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
Suggested duration
More than 3 hours
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Restaurants
24 within 3 miles
Attractions
36 within 6 miles
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
3,597 reviews
Excellent
3,097
Very good
348
Average
112
Poor
22
Terrible
18
Raquel T
Bayamon, Puerto Rico65 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.
Enrique B
Great Falls, VA58 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.
SC2350
Los Angeles, CA18 contributions
Jan 2020
When the waters are calm, I think this is one of the best beaches in the Caribbean. However, when the waters are wavy and there is a lot of wind, it becomes less enjoyable. I like that there are kiosks that sell food. Beware of the people who rent umbrellas and beach chairs right by the entrance to the beach. They are not dishonest, but they are also not very friendly. Their attitude can really spoil your time there, because you feel like they are resenting your presence and hating their jobs. The guy who set up our umbrella and beach chair demanded a tip. When he did this to another person, and they refused, he walked around and made funny noises like an upset chicken. It was very strange, and it’s not something that we often see on vacation. Most service people on vacation know that they will get better tips if they give better service. When the umbrellas kept falling over and almost breaking due to the wind, they got upset, and seem to be very put out by having to fix them. They also insisted that everyone set up their beach chairs and umbrellas right by the entrance to the beach. This is understandable as it is close to their rental station, but it also makes it so that there is a lot of traffic and people going by the area where you are trying to relax. Let’s just say that it was not a very luxurious experience. The beach was wonderful but the attitude was ghetto.
Still, I would highly recommend that you visit this beach during the spring. If you want to avoid the ghetto attitude, then either bring your own umbrella and beach chairs or don’t rent them from the people right at the entrance. I think there are people who rent beach chairs in the kiosk area. I don’t know how their attitude is, but hopefully it is better.
Still, I would highly recommend that you visit this beach during the spring. If you want to avoid the ghetto attitude, then either bring your own umbrella and beach chairs or don’t rent them from the people right at the entrance. I think there are people who rent beach chairs in the kiosk area. I don’t know how their attitude is, but hopefully it is better.
Written December 31, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
antoniaalexe
Montreal, Canada18 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
we read extensive reviews before deciding to try our luck of reaching Culebra Beach... & we were very pleasantly surprised, unlike what many of the reviews said ! We rented a car and left San Juan at 6 am & arrived at 7:10 am at the Ceiba ferry station. The ferry used to be in Farjado be aware it is now in Ceiba! The drop off area is on the right side, I got off while my dad parked the car in the parking located a few hundred meters away. To my big surprise there was no line at all at this time & was able to get 3 round trip tickets - each ticket costs 4.50$. We then had about 1h40 minutes to wait before the ferry departed at 9 am. The boarding is divided in three residents first, followed by tickets purchased online (which i really advise to buy at least 2 days prior to desired departure day as they sell out quickly online), and finally tickets purchased the day off in person. Although there had been no one in line to purchase tickets, around 8:40 tickets seemed to be sold out. The ride lasted approximately 1h20 minutes & was very pleasant :) Once arrived at Culebra you will be bombarded by taxis offering transportation to either Playa Flamenco (3$ each way pp) or Tamarindo (5$ each way pp), and it takes about 10 minutes to reach the beach. Access costs 2$ per person Overall we spent an amazing day on this gorgeous beach!
~~~~~~ It should noted nonetheless that we went on a WEEK day at the end of January ~~~~~
~~~~~~ It should noted nonetheless that we went on a WEEK day at the end of January ~~~~~
Written January 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Orod223
Wallingford, CT99 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.
Maryann H
United States4,135 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.
Philip M
New York City, NY706 contributions
Jan 2022 • Couples
It certainly deserves a spot among the worlds best.
There is powder soft white sand, a row of palm trees, shade under the palms, warm water, 1-2 foot waves (normally, although I did see a few 3 ft waves). The waves are on the east side of the beach, the western edge didn’t have waves as there were offshore breakers there.
Combine the natural beauty with bathrooms, a fresh water rinse, on site food stands, chair and umbrella rental, and a decent amount of parking.
Yes there’s an entry fee of $5 for parking plus $2 per person, but the cost isn’t that bad.
Then there’s also the odd entertainment of the spray-painted tanks…
There is powder soft white sand, a row of palm trees, shade under the palms, warm water, 1-2 foot waves (normally, although I did see a few 3 ft waves). The waves are on the east side of the beach, the western edge didn’t have waves as there were offshore breakers there.
Combine the natural beauty with bathrooms, a fresh water rinse, on site food stands, chair and umbrella rental, and a decent amount of parking.
Yes there’s an entry fee of $5 for parking plus $2 per person, but the cost isn’t that bad.
Then there’s also the odd entertainment of the spray-painted tanks…
Written January 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
letitgo20145
Poughkeepsie, NY174 contributions
May 2022
Here are a few things I learned that might be helpful to know when planning your trip to Flamenco Beach, which is gorgeous and clean (side note there will be seaweed on the beach but not in the water). Currently there are 2 ferry trips per day. If you purchase a ferry ticket with chairs and umbrella for when you get to the beach, just be mindful that although the beach is open, the guys at the hut with the chairs and such are likely to be close by the time the second ferry arrives. When you arrive to Culebra, you have to figure out transportation from the dock to the other side of the island where the beach is, a taxi is going to cost you around $20, it is not in walking or hiking distance. Once done with your visit to the stunning crystal clear waters, you will need to again get transportation back to the docks where you have to wait for said ferry to return hours later. The shops and food places are likely to be closed and you will have to be patient. My recommendation would be to go on the earlier ferry ride so you can catch the afternoon ferry back and enjoy your evening elsewhere. It does not have nightlife.
Written June 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
anarr44
Washington DC, DC3 contributions
Aug 2022
Warm, clear waters. Even though the ferry and taxi areas were full, the beach was not very crowded and there was tons of space to pick from at the beach. They rent umbrellas but very limited stock. There are a couple of food stands with inexpensive options (cash at one and credit at the other).
Seaweed at the shore but not a problem in the water. Such an amazing experience and view.
Seaweed at the shore but not a problem in the water. Such an amazing experience and view.
Written August 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Rosa T
Springfield, MA15 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
We spent the afternoon sunbathing on the soft, white sand and frolicking in the gorgeous aquamarine water. Make sure to apply a generous amount of sunscreen as the sun is relentless. The beach is easy to access from the parking lot and there is a stand next to the boardwalk to the beach that rents umbrellas and beach chairs. I would highly recommend renting an umbrella to have a respite from the sun. There are military tanks towards the far left of the beach that make interesting photo ops. There are a lot of waves crashing at the shore but if you swim out they are less of an issue. Local vendors are right off the parking lot in little kiosks and stands where you can purchase food, alcohol, and sundries you may have left behind. I recommend the natural ice cream stand and also grab a freshly opened coconut. After you drink the water, come back and he will cut it for you to eat. There is a $2 per person fee as they are raising money for renovations to the beach facilities. This is definitely one of the most beautiful beaches in the world and highly recommend a visit!
Written January 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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
Vermont47 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
Vermont47 contributions
The campground has been closed since 2017.
DPhillips61
Corpus Christi, TX43 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, FL36 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, MA15 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, Venezuela19 contributions
Did you visit culebra taking a tour or did you do the trip by yourself??
Rosa T
Springfield, MA15 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
Flamenco Beach (Culebra) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Flamenco Beach
- Flamenco Beach is open:
- Sun - Sat 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
- We recommend booking Flamenco Beach tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 9 Flamenco Beach tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Flamenco Beach:
- Culebra Island Snorkel with Turtles Adventure - Ferry Tickets Included (From $99.24)
- Full-Day Snorkeling Tour to Culebra Island with Lunch (From $139.38)
- Full-Day Culebra and Flamenco Beach Snorkel Tour from San Juan (From $199.00)
- Full-Day Culebra Snorkeling Adventure and Flamenco Beach from San Juan by Ferry (From $175.00)
- Full-Day Culebra Snorkeling and Flamenco Beach from Ceiba (From $160.00)
- Hotels near Flamenco Beach:
- (0.02 mi) Culebra Beach Villas
- (0.04 mi) Villa Flamenco Beach
- (0.41 mi) Playa Flamenco Area de Acampar
- (1.03 mi) Casa Resaca
- (3.12 mi) Villa Pelicano Oceanfront
- Restaurants near Flamenco Beach:
- (1.97 mi) Zaco's Tacos
- (2.06 mi) Dinghy Dock
- (1.13 mi) Krusty Krab
- (1.56 mi) Blac Flamingo Coffee
- (1.55 mi) Tiki's Grill
- Attractions near Flamenco Beach:
- (0.68 mi) Playa Tamarindo
- (1.07 mi) Kayaking Puerto Rico
- (2.05 mi) Culebra Divers
- (0.98 mi) Playa Carlos Rosario
- (3.99 mi) Playa Zoni