Culebra, located 17 miles east of Puerto Rico and 13 miles west of St. Thomas, is home to some of the most pristine beaches in the Caribbean, with their white sand, clear water and incredibly healthy coral reefs. Most of Culebra is a natural refuge, keeping it safe from overdevelopment, allowing visitors and residents to enjoy a small and tranquil tropical paradise. There are plenty of activities for nature lovers - visitors enjoy hiking, snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking and fishing. Dining is casual and relaxed, with many open-air, waterfront restaurants, serving fresh, delicious seafood and a few places in town serving more traditional Puerto Rican food. There are a few shops in, or near, town, where you find some nice locally-made artwork, crafts, jewelry and other souvenirs. In Culebra, the pace is slower, making it easier to unplug, relax and fully take-in the awe-inspiring sights around you.
Culebra is known as "Isla Chiquita" (small island) and "Ultima Virgen" (Last Virgin). Culebra was founded on October 27, 1880 by Cayetano Escudero. The first inhabitants of Culebra were the Taínos, a peaceful indigenous tribe that resided throughout the Caribbean. Legend has it that pirates also used Culebra as a hideout. The colonization of Culebra started in 1880. The first settlement, San Ildefonso, was located at “Lower Camp” across the bay from Dewey.
Culebra original names were "Isla Pasaje" and "Isla de San Idelfonso" in honor of Bishop San Idelfonso de la Culebra. Cayetano Escudero was the first Delegate of Culebra appointed by a Governmental order from Vieques on August 2, 1881.
Located 27 km (17 miles) east of Puerto Rico and 19 km (12 miles) west to Saint Thomas, its dimensions are about 11 km (7 miles) long and 5 km (3.5 miles) wide. Its total area including surrounding Cays is 7,000 acres.
The capital is Dewey, which contains most of the archipelagoes 2000 souls. The municipality of Culebra includes all surrounding islets: Cayo Norte, Cayo Ballena, Cayos Geniqui, Culebrita, Arrecife Culebrita, Cayo de Luis Peña (named after its second owner), Las Hermanas, El Mono, Cayo Lobo, Cayo Lobito, Cayo Botijuela, Alcarraza, Los Gemelos, and Piedra Steven.
On June 26, 1903, President Theodore Roosevelt established the Culebra Naval Reservation. With the outbreak of WWII in 1939, the Culebra Archipelago became the primary gunnery and bombing practice site for the U.S. Navy and continued to be used for these purposes until 1975.
On February 27, 1909, a bird refuge was established, making it one of the oldest refuges in the system. Since then much of the island and the surrounding 23 islets including Culebrita are protected by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as a nature preserve, making the islands one of only two nesting sites for giant sea turtles in the U.S. The Culebra National Wildlife Refuge, 600 ha, protects large colonies of sea birds (with approx. 85 species), particularly terns, red-billed tropic birds and boobies, and nesting sea turtles. The refuge is accessible by ferry from the east coast or by plane from San Juan.
Culebrita is the largest cay near Culebra. Culebrita's beach is the finest of white sand and the water visibility is almost unlimited. It is accessible only by boat, and boasts the oldest operating lighthouse in the Caribbean. The Culebrita Lighthouse was built in 1886. In 1975, the Navy and Coast Guard closed the facility. Since then, the lighthouse has sustained heavy damage from hurricanes and vandalism. In 1981, the old lighthouse was registered on the National Register of Historical Monuments of the United States.
Luis Peña is the second largest cay near to Culebra. Many sandy beaches can be found on this cay, as well as wonderful coral reef located on the SW side, perfect for snorkeling.
 | Land Area: 26 sq km (10 sq mi) Water Area: 157.21 sq km Population: 1,868 Density: 71.8 per sq km (186.8 per sq mi ) Housing Units: 1,024 Housing Density: 88.1 Per Capita Income: $8,901 |
 | Hymn: Culebra Isla preciosa... Coordinates: Latitude: 18.33º N Longitude: 65.33º W Wards: Dewey, Flamenco, Fraile, Playa Sardinas 1, Playa Sardinas 2 and San Isidro. Driving Distance: 29.1 miles to Fajardo * Driving Time: 52 minutes to Fajardo, take a Ferry * |
Millenniums ago, two-ton leather back turtles were lumbering onto its beaches. In the 18th century, pirates its cays as secluded, protected hideaways. Today, snorkelers wander through its coral kingdoms, nodding good-day to an astounding variety of sea creatures. Culebra with its 23 offshore islands forms a miniature archipelago. Coral reefs in this area are considered some of the most spectacular of the entire Caribbean region. Culebra's rugged countryside, outrageous beaches and small-scale tourist industry make the 25-square-mile island a Caribbean treasure for travelers.
Culebra has sparse, thin soils and no permanent rivers or streams; water is obtained from a desalinization plant. Grazing and fishing are the principal activities of its few inhabitants. The Mount Resaca Refuge insures the preservation of one of the few remaining large blocks of dry sub-tropical forest on Culebra. The Puerto del Manglar is surrounded by mangroves, which form a unique habitat which is vital for coastal wildlife. It is known that this area is a favorite roosting site for the endangered brown pelican.
You can visit the surrounding cays by chatting up the local fishermen or by arranging dives through local operators. There's a ferry to Dewey from Fajardo that takes two hours, and air connections to Culebra from both Fajardo and San Juan. Visits to the lands administered by Culebra National Wildlife Refuge are regulated to insure protection of the rich and diverse resources. For information write to: Refuge Manager, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, General Delivery - Lower Camp Culebra, Puerto Rico 00775.
The island's most popular beach is Flamenco Beach, because of its white and soft sands. The island has a small airport with domestic service to the mainland and to Vieques. The airport is served by Air Culebra from San Juan's Luis Munoz Marin International Airport to get to the island, you can also take a ferry boat from Fajardo, available twice a day. or from Ceiba airport.
PRICES
Docking facilities are available for guest use at an additional cost of:
2 dollar per foot per night per dock, additional to the room (Boat Only)
3 dollars per foot per night for docking facilities been outside the hotel
5 dollars per foot per night - inlcudes electricity & outdoors bathrooms (Water is a seperate charge)
Mooring and dock reservations must be requested and approved.
POLICIES
1. Your boat will be assigned to a mooring according to its size and draft.
2. You must provide a PR number with the length of the boat to secure a mooring along with your room reservation.
3. Oil, gasoline and/or diesel are not allowed to be transferred or exchanged on guest house premises.
4. The dock is only for the use of the owners of Villa Boheme and their friends and relatives.
5. No one is allowed to spend the night at the mooring or dock or sleep in a boat.
6. To prevent noise pollution, generators and/or power plants are not allowed and cannot be used. WE ALSO WANT TO KEEP THE RADIO NOISE DOWN - PLEASE KEEP IT CIVIL.
7. To avoid accidents, fishing is not allowed on the dock.
8. Minors must be accompanied by an adult at all time.
9. Villa Boheme is not a public docking facility, so when using facilities, please do not bring non-guests from other locations to depart and return through Villa Boheme
*REMEMBER YOU ARE RESERVING THE RIGHT TO A MOORING, THE DOCK IS ONLY FOR FRIENDS AND RELATIVE, HOWEVER YOU CAN REQUEST THE DOCKING FACILITY AT AND ADDITIONAL COST AND IT WILL BE TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION.
Boats are not subject to the same cancellation policy as guest rooms. We appreciate the fact that our facilities attract boaters for its location and convenience; however, be aware that, when making a reservation for a room and adding a boat, the weather conditions might change the night before your arrival date. If no one makes it to the room, our Guest Room Cancellation Policy will apply. Basically, as long as there is a ferry or a plane, there is a way to come to Culebra.
Click here to read more about our Guest Room Cancellation Policy.
Boat Reservations
Please call us if you want to include boat docking or mooring with your reservation.
Call UsCancellation Policy
Guest Room Cancellations:
• More than 30 days prior to check-in date = No charge to credit card on file EXCEPT a $10-$20 cancellation fee (depending on room) *During Holiday and Seasonal Peaks, a 20% surcharge will be added.*
• 15-30 days prior to check-in date = One night's charge will be placed on your credit card on file according to your reservation
• 7-15 days prior to check-in date = Half of your reservation amount will be charge to your credit card on file
• Less than 7 days prior to check-in date (or no show) = Full reservation amount charged to your credit card on file
• No Show or Early Departure = Full reservation amount charged to your credit card on file
Cancellation Exclusions:
•Any one night reservation will still be charged if cancelled within the 30 day period.
•The deposit for large group reservations that book the entire property is non-refundable, no matter when it is cancelled.
•Must Check-in by 6:00PM local time OR Call to notify us of your late arrival. Failure to do so will result in cancellation of your reservation with no refund, as we will have to consider it a no show. We reserve the right to rent the room out that night.
A CANCELLATION NUMBER WILL BE ISSUED AT THE MOMENT OF CANCELLATION. WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO RE-RENT THE ROOM AFTER CANCELLATION. WE ALSO RESERVE THE RIGHT TO ESTABLISH SURCHARGES TO THE PUBLISHED RATES FOR CERTAIN DATES OF THE YEAR, FOR WHICH A GUEST WOULD BE NOTIFIED AT THE TIME OF RESERVATION. THIS WILL INCLUDE TAX RECOVERY CHARGES AND SERVICE FEES.
Boats are not subject to the same cancellation policy as the rooms. Click here to read about our Boat Prices and Policies.
GETTING HERE
BY AIR
Airports in Puerto Rico that fly to Culebra:
• Isla Grande Airport, located in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
• Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport, Isla Verde, Puerto Rico.
• José Aponte de la Torre Airport, located at the former Roosevelt Roads Naval Station in Ceiba.
Airlines in Puerto Rico that fly to Culebra:
Airports have private parking with daily rates.
BY SEA
The Ferry Boat
The most common method of transportation is the ferry from the Port of Fajardo. You can conveniently order your tickets in advance and have them delivered to San Juan if you visit ViequesFerryTickets.com. There is a convenience fee, but they do give you a helpful guide to help you navigate your tropical destination. If you choose, you can purchase your ticket at the docks. The cost of the ticket is $2.25 including one bag. If you want to bring additional luggage, the cost per item may vary:
| Additional Bag Cooler Bicycle (Only on Cargo Ferry) Handtruck (Only on Cargo Ferry) - Large - Medium Tents | $1.00 $2.00 $2.00 - $5.00 $3.00 $2.00 | |
| Passenger Ferry Monday to Sunday: Fajardo to Culebra Culebra to Fajardo | 9:00 AM, 3:00 PM and 7:00 PM 6:30 AM, 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM | |
| Cargo Ferry Monday Tuesday and Thursday: Fajardo to Culebra Culebra to Fajardo | 4:00 AM and 4:00 PM 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM | |
| Wednesday and Friday: Fajardo to Culebra Culebra to Fajardo | 4:00 AM, 9:30 AM and 4:00 PM 7:00 AM, 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM | |
Ferry schedules may vary due to weather conditions or other factors. Fajardo Phone: 787-863-0705 Culebra Phone: 787-742-3161 Toll Free: 1-800-981-2005 | ||
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is your guest house kid friendly?
Yes
Is your guest house pet friendly?
No
Do you have handicapped facilities?
Yes
How much do you charge for a room?
Anywhere from $120 to $260 per night - you can read about each room and what it offers on this website.
Do you have AC in the rooms?
Yes, all the rooms have AC and ceiling fans.
Do you offer WiFi?
Yes, there is WiFi available around the patio/deck area and other common areas.
Is there TV in the rooms?
8 of our 11 rooms have TV with basic cable.
Do you offer complimentary breakfast?
No, but some of ours rooms have kitchens, and there is also a communal kitchen in the patio/deck area.
Do you have a restaurant?
No, but there is a restaurant right next door to our guest house.
Does each room have a private bathroom?
Yes, plus we have bathrooms and showers outside on the patio/deck.
Do you offer transportation to/from the airport or ferry dock?
No, but our guest house is an easy 5 minute walk from the ferry dock and a 3 dollar taxi ride from the airport.
Are there any vehicle rental places nearby?
Yes, there are 3.
Do you have a boat mooring?
Yes, boat moorings and docking facilities are available at an additional cost (75 cents per foot for mooring and 2 dollars per foot for docking facilities) and must be requested and approved.
Do you have a helipad?
No - we wish!
Are you on the beach?
No, but we are right in front of the water on Ensenada Honda Bay.
How far is the beach?
Some of our 20+ beaches and snorkeling areas are within walking distance; others are just a short taxi ride away; and the remainder can only be accessed by boat charters, which we offer.
Which local beaches are the very best?
Playa Flamenco, Culebrita Island (including Playa Tortuga) and Luis Peña Channel Natural Reserve (including Playo Carlos Rosario, Playa Melones and Playa Tamarindo) - see the “Things To Do - Beaches” section of our website to read more about these beaches.
Do you provide tours or island excursions?
Yes, we have a boat charter and water taxi.
Do you have a Ghost Tour?
Yes
Do you have watersports equipment?
Yes, ask about our rental fees.
Are there any flying insects I may need to kill?
You can let them live if you like.
What are the top ten things to do around the island?
It's less of a list and more of an equation really...it's simple: Beach x Food x Drink x 3.3 = Top 10! Although this is what most of our guests are on the island to enjoy, you can check out the “Things To Do” section of our website for a more extensive list of things to do around the island.
