Flamenco Beach
Flamenco Beach
5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
About
This horseshoe-shaped bay is popular amongst travelers for its clear, calm and shallow waters, and flat white sand. There are food stalls that sell food and drinks, shower facilities, and umbrellas that you can rent. As you walk along the shores, spot Flamenco’s most iconic attraction: the abandoned World War tanks decked in graffiti—a reminder of the US Navy’s occupancy of Culebra. It's a popular day trip spot from San Juan, so expect it to be busier on the weekends. Have your day sorted with a tour of Culebra Island, which typically includes transfers to the island and activities like snorkeling. – Tripadvisor
Duration: More than 3 hours
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25 within 3 miles
Attractions
36 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- Eden BarnesAshford, Alabama13 contributionsGreat time! See comments about ferry!!!The beach was beautiful and the snorkeling was great! Contrary to the photos we did not see any turtles. Make sure to get an early ferry for this! The ride from Ceiba to Culebra is NOT 45-55 minutes like the website says we were on the ferry going full speed for an hour and a half. Not cool. There were tons of taxis at the gate waiting for anyone on the ferry, so transportation was no issue. Shared taxi was $5 per person as long as you had great than 4 people. Check out Zacos Tacos!Visited June 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten June 1, 2023
- Suzanne LDoylestown, Pennsylvania153 contributionsPractically Private BeachHard to get to but worth a visit. It's very exclusive because how difficult it is to get to...not sure you can even take a ferry anymore. You can come by plane or chartered boat. It's a 45 minute boat ride from Fajardo. We took a group tour and it was lots of fun. We were able to snorkle and enjoy a full day excursion.Visited May 2023Written June 9, 2023
- Jessica RLas Vegas, Nevada8 contributionsStunning Beach with amenitiesSuch a beautiful time! Took Cape Air right into the island and rented a Gold Cart with Jerry’s Jeep Rental across from the airport. It was smooth! Drive about 7 minutes to the beach and it was gorgeous!!!Visited January 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten January 24, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Popular mentions
5.0
3,610 reviews
Excellent
3,104
Very good
350
Average
115
Poor
23
Terrible
18
D_JOregon
Portland, OR274 contributions
Jan 2020
We went at the beginning of January and while the beach was beautiful and we enjoyed ourselves, the surf was too big for my teens to boogie board. I'm sure it's different during the summer months. Very convenience to have the food stands right there but we still brought a soft side cooler of water because it was a warm day. There are bathrooms to use also. Bring cash because the 3rd time we went they charged us per person in the car to park. I guess the first 2 days we were there were holidays so no one was at the lot checking.
Written January 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jasmin A
Bristol, CT102 contributions
Apr 2023 • Family
We visited Culebra in April when we were in Puerto Rico for a family wedding. The seas have been unusually choppy for months and there’s been a rip current alert daily. Still, Culebra and Flamingo Beach have been on my bucket list for years so we booked the ferry tickets two months in advance. First of all the ferry was a nightmare, I wrote a separate review for that. I recommend that you fly Air Flamenco for only $100 round-trip per person.
I think that April might be the off-season most of the restaurants and gift shops on Culebra were closed. We did enjoy pizza and salads at Heather’s Pizza. We rented a Jeep at Carlos cheap rental because all the golf carts were already rented out. I suggest that you rent a golf cart in advance to ensure that one is available for you. Flamingo beach is probably beautiful when the seas are calm, unfortunately, I went during choppy, seas with rip currents and unswimmable waters. The lifeguards were alerting people to only swim in a few areas, as the tide was so strong and dangerous. Seaweed piled up on the usual white sands. Stray cats, kittens, chickens, and roosters accompany the food trucks that only sell deep fried food. Listen, I’m Puerto Rican and I love a good empanada, but I also love fresh fruit and smoothies which are really needed when you’re in a tropical area. I have not given up hope on Culebra, and I plan to visit some time in the future during the summer months when the ocean is calm, but I will be flying there Air Flamenco, as I will never, ever, ever, ever get on that ferry again.
I think that April might be the off-season most of the restaurants and gift shops on Culebra were closed. We did enjoy pizza and salads at Heather’s Pizza. We rented a Jeep at Carlos cheap rental because all the golf carts were already rented out. I suggest that you rent a golf cart in advance to ensure that one is available for you. Flamingo beach is probably beautiful when the seas are calm, unfortunately, I went during choppy, seas with rip currents and unswimmable waters. The lifeguards were alerting people to only swim in a few areas, as the tide was so strong and dangerous. Seaweed piled up on the usual white sands. Stray cats, kittens, chickens, and roosters accompany the food trucks that only sell deep fried food. Listen, I’m Puerto Rican and I love a good empanada, but I also love fresh fruit and smoothies which are really needed when you’re in a tropical area. I have not given up hope on Culebra, and I plan to visit some time in the future during the summer months when the ocean is calm, but I will be flying there Air Flamenco, as I will never, ever, ever, ever get on that ferry again.
Written April 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Enrique B
Great Falls, VA57 contributions
May 2022
Flamenco Beach has a reputation, you'll often find it near the top of any list of top beaches in the world. And for good reasons:
1) Its long, about 1.5 miles long.
2) The water is crystal clear.
3) The sand is light, white, and fluffy. You can walk bare footed without any issues.
In other words, its the type of beach you expect to see in a postcard of the Caribbean.
Getting to Flamenco Beach is the issue if you're not staying in Culebra. You basically have three options:
a) You can take a boat tour there. There are plenty of operators, most of them leaving from Fajardo, that'll take you to Flamenco. It's the easiest way to get there in the sense that the tour operator plans everything for you, and all you need to do is show up and you get a wonderful daytrip to one of the most beautiful beaches in the planet. Tours there usually include an hour of snorkeling off the coast of Culebra before hitting Flamenco beach. While these are convenient, they have one issue: they are often re-routed to Icacos. The reason is the currents can be quite strong, and even when the boat does manage to make the trip to Culebra, its common for a lot of people in the boat to get seasick. So, if the forecast says the water won't be super smooth, the operator will reroute the trip to Icacos, which is much closer to Fajardo. And while Icacos is great, Flamenco beach it is not. So call a day ahead to make sure the tour will actually make the trip to Culebra if going to Culebra is important to you...and it should.
b) You can take the ferry to Culebra, and then either rent a vehicle or take public transportation to Flamenco beach. This will be cheaper and won't get you rerouted to Icacos. The logistics are just a bit more complex.
c) You can fly to Culebra. This is the most reliable way of getting there, but also the most expensive.
If I could re-do my trip to Puerto Rico, I'd probably go with option (b) and I'd try to stay a night or two in Culebra. But whatever you choose, a trip to Flamenco Beach is certainly recommended. There are not many places like it in the world.
1) Its long, about 1.5 miles long.
2) The water is crystal clear.
3) The sand is light, white, and fluffy. You can walk bare footed without any issues.
In other words, its the type of beach you expect to see in a postcard of the Caribbean.
Getting to Flamenco Beach is the issue if you're not staying in Culebra. You basically have three options:
a) You can take a boat tour there. There are plenty of operators, most of them leaving from Fajardo, that'll take you to Flamenco. It's the easiest way to get there in the sense that the tour operator plans everything for you, and all you need to do is show up and you get a wonderful daytrip to one of the most beautiful beaches in the planet. Tours there usually include an hour of snorkeling off the coast of Culebra before hitting Flamenco beach. While these are convenient, they have one issue: they are often re-routed to Icacos. The reason is the currents can be quite strong, and even when the boat does manage to make the trip to Culebra, its common for a lot of people in the boat to get seasick. So, if the forecast says the water won't be super smooth, the operator will reroute the trip to Icacos, which is much closer to Fajardo. And while Icacos is great, Flamenco beach it is not. So call a day ahead to make sure the tour will actually make the trip to Culebra if going to Culebra is important to you...and it should.
b) You can take the ferry to Culebra, and then either rent a vehicle or take public transportation to Flamenco beach. This will be cheaper and won't get you rerouted to Icacos. The logistics are just a bit more complex.
c) You can fly to Culebra. This is the most reliable way of getting there, but also the most expensive.
If I could re-do my trip to Puerto Rico, I'd probably go with option (b) and I'd try to stay a night or two in Culebra. But whatever you choose, a trip to Flamenco Beach is certainly recommended. There are not many places like it in the world.
Written May 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
noora372
Round Rock, TX11 contributions
Jul 2019
Even the Puerto Rican come here from the main island to here during the weekend. My son, who in general doesn't express himself much, even he started saying, "O my Gosh, it's so beautiful, the turquoise color is so nice!". To do the snorkeling, you need to go to the right side of the moon/bay.
Written March 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Orod223
Wallingford, CT165 contributions
Mar 2022 • Family
We took a ferry from Ceiba to Culebra. The ferry ride was rough and took about an hour to get there. We took a taxi from the port to Flamenco Beach. The taxi driver was so sweet and nice. Cost for taxi ride is $5 a person for a 10 min. ride to the beach. Or you can rent golf carts or jeeps from different businesses close to the port, if you prefer. Flamenco Beach was the most beautiful beach I have ever visited from the white sand to the clear waters and the great waves, we truly enjoyed this beach and would recommend visiting Culebra to go to this beach.
Written March 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rafael T
San Antonio, TX9 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
The water is absolutely beautiful the sound is powdery soft. Perfect retreat for a little rest and relaxation. Directly behind the beach you have some beach properties available to rent. I plan to do that on my next visit to Culebra, Puerto Rico.
Written January 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
diana B
Staten Island, NY11 contributions
Dec 2019
Flamenco Beach is one of the most beautiful I have ever seen. White sand beach with ocean water that you can see to the bottom. Getting there and back had problems as the ferry cancelled a few of their trips that day (with no notice). We were lucky to be there before the 9am ferry departed from Cieba because they had cancelled the 9:45 which we had bought online tickets for. Going back we had to leave 2 hours earlier than anticipated because they also cancelled the 5pm ferry. Also, may people onboard got seasick so be sure to take something before. Little shacks on site with food - shrimp in garlic sauce was delicious.
Written January 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Raquel T
Bayamon, Puerto Rico124 contributions
Aug 2022 • Couples
If you are a beach lover and do have time (and patience) a trip to Puerto Rico would not be complete without a trip to Culebra. Flamenco is the most popular beach on Culebra, but the beach was no too crowded when I visited (I was told that during Holy Week and summer weekends the story is different).
Facilities: There were restrooms (cleanliness was questionable), a few small changing rooms, and one shower. I rented 2 lounge chairs and an umbrella at the beach for $10 each- the guy is located just outside the beach gates. Food and drinks were available for sale. You can also bring your own food and drinks in a cooler. I didn’t see any functioning picnic table.
Overall the beach was very pretty, with super white sand, beautiful views, and crystal clear water.
Facilities: There were restrooms (cleanliness was questionable), a few small changing rooms, and one shower. I rented 2 lounge chairs and an umbrella at the beach for $10 each- the guy is located just outside the beach gates. Food and drinks were available for sale. You can also bring your own food and drinks in a cooler. I didn’t see any functioning picnic table.
Overall the beach was very pretty, with super white sand, beautiful views, and crystal clear water.
Written November 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Douglas Paradisco
Stockholm, Sweden6 contributions
Jan 2020 • Friends
As they all say - it is one of the world’s most beautiful beaches. All facilities are available. Have seen people complaining about things being expensive but I disagree; it is not that pricy to rent chairs, buy food & drinks etc but not cheap either - and you guys also need to consider that this is a small, rather isolated island.
Written January 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Maryann H
United States4,262 contributions
Mar 2022 • Couples
We were staying on Culebrea for 6 days and we visited twice. First on a Sunday and it was packed and the water more calm. The sun on the water make for amazing colors. Know that it is $5.00 per vehicle to enter then additional $2.00 per person. It seemed steep for using a bathroom, The bathrooms are wood shacks 2 total/vaulted toilets, Parking lot was packed and could barely fit our jeep. We wasted time trying to find a spot and it is hot out…I can see tons of parking spots?? but the rest of the parking lot was roped off? Why ? It is Kinda an unorganized beach from all the descriptions I had read online previously. There’s not “food kiosks “ like I had read about on the main forum.. there are two food trucks. The shrimp empanadas were $5.00 and delicious! Have your hand wipes with as I mentioned not regular bathrooms etc to really wash your hands. There are two trucks that rent nice beach chairs $10.00 each for the day. Umbrellas were $20.00 a day. Bring your own cooler and chill for the day and enjoy. Beautiful beach walk to the tanks for a neat photo op. Second visit on a Friday busy but not like a Sunday and it was windy so some good size waves but still beautiful. Bring lots of sunscreen. Try get a spot by some palms if you don’t have an umbrella to sneak shade every now and then. Beautiful beach. I gave it a 4 because $9.00 to chill on public beach with a vaulted bathroom as it’s only amenities…steep.
Written April 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi,
We are going to Culebra in April and have same day round trip air tickets. From the Culebra airport how do we get to Flamenco Beach? Are ther taxis readily available. There will be 3 of us. Or should we rent a jeep?
Thanks
Experience600953
Falls Church, VA
We are staying on Vieques and I am desperately trying to find a way to get to culebra from vieques by boat? Does anyone know a direct boat option to culebra from vieques?
Martha
San Antonio, TX
Where can I buy tickets to get from the main island of puerto rico to culebra and to the next flamenco island
InorOut
San Juan, Puerto Rico25 contributions
You can go by Ferry from Ceiba to Culebra .... but ( and this is a big “but”) there have been an extreme problem with the ferries... if you have the extra money and you want to get the best out of your trip ... I would fly from San Juan to Culebra and then fly back. This will allow you a trouble free vacation in what is an incredible beach paradise. For flight info , contact Cape Air. You will spend a little more but you won’t be stuck a whole day in Ceiba.
Debbie G
Hayes, VA
Looking for suggestions for a 3-month reasonable studio rental for two adults starting January 2021 thru March 2021
On Culebra Island, Puerto Rico
Hi can you rent umbrella and chairs once there?
Storyteller15122
Vermont49 contributions
No! All facilities, venders and rentals of equipment at the beach have been closed since Maria in 2017.
Paulo B
Lomas del Mirador, Argentina
Como puedo llegar desde el viejo San Juan? Me gustaría pasar el día en la playa.
Gracias
Onerivergal
Michigan4 contributions
Rumor has it that the campground will close on March 15, 2020? Is this true?
Storyteller15122
Vermont49 contributions
The campground has been closed since 2017.
DeAnn P
Corpus Christi, TX42 contributions
We will be staying in San Juan in March. How do we get to Flamenco Beach? We will have a rental car, so would we ferry over or take public transportation?
Tom C.
Brooksville, FL32 contributions
You need to take a ferry from Fajardo to Flamenco Beach. You can get your tickets in advance online or get them at the ferry port.
The tickets are minimal when purchased at the port, only a couple of dollars. But about 17.00 online but it guarantees passage.
Ana R
Apopka, FL1 contribution
Hello! How easy or complicated was to get tickets for the ferry?
Rosa T
Springfield, MA16 contributions
Hello, we booked a snorkeling tour and the tour guides reserved our physical round trip tickets to pick up at the ferry terminal once we arrived. You can purchase tickets ahead of time online which I would recommend since you get priority boarding and if there is no more space on the ferry you will need to wait until the next ferry comes. I kind of felt like a second class citizen with the physical tickets vs online. Another thing to keep in mind is that the ferry service has been notoriously unreliable. While disembarking on our return trip in Ceiba at 6 pm, the ferry scheduled to leave to Vieques was cancelled and only residents would be allowed on the 10 pm ferry. You also have the options of booking the catamaran tours which take you straight to the island or booking a flight. Hope this helps! Best, Rosa
Patricia R
Maracaibo, Venezuela17 contributions
Did you visit culebra taking a tour or did you do the trip by yourself??
Rosa T
Springfield, MA16 contributions
Hello, We booked a snorkeling tour and definitely recommend booking a tour of some kind. Our guides led us snorkeling on Tamarindo Beach then we got dropped off at Flamenco Beach for the afternoon before being dropped off at the ferry. They took care of booking our ferry tickets, but I would recommend booking online yourself if they allow it so you can get priority boarding. We have not taken a catamaran tour, but based on our experience with the ferry we would definitely consider it on our next trip. Hope this helps! Best, Rosa
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