Nature Tripping in Puerto Rico East Coast – Culebra Island
September 9, 2011 by Travel Guide Greg
Filed under Travel Guides
Admittedly, Puerto Rico’s capital – San Juan – is the country’s most popular destination due mainly to its accessibility and historical attractions. However, it does not offer much in terms of natural grandeur and outdoor adventures. If you are more interested in the latter and do not care much for history, then you could skip the capital and head directly to the rugged and exciting east coast where spectacular beaches, thriving wildlife and verdant forests await.
There is no shortage of thrilling activities and fantastic destinations in the east coast. It has some of the Puerto Rico’s most beautiful natural attractions that any tourist will find enchanting.
Top on the list is the piece of paradise called the Culebra Island, home of the breathtaking Flamenco Beach. If you are expecting the usual crescent-shaped white sand beach, you can’t be more mistaken. Playa Flamenco has a rare horseshoe shape and a palm fringed beach of dazzling white sand. With no surf on the water but a gentle lapping along the shore, it is perfect for swimming, diving and snorkeling. However, mostly because this beach is simply spectacular and easily accessible, it is usually crowded with locals and tourists alike.
If you want to escape the crowd, there is another fantastic beach getaway on the island. It is the more remote, less visited but no less stunning Playa Zoni. Go northeast and ask a local resident to point you to the dirt road that ends right at the beach. If it ois nesting time, you may find more than a few turtles lounging around and sharing your destination.
If you feel like going island hopping, Cayo Luis Pena is not too far away. It is easily accessible by water taxi but if you are great at kayak, you can also paddle your way to the island. Hikers will find its trails challenging, snorkeling fans will be delighted underwater and wildlife enthusiasts will have a grand time bird watching. There are also several coves and smaller beaches in the area that are worth exploring BUT make sure that they are not closed for turtle nesting season before you go there.
You can also proceed to Isla Culebrita just a mile away from Culebra. It is famous for sea birds and turtles nesting in the area. You can also choose from among the six beaches on the island depending on whether you want to go swimming, canoeing, kayaking or rafting. You can also go trekking – just make sure to stay within the marked trails to avoid getting lost in the wilderness.
Culebrita also offers opportunities for wildlife sighting and bird watching. Another popular attraction on the island is a lighthouse that dates back to 1886. It is said to be the oldest operating lighthouse in the entire Caribbean and makes for a romantic background for your island photo.
Speaking of photos, the island is truly exquisitely picturesque, so pack a good camera with you because you don’t want to miss the opportunity of capturing all the stunning views that Culebrita has to offer.
