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Puerto Rico

The current weather in Culebra

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Sharks in Flamenco beach
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: DANIEL (---.proxy.aol.com)
Date:   03-01-05 08:28

I would like to know if there are any dangerous fish or sharks that are located on or near the Flamenco beach area that I should keep an eye on while swimming? Thank You

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Re: Sharks in Flamenco beach
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: hillary (---.ded.ameritech.net)
Date:   03-01-05 11:15

i saw a barracuda while i was snorkeling by the army tank! but i don't think they'll bother you as long as you don't bother them.

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Re: Sharks in Flamenco beach
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Doug (---.dsl.stlsmo.swbell.net)
Date:   03-01-05 13:58

People have always told me that barracudas attack if they think you are food. Food are usually small, silvery fish. If the water is very murky and you are wearing a watch that glints in the sunlight, that could possibly precipitate an attack. If the water is clear enough to enjoy snorkling he'll see that you are way too big for food and leave you alone (it says right here!). Anyway, I always leave my watch on-shore ;-).

I have seen 2 sharks in Culebra waters. One was west of Luis Pena, the other was off Tortuga Beach on Culebrita. The one off Luis Pena was about 2 feet long; the Culebrita one was 6 or 7 feet long. Both were nurse sharks, which are reputed to be very docile. Both fish were far less menacing looking than the barracuda I have seen.

The two most hazardous things you are likely to encounter are unexploded ordinance (looks like rusty pipe) and the reef itself. If there is current or surf, you must take great care to keep from being swept onto the coral. It has razor sharp ridges and it can tear you up good. Also fire coral can burn skin badly, so learn to identify it and avoid it. Avoid touching all coral, anyway, because you are as hazardous to it as it is to you. Disturbing coral can be lethal to the reef.

Doug

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Re: Sharks in Flamenco beach
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: JoseGuzman (---.87.104.155.netdial.caribe.net)
Date:   03-01-05 14:29

I agree with what been posted.
However, sharks live in the water, it is easier to see them there that in the land ( while alive ).

Keep snorkeling for good, do not go to the channel. The place where most sharks are seen are close to Cayo Norte, in the way to Geniqui. But for a person snorkeling, the swim will kill you faster that the sharks.

Nice going...

Capt. J.guzman

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Re: Sharks in Flamenco beach
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Peter Bowden (---.alb.choiceone.net)
Date:   03-01-05 15:43

Don't worry about sharks near shore, they like the colder water farther out. Don't wear shiny jewelry and the barracudas won't be a problem. Barracudas don't see too well so they will swim toward you to check you out but they won't be interested if you are larger than they...they prefer to eat small fish who don't scream.

The only thing to be concerned about are the black sea urchins that will ruin your vacation if you step on one. they inhabit the rocky and coral areas and aren't found in the sandy beaches like Flaminco or Zoni.

If you are unfamiliar with swimming in salt water, you're in for a pleasant surprise. You'll float without treading water in salt water so it is easy to rest...just stop paddling. It is when you stop and relax that the fish come out for you to see them....way too much fun!

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Re: Sharks in Flamenco beach
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: sweet (---.clarridge.net)
Date:   03-01-05 16:20

I think the most dangerous thing down there is the sun. Plenty of sun screen makes for a good trip.

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Re: Sharks in Flamenco beach
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Joel Maners (66.78.150.---)
Date:   03-05-05 00:46

I have scuba dived many time with barracuda and sharks. Sharks usually swim away very quicky, especially nurse sharks. Count yourself lucky if you get to see one. Barracuda look fiersome but they are actually pretty tame. They have a habit of following divers because they are curious about the bubbles from the regulator. On one site I dove in Cayman they had one you could almost pet. When we dove, he would hang out under the boat. He swam within arms reach of me when I came back up for my safety stop. One thing you have to watch about barracuda is that they can change color to blend in with their environment. Sometimes they are hard to spot. I almost bumed into one head on at Little Cayman's Point-o-Sand beach. Overall, they are pretty docile. They are primarily scavengers so try not to act like a dead fich and you'll be alright. ;-)


Joel

Joel Maners
Jackson, Tennesse

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