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The current weather in Culebra

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Getting to Culebra from San Juan
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Aaron (---.pg.com)
Date:   02-09-05 12:09

We finally book our trip to Culebra. We are going March 17-23 and staying at Villa Boheme. Does anyone have any recommendations for what we JUST HAVE TO DO while we are there?

Also, the only problem I've run into so far is getting from San Juan to Culebra and back. We arrive at SJU at 3:05 pm on March 17. The ferry apparently leaves from Fajardo at 4:30, so I don't know if we could make that trip. I think you can get a flight from Fajardo at 5:30, so that might work. But the flights from San Juan leave at 5:00 from the other airport and they said I won't make it. Theres also a flight from SJU, but its like $150pp round trip and I was hoping to be more economical. I don't know if anyone has any other suggestions, but I'm open to just about anything. The only other things I've thought of are that theres a new ferry supposedly from San Juan to Culebra, but I don't know when that opens or how much it is or how to get ahold of anyone. Or also that March 17 is St. Patricks Day, and I dont know if they consider that a holiday because I know the ferry runs at like 5:50 from Fajardo on Holiday's. If anyone could help at all or has an phone numbers I could call for help I'd really appreciate it. I can't wait for our trip!!! But I need to get this one minor detail wrapped up before we go. Thank you very much.

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Re: Getting to Culebra from San Juan
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Mike (217.169.121.---)
Date:   02-09-05 13:43

If your flight to SJU is in time, you can take a taxi from San Juan to Fajardo (1 hour - 60$), and take the ferry to Culebra at 16.30. I think Patriks Day is not an holiday day in Puerto Rico.

M.

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Re: Getting to Culebra from San Juan
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: JoseGuzman (---.87.109.35.netdial.caribe.net)
Date:   02-09-05 15:12

I do not think you can make it, you time is too tight, and traffic in P.R. does not favor tight timetables.
The airport where flights to Culebra depart is RIbbas Dominicci. About 20/25 minute from Int airport. That might work, but it costs more.
The ferry SJU/CUL is not on service yet. It name is ATHENA on pier 2 or 3.
The passenger ferry form Fajardo shedule is mostly the same every day
0900 / 1330 / 1730.
The telephone number for Ferry is Faj 787 863 0705, Cul 787 742 3161.
You selection of Villa Boheme is very good, there is where I stay most of the time.
Wish you a nice stay, and a prompt come back.

Capt. J.Guzman
USCG 100GT

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Re: Getting to Culebra from San Juan
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Christina Johnson (---.maine.res.rr.com)
Date:   02-09-05 15:48

Hi, we were in the same position..arriving in SJU at 4:49 3/8. We opted to take a cab to Fajardo and booked a room at the Fajardo Inn (92. per night). We will get up early..enjoy Fajardo a bit.. then take the 9:30 ferry 3/10 to Culebra...we can't wait for this trip. We were there 4 years ago..then 2 years ago..I'm sure we will see some changes. Have a great trip..hope this helps you.
Chris

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Re: Getting to Culebra from San Juan
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Mike (217.169.121.---)
Date:   02-10-05 07:37

I came back from Culebra two days ago, and if you prefer a cheap trip, I think you have good change to arrive at Fajardo in time for the 16.30 ferry by cab, with a bit of luck! In the worst case, if ferry has already gone, you can pass the night in Fajardo and take the first ferry on the next morning.

If you want to be absolutely sure, do as Capt. Guzman said (he is an old-timer) and fly from San Juan to Culebra.

My experience with cab was 1 hour trip from S.J. airport to Fajardo, but I think that traffic could be a problem, and for a first trip to PR probably you need more time...

Enjoy your trip!

M.

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Re: Getting to Culebra from San Juan
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Aaron (---.pg.com)
Date:   02-11-05 12:11

I think I've decided that since I want to rent a car and do everything cheap, I think that when we arrive in San Juan we will rent a car at the airport which we can get for $160 and then drive to Fajardo and take the ferry. I dont think theres any way to do all that and catch the ferry by 4:30, so we'll probably spend the night. We can take the car over on the ferry and that way we don't have to pay what seems to be around $200-250 a week for the car, plus we'll avoid the $50-60 taxi fare each way. Let me know if you guys think this sounds like a good idea and how easy it actually is to book the ferry taking a car. Thanks, Aaron

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Re: Getting to Culebra from San Juan
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Mike (217.169.121.---)
Date:   02-11-05 13:14

Last week I wrote the cargo ferry schedule:

Monday thru Friday:
Culebra to Fajardo: 7:00AM & 6:00PM
Fajardo to Culebra: 3:30AM &4:00PM

Wednesday & Friday (additional run):
Fajardo to Culebra: 10:00AM
Culebra to Fajardo: 1:00PM
For reservations call (787) 863-0705

Enjoy

M.

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Re: Getting to Culebra from San Juan
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: David Magee (63.175.186.---)
Date:   02-11-05 14:17

Bad idea taking a rental car on the ferry! Once it goes on the boat all insurances including your own or credit card insurance are out the door. This island is rough and you will probably pick up at a minimum some scratches. You will be personaly liable for all damages. If your flight is in on time you can make it to Isla Grande Airport and fly over. Rent a car on the island. Time is money and you will save a lot of both that way.

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Re: Getting to Culebra from San Juan
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: JoseGuzman (---.87.103.168.netdial.caribe.net)
Date:   02-11-05 17:32

It is a very bad idea to get a rented car into the ferry.
VERY BAD.
You have been advised.

J.Guzman

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Re: Getting to Culebra from San Juan
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Buzz (---.triad.rr.com)
Date:   02-11-05 21:19

We went to Culebra in October 2004. At that time we were able to catch a flight from San Juan International (Marin) Airport. It went to Vieques first, dropped off a few folks, then took my wife and I on to Culebra. For this flight we used Isla Nena Air Service , Inc. Their web site is www.islanena.8m.com and the toll free phone is 877-812-5144 Be patient, one person may tell you one thing, only to have someone else tell you the opposite. We went in the off season, and they don't fly as often, but we were still able to get on time service. Just make sure that you talk to someone "in the know", this being Ramona. On the way back it flies to Culebra, then Vieques, then to San Juan Int'l, in other words the reverse of the trip over.

Don't rent a car and try and bring it over. See Jerry Beaubein at Jerry's Jeep Rentals and tell him to rent you a Samurai. They're beaten up, and old, and just the thing that you need for Culebra. Some of the roads over there are in poor condition, and I cannot overemphasize this. Jerry has the perfect vehicle to rent for these roads. Don't let the looks of his Samurai's fool you, they're in good running condition. We had no mechanical problems during the week that we used one. Jerry can reached by calling 787-742-0587, and his facility is located across the road from the Culebra airfield, a whole whopping 50 yards. Ask Jerry to freehand draw you one of his island maps, they are legendary, and have gone on E- Bay for as much as $50. He is a good source of local island knowledge and is willing to share it.

As to what you MUST do....relax. Life moves slower there. Check out a trip over to Culebrita on the glass bottom boat Tanama with Capt's Pat and Jack. It's fun and informative, and the Captains have a wealth of local knowledge. Or, if you are the hardier sort, you can kayak over with Jim Andersen (hope I spelled correctly). Pat and Jack can be reached at 787-501-0011 or 787-397-7494, Jim's number is 787-379-1973. Ride around the island and check out all the beaches, perhaps picnic or snorkel. Carlos Rosario has some really good snorkeling in the reef between it and Cayo Luis Pena. There's a trail from the parking lot at Flamenco Beach, but it's fenced to keep people out. This is due to unexploded ordinance leftover from when the island was a bombing range. You can go in by foot along the shore from the road that goes into Tamarindo Estates, but I highly recommend diving booties, or some sort of toe enclosed footwear. The shoreline has lot's of sharp coral and rock there, but the snorkeling is worth it. Or, you could just put in from the beach over at Tamarindo and swim around to it. My wife and I are past 40, so we walked around the shoreline and climbed a few rocks. That was easiest for us. Zoni Beach is a nice place to visit, and seldom has many people. You may even see semi-wild local horses walking on the beach over there.

You will need to eat. For breakfast, might I suggest that you purchase a loaf of Pan de Agua from the panaderia (bakery) next to the airport. Just slice it into thin strips, butter, and fry on a flat iron or skillet. This, along with Puerto Rican coffee made my mornings complete. For lunch you can find sandwiches at Cafe Isola (down at the ferry landing, also sells breakfast items), and at the Dinghy Dock (also serves a decent breakfast and dinner). Eat at least one dinner with Jim and Barbara at Barbara Rosas. The shrimp is great, the crab cakes are to die for. I spent a lot of time on the NC and SC coasts, and never had crab cakes as good as those made by Barbara. Don't let the looks of the place fool you, it's open air, and small, and very good. Barbara runs the kitchen, and Jim serves as your dinner conversation. This is an evening well spent, don't pass it by. There is also a good place to get cheeseburgers called El Batey, it's on the way into town. On the weekends go back to the panaderia and look for a tall, silver haired gentleman named Joe. You'll find him outside with a gas grill cooking pinchos. A pincho is a strip of boneless chicken that is marinated in either a hot or mild sauce, and cooked over the grill on a skewer. My wife and I would get two skewers each, and make it a meal. They come with small strips of Pan de Agua, and Joe will wrap them up in foil for you to take out.
There are other good places to eat, some of which I'm sure have opened since we visited.

At least once while you're there, you should see the sun set from hill above the hospital. This is an area overlooking a beach called Melones, at least I seem to recall it that way, but check locally. We went by the Oasis Pizzeria first, and bought a pizza for our dinner and carried up with us. It's a neat sort of thing to do, and you have a nice view of the harbor, as well as Vieques and Fajardo.

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Re: Getting to Culebra from San Juan
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Aaron (---.pg.com)
Date:   02-16-05 11:52

Do you think we will need a car to get around Culebra? I know everyone says you don't have to have one, but if we want to go to a bunch of different beaches, how difficult would that be without a car? Also, is there any new news about the ferry straight from San Juan? Thanks again for all the help.

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Re: Getting to Culebra from San Juan
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: dan rasmusson (---.mayo.edu)
Date:   02-16-05 12:56

I would definately rent a car.

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Re: Getting to Culebra from San Juan
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: JoseGuzman (---.87.110.218.netdial.caribe.net)
Date:   02-16-05 13:01

No news from SJU to CUL.
If you are not more than 4, I might get you from SJU to Fajardo, on time for the 0900 ferry.
Please contact me should you need charges info.

J.Guzman
USCG 100GT

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Re: Getting to Culebra from San Juan
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Aaron (---.cinci.rr.com)
Date:   02-16-05 17:02

yeah, we are just a party of 2. any help on transportation would be much appreciated. our flight gets in at 3:05 on 3/17. thanks, aaron

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Re: Getting to Culebra from San Juan
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Joel Maners (66.78.150.---)
Date:   03-05-05 01:09

Aaron,

Knowing how San Juan taxi drivers drive, you ought to offer one of them a bonus of $20 to $40 for getting you to the ferry on-time. I bet they'll get you there! We had the same issue come up on the way back from our honeymoon. We ran into a traffic jam and the driver took the median. We made it to our flight gate in-time! Just a thought.

Joel

Joel Maners
Jackson, Tennesse

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