Swimming in Flamenco Beach, Culebra, PR

My Experience - The Culebra Effect
November 2010 / By Ricardo Negrón
As I sip on my cerveza overlooking the beautiful harbor of Culebra, a small trimaran approaches the dock next to the bar. In typical sailboat fashion he approaches without a sound and drops sail  as he ties his boat securely on the dock. The bartender hands him a  beer without the guy even uttering a word, but with a smile that can  only be accomplished by years of this type of laid back living. “This  guy is definitely local”, I think to myself while admiring the small yet beautiful vessel that he captains. “No engine…nice!” It’s funny that only 6 hours before I was in the hustle and bustle of San Juan clocking out of my job. The thoughts of the city were long gone by the time the ferry had cast off from the Isla Grande.
On a boat in Culebra, PR
Twenty minutes of planning, forty minutes of driving (from San Juan), and one ferry boat ride (about $2.50) later, we arrive on the island of Culebra. Despite the fact that I’ve been here several times before and have sailed over since I was a child, I am ALWAYS excited to return. My friends and I have come very prepared for this trip. One tent, two sets of clothes, an empty cooler, and… “oh wait I forgot my toothbrush!” No worries, it will all work out. First things first, we need to fill up that cooler, get some food, water, and if budget permits… a toothbrush.  We head to one of the nearest markets which feels like a cross between a New York style bodega and a hardware store. They usually carry just about anything you will need on the Island plus some other cool water toys here and there. We stock up on supplies that include mainly beer, since we know that the beach we’re camping at  offers all sorts of food, drinks, and water toys as well. In fact, the taxi driver that takes us to Flamenco Beach assures us that his wife makes the best rice and beans on the planet, and she has a cart right there on the beach.  Does it get much better than this?

After we set up camp we decide to get some food and maybe a beer (or ten) at one of the local places called  Dinghy Dock. They have great food, cold beer, and always a fun crowd. Since this is a more formal place, I decide  to change into my good flip-flops. When we arrive, there is a live band playing and everyone is in the  whole island groove by now.
We all sit down at the bar and order a beer and some appetizers. I mentally revise  our itinerary: Today we hang out at Dinghy Dock, tomorrow we stay at the beach next to our tent playing guitar, looking at the stars, and sharing stories. Not a bad plan indeed. Things seem much simpler here, and by the time  you leave you will see things very differently. So, as I sipped on my cerveza...
Negron in Culebra, PR
In this section, we'll profile the experiences of Culebra's visitors and residents. Send us your story at myexperience@enculebra.com. Who knows, you may be next!
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My Experience. Confessions of a Culebra Addict.
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