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The current weather in Culebra

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Culebrita
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Trent (63.225.219.---)
Date:   05-17-08 11:06

I have 2 questions. What are the baths? And where are they located?
Currently we are planning to water taxi to Culebrita and Luis Pena, which I am more than happy to pay the fare. The only downfall I have is the time frame. One of the reasons we chose Culebra is so we can relax and enjoy just being there, and not worry about catching the taxi. I understand there are no longer boat rentals on Culebra. What happened? We even checked into chartering an overnight sail, but they wouldn't let us dive for insurance purposes. Any thoughts? and please tell me if I'm just being stupid.

20 days and counting! Trent.

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Re: Culebrita
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Mort (---.tampabay.res.rr.com)
Date:   05-18-08 13:43

Culebrita's main beach (Playa Tortuga) is in a kind of horseshoe-shaped bay, and the baths are located at one end of it. It is not a far walk to the baths from the beach. You'll need shoes or sandals because the beach does not extend all the way.

The baths are large tidal pools. The sea splashes (sometimes smashes) up against the coral rocks, and the water that makes it through/over fills the tidal pools. You can swim in them or even snorkel, but be cautious... the rocks can be very slippery.

It's definitely worth going to the baths if you're going to be on Culebrita.

Culebrita is nice. I've been there three times on a friend's catamaran. But Flamenco beach is nicer, in my opinion, and the snorkeling is far better at Carlos Rosario, no contest. And Carlos Rosario feels nearly as remote as Culebrita. In fact, once I was on Culebrita when there were 30 boats and over a hundred people, while at Carlos Rosario, there were only two or three people.

What I'm trying to say is... If you feel like paying the money to go to Culebrita, by all means do it. But if you aren't able to get out there, don't feel like you missed something that is any more special than Culebra's myriad beaches and reefs.

Just one guy's opinion!

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Re: Culebrita
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Trent (63.225.219.---)
Date:   05-18-08 16:01

I think I've found them on Google Earth. Someone labled them the jacuzzi's, if I'm looking in the right spot. Good to know to not fret about getting to Culebrita. Still would love to find a way. Even Luis Pena.
Okay, I just realized we won't have enough time to se it all. Just another reason to return.

19 days and counting! Trent.

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Re: Culebrita
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Mort (---.tampabay.res.rr.com)
Date:   05-18-08 20:43

Yeah, I know what you mean. It's fun to save cool things for a return trip. I've not yet been to Zoni, for example. I've been saving it for later!

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Re: Culebrita
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Blues, M.D. (---.hsd1.md.comcast.net)
Date:   05-18-08 22:42

Trent,
Call Willie for a ride to Culebrita...$40.00 per person. The boat leaves behind Susie's Restaurant between 8 and 9 am. He will drop you off on one side and you then hike 15-20 minutes to Playa Tortuga. Pick up is usually 4:30 - 5:00. There are other beaches as well ...if Tortuga has more than 2 or 3 boats docked it may spoil the serenity. There is another beach you can cut over to (trail to the right before coming to Tortuga) not far at all, where you have a view of St. Thomas in the distance. I am sorry I did not hike to the light tower; the view is spectacular from pictures I have seen.
As for the baths, flip flops should be avoided....the rocks on the way are sharp and inviting ankle injury...once at the baths beware of urchins ouch!
If beaching on Playa Tortuga, go to the left...we met some people who were aggravated by bees who like beer at the entrance to the beach. Bring sandwiches, fruit, And water! There is some snorkeling at the mouth of the crescent about 75-100 yds. out from the left side of the beach.
If you really want remoteness, try Brava or Resaca (it is a hike) although the the surf there is not for casual bathing. An easier day would be Zoni...sweetness, less hiking, and usually quiet. If you E-mail me I could send some photos.

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Re: Culebrita
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Blues, M.D. (---.hsd1.md.comcast.net)
Date:   05-18-08 22:43

MORT HAS NOT BEEN TO ZONI?

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Re: Culebrita
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: MJ (---.prtc.net)
Date:   05-19-08 06:31

It took me about oh...five + years to get to Brava...

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Re: Culebrita
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Jeannie G3 (---.aep.bellsouth.net)
Date:   05-19-08 10:01

I lived in PR for 13 years and have gone back numerous times to visit my family and still have not been to all 77 municipalities. LOL!!! My family has lived there most of their life, not to mention the members that were born in PR and have never traveled anywhere outside the mainland, not even to Vieques or Culebra. Not even to Caja de Muertos, LOL!!!! Happy travels! J

supergarcia3

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Re: Culebrita
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Doug (---.dsl.stlsmo.swbell.net)
Date:   05-19-08 17:13

Dang, Mort...

According to "Rum and Reggae", Zoni is a Caribbean superlative. We gotta get you out of thong mode and onto Zoni!

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Re: Culebrita
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Trent (63.225.219.---)
Date:   05-19-08 17:37

Ironically, I heard "Thongs Across the Water" 2008 is being held at Zoni Beach this summer. Participation required to attend. Fortunately, I will not be able to make it, but might give Mort some initiative.

Seriously though, it sounds like I better check out Zoni when we go, huh?

18 days and counting! Trent.

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Re: Culebrita
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Debbie (---.sip.asm.bellsouth.net)
Date:   05-19-08 18:26

Oh, hell - I got all y'all beat. I didn't step foot on Flamenco until five (yes FIVE) years after we first went to Culebra. Zoni came before that (maybe 2003) because we stayed in a house out that way. I did, however, visit Brava before MJ ever did. Whew! Seriously, it was all about the diving for us. We were never beach people. Then, one day in 2005, we said - "Let's go see what Flamenco Beach is all about." At some point after that, diving took second fiddle to relaxing. Thank goodness we figured it out!

Happy Diving!
Debbie

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Re: Culebrita
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Trent (63.225.219.---)
Date:   05-20-08 10:32

I can't even fathom just laying on a beach with all that underwater adventure sitting at your toes. If I could grow gills, I would. But, I am just a newbie in the diving realm and I suppose the infatuation will wear off sometime. What a sad day that will be. But for now, I live and breath it!

What's the scoop on Cayo Norte? I never hear anyone talk about it.

17 days and counting! Trent.

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Re: Culebrita
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Doug (---.dsl.stlsmo.swbell.net)
Date:   05-20-08 16:44

Cayo Norte is a privately owned isand, but I'm pretty sure you can dive offshore from it.

Trent - I hear you on diving. I love snorkling, but had been inspired by Debbie and her hubby to get certified. Right after I signed up for classes, I had a cardiac event and the doc says nay. Killjoy.

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Re: Culebrita
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Jeannie G3 (---.msy.bellsouth.net)
Date:   05-20-08 20:40

Hola! Cayo Norte was auctioned off in 2006 and now belongs to the Shelley family, who are trying to develop resort hotel projects such as Marina Puerto del Rey and Cayo Largo Resort. Fortunately, they have not been successful and are battling their issues in court. The story behind the sale is that some people claim that Cayo Norte never belonged to Puerto Rico to begin with. The Spanish Government (PR was ruled by Spain in the beginning) exchanged the cayo with a Puertorrican landowner for a more strategic parcel of land. From then on, Cayo Norte has always been a private property. The property was then passed on in inheritance and the sale of it was done by the courts in representation of the past owners. It is known that on the Cayo there were 5 summer homes, all with septic tanks and that they kept chickens, guinea hens and goats, all eating off the native vegetation.
Why are some people protesting this sale? Many have stated that the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources of PR should have purchased the island to protect it. On the Cayo there are many endemic species of plants, birds that nest there, delicate marine life, coral reefs, etc. The development of a mega resort would jeopardize all this. Look all the problems "He who shall not be named (Victor)" has caused at Culebra. Some argue that even if the Dept. of Natural Resources purchased it, they would have done nothing more to protect it as they have not done with many of the areas they possess. You be the judge. Happy travels! J

supergarcia3

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Re: Culebrita
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Mort (---.tampabay.res.rr.com)
Date:   05-21-08 19:35

Jeannie, thanks for all that info!

Blues and Doug, I will definitely go to Zoni in December! You've convinced me.

Doug, I'll start using Zoni as a superlative right away. Thanks for the tip.

To all... I think I need to clear up a misconception about me and my relationship to thongs. Even though I'd look really Zoni in one, I'm really more of a spectator than a participant.

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Re: Culebrita
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Blues, M.D. (---.hsd1.md.comcast.net)
Date:   05-21-08 23:00

Mort,
The use of "Zoni" as a superlative is simply brilliant....it is a privilege and an honor to be among the chosen few who understand and appreciate its significance. I might even go there in December just to see the expression of bliss on your face as as you experience the calming powers of its existence.

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Re: Culebrita
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Herb (---.dsl.stlsmo.swbell.net)
Date:   05-21-08 23:10

One of the "resident campers" of Flamenco, that I talked with in January told me the same messed up story about Cayo Norte. His position was the family was duped into selling it. I couldn't following all of the story....too much detail for a vacationing brain. One thing I remember him saying is that the beach on Cayo Norte is available for public use....if you can get there. Apparently the beaches in PR are public to the tide level. I hope I am not misinforming anyone and if I am, then I immediately (as of now) retract my statement. Anyway, we remained content to view it from afar and loved Zoni. In late January there were only about 6 people on the whole beach. It was beautiful.

Hey, if you find my lost lens out of my prescription sun glasses, send it to me.


LOL
Herb

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Re: Culebrita
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Jeannie G3 (---.asm.bellsouth.net)
Date:   05-22-08 10:37

There are laws in Puerto Rico that grant the public the right to enjoy the beach. Unfortunately, these laws are subject to interpretation (as the law always is) and have been subject to many battles in court. According to the Civil Code, the beaches of PR are properties of public domain (1969), everyone has equal opportunity to enjoy them. It is a requirement, by law, to provide public accessibility to the beach. The tide level area is where the controversy starts. Owners of beach front property claim that their property lines start where the tide is at it's highest, but the tide is always changing! This area called "zona maritimo terrestre" is always changing due to coastal erosion, changing weather conditions, etc. Owners claim the beach as part of their property. If you own beach front property, you must let anyone and everyone through so they can enjoy the beach (this is also part of the law). This leads to other problems. Only access needs to be provided, not other facilities and owners with beach front properties get mad when cars are parked on their property, garbage is left behind, loud music, etc.
I don't think this is a problem with Cayo Norte, no one lives there. You have to get there by boat, so parking on land is not a problem. Even though it is a private property, it is subject to environmental laws. Leave no trace behind, pick up your trash, don't pollute the waters, be careful not to damage coral or other marine life. Let us see your pics and report your adventures if you go there. Happy travels! J

supergarcia3

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Re: Culebrita
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Trent (63.225.219.---)
Date:   05-22-08 16:55

Doug, sorry to hear about your diving limitations. I would be crushed! That was my worst fear going through diver training; that something physically would keep me from diving. At least you have snorkeling to wase the pain.
Debbie, thanks for the info on Cayo Norte. What a saga. If we ever get there, I'll let you know. So much to see, so much to do, so little time. So, how much to purchase Cayo Norte? I'd like to see it purchased to remain unoccupied, or at least undeveloped. I'm sure it wouldn't meet my budget, but I can still dream.

15 days and counting! Trent.

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Re: Culebrita
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Trent (63.225.219.---)
Date:   06-02-08 20:21

Blues, M.D., still waiting to receive your pics. Did you get my e-mail?

3 1/4 days and counting! Trent.

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