One Of The World's Best Beaches Is A Hidden Gem Just Off The Coast Of Puerto Rico

If your idea of the perfect vacation involves lounging around on pristine tropical beaches listening to the sound of the crashing waves and the wind rustling through coconut trees, you might want to start planning a trip to Flamenco Beach on the tiny Caribbean island of Culebra. Although the island is only about 7 miles long and 2 miles wide, it's home to breathtaking beaches. Flamenco Beach, the island's most popular, consistently ranks amongst the best in the world. Travelers from the United States won't even need a passport to visit tropical paradise, since Culebra is part of Puerto Rico.

Around 1,500 people call Culebra home, and each year about half a million tourists visit the island. Many of the tourists are visiting the beaches on a day trip from San Juan, Puerto Rico's vibrant capital city, or as part of day-long snorkeling tours. However, if you want to make the most of your trip to Puerto Rico, it's worth spending a few days there. Travelers searching for rest and relaxation will adore the peaceful island vibes, and nature lovers will enjoy being surrounded by the diverse flora and fauna while lounging on the soft sand of Playa Flamenco.

To reach Playa Flamenco, you'll first have to travel to Puerto Rico before making your way to the tiny island of Culebra. The largest airport, Luis Muñoz Marín International, is located in the historic city of San Juan, just minutes away from some of the city's top attractions. More than 120 direct flights depart daily to cities around the United States. Flights from international destinations like Spain, Panama, and Colombia are also available throughout the week. It's well-worth spending some time exploring the sites of San Juan before continuing your journey to Culebra. San Juan is the United States' oldest city, and is known for historic architecture, delicious food, luxurious hotels, a thriving art scene, and an exciting nightlife.

From San Juan, you have a couple of options. You can choose to take a short flight on a small plane from the international airport to the island. The flight only takes about 25 minutes, and ticket prices start at around $130 one way. Cape Air offers several departures each day. Alternatively, you can take the ferry. 

The ferry is a much more affordable option when compared to flying, but you will first have to drive to the town of Ceiba which takes about an hour. The ferry from Ceiba to Culebra costs $2.25 cents each way and takes just under an hour. There are eight departures each day. The first departure is at 3:30 a.m. and the last departure is at 7:30 p.m. If you plan to take the ferry, keep in mind that you'll have to leave your rental car behind. There is a parking lot at the ferry terminal.

Playa Flamenco is exactly the kind of picture-perfect beach that comes to mind when you envision vacationing in the Caribbean. The mile-long stretch of coastline is covered in sugar-like soft white sand, and the water is sparkling turquoise blue that's practically begging for you to take a swim.

The beach is protected by a U-shaped bay and the waves are nice and calm, so it is a great place to swim and do some snorkeling. There are public bathrooms and showers onsite. Lifeguards patrol the beach during the day, offering families traveling with kids some much-needed peace of mind. There's a lot at the beach where you can park for a small fee and you can grab an authentic Puerto Rican lunch at one of the kiosks set up nearby.

If you're interested in military history, you'll be fascinated by the abandoned navy vehicles on the beach that date back to WWII. "The Tank", partially buried in the sand covered in graffiti, is starkly contrasted against the sparkling sea and has become a popular spot for tourists to take selfies. The military ceased operations in Culebra by 1975, but the rusty relics serve as a potent reminder of the days when the United States military used the island for missile testing, inspiring the locals to rise up in protest.

Aside from taking in the stunning beauty of one of the world's top-rated beaches, Culebra is a relatively quiet island. There are plenty of other beaches worth exploring on the island, including Tamarindo Beach, which is a beautiful place to watch the sunset. If you're willing to travel off the beaten path a bit, head to Punta Soldado Beach. The remote, rocky beach has incredible snorkeling just offshore, and it's much less crowded than Playa Flamenco.

An impressive 20% of the entire island is protected, so make sure to check out the Culebra National Wildlife Refuge, which was established in 1909. The preserve features diverse ecosystems like mangroves, beaches, and dry forests. When you're ready to take a break from all of the sunshine and saltwater, there's a small museum dedicated to the history of the island. It's located in an old military structure, and mostly focuses on the military presence on Culebra. There are also a few exhibits dedicated to the island's first Indigenous inhabitants.

You shouldn't expect the same wild nightlife you'd find in San Juan, but there are a few fun places to eat on the island. Susie's has a nice outdoor dining space and a menu featuring Puerto Rican and Asian flavors. Dinghy Dock Restaurant is right on the water and has cocktails and tasty seafood. Blac Flamingo Coffee is the perfect place to grab breakfast or brunch before your beach day.

Culebra is tiny, so accommodation options are somewhat limited. If you plan on staying overnight, ensure that you make reservations well in advance. Guest houses are the most common place to stay. If you're hoping to stay right by Flamenco Beach, try to score a spot at Villa Flamenco Beach. The guesthouse has two apartments that sleep four people and four studio apartments that are ideal for couples.

Aleli Cottages are located on a hillside away from the beach, but you'll still be able to enjoy beautiful views of the water. There are more than 10 cottage rentals to choose from, some of which sleep up to eight people. Hotel Kokomo is a two-star option located near the ferry terminal, with eight guest rooms and ocean views. It's only seven minutes away from Flamenco Beach.

For a more traditional hotel experience, head to Club Seabourne. The property has several villas that are great for couples, families, and groups of friends, as well as hotel rooms. Prices for the basic rooms start at around $200 per night. Guests can enjoy complimentary breakfast and lounge around by the pool before exploring the rest of the island.