The Culebra Insider Guide
Playa Tortuga on Culebrita — soft white sand and turquoise water on an empty beach

Culebra • Puerto Rico

Culebrita

The uninhabited island of natural pools, pristine beaches, and a historic Caribbean lighthouse.

Culebra • Puerto Rico

Culebrita

Located just east of Culebra, Culebrita is a small uninhabited island that many visitors consider one of the most beautiful destinations in Puerto Rico. With crystal-clear waters, pristine beaches, natural pools, and breathtaking scenery, Culebrita is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty of the Caribbean.

How to Get There

Culebrita can only be reached by boat. Visitors typically travel to the island using:

  • Water Taxi Services
  • Boat Charters
  • Guided Excursions

Popular transportation providers include:

H2O Water Taxi boats anchored in the turquoise shallows off Culebrita's beach

H2O Water Taxi

Why Visit
  • One of the fastest and most convenient ways to reach Culebrita
  • Direct transportation to Playa Tortuga
  • Flexible option for visitors who prefer to explore independently
  • Friendly local service with experienced captains
  • Ideal for a relaxing day trip to one of Puerto Rico's most beautiful islands.
  • Specialties: Round-trip water taxi service to Culebrita, including Playa Tortuga. Perfect for independent travelers who want to enjoy the island at their own pace.
  • Hours: Hours vary depending on weather conditions, season, and demand. Advance reservations are recommended.
  • Credit Cards: Please contact the operator directly to confirm accepted payment methods.
Gammy's Water Tours boat drifting at sunset on calm Caribbean water

Gammy's Water Tours

Why Visit
  • Convenient water transportation to Culebrita and Luis Peña
  • Friendly, family-owned local business
  • Flexible water taxi and private charter options
  • Ideal for independent travelers and small groups
  • Excellent customer service with a personalized experience
  • Specialties: Water taxi service to Culebrita and Luis Peña, private charters, and personalized island experiences for visitors who want to explore Culebra's nearby cays at their own pace.
  • Hours: Daily: 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. (Hours may vary depending on weather and reservations.)
  • Credit Cards: Please contact the operator directly to confirm accepted payment methods.
Calypso Culebra catamaran anchored in bright turquoise water

Calypso Culebra

Why Visit
  • Scenic boat trips to Culebrita aboard a spacious vessel
  • Ideal for visitors looking for a relaxing ride across the crystal-clear waters surrounding Culebra
  • Friendly local crew dedicated to providing a memorable experience
  • Great option for families, couples, and groups visiting Culebrita
  • Specialties: Boat transportation to Culebrita, including Playa Tortuga, with comfortable trips designed for visitors who want to enjoy one of Culebra's most beautiful offshore islands.
  • Hours: Departure times vary depending on weather conditions, season, and reservations. Advance booking is recommended.
  • Credit Cards: Please contact the operator directly to confirm accepted payment methods.

Which Adventure Is Right for You?

  • Water Taxi

    Best for visitors who want to explore Playa Tortuga at their own pace and enjoy a flexible schedule.

  • Guided Tour

    Ideal for travelers who want transportation combined with local knowledge and a guided experience.

  • Private Boat Charter

    Perfect for families, groups, or visitors looking for a personalized and flexible day on the water.

Tortuga Beach

The island's main beach is famous for its soft white sand, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and peaceful atmosphere. Since there are no restaurants, stores, or public facilities on the island, visitors should plan ahead and bring everything they may need for the day.

Playa Tortuga on Culebrita — a starfish resting in gin-clear shallows along an empty white sand beach
Playa Tortuga — soft white sand and gin-clear water on Culebrita's main beach.

What You'll Love

The Natural Pools

One of Culebrita's most famous attractions is its natural pools. Formed by volcanic rock and the surrounding ocean, these pools create a unique and unforgettable experience unlike anywhere else in Puerto Rico.

Culebrita's natural volcanic rock pools with turquoise water beside crashing Caribbean surf
Volcanic rock pools carved by the sea along Culebrita's rugged coast.

Culebrita Lighthouse

The historic Culebrita Lighthouse is one of the oldest lighthouses in the Caribbean and offers spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding islands and the Caribbean Sea. Although it is no longer operational, it remains one of the island's most iconic landmarks.

Aerial view of the historic Culebrita Lighthouse with turquoise bays and sailboats in the distance
The historic Culebrita Lighthouse overlooking the surrounding turquoise bays.

What to Bring

Since there are no facilities on Culebrita, visitors should consider bringing:

  • Drinking water
  • Snacks
  • Sunscreen
  • A hat or cap
  • Sunglasses
  • Swimsuit
  • Water shoes

Coral's Insider Perspective