Flamenco Beach

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.