Culebra, Puerto Rico

The Spanish Virgin islands are a perfect slice of complete Caribbean paradise at America's fingertips, but most folks don't even know they're there. Despite their name, the Spanish Virgins are owned as territories of the United States, which means they use greenbacks, speak English, and no passports are required.

In late fall, Ben, Ruca and I set out to visit these secret US treasures, beginning with the island of Culebra, which lies just 17 miles off the coast of mainland Puerto Rico, and about 20 miles west of St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands.

The island of Culebra was won by the US, along with Puerto Rico and the other Spanish Virgins, in the early 1900's from Spain. It was used as a bomb practice site for the US government in the 1930's, even though people resided on the island. Protests by the islanders in the 70's forced the goverment to stop the bombs, but evidence remains. The most famous being the colorfully painted tanks, rusting away on Flamenco beach, abandoned when the US Navy left in 1975.

Ben and I left Ruca snoozing on the boat for an afternoon, and took a bus to the other side of the island to check out famous Flamenco. We were greeted with a giant white sand beach lining the entire cove, bustling with tourists and locals, with gorgeous shady palms and clear sea water... and of course, beach tanks.

We were bummed Ruca couldn't ride the bus with us to see Flamenco (we assumed no dogs allowed). But through the city dinghy channel just beside the ferry dock, luckily we found another beach suitable for wild, slobbery boxer dogs to romp. Ruca got her much needed beach time and we enjoyed the slice of white sand all to ourselves.

Nearby at the same beach, we ran into "Hector the Protector," a sculpture famously guarding the entrance to Culebra's harbor. It seems Hector's had an accident, and is missing an arm. Bummer, dude.

Culebra certainly charmed the Wanderlust crew during our short visit. We loved the cruiser community, the excellent beaches and snorkeling, the easy going island vibe, and the anchorage was perfectly calm. We had more islands to visit, but would sure be back to Culebra for more.

Up next, we continue our island hop of the Spanish Virgins, to Culebra's sister island, the insanely gorgeous Culebrita!

Thanks for Reading,

Ben, Quinn and Ruca

#destinations #PuertoRico