Flamenco Beach
#3 in Best Things To Do in Puerto Rico
Price & Hours
Details
- 5.0Value
- 4.0Facilities
- 5.0Atmosphere
On the island of Culebra — which sits about 20 miles east of Puerto Rico— visitors will find a beach perfect for families, snorkelers and those looking for a remote spot that boasts a delightful aesthetic from nearly every angle. Flamenco Beach's 1½-mile strip of sand is the most popular on Culebra and is often recognized by travelers and experts as the most beautiful in all of Puerto Rico.
Facilities like bathrooms and showers can be found on site, and the beach's white sand is peppered with kiosks selling refreshments or offering chairs and umbrellas for rent — all available for inexpensive prices (about $10 USD each). Amenities and tranquility are among the many allures of this favorite spot but above all else, travelers simply can't stop raving about the beach's beauty. "The water is shades of teal, turquoise, and blue. I've never seen such amazing ocean water," one TripAdvisor reviewer raved. Some travelers do complain that Flamenco Beach's popularity means it can get a bit crowded on the weekends (despite a lack of fancy resorts or restaurants). And your company won't just be of the human variety; fish tend to swim right up to the shallow water's edge.
Flamenco Beach is also home to a campground, should you care to spend the night outside, under the Caribbean moon. In order to camp you'll have to pay a fee of $20 USD, and you'll need to bring your own equipment (or ask the campground office for details about renting a tent). If you're staying on Culebra, this beach is a must, but from the main island it can be quite a trek. Air Flamenco and Cape Air offer flights between San Juan and Culebra. Ferries also run to and from Culebra, though the schedule and availability are often unreliable. Flamenco Beach is free to visit and is open daily from dawn to dusk.
More Best Things To Do in Puerto Rico


#1 Bioluminescent Mosquito Bay (Vieques)
This south Vieques beach might not sound like much, but it's one of travelers' favorite experiences in Puerto Rico. During the day, Bioluminescent Mosquito Bay is your stereotypical Caribbean hideout — but at night, the sky and waters emit a blue glow from the half-plant, half-animal microorganisms that live there. More than 700,000 bioluminescent dinoflagellates live in each gallon of bay water, and recent travelers have been amazed by just how much visibility these tiny creatures provide.
But avoid visiting the bay during a full moon; the microorganisms aren't as visible then. Also aim for a quiet approach: "I would definitely go in a group with kayaks-not a motorized boat," one TripAdvisor reviewer said. "It is very peaceful and beautiful to be on the water at night but the sparkling water is a real treat."
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