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1st Culebra trip....HELP!
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Hope Zivitski (---.dyn.optonline.net)
Date:   09-02-11 13:16

We will be leaving for our first trip to Culebra October 1. I just read on the forum that a lot of the businesses are closed in October. Is this true? Are there certain supplies that we should bring from the mainland? We are flying into San Juan and then taking a plane from Air Vieques...where do we catch this plane? I'm starting to get nervous....and I'm not even going to mention the comments about Hurricane season!!! Any advice, tips, info. about visiting Culebra would be most appreciated!!! Thank you.

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Re: 1st Culebra trip....HELP!
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: palmettoculebra (---.prtc.net)
Date:   09-02-11 16:03

Good afternoon,
Yes, several businesses often close during October, however grocery stores will remain open. Year round residents on island generally purchase all necessities here, so you won't find the island deserted even though it is generally a quieter time.

Hurricane season does last until Nov. 1st, although the "peak" is around Sept. 5th, although, since you are choosing to come during the hurricane season, trip insurance is always a good idea.

Best,
Terrie
Palmetto GH, Culebra

http://www.palmettoculebra.com/

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Re: 1st Culebra trip....HELP!
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Linda H (---.dhcp.mrqt.mi.charter.com)
Date:   09-03-11 13:36

I think VAL flies out of both SJU and Isla Grande. Check your itinerary to see where your flight departs from -- SJU or SIG. Isla Grande requires a short cab ride from SJU.

I have not been there in the fall or winter, but you can find phone numbers and/or websites for many of the restaurants and shops either on this site or using google. Then you can contact them to find out whether they will be open. For example, Susie's has a website and shows her "winter menu," which implies they are open all year.

Culebra is a laid-back place -- sometimes it takes a little effort to get there, but if you are seeking a Caribbean experience relatively unspoiled by development it is well worth it. Relax and enjoy your trip!

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Re: 1st Culebra trip....HELP!
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Geronimo (---.customer.broadstripe.net)
Date:   09-06-11 10:12

As noted above, contact VAL and find out which airport you are flying out of. They refer to the two airports there as the big and little airports. You are flying into the big international airport. Then if your flight is out of the little aiport you can catch a cab right outside of the baggage claim area. There will be a cab counter at curbside. Tell them you want to go to the little airport (Isla Grande). They'll had you the fare price ticket, ~$20, and it's a 20 min ride.

Did you line up transportation on Culebra?

And relax and get on island time where everything operates on a slower casual pace.

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Re: 1st Culebra trip....HELP!
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Jon West (---.dca.state.ga.us)
Date:   09-06-11 15:45

Hi, Hope,

I think it was my post (from a few weeks back) that mentioned October being slower and some places being closed. I apologize if that worried you.

Terrie hits the nail on the head in her reply to your post.

We've been to Culebra once before in October--we got engaged. We liked it so much that we're going back (for our honeymoon)--the last week of October, this year.

Yes. Options were slightly reduced for restaurants--a few that we'd have like to have enjoyed were closed. But, by no means did we have trouble finding all the supplies, groceries, awesome experiences, yummy restaurants, etc. that we wanted and needed. Honestly, having a few less options makes it easier for us to decide what to do--the pressure of making up your mind is reduced. :)

We consistently overpack and we have stopped to pick up supplies on the mainland on our way to the Ferry terminal. You really end up feeling dumb when you get to Culebra and realize the money you wasted on extra luggage and the time you wasted on the big island when you could've been on your way to the little island. All the basics are totally available on the Culebra and for pretty much the same price as if you'd stopped at Wal-Mart (yuck) on the way.

A few Culebra tips it took us a little while to figure out:
--Try to avoid mid-afternoon sun. Sunblock never seems to last as long as you think and nobody like to be irritated by a burn while on vacation.
--The higher temps and sun make did-afternoon a perfect time for siesta! Temp and light seems better for swimming/snorkeling in the morning and early evening (to me), anyway.
--So, when you make your coffee (available on-island) in the morning, go ahead and make a whole pot--even if you're not going to drink that much. Freeze your excess coffee in ice trays. When you wake up from siesta, throw the coffee cubes (if you use ice, your beverage ends up watery), some sweetened condensed milk (available on-island), and some sweetener (available on-island) in a blender. You'll end up with an awesome post-siesta beverage. If you figure out a yummy alcohol-based addition to the recipe, please let me know.
--A peanut butter sandwich can be great for breakfast, lunch or dinner. And, they don't spoil if they get a little warm in your beach bag while you swim.
--Drink plenty of water. Take some to the beach with you.
--If you go to Culebrita and want to hike to the lighthouse, remember this. Watch for the fork in the path. It's easy to miss. If you end up on a path that's overgrown, really steep, and looks like nobody has been there for a LONG time--you're probably on the wrong trail. :) Climbing over rocks, while fun, is not a necessary part of the experience.
--If your food is taking a little while to get to your table, order another beer, take a breath, and relax. Remember--you're not only there for the food but for the breath the relaxation, too.
--The road to Soldado may be scary. The snorkeling at the end is worth it.
--Waking up to a rooster crowing is always more pleasant than an alarm clock--even if it is a teensy bit earlier than you'd have preferred.

Have a great time, Hope. We're going to miss you by a couple of weeks or I'd have invited you for drinks. Be sure to come back to the forum after the trip and let us know how your trip was!

--jon

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Re: 1st Culebra trip....HELP!
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Debbie Greenwood (12.230.186.---)
Date:   09-09-11 08:27

Hey Jon - thanks for your tips, I found them to be helpful as we are going to Culebra Oct7-14. Could you tell me how to get to Culebrita? I had heard of this little place but don't think I heard of how to get there.

I've been so busy with work that I haven't had much time to research for my trip.....

Also - for anybody that can help - is there anyone that can take us out light tackle fishing? We tried to contact Chris from CUlebra Fly Fishing but he we just miss him as he is not back on island until the 15th.
Any help or suggestions would be great.

Thanks,
Debbie

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Re: 1st Culebra trip....HELP!
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Robert Zeigler (---.drr01.hrbg.pa.frontiernet.net)
Date:   09-12-11 10:37

I agree with the above......

It's kind of like going to Cape Cod in November .... the tourist places are boarded up, but what's open is what the natives do .... and I don't know about you, but that's one reason why I travel and not stay home.

The essentials are there .... ya gotta look for 'em a little more, but the potential weather adventures can make your stay memorable.

.......And the rates are better.....):

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Re: 1st Culebra trip....HELP!
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Jon West (---.hsd1.ga.comcast.net)
Date:   09-19-11 13:59

Hi, Debbie,

Sorry for the delay in responding.

Sara and I used Capt. Brad Stephens for our day-trip to Culebrita. The phone number I have in my phone for him is 787-435-6048. I have an email address on a business card somewhere if you need it--I'd have to hunt it down, though.

He's great.

...Hope you have an awesome trip!

--j

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Re: 1st Culebra trip....HELP!
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Hope Zivitski (---.dyn.optonline.net)
Date:   09-21-11 11:49

All of you are so helpful! We are leaving in ONE WEEK! Can't wait! We haven't reserved a Jeep as of yet...is that something we should do ahead of time? Also, I was planning on doing some light shopping in San Juan (milk, coffee, etc.) to bring over to Culebra with us....is that recommended or is it easier to get there? I am so excited and my husband is going to LOVE it! Thanks again.

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Re: 1st Culebra trip....HELP!
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Doug (---.148.130.146.nw.nuvox.net)
Date:   09-21-11 11:54

You can get virtually any staple on Culebra. Go ahead and rent from Jerry, and he'll be able to tell you where the stores are and when they are open.

Have fun,
Doug

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Re: 1st Culebra trip....HELP!
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Linda H (---.dhcp.mrqt.mi.charter.com)
Date:   09-21-11 12:48

I would call about a jeep now if I were you. In the spring you would probably not find anything at this late date. If you are flying to Culebra I recommend doing all your shopping on island, since there are generally weight limits on your luggage on the small planes that fly into Culebra. I usually bring a few packets of coffee from hotels if I have it rather than buy a can and then not use much, since it's light and takes up little space. One year we found a really good deal on chicken breasts and hamburger for the grill in Fajardo, so we brought those over with us on the ferry, but other than that I've done my shopping after we settle in and get adjusted to island time. Most meats in the Culebra stores are frozen, and there may not be a huge selection, but the prices are not that bad. When we were in St. John last spring I found the prices much higher.

Enjoy Culebra!

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Re: 1st Culebra trip....HELP!
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Doug (---.148.130.146.nw.nuvox.net)
Date:   09-22-11 11:31

There are plenty of fresh meats available at Milka, just across the drawbridge. Other groceries have good selections of frozen, canned, paper, and packaged consumer goods. For the best veggies, the stand operates on Fridays near the airport.

Doug

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Re: 1st Culebra trip....HELP!
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Geronimo (---.customer.broadstripe.net)
Date:   09-22-11 15:30

The veggie guy has moved up the road towards town on the right. Still there on Fridays only.

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Re: 1st Culebra trip....HELP!
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: James C. Williams (---.gastoneye.com)
Date:   09-22-11 16:11

This is really great info! I posted a similar question a couple of weeks ago and got some great info. Wonderful forum here!

I'm very excited about our first visit at the end of October! Does anyone know if a dive shop will be open then? I'm hoping to rent some weights for snorkeling.

Should I contact Jerry ahead of time, or will he have plenty of jeeps to rent?

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Re: 1st Culebra trip....HELP!
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Doug (---.148.130.146.nw.nuvox.net)
Date:   09-23-11 10:03

Can't hurt to call ahead. 787 909 3067.

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Re: 1st Culebra trip....HELP!
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Debbie Greenwood (12.230.186.---)
Date:   09-27-11 13:16

Jon - Thanks for your reply - i also had not checked back ina while, things have been so hectic here but then I realized that we are due to leave in 10 days so I thought I should get my plns in a little bit of order.
I an very interested in seeing Culebrita so I will give Capt Brad a call.
BTW - could you possibly share the per person price you paid as well?

Thanks Again,
Debbie

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Re: 1st Culebra trip....HELP!
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Jon West (---.dca.state.ga.us)
Date:   09-27-11 16:50

Honestly, Debbie, I don't remember. It's been a little while. It was more than I would normally have wanted to spend on some random activity at home. But, considering what we'd heard/read about Culebrita, the fact that we were on vacation and thus a little more willing to open up the pocketbook to have unique experiences, the service he was providing, etc., etc.--we thought it was worth it. The cost was not insignificant, but it wasn't outrageous. After the experience we have not once regretted it.

Actually, I think I've seen other posts on the forum that mentioned the cost. Try running a search on the forum for "Culebrita". I'm pretty confident that someone has had this question before.

We liked Brad a lot. He came highly recommended by MJ who posts here frequently and has her own super-mega-awesome "Island Woman" blog that has helped me get through my long Culebra-less two years.

You're going to beat us there. Our departure is in 27 days--I wish it was tomorrow. Have tons fun--but try to leave a little fun for us! :)

--j

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Re: 1st Culebra trip....HELP!
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Debbie Greenwood (12.230.186.---)
Date:   09-28-11 09:50

Jon - thanks - I've tried to look around a bit but it seems like I have not found details such as price or when I did, the posts were older so I wasn't sure if the price had changed much.
No problem though, I will be calling to see what may be available (just hard to do when I'm supposed to be working)....
I hadn't heard of this Island Woman blog either so if I get a chance, I'll be taking a peek at that too.

I almost can't wait now to get there!!!!

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Re: 1st Culebra trip....HELP!
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Geronimo (---.customer.broadstripe.net)
Date:   09-28-11 10:48

In the recent past, a water taxi ride to and from Culebrita was ~$50 per person. They drop you off in the morning on the South side when you want, say 9:00am and then retrieve you in the afternoon, say 3:00pm. Bring EVERYTHING you will want for the day with you. No shade. Hike 10 min thru the path North to the beach. Sandy beach on the West side and shell beach on the East side. On the sandy side, hike all the way to the right to the baths. The light house path is halfway thru the initial path you will take. Hike up 15 min path to breath-taking views from the lighthouse. Snorkeling is good on the South side where you land. Watch for the stray black sea urchin on the South side shore. The taxi will go out seas permitting so try to go on your first calm day. Busy on Sat and Sun. You won't be dissapointed.

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Re: 1st Culebra trip....HELP!
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Linda H (---.dhcp.mrqt.mi.charter.com)
Date:   09-28-11 14:27

MJ, aka Island Woman, has a cart by the bridge (open some days, closed others) where she sells amazingly delicious homemade hot sauces. If she is there during your visit stop by and say hello.

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Re: 1st Culebra trip....HELP!
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Vicki moore (---.dhcp.jcsn.tn.charter.com)
Date:   09-28-11 22:57

MJ had her cart for sale and had no plans to reopen it herself, unless this has changed. She had other ventures she was planning, but was very tight lipped about what they were. LOL.

Vicki in Tennessee

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Re: 1st Culebra trip....HELP!
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Debbie Greenwood (12.230.186.---)
Date:   09-29-11 08:51

Geronimo - thanks for the info - I'm sure we will end up going for that price - doesn't seem too bad to me. Also, thanks for the detail about Culebrita itself, gives a little base info to work with.

Linda & Vicki - I did find and read some of MJ's blog and was a bit intrigued. I am sorry to hear that she won't be opening her cart as I think she would be someone I would like to talk to. I'll look out for her just the same in case I get lucky and see her.

Eight more days........

Thanks all,
Debbie

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Re: 1st Culebra trip....HELP!
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Amanda Gore (---.ge.com)
Date:   10-04-11 09:12

Hey there. This is a bit last minute, but it's my first time to Culebra too. My boyfriend and I are flying into San Juan on October 7th and then heading to Culebra on October 9th for 5 nights. I have a few questions:

1. Is a car/scooter rental necessary/advisable for the full duration of the trip? I don't mind taking taxis, but if there's a cost advantage and/or a large time benefit, then I'd rather rent.

2. There seems to be quite a few horror stories about waiting in lines for ferry tickets and then waiting hours to get on a ferry. Will this be true in Ocotober as well? We'd rather spend the money to fly if that means we can maximize our vacation time.

3. What are some necessities that I should pack that first timers usually don't think of? Bug spray? Warm clothes for cool evenings? Any suggestions would help.

Thanks in advance for the advice! This forum has already been very helpful in planning our trip.

~Amanda

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Re: 1st Culebra trip....HELP!
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Jon West (---.dca.state.ga.us)
Date:   10-04-11 13:05

Amanda,

Congrats on your 1st Culebra trip. You're going to have tons of fun.

1. Vehicle Rental:
If you search the forum, you're going to find different people espousing different opinions on that matter. Some people say the island can be fully enjoyed without renting a vehicle. While I trust that it may be possible, from my experience, enjoyment is GREATLY facilitated by renting a jeep. And, I say a jeep. There are locations that I think you'd be hard-pressed to access with a scooter or car. When you factor in the time spent waiting for a publico, time/energy spent walking/biking, possibility of rain (do you really want to drive a scooter in the rain?), etc., etc.--for any number of factors, I really think a rental jeep is the way to go. If you can afford it, I'd suggest one for every day of your trip.

2. Ferry vs. Flying:
Again, if you search the forum, you're going to find different people espousing different opinions on that matter. We're hope to do a mix/match for our trip later in the month. Our arrival time is a little more flexible; so, we'd going to take the ferry (we hope). We sort of enjoy the ferry trip--it allows for a nice, long pre-arrival decompression--time to fully release all the home/work stuff that may still be clouding your mind. Plus--boats are just fun. However, our return trip is much more time-restricted. We HAVE to make it back to SJU in time for our return flight--there is no flexibility. So, on our departure day, we're flying out.

All that being said--the stories I've read over the past month or two are making us consider going ahead and flying from San Juan to Culebra. Jerry (of Jerry's Jeeps) said on the phone the other day that the ferry schedule continues to be erratic and that it sometimes detours to Vieques on its way to/from Culebra (making the trip almost 4 hours long).

3. Packing
I'd suggest packing an extra memory card for your camera. Sometimes they fail or you fill 'em up, unexpectedly--I'd hate to be without a camera. If you're a flip-flop fan, pack an extra pair (my wife blew out her favorite flips on the first day of our last trip)--they're light/flat enough to easily fit in baggage without much change to weight/size. You can get bug spray there and you're likely to need warm clothes. Really, you can get most of the material needs that you might forget when packing on the island (selection of particular brands of retail items might be restricted, but you'll definitely have some options for pretty much any typical need). The stuff you need to bring with you that you won't be able to buy on the island is all related to attitude (i.e., sense of adventure, a little patience, willingness to ask questions if you get lost, etc.).

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Re: 1st Culebra trip....HELP!
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Amanda Gore (---.ge.com)
Date:   10-04-11 17:01

Thanks Jon! That's exactly the type of consolidated feedback I was looking for. We'll be renting a jeep, flying and packing light. :)

Enjoy your trip at the end of the month.

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Re: 1st Culebra trip....HELP!
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Jon West (---.hsd1.ga.comcast.net)
Date:   10-05-11 16:00

Amanda, I just caught a typo. I meant to say that you're UN-likely to need warm clothes. You're much more likely to be thankful for a breeze and trying to figure out how to dress as lightly as possible without going nude. ;-)
--j

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Re: 1st Culebra trip....HELP!
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Hope Zivitski (---.nwrknj.east.verizon.net)
Date:   10-09-11 06:35

We just returned home last night. Spent a week in Culebra! Thanks to all for answering my questions. I now know what Paradise is!!! Already planning our next trip. Jerry (from Jerry's Jeep Rental) was awesome! And his map was a Godsend! There were ferry problems the entire week we were there (10/1-10/7) so I would definitely suggest flying in. It's not a long flight at all! But try to keep your luggage to 25 lbs. per person. I cannot say enough about this place. It is a place to go to RELAX!!!! The beaches were empty and the sun was hot! Loved the snorkeling! Thanks again to all who helped me plan this trip!

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Re: 1st Culebra trip....HELP!
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Debbie (---.hsd1.ga.comcast.net)
Date:   10-09-11 19:40

Shhhhh!!!! Don't tell anyone!

Happy Diving!
Debbie

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