that has shade and good snorkeling opportunities for beginners. If you cross the bridge into 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 good clearance vehicle. At the bottom you will park on the right hand side and you can find a spot in the sun or under the tree and look out over Vieques as the day goes by.