Where to Stay in Culebra (Best Areas & Places)

5 Best Neighborhoods & Areas to Stay in Culebra

Culebra is a small archipelago located off the east coast of Puerto Rico. 

The main island is divided into six neighborhoods: Flamenco, San Isidro, Playa Sardinas I and II, and Dewey. Culebrita and Cayo Luis Peña are the two most visited offshore cays of Culebra. 

The downtown area is within walking distance of the ferry terminal, where you’ll find most restaurants and hotels.

Dewey Downtown

👉 Best Area For Walking | ✨ Best Dewey Hotels: Mamacita’s Guesthouse • Posada La Hamaca • El Navegante de Culebra

Dewey, also known as Culebra Pueblo, is Culebra’s downtown area. Most stores, restaurants, and popular hotels are located here. It’s the best place to stay if you’re not renting a car. 

Dewey is within walking distance of the ferry terminal and some of Culebra’s most popular beaches. 

In this neighborhood, you’ll find casual hostel-style hotels with extra amenities like free bicycle rentals and restaurants in guesthouses such as El Navegante de Culebra, Posada La Hamaca, and Palmetto Guesthouse.

Mamacita’s Guesthouse, for example, has a restaurant and bar that youngsters visit at night to enjoy a drink with a night view of the Lobina Lagoon.

Keep in mind, however, that even if you’re staying in this neighborhood, Culebra is characterized for its laid-back style, so you won’t find buzzing nightlife or luxurious hotels in this “downtown”.

Pros of Staying in Dewey:

• Easy access to the ferry terminal
• Lots of restaurants and shops
• Beaches within walking distance
• Saving on rental car costs
• Easy to catch taxis to other areas of Culebra

Cons of Staying in Dewey:

• Far from the Flamenco Beach and Zoni Beach
• More crowds than in other parts of the island

Playa Sardinas I

👉 Best Near Ferry Terminal | ✨ Best Playa Sardinas I Rentals: Seahorse Villa • Aleli Cottages • Nido de Raven

Playa Sardinas I is the best neighborhood to stay in Culebra to have easy access to the ferry terminal and local gem beaches like Melones Beach. This beach is known for its abundant coral, marine life, and sea turtles. 

Plus, you’ll find many beach villas, bungalows, and apartment rentals in the area. The Seahorse Villa located in this neighborhood is one of the most luxurious properties in Culebra, with a mesmerizing infinity swimming pool that overlooks the Atlantic Ocean. 

Aleli Cottages and Nido de Raven are more budget-friendly and ideal for families looking for a place to stay in Culebra.

Pros of Staying in Playa Sardinas I:

• Near ferry terminal
• Nearby downtown
• Access to Melones Beach
• Closest kayaking route to Cayo Luis Peña

Cons of Staying in Playa Sardinas I:

• Lack of hotels
• Few restaurants and bars

Playa Sardinas II

👉 Best For Tours | ✨ Best Playa Sardinas II Hotels: Club Seabourne Hotels • Bay View Marea • Oceania Villas

Playa Sardinas II is next to the Playa Sardinas I neighborhood, and it has quick access to all of downtown’s amenities by car while being more private. 

This side of the island is home to Club Seabourne Hotel, my top recommended hotel in Culebra. It has villas, a swimming pool, and a diverse breakfast menu that is included in your nightly fee. 

Playa Sardinas II has numerous apartment rentals and villas, too. For example, Bay View Marea, Coqui Beach Home, and Oceania Villas are popular among families.

If you’re traveling alone or with a partner, this Oceanfront Villa Studio offers that perfect Caribbean Island vibe for half the price of other villas in Culebra.

From Playa Sardinas II, you can take multiple boat tours and charters that depart from docks at Ensenada Honda. Travelers also have access to remote beaches like Dátiles Beach and Punta Soldado Beach, which are often uncrowded.

Pros of Staying in Playa Sardinas II:

• Access to remote beaches 
• Easy to visit downtown by car
• Great views of Ensenada Honda

Cons of Staying in Playa Sardinas II:

• Lack of restaurants

Flamenco

👉 Best Area for Beach Hopping | ✨ Best Flamenco Hotels: Culebra Studios & Suites • Culebra Beach Villas • Punta Flamenco’s Sea View Villa

Flamenco is the biggest neighborhood in Culebra. Although the Culebra National Wildlife Refuge covers part of it,  this area is the best neighborhood to stay in to enjoy some of the best beaches in Puerto Rico. 

Here, beach fans will find Flamenco Beach, Playa Tamarindo, and Playa Carlos Rosario. These last two are considered some of the best snorkeling destinations in the archipelago. 

There aren’t many hotels or apartment rentals on this side of the Culebra, but in exchange, you’ll enjoy postcard-perfect beaches without condos and chain hotels. Still, you’ll find some villas and rentals worth checking out.

For example, Punta Flamenco’s Sea View Villa offers a luxurious stay overlooking Flamenco Beach, and it’s preferred for its seclusion and amazing ocean views. 

If you’re an adventurer looking for a more rustic experience, the Luxury Oceanview Glamping rental promises an unforgettable stay filled with ocean views and stargazing.

Pros of Staying in Flamenco:

• Access to Culebra’s best beaches
• Access to Culebra Wildlife Refuge
• Culebra airport in this neighborhood

Cons of Staying in Flamenco:

• Lack of restaurants or bars
• Lack of hotels
• Far from the ferry port

Fraile

👉 Best for Seclusion | ✨ Best Fraile Rentals: Rustic Beach House • Casa Moderna • Rainbow Paradise

Fraile is on the less touristy side of Culebra island. Couples in particular will prefer Fraile over other Culebra neighborhoods for its seclusion and privacy.

On this side of the island, Zoni Beach stands as one of the most remote and underrated things to do in Culebra. 

This neighborhood is also flooded with apartment rentals and villas with amazing views and top-notch amenities for a romantic getaway.

The Casa Moderna has a beautiful view of Ensenada Hondathe coast, a swimming pool, and large rooms. It’s also a few minutes from Zoni Beach. This Rustic Beach House is much smaller and less luxurious, but it’s a short walk from the beach.

Pros of Staying in Fraile:

• Secluded and less touristy than other areas
• Variety of apartment rentals and villas
• Access to remote beaches
• Near Zoni Beach

Cons of Staying in Fraile:

• Lack of restaurants and bars in the area
• Lack of hotels in the area
• Apartment rentals and villas can be pricey

Tips for Staying in Culebra

Visit in the Low Season

Culebra is one of the most popular destinations in Puerto Rico. Even if it’s hard to get from San Juan to Culebra, the crowds will flood the archipelago during the summer. 

Choose the low season to visit, and you’ll find better Culebra hotel deals and beaches all to yourself. Learn more in our guide to when to visit Puerto Rico.

Book a Water Taxi on Site

There are dozens of water taxi companies in Culebra. Instead of booking an expensive water taxi tour through a third-party website, wait until you arrive on the island to learn about the local companies. You can call multiple companies and negotiate your prices for your trip.

Rent a Car

Culebra is theoretically walkable, but the geography of the island plus the tropical heat makes walking too impractical. Renting a car or a golf cart allows you to move around more easily, save time, and stay out of the sun.

Renting a car in Puerto Rico is easy, and you can even compare rates online through Discover Cars. You can rent a bike too, but some areas of Culebra might be difficult to cycle through.

Buy Your Return Ticket 

When you visit Culebra, make sure to have a return ferry ticket ready. Don’t wait until your departure to buy it, as tickets run out quickly, and there’s no guarantee you’ll get a spot on your preferred date. I’ve come across families that had to extend their stay at Culebra just because there weren’t any return tickets available.

Buy Groceries

Culebra is usually expensive. Even a two-person restaurant meal can range between $40 and $70. To help with the costs, families and those renting an apartment should bring their groceries to save on meals during their stay if they are on a budget. You can also buy groceries in the local supermarkets. 

Check Attractions and Store Hours 

During the low season, many Culebra attractions have varied hours, and tours might stop operating due to the low demand. Check out the restaurant and beach hours before your trip so you can plan your activities in Culebra accordingly.

FAQs

Is it worth staying in Culebra Puerto Rico?

Travelers should stay in Culebra for at least one night. Staying in Culebra instead of taking a day trip allows visitors to explore multiple beaches without feeling rushed. It also makes it easy to explore the surrounding cays and islands.

How many days should I stay in Culebra?

Travelers should stay a minimum of three days and two nights in Culebra. At least one of those days should be dedicated to visiting Culebrita or Cayo Luis Peña. Visitors could spend the remaining two days exploring the beaches in Culebra National Wildlife Refuge, Tamarindo Beach, and Zoni Beach.

What are the best areas to stay in Culebra for first-timers?

The best areas to stay in Culebra for first-times are Flamenco, Dewey, and Playa Sardinas II. This last neighborhood houses the best hotel in Culebra.

What are the best parts of Culebra to stay with kids?

The best neighborhoods to stay in Culebra with kids are Flamenco and Dewey. These two neighborhoods are strategically located near the best beaches in Culebra or near most of Culebra’s amenities.

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Thanks for reading my guide to where to stay in Culebra! Up next, check out our guide to Culebra vs Vieques to continue planning your trip. Safe travels!