Snorkeling in Culebra Puerto Rico – Top 6 Spots To Visit

Culebra is an island that belongs to the Puerto Rico Archipelago and forms the Spanish Virgin Islands and Vieques. It was a US naval base in the past, therefore has barely been touched by the hands of development. With its stunning unspoiled miles of coastline, it boasts reams of healthy coral formations and abundant sea life to enjoy. This is why guides and locals alike agree that the island’s beaches belong to the finest Puerto Rico snorkeling places. Should you decide to go snorkeling in Culebra, which we highly recommend, we list the best places to visit encircled by coral reefs and overflowing with tropical fish, rays, and sea turtles!

Flamenco Beach

Flamenco has an envied and justifiable reputation as one of the most beautiful beaches of Culebra. Its white sand and incredible Caribbean blue water attract tourists who come to spend the day enjoying the sun and sea. As a local attraction, you will also find two abandoned army tanks, so it is not a surprise why it is often called The Tank Beach.

But Flamenco is not only famous for its tanks but also because it is a prime place for snorkeling in Culebra. The first reef is easily reachable from the shore; it lies a bit to the left of the beach when facing the water. The crowd of snorkeling enthusiasts there makes it hard to miss. Although the 2017 hurricanes damaged the reefs near the shore, the large corals survived, and there are signs of recovery in the shallows, too.

A better reef is situated more to the left as you leave from the tank along the beach. The best part lies along the extreme right of the beach, where the rocks start. The locals call this place the Shark Cages.

All types of beach gear, like chairs, sun umbrellas, and water sports equipment, are available to rent at Flamenco. Still, for hygiene and safety reasons, it is always better to bring your snorkeling goggles, snorkel, and flippers.

Tamarindo Beach

Tamarindo, just a short drive from Flamenco, is known for the incredible vistas of Cay Luis Pena and for being one of the best spots to go snorkeling in Culebra, Puerto Rico. Locals consider this spot beloved because of its protected, calm waters, moderate depths, and wide range of submarine life.

You will find various coral species and many kinds of Caribbean fish, such as trumpetfish and trunkfish, octopus, squids, and sea stars. The best part is that stingrays and sea turtles are almost guaranteed!

The spot is not only ideal for Culebra snorkeling but also for paddle boarding and kayaking, so the whole family can have fun. However, it is good if you bring swim shoes because there are many pebbles and rocks on the shore and also sea urchins.

Tip: It is a common question: Which is better, Vieques or Culebra, for snorkeling? Well, it is difficult to decide. The best is to visit both islands, so make sure to read our Vieques snorkeling guide, too!

Playa Carlos Rosario

The secluded stretch of sand at Carlos Rosario has a deserved reputation for being the most fantastic Culebra snorkeling spot. Its secluded location and the fact that it is part of the Culebra Nature Reserve explain why the underwater life is so amazing here.

Reaching this beach requires a boat trip, but you can get it from Flamenco. In this case, you need to hike down a trail that leads here from the parking lot. There are also excellent picnic facilities, so make sure to bring some snacks and drinks to recharge your batteries after you finish your exciting snorkeling expedition.

Once you reach the water, head right until it turns sandy. The better reef lies to the right of this sandy spot. In relatively shallow water, there is a huge variety of colorful fish and a diverse collection of corals and sea fans. The max depth is about 40ft/12m.

Tip: Culebra doesn’t relay have big fancy resorts but lovely small hotels, B&B and guest hoses. Should you look for a place to stay, we recommend Aleli Cottages that offers villas with fantastic view and that is Casa Robinson Guest House that is situated near Ensenada Honda bay.

Melones Beach

The Luis Peña Channel Natural Reserve includes a stunning stretch of sand called Melones. From behind the picnic table, entering the water to snorkel off the beach is easy.

If you swim over towards the right, heading to the rocks emerging from the water, you will find stunning submarine rock formations and an accompanying coral reef to enjoy. The bottom is covered by soft coral and sea fans as well as hard coral in about 15-25ft/4.5-7.5m deep water. There are also seagrass fields nearby that attract all types of turtles.

Melones is also convenient because it is an easy, quick drive from the island ferry terminal. While it is an ideal Culebra snorkeling spot, swimmers will not especially enjoy it because of the rocky bottom. The beach is narrower and comprises pebbles, coral, and sand. A little shade comes from the few trees here.

Playa Sardinas

Those looking for a quiet place to relax and snorkel should check out Playa Sardinas. Visitors can enjoy the thrilling combination of natural beauty, peace, and pristine water.

The sand may be narrow, but it stretches in a beautiful, snaky crescent shape that provides enough front to the water to launch a great snorkeling expedition directly from the beach. Thanks to the calm waters, Playa Sardinas is also a prime location for paddle boarding!

It is worth remembering that the bottom is rocky, so swimmers will want to bring water shoes. If you have time, stay after sunset too to enjoy the serenade of the birds, coquis, and waves merging in a magical combination.

Luis Pena Beach – Cayo Luis Pena

Thanks to the marine reserve status that Cayo Luis Pena has enjoyed since 1999 as the first designated protected natural area in the commonwealth, the small yet beautiful Luis Pena Beach is one of the most stunning places to snorkel in Culebra. Taking a boat to get here would be best, but it is worth the time and effort.

The coral and sea flora are incredibly healthy and harbor many sea creatures, including eagle rays and barracudas. You can count on enjoying seagrass beds, coral reefs, and mangroves, all sheltering and supporting an enormous amount of submarine life here.

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