Carefree Snorkeling Tour on Culebra
If your idea of vacation fun includes good snorkeling, then you need to get out of San Juan!
I think the closest and best snorkeling you’ll find around the north-east of Puerto Rico is on the out-islands of Culebra and Vieques. But getting to those islands can be a bit of a hassle and worrisome — waiting in line for ferry tickets, not knowing exactly where to go, where to get snorkel gear and how to get to the best snorkel spots.
Now, Kayaking Puerto Rico has removed all of the roadblocks to a great snorkeling experience. They offer an all-day excursion to Culebra that includes snorkeling (almost always with turtles!) at the Luis Peña Nature Reserve. They’ve organized a trip that takes you from Ceiba to Culebra, some beach time, some snorkel time and back to Ceiba again. They do all the planning, so all you have to do is sit back and enjoy yourself!
We had the opportunity to join the folks from Kayaking Puerto Rico a few times for their Culebra Aquafari trip.
The Snorkel Area
Snorkeling on Cuelbra and its cays is some of the best you will find in Puerto Rico. The Luis Peña Channel Nature Reserve was designated as the first aquatic no-take nature reserve in Puerto Rico. The west-side beaches including Melones, Tamarindo and Carlos Rosario, the Cayo Luis Peña, and the waters around them all, are protected as part of the Culebra National Wildlife Refuge. Because of the fishing ban, the underwater flora and fauna have flourished. Some of the best snorkeling you will find in Puerto Rico. Turtles are an every day sighting!
Starting Your Day in Ceiba
The staff of Kayaking Puerto Rico takes care of you from start to finish. The only thing you need to do is arrange for transportation to/from the ferry terminal in Ceiba. I think the best (and most economical) way to do that is by renting a car. But if you don’t want to do that, the company can give you names of transportation services to get you to the ferry terminal.
Your day with KPR begins when you arrive at the ferry terminal in Ceiba. A rep from Kayaking Puerto Rico will be waiting for you and they’ll hand your your round-trip ferry ticket. They will have already purchased your ferry tickets, so you don’t have worry about waiting in the ticket line, or if tickets sell out, etc.
Your KPR representative will get you onto the ferry. Once you get off the ferry in Culebra, there will be another Kayaking Puerto Rico rep waiting for you. Just scan the dock for the guy holding the Kayaking Puerto Rico sign. Here they will take you on a bus for the short ride to Tamarindo Beach to snorkel. After the snorkeling, you’ll be taken to Flamenco beach to enjoy it for a couple of hours. Flamenco beach has been listed as one of the Top 10 most beautiful beaches in the world, so it is a treat to be able to visit it. Note that lunch is not included in this trip, so bring cash for lunch (which you can purchase at the beach kiosks. All throughout the day, your guides will tell you about the flora/fauna or the island, it’s history and and culture.Really so much interesting stuff to learn!
Instructions & Equipment and Snorkeling
Our tour guides, Julio and Joel, gave us a briefing on snorkeling, and the snorkel etiquette. They also talked about the conservation efforts and what we needed to do to keep from damaging the coral. You are given your flotation belt and snorkel gear. You should try on your mask and fins to make sure they fit correctly — it’s easier to adjust those things while standing on the beach versus floating in the water. For people who have never snorkeled before, they also will give you a brief lesson and make sure you’re comfortable with all of the equipment. They have a safe place to lock up all your personal items where they will stay dry. Snorkeling here is great- Here there is sea grass, where the turtles love to hang out and eat. We saw a bunch of turtles, close up. So beautiful! And then we snorkeled around this area where they are doing coral restoration projects. This also was a great area to see all sorts of fish and other things.
After that, they take you to Flamenco Beach, where your guides give you some informational discussions about the beach/flora/fauna, history. And then you are free to enjoy this beautiful beach on your own. Meet your guides back at the agreed upon time and location and they take you back to the ferry for your trip back to Ceiba.
Hints, Tips & Other Info
Since you’ll be in full sun for about 3 hours you should wear a t-shirt or rash guard. Also, make sure you put reef-safe sunscreen (lots!) on your back, legs and arms. Don’t forget the backs of your knees. You will get sunburned while snorkeling!
Bring money for lunch.
Make sure you bring a change of clothes and something warm to wear on the ferry. There are bathrooms and showers at Flamenco beach.
The Details
Check their website for the current rates. This includes the round-trip ferry and transfers to Tamarindo and Flamenco Beaches. All trips include snacks and water and use of snorkel equipment. (Lunch is not included). If you really don’t want to take the ferry, contact them, they can arrange a flight for the tour instead (for additional fee). Book Now
If you're happy, let them know it — Don't forget to tip your your bartender, tour guide or trip operator if you enjoyed yourself. Gratuities are appreciated and typically aren't included in the price they charge you.
If you’re staying on Puerto Rico mainland, allow a full day (8:30am until after 6:00pm) for the whole trip.
You can call Kayaking Puerto Rico at 787.245.4545 for more information.
You can visit their web site for more information.
Please refer to our article about the Ceiba Ferry for driving directions to the ferry terminal.
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