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The current weather in Culebra

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Another batch of first-timer questions...
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Ornoth (---.c3-0.sbo-ubr1.sbo.ma.cable.rcn.com)
Date:   09-26-13 10:24

In a few weeks I'll visit Culebra for the first time. Although I've done a lot of reading already, I still have a few questions. If you know answers to any of these, I'd very much appreciate your input.

The satellite photos give me the impression that Playa Manzanilla might be good snorkeling, but I haven't seen any mention of it online. Is there any public access, and is it worth checking out?

The only legal way to get to Playa Resaca by land is by hiking from the end of Calle Resaca, yes? And the helipad is off-limits, even if I come up from Playa Resaca on foot?

Am I likely to come across any manchineel/manzanilla trees while hiking on Culebra? How about Culebrita and Luis Pena? If so, are they marked?

Can one hike to the top of the hill on Luis Pena? Is there a view from there? Are there views from Mt. Resaca and El Balcon and is there public access? Any other suggested view points?

Does anyone rent traditional sea kayaks, as opposed to plastic sit-on-tops?

Luis Pena seems kayakable, but how about Culebrita? Is there anyone who would drop off and pick up a kayak at Zoni? Should I expect much wind or current between Culebra and the smaller islands?

Thank you for your responses, and for keeping the island pristine while still welcoming visitors such as myself.

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Re: Another batch of first-timer questions...
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Tim S (---.cqi.psu.edu)
Date:   10-02-13 12:01

Ornoth,

I haven't been to Manzanilla but it does look good from satellite images. My concern would be access, as you may have to cross private property to get there.

We did get to Resaca by driving up Calle Resaca then turning left on another steep concrete road. The road was in bad shape and overgrown a bit. There is a pretty obvious trail at the turn around at end of the road. Do not take the gated dirt road. You can try hiking to the helipad from there. There is another trail on the left as you come to the end of the road, but before the trail to Resaca, only a stones throw away. We did it from another route.

We didn't have problems with manchineel trees. I was keeping an eye out for them.

Luis Pena! I was asking myself the same questions you are asking. I didn't have any answers. From the satellite, there appears to be something trail-like leading to the top. We got to Luis Pena by kayak, but didn't have the time to look for the trail. We were kept busy with snorkeling. We did see nurse sharks, octopus, hawksbill turtle, squid, gigantic lobster, porcupinefish, and more. I can send photos/vieo if you like.

We only saw and used "sit-on-top" kayaks when we were there. We did kayak to both Culebrita and Luis Pena, but on separate visits to Culebra. Expect the weather to vary, at least in terms of wind and waves. Ken, at the Culebra Bike Shop has kayaks and may do drop offs if the weather is good for that particular location/trip.

Tim

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Re: Another batch of first-timer questions...
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Josh Mahoney (---.hsd1.fl.comcast.net)
Date:   10-02-13 17:08

Manchineel trees are common along the beaches and within the coastal thickets of Culebra and Culebrita. Learn how to identify it vegetatively and avoid it where possible and you will have no problems. They are not marked.

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Re: Another batch of first-timer questions...
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Ornoth (---.c3-0.sbo-ubr1.sbo.ma.cable.rcn.com)
Date:   10-18-13 15:32

Thank you gentlemen for sharing your info. It's much appreciated.

I expect to have a nervous flight over, but otherwise I'm really looking forward to exploring the island!

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Re: Another batch of first-timer questions...
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Carly Smith (---.cable.mindspring.com)
Date:   10-20-13 19:06

Hi,

Luis Peña is totally kayakable and very much worth it. There are some trails there, but I didn't have time to check them out when I was there (like the other poster, I was spending my time snorkeling). Definitely check out the opposite side of Luis Peña, just around the southern tip -- there's a beautiful little beach. There were some choppy waters and a bit of a current getting back the day I went, but nothing too bad (and I'm not a very experienced kayaker). I was told it's generally not advisable to kayak to Culebrita; the water tends to be a lot rougher on Zoni and that side of the island (but maybe that's not really true -- I'd just ask whoever rents you the kayak). I've only ever seen the plastic "sit-on-tops" available.

Assuming you already know this, but careful if you decide to go exploring off the marked trails, as there are unexploded munitions around the island and quays.

Enjoy your trip -- you'll have a blast!

-- Carly

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Re: Another batch of first-timer questions...
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Carly Smith (---.cable.mindspring.com)
Date:   10-20-13 19:20

Oh, and that terrifying, bad pun was a complete accident...

-- Carly

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Re: Another batch of first-timer questions...
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Ornoth (---.c3-0.sbo-ubr1.sbo.ma.cable.rcn.com)
Date:   10-21-13 11:08

;^)

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