Culebra: Power Boat Snorkeling & Flamenco Beach Lunch

Summary

Snorkel reefs spot turtles and unwind at Flamenco Beach with lunch

You’ll board a small group power boat for a day trip from Fajardo to Culebra Island, snorkeling live reefs with turtles, then relaxing at Flamenco Beach with a deli-style buffet lunch and tropical drinks included. Expect friendly local crew, quality gear provided, and time to soak up both reef life and soft sand before heading back salty and sun-warmed.

What’s the experience like?

First thing I noticed was the slap of salt spray as we left Fajardo’s dock—felt awake in a way coffee never manages. The boat wasn’t crowded; maybe 20-something of us, all a bit giddy or nervous. Our captain, Miguel, joked about “the Culebra crossing”—I’d read it can get choppy, but he handled it like he was steering a shopping cart. There was this mix of sunscreen and seaweed in the air, and I kept catching bits of Spanish from the crew (they switched to English for us). I tried to ask where we’d snorkel first—Luis Peña or Melones?—but honestly forgot which was which until we got there.

The reef stop—can’t remember if it was Carlos Rosario or not—was just under an hour and a half. Water clear enough that you see your own shadow on the sand below. I fumbled with my mask (never looks cool), but then there were these flashes of yellow fish everywhere, and someone pointed out a turtle gliding by like it had nowhere special to be. My friend said she could hear her own breathing through the snorkel louder than anything else. That quiet underwater is weirdly calming. Back on deck, they handed out cold sodas and fruit juice—rum came later—and everyone compared what they saw like kids after recess.

Lunch happened after we anchored off Flamenco Beach. I’d heard about its white sand but didn’t expect how soft it actually felt underfoot—almost squeaky? The deli buffet was better than I thought: cold cuts, chunky salads with beans and pasta, fresh fruit that tasted like sun. I went back for more bread because why not? It’s included. Some folks went straight for rum punch; I stuck with pineapple juice since the sun was already making me dizzy. There’s something about eating outside with wet hair and salty skin that makes food hit different.

We had maybe an hour just hanging out on Flamenco Beach before heading back—some people napped in the shade, others waded in again. I walked along the edge where little waves fizzled over my toes and tried to memorize that color blue (still can’t describe it). The ride back felt quieter; everyone sunk into their seats, tired in a good way. If you’re thinking about a Culebra snorkeling tour from Fajardo, just know you’ll come home sandy and happy—and probably still tasting salt hours later.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Culebra Island snorkeling and beach tour

• Depart from Fajardo, Puerto Rico
• Travel on custom Newton powerboat
• Snorkel at Culebra reef for 1.5 hours
• Visit Luis Peña or other reefs
• Stop at Flamenco Beach
• Enjoy deli-style buffet lunch
• Drink unlimited beverages
• Use snorkeling gear and flotation devices
• Return to Fajardo

Top questions

How long is the boat ride from Fajardo to Culebra?

About one hour each way across open water.

Is snorkeling gear included on this Culebra tour?

Yes, quality snorkeling equipment and flotation devices are provided for all guests.

What kind of lunch is served during the tour?

A deli-style buffet lunch with cold cuts, gourmet salads (tuna, chicken, bean, pasta), fresh fruit & vegetables, local bread and chips is included.

Are alcoholic drinks available?

Tropical rum beverages are served during and after lunch; minimum age applies for alcohol.

Which beaches or reefs do you visit on this tour?

The captain chooses based on conditions; stops may include Luis Peña, Carlos Rosario, Melones or Punta Soldado reefs plus usually Flamenco Beach.

Is hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup; guests must arrive at the departure point in Fajardo at least 45 minutes before departure time.

Can children join this Culebra snorkeling tour?

Yes; children ages 6-11 pay child price but must be accompanied by an adult.

Is this tour suitable for people prone to seasickness?

The crossing can be choppy; motion sickness remedies are recommended if you’re sensitive to rough water.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip power boat transport from Fajardo to Culebra Island with stops for snorkeling at live coral reefs (gear provided) plus time at Flamenco Beach. A deli-style buffet lunch with cold cuts, gourmet salads, fresh fruit and local bread is served onboard along with unlimited water, soda, fruit juice and tropical rum drinks after lunch before returning in the afternoon.