Culebrita Island

Culebrita lies a couple of kilometres east of Culebra, an uninhabited islet of about a square kilometre within the national wildlife refuge, with six beaches, Playa Tortuga on the north side the main one, a set of natural tide pools on the northern shore known as the baths, and a lighthouse of 1886 on the hill, now roofless and unsafe. Turtles nest on the beaches and the reefs around are good for snorkelling. Its Punta del Este is the easternmost point of Puerto Rico. There is nothing on the island: no water, no shade to speak of, no facilities.

Highlights

• The tide pools - natural rock basins on the northern shore, calm at low tide.
• The lighthouse - an 1886 tower on the hilltop, now a ruin.
• The beaches - several stretches of sand around the islet.
• The reefs - coral offshore with clear-water snorkelling.

When to go

December to May is the drier season and the calmest for the crossing. Turtle nesting runs through the warmer months and beaches may be restricted. Rough water cancels boats.

What to expect

The lighthouse is structurally unsafe and entering it is prohibited. There is no water, no toilets and very little shade on the island. Everything must be carried in and out, and boat times must be arranged for the return.

Nearby

Culebra is a short boat ride west, and Flamenco Beach is on its northern shore.

Key facts