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The current weather in Culebra

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Trip notes
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Jeff (---.178.30.71.dynamic.ip.windstream.net)
Date:   08-27-08 21:06

Trip notes to Culebra.

First time post. This forum was so helpful to me planning my trip, I owe it to the forum and future travelers to post results of a recent trip.

This was one of the most complicated trips to set-up just due to travel arrangements. I probably made it harder than it needed to be taking so much time to investigate different options.

We arrived at San Juan at 8:30 a.m. We rented a car to Fajardo with Leaseway. It is off the airport, closed Sundays, and limited working hours. It worked for this leg of the journey, but did not work for our return trip when we came back on Sunday. Coming back, we rented with Cabrera in Fajardo and dropped in San Juan. It all worked out. Good cars and all, but I was not impressed with the service. I had an early a.m. flight home on Tuesday, so had to switch to Budget for my last day to drive around San Juan to get a company that was open 24 hours. Cabrera would only take the car back from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. That obviously wouldn't work for a 6:30 .am. flight.

We flew Flamenco air from Fajardo to Culebra. Way more expensive than the Ferry, but worth the experience at least one way. We have dive gear, so we were charged $60 extra bucks for weight. Ouch. We got to the island about 1:00 p.m. Before the trip, I couldn't get ahold of the ferry reservations to save my life. The ferry office doesn't open until 2:00 p.m. for the 3:00 p.m. ferry, so the prospect of waiting in a hot line without moving led a last minute decision to catch the noon flight on Famenco.

Jerry at Jerry's jeeps was great. His jeeps have just the right character for this island. He gave us a personal tour of the main roads, warned us about tire damage and got us set-up with Taz, our dive captain. I'm sure it's personal opinion, but I wouldn't even consider going to the island without transportation.

We stayed at Casa Robinson. It was as advertised. The room was spartan, but very clean and updated. Only the kitchenette was aged. You could only see out the frosted windows when they were open. There was always a very nice breeze, so windows were open often. The view was very serene. Felt very private. AC was fantastic. Was quiet and strong. Fridge and microwave worked well. Sink was a little old and rickety. No stove. The room was furnished with some relaxing and comfortable chairs, a newer futon, and a nice queen bed. Shower was hot and strong. Dueno was cordial, helpful, but "out-of-the way". Wireless access was free and worked great, which was a great news for my two teenage travelling companions. They could still use Facebook :)

We dove with Aquatic Adventures every day. Taz is the man. He's the captain, divermaster, etc. We left at 9:30 returned about 2:30. We were the only three on the boat. We brought gear, but didn't need to. He had everything including wet-suits and the price of $80/diver/day included everything. His gear was in great shape, Scubapro stuff, so if we did it again, I'd probably only bring my dive computer and leave everything else at home.

Taz did all the set-up take-down and kept our gear all week.

He's a real nice guy, an experienced captain. His boat is a nice boat and rivals those from much bigger operations. Only suggestion to anyone that dives with him is to make sure you follow the buddy rules. He fins up in front and rarely checks back on your air consumption. Most dives were fine, but I've never been close to runnning out before and I actually did on this dive and my buddy was so intent staying on his heels that I could get his attention or Taz's.

Diving was pretty good depending on your comparison. My son, who had only done gulf diving thought it was fantastic. However, there was not a ton of fish-say in comparison to Bonaire, but enough variety to be quite enjoyable. Very little big stuff like in Amergris, but a few sharks and rays again kept it interesting. Good visibility, lots of very healthy soft coral. Relatively shallow (and safe diving). It was great for my young divers. The first dives tended to be in more exposed places and the entry to exit from the boat was sometimes rough. Second dives were always on leeward side after a very satisfying lunch. There was usually a current, but since the boat was anchored, we had to fight it for at least half the dive. But no where near as strong as Cozumel.

Very few restraunts. Some were closed. Mamacitas and Susies lived up to their reputations although I'd give Susies the nod for their steak over Mamacitas.

Bring mosquito repellant! I didn't have a problem, but my kids sure did.

Island is not really much of a tourist mecca. Roads were cut up everywhere due to sewer project. However, this forum accurately represented the island. It turned out to be the place we expected and we had a great adventure.

BTW, I can't imagine renting a scooter or mountain bike on the roads over there. Hopefully, they get the roads patched soon, but in their current conditions, it would be a dangerous proposition.

Grocery stores were very modest, but had essentials including toiletries. If you plan on doing your own cooking, you may want to bring some things.

Sunday, we caught the early ferry (6:30 .am.) Jerry worked with us on the jeep return. Thanks Jerry.

Ferry ride was a relaxing time. I recommend it. Particularly the early one since numbers were sparse and we caught the rising sun.

I strongly recommend the rain forest in El Yunque. Well worth renting the car in Fajardo (Leaseway, Thrify, or Cabrera) with a drop later in San Juan. I wouldn't waste your time or money on the welcome center. Bring good shoes!! The trails are very rough. We climbed El Yunque peak. Tough 5 mile hike, but well worth it.

Old San Juan castles are worth the trip to see them. Isla Verde by the San Juan airport is a nice stopping point for catching early flights. It's on the beach and has a Cancun feel to it.

Hope this helps someone plan a good trip. Thanks to all those on previous posts.

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Re: Trip notes
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Jeannie G3 (---.asm.bellsouth.net)
Date:   08-27-08 23:37

Hola! Seems like you had a good time and a safe trip. Hope you return. Happy travels! J

supergarcia3

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Re: Trip notes
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Mort (---.tampabay.res.rr.com)
Date:   08-28-08 08:50

Thanks for the report, Jeff! It will help give new people a good picture of what Culebra is like.

You covered the side of Culebra that people will find modest or even lacking. And you covered the diving experience very well.

My only complaint about your report is that you said nothing about what most of us consider to be where Culebra stands head and shoulders above other Caribbean islands: the beaches and their beauty.

That's why 90% of Culebra visitors go to Culebra. (The restaurants, stores, transportation, etc, are just looked at as mere conveniences and/or subsistence.)

Flamenco Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and one of the most convenient. Publicos run to it constantly, and there are food kiosks and other conveniences. Yet there's no development! That's unheard of in today's Caribbean. And it has a great campground that is only steps from the beach. Also unheard of anywhere. (Stepping from my tent onto the beach during sunrise or sunset is one of the joys of my life.)

Carlos Rosario, Zoni, Resaca, Culebrita, are all gorgeous and near-deserted.

Anyway, I just wanted to add this so that readers know about the side of Culebra that is spectacular. To many (most?) of us veterans, the rest of Culebra pales in importance. And, most of us are hoping that the infrastructure and commercialization NEVER improves. If I could freeze Culebra the way it is now, I'd do it in a second.

Someday, Flamenco is probably going to be like Megan's Bay in St. Thomas... its hills lined with houses, with most of its natural beauty lost. But that day ain't here yet!

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Re: Trip notes
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Debbie (---.ms.com)
Date:   08-28-08 10:27

"old San Juan castles"? Umm, they are forts. . .

Nice report - thanks for sharing! Unlike Mort, I don't care that you didn't mention Culebra's natural beauty. I like to keep that to myself; helps to keep the crowds away a bit, just a bit.

Happy Diving!
Debbie

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Re: Trip notes
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: richard (---.hsd1.dc.comcast.net)
Date:   08-28-08 20:46

natural beauty Deb? some times I wonder whose dime you and Mort are working on when we all know the waters of Flamenco and others are clogged with 'go' cups and lost 'mix' cd's. I'm sure the crowd who were asked to never return to Padre Island or Daytona bring welcome revenue, but I'm sorry, it's changed. Glo-Sticks at $5 a pop in the middle of the day? I don't get it. that's like #20 sunblock at night.

not to mention the do-it-yourself tattoo stands lining the road. usu. I'm all for the DIY attitude, but I guess it's bring your own needle tips if you want to stay clean. seems like a liability issue waiting to happen.

nobody ever talks about the desperate and anemic underbelly when talking up a place for a beautiful and tranquil vacation with no worries.

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Re: Trip notes
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Jeff (---.178.30.71.dynamic.ip.windstream.net)
Date:   08-28-08 22:06

Sorry about not mentioning the beaches. Flamenco was as beautiful as everyone says. Zoni was incredibly remote and also beautiful, although I think was high tide and there was not much sand.

I posted some photos on trip advisor.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/PhotoPreview-g580453-d636068
-i18393083,18393084,18393086,18393088,18393089,18393091,
18393092,18393093,18393094,18393095-Casa_Robinson-Culebra_Puerto_Rico.html#18393093

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Re: Trip notes
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Angelina (---.cpe.metrocast.net)
Date:   09-08-08 19:18

Hi, Can you advise me on your car rental situation...
I am thinking it makes sense to rent a car at SJU and keep it for the whole week leaving it in Fajardo at the "secured" parking at the ferry or airport. That will run me 200$ (plus 20$ parking). As opposed to renting it only for 4 days and paying a 100$ drop off charge at Fajardo (that total was 400$!). Are these #'s wrong? Does anyone have any advise on rental cars when I am spilting my week between mainland (El Yunque and surrounding area) and Culebra? With maybe one day on Viesques?
Thanks. And I hear you re:all the researching and logistics!
Have I mentioned today, how invaluable this forum is? :)

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Re: Trip notes
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Michael (---.nyc.res.rr.com)
Date:   09-08-08 22:14

Jeff, it would be great of you to post some of those great photos on flickr with Culebra and 'wahtever' as tags, so they show up in the maps :)

Thanks for sharing your experience!

Enjoy Culebra!

Michael

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Re: Trip notes
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: alashas (---.dhcp.embarqhsd.net)
Date:   09-22-08 18:32

Thanks, Jeff. for your helpful trip report and glad to hear about your positive diving experience. At the same time, I'm surprised to hear that your 2 tank dive was 5 hrs, with lunch in between the dives. Was that your preference, or is that the way Taz schedules all of his dives. On other Caribbean boat dives, we usually do a 2 tank morning dive and eat lunch after the dives are over.

safe travels, alashas

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Re: Trip notes
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Debbie (---.sip.asm.bellsouth.net)
Date:   09-24-08 08:07

Taz serves lunch in between dives and takes very healthy surface intervals, usually in a calm cove where you can snorkel or swirm. Culebra Divers is usually also out about 4-5 hours, but they do not serve lunch. (Taz has a faster boat).

Happy Diving!
Debbie

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Re: Trip notes
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: David R. B. (65.100.238.---)
Date:   10-09-08 13:28

Do you have a phone number for Aquatic Adventures? My wife and I will be in Culebra for the next week. Thanks

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Re: Trip notes
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Debbie (---.sip.asm.bellsouth.net)
Date:   10-09-08 22:01

(787) 209-3494

Happy Diving!
Debbie

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