A collage of Culebra wildlife — sea turtles, pelicans, herons, iguanas, wild horses, deer, crabs, and a peacock

Culebra • Puerto Rico

Wildlife Encounters

Discover the remarkable wildlife that makes Culebra a true Caribbean nature sanctuary.

Introduction

A Living Caribbean Sanctuary

Culebra is much more than breathtaking beaches. It is also home to an extraordinary variety of wildlife that shares the island's forests, lagoons, mangroves, coastlines, and crystal-clear waters.

As you explore the island, you may encounter sea turtles gliding beneath the surface, graceful seabirds soaring above the coastline, colorful iguanas basking in the sun, herons quietly hunting along the shore, tiny ghost crabs crossing the sand, wild horses grazing freely, and even the famous swimming deer that have become one of Culebra's most fascinating sights.

Every encounter is a reminder that you are visiting a living ecosystem where people and nature coexist. Observing wildlife respectfully not only creates unforgettable memories—it also helps protect the island for future generations.

Take your time, look around, and enjoy one of Culebra's greatest treasures: its wild side.

Quick Navigation

Explore Culebra's Wildlife

Jump to a subsection to learn about each of Culebra's most memorable wildlife encounters.

🦌 Section 1

Swimming Deer

Culebra's most extraordinary wildlife encounter.

🐢 Section 2

Sea Turtles

Gentle guardians of Culebra's crystal-clear waters.

🕊️ Section 3

Bird Watching

Pelicans, herons, and the island's wildlife refuge.

🦀 Section 4

Land Crabs

Meet the island's rain-loving land crabs.

🌿 Section 5

Other Wildlife

Iguanas, horses, peacocks, and more surprises.

🦌 Section 1

Swimming Deer

One of Culebra's Most Extraordinary Wildlife Encounters

One of the most unforgettable sights in Culebra has nothing to do with the beaches—it happens when a white-tailed deer suddenly appears along the roadside or, even more surprisingly, swimming between islands.

White-tailed deer are not native to Culebra. Historical accounts agree they were introduced decades ago, but there is no single confirmed story explaining exactly how they arrived. Some local accounts say they were brought from nearby islands such as St. Croix or St. Thomas, while others suggest they were introduced during the U.S. Navy era. What is certain is that the population adapted exceptionally well and today deer have become one of Culebra's most recognizable wildlife symbols.

Today, deer can be seen almost anywhere on the island. They frequently cross roads around Flamenco, Zoni, Fulladosa, and many quieter areas where traffic is lighter. Early mornings and late afternoons are often the best times to spot them, especially during dry periods when they leave the hills in search of fresh water.

A white-tailed deer swimming across the deep blue Caribbean Sea near Culebra — A white-tailed deer swimming across the Caribbean waters near Culebra.

One of the most remarkable behaviors of Culebra's deer is their ability to swim. They are strong swimmers and are often seen crossing channels between Culebra and nearby cays in search of food, water, or new territory. Seeing a deer swimming in the Caribbean Sea is an experience few visitors ever expect.

Coral's Local Perspective

During the years I worked at Flamenco Beach, seeing deer around the area was part of everyday life. They often wandered near the campground and the surrounding hills, quietly moving through the landscape.

One day, I was standing near the hill overlooking the famous tank when I noticed a deer running along the shoreline. It had become frightened after encountering people on the beach. Instead of turning back toward the hills, it continued running until it reached the water. Without hesitation, it entered the sea and began swimming toward the direction of El Muellecito.

It all happened just a few feet away from me. Watching such a graceful animal glide through the Caribbean waters was one of Culebra's most extraordinary wildlife encounters.

Over the years, I've seen deer throughout Culebra countless times. Whether you're driving toward Flamenco, Zoni, Fulladosa, or many other parts of the island, spotting a deer is not unusual. They are simply part of everyday life in Culebra—a beautiful reminder that nature still thrives here.

— Coral Parrilla, The Culebra Insider Guide

A white-tailed deer grazing peacefully in the underbrush on Culebra — A white-tailed deer grazing quietly along a Culebra trail.

Wildlife Etiquette

Observe deer from a respectful distance.
Never feed or chase them.
Drive carefully, especially around sunrise and sunset.
Allow them to cross roads safely without rushing them.
Remember that this is their home—we are the visitors.

🐢 Section 2

Sea Turtles and Nesting Season

Gentle Guardians of Culebra's Waters

Sea turtles are among Culebra's most treasured marine residents and one of the island's most unforgettable wildlife encounters. Whether you're snorkeling over a coral reef or relaxing on a quiet beach, seeing a sea turtle gracefully swimming through the crystal-clear waters is a moment you'll never forget.

The waters surrounding Culebra's Marine Reserve—including Tamarindo Beach, Carlos Rosario Beach, and Melones Beach—offer some of the best opportunities to observe sea turtles in their natural habitat. These protected areas provide abundant seagrass and healthy coral reefs, making them ideal feeding grounds for several sea turtle species.

A green sea turtle surfacing near the shoreline in Culebra's turquoise waters — A sea turtle surfacing near the shoreline of a Culebra bay.

Culebra also plays an important role in sea turtle conservation. Every year, from approximately March through August, endangered Leatherback Sea Turtles (Tinglares)—the largest sea turtles in the world—return to the island's beaches to nest. Flamenco Beach and Brava Beach are among the beaches where these remarkable turtles have been known to come ashore under the cover of darkness to lay their eggs, continuing a natural cycle that has taken place for generations.

A sea turtle gliding just beneath the surface of clear turquoise water — A sea turtle gliding through the crystal-clear waters of Culebra.

Wildlife Etiquette

Observe sea turtles from a respectful distance.
Never touch, chase, ride, or feed them.
Allow them to surface and breathe naturally without blocking their path.
Avoid standing on coral reefs while snorkeling.
During nesting season, never disturb nesting turtles, nests, or hatchlings.
Remember that the ocean is their home—we are only visitors.

🕊️ Section 3

Bird Watching

Discover Culebra Through Its Birds

Birds are part of Culebra's everyday life. Whether you're relaxing on the beach, exploring a nature trail, or driving along the island's quieter roads, chances are you'll see pelicans gliding over the water, herons standing patiently along the shoreline, or seabirds soaring high above the coast.

A line of brown pelicans floating on turquoise water along a sandy Culebra shore — Brown pelicans floating just offshore along a Culebra beach.

One of the easiest birds to spot is the Brown Pelican. You'll often see them flying gracefully just above the water before suddenly folding their wings and diving into the sea to catch fish. Watching their remarkable hunting technique is one of the simple pleasures of spending time on the island.

For visitors interested in birdwatching, Culebra offers several excellent observation areas. The Culebra National Wildlife Refuge protects wetlands, mangroves, offshore cays, and important nesting habitats for thousands of seabirds each year. It is one of Puerto Rico's most important wildlife sanctuaries and offers exceptional opportunities for birdwatching, wildlife photography, hiking, and nature appreciation.

A great egret walking through tall green grass at golden hour — A great egret in the warm light of a Culebra afternoon.

A green heron perched on wet volcanic rocks by a mangrove pool — A green heron hunting quietly along the mangroves.

Recommended Birdwatching Locations

Observation Tower

Zoni Road Observation Tower

Located along the scenic road to Zoni Beach, this peaceful observation tower provides beautiful panoramic views and excellent opportunities to observe seabirds and other wildlife in their natural habitat.

Wildlife Refuge

Culebra National Wildlife Refuge Observation Tower

(Former U.S. Navy Camp)

One of the island's premier birdwatching locations, this observation tower overlooks protected wetlands and natural habitats, offering visitors an excellent opportunity to observe native and migratory birds while enjoying one of Culebra's most important conservation areas.

Open in Google Maps (Observation Tower)

Learn More

Culebra National Wildlife Refuge

The Culebra National Wildlife Refuge is one of Puerto Rico's most important protected wildlife sanctuaries. It protects wetlands, mangroves, offshore cays, and nesting habitats for thousands of resident and migratory birds while providing hiking trails, observation towers, educational exhibits, and exceptional opportunities for wildlife observation.

Official Website Open in Google Maps (Wildlife Refuge)

Common Birds You May See

Brown Pelican
Magnificent Frigatebird
Great Egret
Snowy Egret
Brown Booby
Osprey

A single flamingo standing on the white sand of Playa Flamenco — A flamingo photographed by Coral at Playa Flamenco (circa 2018–2019). Moments like this are rare and unforgettable.

Coral's Local Perspective

When I first began working at Flamenco Beach, one of the stories I heard from longtime residents was that the lagoon behind the beach was once home to many flamingos. According to local history, their presence is what gave Playa Flamenco its name.

Over the years, the flamingos gradually disappeared and eventually moved on. For many years, seeing one in Culebra seemed almost impossible.

Then, around 2018–2019, something very special happened.

A single flamingo appeared along the shoreline of Playa Flamenco. It quickly became a favorite sight among residents and visitors alike. I had the opportunity to photograph it, and seeing a flamingo standing once again on the beach that bears its name felt incredibly meaningful.

Moments like these remind me that nature always has the ability to surprise us. Wildlife follows its own path, and sometimes we are fortunate enough to witness something truly unforgettable.

"Although flamingos are no longer a common sight in Culebra, I will always treasure the day I was able to photograph one walking along the shores of Playa Flamenco."

— Coral, The Culebra Insider Guide

Wildlife Etiquette

Bring binoculars if you have them.
Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon for the best wildlife activity.
Observe quietly and avoid sudden movements.
Stay on designated trails and observation areas.
Never disturb nesting birds or enter protected nesting areas.
Respect wildlife by observing from a distance.

🦀 Section 4

Land Crabs

Meet Culebra's Land Crabs

After periods of rain, you may notice land crabs crossing roads and trails throughout Culebra, especially near mangroves and coastal wetlands.

Heavy rainfall can flood their burrows, causing them to move in search of drier ground. Seeing them on the move is a normal part of the island's natural cycle.

A large land crab sitting at the edge of wet grass after rain in Culebra — A Culebra land crab pausing beside the road after a rainstorm.

Wildlife Etiquette

Slow down when driving after heavy rain.
Never run over crabs intentionally.
Give them time to cross safely.
Remember that they are an important part of Culebra's ecosystem.

🌿 Section 5

Other Wildlife You May Encounter

Culebra is full of wildlife, and every visit can bring a different surprise.

As you explore the island, you may also encounter iguanas, horses, peacocks, shorebirds, herons, pelicans, and many other fascinating animals. Some are easy to spot, while others appear only if you're patient and observant.

No matter what you see, remember that these animals are part of Culebra's natural environment. Enjoy the moment, keep a respectful distance, and let wildlife remain wild.

Wildlife Gallery

More of Culebra's Wild Side

Additional wildlife photographs will appear here as Coral shares them.