Author: Pam (---.hsd1.ma.comcast.net)
Date: 04-14-07 12:03
Hi! We returned from our first trip to Culebra last week (first week of April) -- it was wonderful! I was a 'lurker' around this forum before we left -- I want to thank everyone who participates here and answers questions from people like me. Your input is so helpful. I thought I'd try to give something back by posting some information from our trip (along with a question or two) for folks who are also considering a trip to Culebra.
We traveled to/from Culebra via San Juan, taking Vieques Air Link from Isla Grande airport. Our flights both ways on VAL were late -- not a surprise given our experience with small airlines that fly between islands in the Caribbean. But while we were waiting for our flights, we noticed that Air Flamenco flights were running on time. (Is that typical for AF?) It was a little windy on the day we arrived -- the landing at Culebra airport was pretty exciting and a whole lot of fun! Better than an amusement park ride! :)
We stayed at a place we rented through Jim Galasso at Culebra Island Realty. The house was perfect for us -- comfortable with cool breezes at night, and a big deck looking out on Pela Bay. We rented a vehicle from Jerry's Jeeps. Jerry was great to work with -- he gave us a warm welcome, a handy map and loads of information about where to go around the island. We shopped at Milkas and El Eden for groceries and beverages.
Our favorite island activities were kayaking, beaches and snorkeling (of course!). We kayaked in Pela Bay, which was a fantastic experience! The bay gets shallow which keeps motor boats out, so with our kayaks it was just us and the wildlife. As we floated around the magroves, fish were jumping and birds were diving around us. I could happily spend all day just watching pelicans come and go. There were other birds diving with the pelicans, some were all brown and some were smaller, white with black on their heads. (Does anyone know what these other birds are?)
Flamenco and Zoni beaches are beautiful but the surf was rough when we were there, especially at Flamenco. We took the path from the Flamenco parking lot to go to Carlos Rosario. (What's up with the path? During the week the start of it was widened considerably by a bulldozer.) We stopped at the first beach off the path where I did some mighty good snokeling. It wasn't until our third time there that I realized this beach was Tamarindo Grande (beginner's mistake! I didn't see the sign). On our last day I finally made it to Carlos Rosario for some snorkeling. Comparing the two, I found TG to be a more satisfying snorkeling experience -- from what I saw, the quantity and variety of fish and coral were better. (Opinions from others?)
We had good meals at Mamacita's and Barbara Rosa's. At first I thought the signs at Mamacita's saying "don't feed the iguanas" were a joke until we were there at lunchtime. Nightlife for us was looking at the stars from our deck. There were way more stars in the sky than we can see from here in the northeast. I must brush up on the constellations before our next visit!
Culebra is truly a special place and we can't wait to visit again next year!
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