INTRODUCTION
SHELTER
FOOD & DRINK
TRANSPORT
TO DO
MAPS
FORVM
SEARCH
POST NEW TOPIC
Puerto Rico

The current weather in Culebra

RSS feed
New Topic  |  Go to Top  |  Go to Topic  |  Search  |  Log In Newer Topic  |  Older Topic
Need advice, visiting in December
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Zane Cofield (---.twcny.rr.com)
Date:   09-27-04 06:42

Hello!

We sure could use some help. We're visiting Culebra from Dec. 22-29, and need a little information, and any help you could give us would be greatly appreciated.

What sort of groceries are available there, what types of vegetables, coffee? And, is there fresh fish, lobster, and other native seafoods available in the restaurants? In the grocery stores, fish markets?

We'll also have a boat, and would like advice on what reefs we should visit for snorkeling. I have the PR chart with all the sites listed, but I would like input from those who have actually been there, done it.

What about transportation? I have a boat lined up, since to us, that's vital, but we'll also need ground transportation. I have three sons and a nephew traveling with us, ages 19-28, and was wondering whether it would be advisable to get scooters for them, or another vehicle? They will want to surf, if that's possible and conditions are right, and they'll want to explore around the island. My wife and I, and my mother in law, will most likely keep a vehicle at the house as well, in addition to whatever transportation we get for the boys.

Weather in December? A educated guess? Clothing for that season?

Is there a reliable way to get from Culebra to Vieques, in the event we want to take one of the biobay kayak tours? Also, is there a kayak outfitter on Culebra who is reasonable?

I've read all the sniping and bashing of Mamacita's, and I'd like a NATIVE'S opinion of the eateries on the island. We are of the opinion that when in Rome, do as the Romans, NOT tell the natives how to cook, etc. We are there as guests, and ENJOY native foods (that's a big part of why we go to the islands), and we love to hear about the natives' lives and hobbies, try new foods and eat fresh cooked seafood (or raw, for that matter), so if we could get some advice on restaurants, that would help.

I fully understand what it's like to get food to an island by boat, as our other home is in Bimini, and food comes on Thursdays, from Nassau, IF IT COMES (sea conditions), so we are adaptable and love the adventure of scouting around to find whatever we need to make meals, including spearing our own fish at times.

Are there places where we can attend barbecues, things like that, where we can enjoy this island's culture? What about a small museum, perhaps, other cultural points of interest?

We appreciate the opportunity to be on Culebra and appreciate any help we can get from the Culebrenses on how to act and where to eat, play, snorkel, and party. Thank you, kindly.

Zane Cofield and Family

Reply To This Message
Re: Need advice, visiting Culebra in December
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: JM RENTALS, INC (66.50.189.---)
Date:   09-28-04 13:07

Hello Zane,

Is Mitchelle, I already write you. But I can give you some information about the Island.

Here we are surrounding by beautiful beaches. Flamenco beach, Flamenco beach is the second beach most beautiful in the Caribbean and in the states; Zoni beach is other beach, which I consider amazing, also is great for snorkeling; other beaches to do snorkling are: Carlos Rosario, Tamarindo, Melones, and Luis Peña, they are protected by natural resources, so you can see all the different types of fishes there. Also Culebrita is another beach, but you have to go by boat.

December is a beautiful month to come to the Island, you can smell the Christmas spirit that we, puertorricans, have. Also you can eat typical christma's food.

Here we have like four grocery stores that you can buy all the stuffs that you need. Of course, here you can find fresh fishes, lobsters,etc., all of them you can find it in "Villa Pesquera," that place is where all the fishermans goes and sell their seafood.

If you have more questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact us by phone or e-mail

Have a nice day,
Mitchelle

Reply To This Message
Re: Need advice, visiting in December
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Juan Soto (---.landg1.lb.home.nl)
Date:   09-29-04 16:49

Hello,
We are staying on Culebra from the 27th until the 29th december.
We were there in the summer of 2002 and loved it, so we are coming back this year. The atmosfer is great, nice weather, nice people, beautiful beaches, great nature. We went in the evening to mamacitas for a drink, it was very nice. We made contact with the natives and other holidayers.
As you already said, if in Rome do as the romans!! Great advice.
Hope you enoy you stay. Greetings from Holland
Juan Soto

Reply To This Message
Re: Need advice, visiting in December
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Michael (---.nyc.rr.com)
Date:   10-01-04 17:42

Zane, when you go to Vieques, make sure to check out our sister site, isla-vieques.com and for the bio bay I suggest to rent a kayak for the night and go alone (sans tour) ...

Enjoy Culebra!

Michael

Reply To This Message
Re: Need advice, visiting in December
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Tracy (207.43.195.---)
Date:   10-05-04 12:53

Hi, Zane. I just sent you an email off line, but wanted to reply here in case it does not go through...

From your note and description of your outlook on discovery / adventure, you will LOVE Culebra! Really.

Let me try to help answer some of your questions...

Snorkeling...
If you have a boat and a vehicle, I recommend this... Drive your boat to Tamarindo. Have someone else drive the car to Tamarindo at the same time. Then, either take the car or the boat back to Malones. If you drove the car, leave it there and SNORKEL BACK to Tamarindo from Malones (then pick up the boat and go back to town / Malones). If you drive the boat back to Malones, there are bouys there to tie on to... Leave the boat and SNORKEL BACK from Malones to Tamarindo to your car. I did this snorkel and it takes about 2 or 3 hours -- depends on how fast you want to get through it. Do this if you have time and energy. You will be going WITH the current so it is not so hard. If you can't do that, then at least try to snorkel Malones. But other great spots.... By Boat - Carlos Rosario is a must. And Punta Soldado is good too, but I recommend Carlos Rosario over Punta Soldado.

Food. We have two grocery stores in town. One larger than the other. But another option -- if you are interested -- is to have us (Culebra Cleaning and Provisioning) stock your guesthouse before your arrival with all of your provisions. You can order from a menu, or give me a general idea of what you would like. I take payment by PayPal, it is really easy and convenient. I also have pre-designed Puerto Rican recipies you can order from if you would like to cook while you are there. Otherwise, I can do the essentials -- like breakfast foods, snacks, fruit, etc -- this comes in VERY handy when you get back too late for lunch. You see, the restaurants are only open certain times of the day. You eat lunch from noon to 2 or you don't eat lunch in a restaurant. Most of the restaurants open back up for dinner atl 6. And if you wait too long, you might miss dinner because it ends around 9. A lot of people like to have some food on hand. You can email me or give me a call. I have a US / Kansas City cell number, 913-481-8367 (so the people back home can call me locally / and because I like to keep the same number).

Fresh fish.... We do have a fresh fish market. It is located in the gas station. But there is not always fish there. They sometimes have a selection of fish at the Dive Shop... And contrary to the bashing on the forum, Mamacitas has EXCELLENT food and great fish dishes. Also, to note, the restaruant and bar are being managed by new people this season... it has been and will be great.

Transportation / Surfing... I would recommend renting a 4WD vehicle if you are staying outside of town. Plus, it is easier to get where you need to go, when you need to go. I would not advise the scooters. I think it is dangerous. And if they want to go surfing, getting to those beaches will require a 4WD -- and that will only get them half way there. They will have to hike as well. Have them come into the store called BUTIKI (it is on the hill in town, just up from the public dock where you will probably have your boat, right by the supermarket). I will point them in the direction of people that know about the surf conditions.

Culture... I recommend you extend your stay through New Years to go to the festival. It is a great time. There are a few restaruants that are outside of town that you will like if you are seeking 'the real thing.' -- come in to Butiki and we can chat.

You will love Culebra. I am interested in knowing more about Bimini!

Talk to you soon and see you in December.
Tracy

Reply To This Message
Re: Need advice, visiting in December
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: JoseGuzman (---.87.103.52.netdial.caribe.net)
Date:   10-27-04 18:33

If you need captain services contact me... have been visiting Culebra for almost 21 years, know the area quite well.
Also, may visit USVI & BVI if you want & have time.
I take SCUBA divers to Culebra & Vieques, some areas are shark visited, others more safe.
About food... you will find almost everything, although may have to pay little more.
There are two very good COLMADOS or market places, some others have good beef.
Local (cooked food) may be find at TINAS, and La Poncena, Mamacitas is good too, although is more US.
Good anchorage at La Pela, Dakiti, and Dewey... La Pela for me is the best... good breeze, good view of St. Thomas.

Capt. J.Guzman
USCG 100GT #1006984
787 642 8270

Reply To This Message
Threaded View Newer Topic  |  Older Topic