Eastern Puerto Rico, Puerto Rico
For international travelers, your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date.
If required for your nationality, begin the application process. ESTA completes quickly, but earlier application is safer.
Secure your international or mainland U.S. Flights to San Juan (SJU).
Double-check flight times, ferry tickets, accommodation reservations, and rental vehicle details.
Map out your daily activities and desired attractions. Make dinner reservations for special occasion dining, though less common on Culebra.
Ensure you have all necessary items, like Reef-safe sunscreen, Snorkel gear, water shoes, and quick-dry clothing.
Monitor conditions, especially during hurricane season.
Print or save digital copies of all essential documents and reservations. Inform bank/credit card companies of travel dates. Download offline maps and essential apps.
Arrange for pet care if needed. Stop mail delivery or ask a neighbor to collect it. Secure your home, unplug unnecessary electronics, and notify family or friends of your itinerary and emergency contacts.
reservations for Culebra that call for advance booking:
Some important tasks before you travel:
Culebra's infrastructure is limited. Confirm all bookings, especially transport and accommodation, well in advance to avoid last-minute issues.
The first few hours on Culebra shape the tone for your trip.
If you are an international traveler, this is your first step upon landing in San Juan (SJU).
Retrieve your checked bags from the carousel.
Head to the terminal for your connecting flight to Culebra (CPX) or arrange ground transport to the Ceiba ferry terminal.
Once you arrive on Culebra, orient yourself. Locate the ferry terminal, your accommodation's position relative to Dewey, and the general island layout.
If cash is needed, withdraw U.S. Dollars from an ATM in Dewey. Purchase bottled water, snacks, or initial groceries.
Use your pre-booked taxi, shuttle service, or pick up your rental golf cart/Jeep. Confirm pick-up prior to arrival.
Purchase souvenirs a day or two before departure to avoid a last-minute rush.
Shipping options from Culebra are limited and mainly via the local U.S. Post Office.
Not applicable for Puerto Rico.
It is an U.S. Territory and has no Value Added Tax (VAT) refund system for tourists.
Allow ample time to return your rental vehicle, get to the ferry terminal or airport, and check-in.
Aim for 1.5-2 hours before scheduled ferry departure during peak times.
Organize your luggage, ensuring all belongings are accounted for. Reconfirm your flight or ferry times. Notify your accommodation of your departure time for check-out. Have all necessary travel documents accessible for your journey home.
A smooth departure presents a positive final impression of Culebra.
Avoid these common departure pitfalls.
Allow ample time for return travel, especially by ferry, to avoid last-minute stress.
Confirm all arrangements for a smooth journey home.
