Where to Buy Beach Chairs in Old San Juan
Flamenco Beach Puerto Rico
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by Kristin Young | Updated On: August 4, 2021 | Puerto Rico
Flamenco Beach in Culebra, Puerto Rico has consistently ranked as one of the prettiest beaches in the world, and it's postcard perfect natural beauty makes it worth the extra effort to get there. As with anywhere, the longer you can take on Culebra, the better. The island has some of the best snorkeling in Puerto Rico, and nearly no development on the beaches.
We prefer a more low key natural beach to one filled with high rise resorts, and Flamenco Beach definitely delivers.
In this Post:
- Map of Flamenco Beach
- How to Get to Flamenco Beach
- Flights
- Ferry
- Tours
- Getting Around Culebra
- Flamenco Beach Villas & Camping
- Punta Flamenco
- Flamenco Beach Villa
- Culebra Beach Rentals
- Flamenco Beach Camping
- Playa Flamenco Amenities & Activities
- Food at Flamenco Beach
- Amenities at Flamenco Beach
- Muellecito Beach Entrance
- Flamenco Beach Snorkeling
- Flamenco Beach Tanks
To really enjoy all the beach and area has to offer, stay at one of the 3 spots listed below that are actually located on Flamenco Beach. But, if you're short on time, there are some fantastic tours from the mainland that show off all of the highlights without the hassle.
- Access: $5 parking 6am-6pm, $5-10 taxi ride from ferry dock
- Amenities: bathrooms, beach showers, chairs & umbrellas for rent
- Where to Stay: Punta Flamenco, Villa Flamenco, or Culebra Beach Rentals
- Insider Tip: There's a second public beach access point, Muellecito, that's free of charge and away from the crowds- but no amenities- see below.
MAP OF FLAMENCO BEACH PUERTO RICO
HOW TO GET TO FLAMENCO BEACH
If you're wondering how to get to Flamenco Beach from San Juan, you'll have 3 options. When deciding, it usually comes down to whether you have more time or more money to spend. If you don't mind shelling out a bit more cash, flying to Culebra from San Juan is the easiest way to get there. However, if you have more time to spare, or want to check out El Yunque or Fajardo along the way, then the ferry might be a decent option.
Once you arrive on Culebra, you can either walk(not recommended unless you have lots of time and little money to spare), take a taxi($5-10), or rent a car. Renting a car is by far our favorite option as it allows you to get out and explore the other nearby beaches as well.
The two main rental agencies, Carlos Jeep Rental and Jerry's Jeep Rental are both located across the street from the airport and offer shuttle service from the ferry dock. Common modes of transportation on the island are Jeeps and golf carts. We always pick the jeep because some of the more remote roads are rough. But, if seeing Flamenco Beach is all you're after, the roads are nice all the way there, so a golf cart will do just fine.
Flights to Culebra
When flying from Culebra, you'll have 2 options: flights from San Juan to Culebra or flights from Ceiba to Culebra. You can check the flight schedule for Culebra Airport HERE through Skyscanner.
Check availability and book flights to Culebra HERE.
There are currently three airlines flying to and from Culebra's Benjamin Rivera Noriega Airport(CPX):
Cape Air
Cape Air flies to/from San Juan Luis Munoz Marin(SJU), the main international airport in San Juan, as well as the airport in Ceiba, José Aponte de la Torre Airport, a.k.a. Roosevelt Roads(NRR/RVR)
Air Flamenco
Air Flamenco offers service to and from San Juan Isla Grande(SIG), which is the smaller airport in San Juan. It's much closer to Old San Juan, which can make it more convenient if planning a stop over to explore the old city. However, if transferring on to an international flight, make sure to keep this in mind and plan accordingly.
Vieques Air Link
Vieques Air Link flies from both San Juan Isla Grande and Ceiba airports offering multiple flights per day.
Seaborne Airlines(operated by Vieques Air Link)
Seaborne Airlines operates it's flight to Culebra through Vieques Air Link, and offers a few flights between Culebra and San Juan International Airport(SJU).
Culebra/ Flamenco Beach Ferry
Having taken the ferry to Flamenco Beach on Culebra several times, I don't really recommend it for one reason: uncertainty. If you are casually making your way around the island with really no agenda, then taking a chance on the ferry may be a good cheap option. But, if you're like most people trying to make the most out of their vacation, the stress and uncertainty of taking the ferry is probably not worth it.
If you do want to try the ferry, make sure you check the official ferry website, PORFERRY, well in advance of the trip, know when tickets for your date will be available, and mark your calendar to purchase them as soon as they become available. The tickets sell out VERY quickly. If you're in the area, you can always stop by the ferry dock an hour before a departure and see if any tickets are available. It's quite unlikely that you will be able to get tickets this way though, so don't depend on it.
Find Schedules, Pricing, and Buy Tickets on the Official PORFERRY Website Here.
Flamenco Beach Tour
Most Flamenco Beach tours that don't start on the actual island of Culebra start from Ceiba(the ferry dock). But there are a few companies running out of Fajardo that can take you to the small islands off the coast of the mainland as well as Culebra
Here are some of the best tour options for visiting Flamenco Beach:
From Fajardo:
- Culebra Catamaran Day Trip
- Full Day Catamaran Trip from Fajardo
From San Juan
- Culebra Snorkeling and Flamenco Beach Tour
Getting Around Culebra
Once you arrive on Culebra, you can either walk(not recommended unless you have lots of time and little money), take a taxi($5-10), or rent a car. Renting a car is by far our favorite option as it allows you to get out and explore the other nearby beaches as well.
The two main rental agencies, Carlos Jeep Rental and Jerry's Jeep Rental are both located across the street from the airport and offer shuttle service from the ferry dock. Common modes of transportation on the island are Jeeps and golf carts. We always pick the jeep because some of the more remote roads are rough. But, if seeing Flamenco Beach is all you're after, the roads are nice all the way there, so a golf cart will do just fine.
WHERE TO STAY AT FLAMENCO BEACH CULEBRA
If you're looking for flamenco beach hotels, there aren't any traditional hotels or resorts located on the beach. There are only 3 options on Flamenco Beach, or any beach on Culebra really, so be sure to book your Flamenco Beach villas or apartment rentals early because they book up fast.
Punta Flamenco
This is the absolute best spot on the entire island, in our opinion! This small house at the end of Flamenco Beach is the only private house on the beach. It's only for 2 people, but if you can get it, it's an amazing score! Plus, it's nearest to the snorkeling at Flamenco Beach, and far from the main public beach access offering more privacy.
Check Pricing and Availability for Punta Flamenco HERE.
Villa Flamenco Beach
Villa Flamenco Beach is one large house broken up into 2 efficiency 4-person apartments, and 4 studio apartments just steps from the beach. Two of the 2 person studios offer private balconies overlooking the beach. But, even if you aren't able to score one of the balconies, the property has several hammocks, tables and chairs, and community areas to enjoy the beach.
Check Pricing and Availability for Villa Flamenco HERE.
Culebra Beach Rentals
This is the largest rental property on Flamenco Beach offering several villas along the back of the property with one large apartment building on the beach. There's a path from each of the villas to the beach, but if you want beachfront views, you'll need to be in one of the A or B Apartments.
Check Pricing and Availability for Culebra Beach Rentals HERE.
Camping at Flamenco Beach
Flamenco Beach Camping is available just past the public beach access point, near the tanks, with very primitive sites. You will need to bring all of your own gear and supplies.
FLAMENCO BEACH IN PUERTO RICO
*There is a large construction project going on to improve the amenities at Flamenco beach, but in the meantime, there is limited access to food and restroom facilities. Construction is planned to be completed sometime in 2022. Due to the construction zone, there is no land access to the nearby Carlos Rosario Beach, which is very popular for snorkeling.*
When you arrive at the public access point to Flamenco Beach, you will park and enter the beach to the left. This area is where you will find camping, food, restrooms, and all of the amenities at the beach.
The apartments and villas for rent are all located toward the right of the beach. With the mile long stretch of sand, you'll find that these two areas have several people in them, but the area between is nearly empty of people.
Flamenco Beach is a can't miss spot, but make sure to check out at least a few of the other fantastic beaches on Culebra. There's a bit of everything from off the beaten path secluded beaches to amazing snorkeling spots.
Food at Flamenco Beach in Culebra
There are several food kiosks near the entrance to the beach, but there aren't set hours. Even if your favorite kiosk isn't open, there will be plenty of food and drink options available.
Pizza, Empanadas, Rice & Beans, Burgers, Smoothies, Beer, Pina Coladas, etc.
Amenities at Flamenco Beach, PR
Near the public parking area, you will find camping equipment rentals, beach chair and umbrella rentals, as well as restrooms and beach showers.
Muellecito Entrance
This side entrance to Flamenco beach is free of charge and away from the larger crowds near the public beach entrance. The snorkeling area is also located on this side of the beach, so it may be a good option if you plan to spend most of the day snorkeling.
But, you WILL NEED A JEEP! The road to get here is rough, but plenty of locals do it. I nearly chickened out when I got to a huge water covered pothole as wide as the road, but Jeeps can handle it. Also, there won't be any amenities on this end of the beach, so come prepared with everything you will need.
Flamenco Beach Snorkeling
The best snorkeling at Flamenco beach is located on the right side of the bay just near the two small rock jetties at the end of the beach. From there, make your way all along the side of the bay. You'll find plenty of coral, but the sealife can be a bit lacking.
Flamenco Beach is definitely a popular spot for snorkeling day trips, so you're just about guaranteed to see a boat floating along the edge of the reef with a group of snorkelers. If you find yourself a bit nervous alone in the water, just swim near the groups.
Flamenco Beach Tanks
You can't go to Flamenco Beach without getting a picture with the tanks. If you've ever googled Culebra Flamenco Beach, you've surely seen at least a picture of one of the tanks, but there are actually two.
Left over from the US Navy's days of using the island as a testing ground, the tanks were abandoned when the Navy eventually left the island and have now become quite the unique tourist attraction.
The most popular tank rests just where the ocean meets the beach and is nearly always surrounded by people posing or climbing it trying to snag the perfect pic. But, there's actually a second tank just off the beach into the brush a bit.
PUERTO RICO FLAMENCO BEACH TRIP
Overall Flamenco Beach, and Culebra in general, should be at the top of any Caribbean bucket list. It's a bit more work to get to this nature lover's paradise, but so very worth the effort!
Need more help planning?? Check out all of our Puerto Rico Guides HERE.
Hi! We're Kristin & Andrew, lovers of everything tropical. We spend as much time as possible searching for the best beaches, snorkeling, hiking, and fun in the sun!
Where to Buy Beach Chairs in Old San Juan
Source: https://snorkelandhike.com/flamenco-beach-puerto-rico/