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The current weather in Culebra

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Culebra snorkeling question
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Lamont Goodman (---.nctv.com)
Date:   10-29-06 19:54

My guidebook states that Playa Carlos Rosario is the best area on the island for snorkeling just offshore. It also states that the only way to reach this beach is on foot from Playa Flamenco; and furthermore, that the water can be dangerous due to water taxis and speedboats. Can anyone confirm any of this information? Thanks in advance.

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Re: Culebra snorkeling question
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: ginayac (---.hsd1.nj.comcast.net)
Date:   10-29-06 21:45

Lamont,

I got to Carlos Rosario with my husband by way of foot. Do not wear flip flops It is too hilly and there is no traction with the flops. I found carlos to be a bit rough then again I was on the left side of the beach and there was a lot of rocks in the water. I snorkeled for a second (because I am not a pro snorkeler and from the look sof the water being too rough I did not want to chance it) I have been almost sucked into an undertow and I get really scared when I am not in control. Although I will say past the rocks the water was quite calm and not to scary but I just didn't have the guts that day to go past the rocks. I hope this helps some. Just one more thing...my husband and I were the only ones at Carlos Rosario and this was during 4th of July week.

Take care,
Gina

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Re: Culebra snorkeling question
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: ginayac (---.hsd1.nj.comcast.net)
Date:   10-29-06 21:52

For clarification
The suction of the undertow was in florida in fort lauderdale not in Culebra
I love how I proof read after I post.
Sorry everyone!
I just get so excited to talk about Culebra.

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Re: Culebra snorkeling question
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: island vacation girl - debbie (---.dsl.emhril.ameritech.net)
Date:   10-29-06 22:32

the off shore snorkeling at MELONES BEACH not too far from the ferry is too die for, in fact we prefer it to CARLOS ROSARIO. plus it's a whole lot easier to get to.

happy and safe travels,
i v g - debbie

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Re: Culebra snorkeling question
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Doug (---.aurorasys.com)
Date:   10-30-06 10:51

By virtue of being on the lee side of the island with the protection of the high ridgeline, when the prevailing winds are from the customary northeast, Carlos Rosario is one of the calmest areas to snorkle in Culebra. Tamarindo, Melones and Soldado enjoy the same protection, the sheer volume of healthy coral gives CR the edge as a snorkling destination.

Gina, the area you were snorkling is the least friendly part of the beach for entering the water. Make your way to the north until you can see the white sand extend through the break in the reef. This is your entry point. It is a simple matter to swim along the wall of coral on the right until you reach the spot where a pronounced opening allows you to make a right turn. The coral is absolutely breathtaking as you swim north and south. It is even better if you continue west, although as the water deepens, the coral is farther away. I am an intermediate level swimmer, and the secret is to just take your time, putt-putting along at an easy pace. I expect that there may be currents requiring caution off shore, but I've not encountered them, and I routinely swim out 1/4 mile from the beach.

On certain weekend days there are, unfortunately, some yachts from Fajardo at anchor, close to the beach. It'd be nice if they would use the mooring buoys provided. In truth, though, they have never prevented me from having a superior snork.

Last comment: if you don't relish the hike from Flamenco, it is possible to hire one of the water taxis to take you and your gear to CR, drop you off and pick you up at a pre-appointed time.

Doug

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Re: Culebra snorkeling question
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Lamont Goodman (---.nctv.com)
Date:   10-30-06 21:10

Thanks for the all of the great information Doug - I’m trying to get my bearings from your description of Carlos Rosario. Is your recommended entry point the 500-foot sandy “finger” pointing toward the offshore wildlife refuge island? If so, when I begin my snorkeling (assuming the coral reef runs basically north-south), will I start my swim on the western side of the reef that faces Puerto Rico, or eastern side facing Culebra? Thanks again for any info you can provide.

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Re: Culebra snorkeling question
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Doug (---.aurorasys.com)
Date:   10-31-06 13:14

On the western side that faces the big island. You can't really swim to the east, because the coral is pretty solid and very shallow. Once you are headed north, there are plenty of little alcoves, nooks and crannies to explore, many filled with cool critters. I don't think any of them let you get back to the east side without walking on the reef (serious no-no!).

Further out from the beach, is where I've seen some of the more scarce animals including green sea turtles, large 'cudas, and rays.

Doug

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Re: Culebra snorkeling question
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Lamont Goodman (---.nctv.com)
Date:   10-31-06 18:18

Thanks once again for the fantastic info. Would there be any problem leaving my gear bag on the beach while snorkeling, in terms of other people “borrowing” my belongings? I know the area is a little remote, and I’d want to bring water, towel, shoes, etc. My guidebook cautions tourists in Vieques to never leave personal items on the beach while in the water, but I did not see any such warnings for Culebra. Just curious how to handle this.

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Re: Culebra snorkeling question
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Debbie (---.asm.bellsouth.net)
Date:   10-31-06 19:43

Doug,

For a minute there, I thought you were going to say "scarce animals, including divers". LOL!

Lamont,

Theft is not a problem on Culebra.

Happy Diving!
Debbie

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Re: Culebra snorkeling question
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Tate Kauffman (199.234.90.---)
Date:   11-02-06 14:24

Another way to access the reef without the walk is by kayak.
as of about a year ago, Jim at Ocean Safari (check at Barbara Rosa's restaurant) rented sit-on-top kayaks which he stored at Tamarindo beach. From there it is an easy paddle to Carlos Rosario. Jim can also give you some paddling tips and guidance about where to snorkel the reef.
Enjoy!
-Tate

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Re: Culebra snorkeling question
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: ginayac (---.hsd1.nj.comcast.net)
Date:   11-03-06 07:09

Lamont,
This was also a concern for us and when we got there we felt kind of silly because not a soul went near our stuff in fact even while we were in Old San Juan at the beach our umbrella flew away and a local kept running after it and I was like wow they watch out for your belongings. I think you will be fine like I said my husband and I were the only ones on Carlos and Flamenco maybe had 50 people on it during 4th of July.
Have fun.

Gina

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Re: Culebra snorkeling question
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Dante (207.203.88.---)
Date:   11-03-06 14:40

Hi,

My frined and I just returned from Culebra on Tuesday. First off, the island is beautiful and I cannot say one bad thing about my trip. Just a few words about CR beach. The trek is about 15-20 minutes from Flemenco Beach. The trail is barely visible in some areas and mostly of rocky terrain. The grass on either side of the trail is over 6 feet tall in some places and either side offers thickets of thorns that can shread your skin if you're not careful. If you do decide to hike it, take something with you that you could use to push the thorns aside. We used our snorkel bags to pass through the entire trail. Once we got to the beach, we were a little disappointed. The water was a little rough and visability was not that great. I swam out past the buoys and thought that the snorkling was just OK. I stayed on CR beach for about 30 minutes and headed back to Tamarindo Beach. Tamarindo has excellent snorkling but is very rocky as well. However, the water was calm and clear and offered a variety of cool things to see. I have dived and snorkeled in the Caribbean and Hawaii before, but I thought this was one of the best spots I have ever seen. Where ever your travels find you, you will definitely have fun on Culebra.

We also hiked to Reseca Beach. This trail was also overgrown and very treacherous and the appropriate shoes and attire should be worn. Take a machette or some type of cutting tool to get through some of the thickett of thorns. Also, stay on the marked trail.

Tamarindo Estates was a beautiful place, quiet, secluded and you get to the private clubhouse, pool, and beach. If you decide to stat at Tamarindo, get a rental car. This is a must. We used Jerry's Jeeps and were very happy with our choice. Jerry is great and very helpful.

Hope this was helpful.

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Re: Culebra snorkeling question
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Alan Taylor (---.debevoise.com)
Date:   11-03-06 19:27

I returned a few days ago from 4 days on Culebra. I can confirm the trail is very overgrown. Wear long shirt, long pants, and sneakers you can throw away after the trip.

It seems the water conditions vary a lot at CR. First time I wanted to go, a gentleman warned me not to go -- too rough and actually unsafe. I tried a few days later when there was less wind, and the conditions were beautiful. One of the highlights of the trip.

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Re: Culebra snorkeling question
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Lamont Goodman (---.nctv.com)
Date:   11-03-06 20:15

Thanks again for all of the helpful information. Can I reach Playa Tamarindo with the same trail that leads to Playa Carlos Rosario?

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Re: Culebra snorkeling question
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Doug (---.dsl.stlsmo.swbell.net)
Date:   11-04-06 10:58

You can reach the northernmost end of Tamarindo from the trail. When you reach the bottom of the hill, you will see a trail off to the left. That will take you to the north edge of Tamarindo. Much better snorkling is found near the central and southern portions which are more easily reached by car - pulling off the road to Tamarindo resort at one of several clearings.

While I hadn't been too impressed with the snorkling off the trail-side part, I was highly impressed with the beach wildlife there: a few homo sapiens females sunning in the altogether ;-).

Doug

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Re: Culebra snorkeling question
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Lamont Goodman (---.nctv.com)
Date:   11-26-06 19:45

I have also read the following statement online: "For great snorkeling, walk along the cliffs south of Playa Carlos Rosario for about a quarter mile (.4km) to a place called "The Wall," which has 40-foot (12m) drop-offs, rainbow-hued fish, and other delights." Would anyone know if this information is true, and how best to access this snorkeling area?

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