Snorkeling in Culebra Island: Private Boat Trip from Puerto Rico

Sea turtles show up regularly at the snorkeling site off Culebra's unhabited island.

A private boat trip from Puerto Rico to Culebra Island with a live guide in English or Spanish, snorkeling equipment and lunch included. You cruise for about an hour to reach the island, then split the day between an unhabited beach and the main snorkeling site where sea turtles and marine life are abundant, with time to explore Culebra town on the return. The boat is yours alone — no shared departures, no fixed group size.

Step-by-step itinerary

Private boat trip to Culebra Island

• 1 hour to 1 hour 20min cruising to Culebra
• Enjoy great view entering Culebra's bay
• Visit Culebra town for souvenirs and food
• Enjoy snorkeling with sea turtles and marine life
• Relax on an uninhabited Caribbean island beach

The Experience

You arrive at the dock and board a private boat for the crossing to Culebra Island. The cruise takes roughly an hour to an hour and twenty minutes, and the guide navigates while you settle in with water, a soft drink and the rhythm of the water. The boat pulls into a bay off an unhabited island first — one of the Caribbean's best beaches, according to the operator — and you get time to swim, walk the sand or float on the mat that comes with the trip.

The snorkeling happens at the second stop, the main site off Culebra where sea turtles and dense reef fish are regular visitors. Your snorkeling gear is provided; the guide stays with the group and points out what moves below. The water is clear enough that the abundance of marine life is visible without deep diving. You can stay in as long as you want at this stop — there is no clock running.

On the return, the boat enters Culebra's island bay and docks in town. You have time to walk the waterfront, buy souvenirs, eat at a local restaurant or grab a drink at one of the bars before heading back to Puerto Rico. Lunch — chicken wraps and sandwiches with fruit — is served on the boat, and local beers are available for passengers 18 and older. The full day runs eight hours from start to finish.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment.
• a floating mat.
• lunch with chicken wraps, sandwiches and fruit.
• water, soft drinks and local beers.
• a live guide in English or Spanish.
• the private boat for your group alone.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomeNot for pregnant travelersNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Encanto Boat Tours

Is this one for you?Book this private boat if your group wants to set the pace at each snorkel stop rather than follow a fixed itinerary with other passengers.

Top questions

What is the snorkeling like at Culebra Island?

The main snorkeling site off Culebra's unhabited island is described by the operator as the best spot on Puerto Rico, with abundant marine life and sea turtles that appear regularly. The water is clear and the reef is accessible from the boat without a long swim.

How long is the boat ride from Puerto Rico to Culebra?

The crossing takes roughly one hour to one hour and twenty minutes each way. You spend the rest of the eight-hour day snorkeling, swimming at the unhabited beach, and exploring Culebra town.

Is the boat shared with other groups?

No — this is a private boat trip, so your group has the boat to itself. There are no other passengers and no fixed group size limit.

What snorkeling gear do I need to bring?

Snorkeling equipment is included with the trip, so you do not need to bring your own. The guide provides masks, fins and snorkels.

What food and drinks are on the boat?

Lunch includes chicken wraps, sandwiches and fresh fruit. Water, Coke and Sprite are available throughout the day, and local beers are served to passengers 18 and older.

Can I spend time in Culebra town?

Yes — on the return, the boat docks in Culebra town and you have time to walk around, shop for souvenirs, eat at local restaurants or visit bars before the trip back to Puerto Rico.