Culebra National Wildlife Reserve

America's Wildest Places - Caribbean Islands National Wildlife Refuge Complex, Puerto Rico

The Caribbean Islands National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) Complex consists of nine separate refuge units, each having unique characteristics and resources. Three of the units are located in the U.S. Virgin Islands, five are in Puerto Rico, and one is located off the coast of Haiti.

The Complex supports significant recovery opportunities for federally listed threatened and endangered species, in particular, species that have unique breeding site requirements, making them extremely vulnerable to decline.

BUCK ISLAND
The island was transferred to the Fish and Wildlife Service due to its value for migratory birds. It is characterized by a thorn scrub habitat with rocky coastline surrounded by spectacular reefs and a shipwreck that attract large numbers of snorkellers, divers, and boaters.

CABO ROJO and CABO ROJO SALINAS
The refuge lie within the sub-tropical dry forest belt. In 1999 an additional 1,249 acres from the Cabo Rojo Salt Flats were added to the Refuge. The Cabo Rojo Salt Flats are considered unique and irreplaceable. The coastline, mangroves, seagrass beds, and offshore coral reefs next to the area, are prime fish habitat, and are considered special aquatic sites.

The salt flats are positioned in the Atlantic flyway and are a vital nesting ground and feeding area for the snowy plover, least tern, Wilson's plover, peregrine falcon, yellow shouldered blackbird, brown pelican, and several species of sea turtles. Indeed, no fewer than 118 bird species have been recorded for the area.

CULEBRA
More than 50,000 seabirds of 13 species find their way to this dot in the ocean every year to breed and nurture their young, with a the largest Sooty Tern nesting in the Culebra archipelago being found on Peninsula Flamenco. Many other bird species permanently call Culebra home while three species of sea turtles use the waters surrounding Culebra and nest on refuge beaches.

DESECHEO
Large gumbo limbo trees are common in interior valleys while a variety of cactus species, including the endangered higo chumbo (Harrisia portoricensis), form a part of the thorny scrub vegetation covering the steep coastal slopes.

GREEN CAY
Thirty-three thousand conch shells buried under volcanic rock tell of human use. The 14 acre refuge was established in 1977 to protect the population natural population of the endangered St. Croix ground lizard, as well as preserve bird nesting habitat. The Island consists of dry, forested areas with cactus scrub and small rocky beaches. Management involves habitat improvement protection and study of the St. Croix ground lizard.

LAGUNA CARTAGENA
The present lagoon is one of the most important freshwater habitats for migrating and aquatic birds in Puerto Rico. Visitors have a good chance of seeing a Magnificent Frigatebird, several species of herons, Smooth -billed Ani and occasionally the Yellow-shouldered Blackbird.

NAVASSA
Large seabird colonies present including over 5,000 nesting Red footed booby. Home to four endemic lizard species. Largely a marine resource.

SANDY POINT
Long before the arrival of Europeans, St. Croix was home to prehistoric people. Conch middens bleached and hardened over thousands of years, remind visitors of Sandy Point's important archaeological history. The Aklis Site, dating back to 400 A.D. and occupied for over 200 years, is on the National Register of Historic Places. Two miles of continuous sandy beach, deep near shore water access and lack of fringing reef provide ideal conditions and nesting habitat for leatherback sea turtles.

VIEQUES
The refuge contains several ecologically distinct habitats including; beaches, coastal lagoons, mangrove wetlands, and upland forested areas. The marine environment surrounding the refuge contains coral reefs and sea grass beds. The refuge and its surrounding waters are home to the West Indian manatee, the Brown Pelican, and four species of sea turtles, all endangered species.

TRAVEL & TOURISM
The headquarters of the Caribbean Islands NWR Complex is located on the Cabo Rojo NWR.

LocatioN
From Mayaguez, drive south on Route 2 (main highway) and exit Route 100 toward Cabo Rojo. When Route 100 ends, turn left onto Route 101. Drive .8 miles,
then turn right onto Route 301. Drive approximately three miles and look for the refuge sign on the left.

The Visitor Center, located on Route 301 km 5.1, is open Monday through Saturday from 9 am until 4 pm. It is closed on all federal holidays. At the Visitor Center, you
will find exhibits and a short movie about the refuge's natural history; excellent for group tours. Hiking trails near the Visitor Center are open Monday through Friday from 7 am until 4 pm and Saturday from 9 am to 4 pm; excellent for bird watching, photography and wildlife observation.

Yaroooh! for Kids | News - Magazine

Culebra vs Vieques: Comparing Puerto Rico's Islands

When examining Vieques vs Culebra, these two islands and popular Puerto Rico side trips offer different experiences, beaches, and tours. Which is right for you? Full article at

Culebrita! The Friendly Pirates ep. 34 (Spanish Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico)

Just a few miles off the eastern coast of Culebra is a little island called Culebrita, which means little Culebra and translates to little snake It is a nature reserve and is part of the Culebra National Wildlife Refuge. The island is home to a massive lighthouse, one of the oldest lighthouses in the Caribbean. This island is only accessible by private boat from the main island of Culebra, just a few hours sail away.

Culebrita is a coral island approximately 1 mile in length. It is roughly y-shaped with three branches extending from the island's center.

There are six beaches on Culebrita, the chief one being Playa Tortuga (Turtle Beach) on the north side of the island. The beach is named for the many sea turtles that use the beach for breeding grounds and the surrounding waters for grazing. The other two large beaches are Treasure Beach and Snorkel Beach. Because Treasure Beach is located on the windward side of the island, debris is often blown onto this beach and this is how the beach gets its name. Snorkel Beach is where the water taxis from Culebra Island come to drop off those visiting the island.

There are also large tidal pools on the east side of the island where you can go lounge as if they were large baths. The pools trap small sea life at low tide.

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Puerto Rico Culebra Island Beach Turtle Culebrita Trailer

Trailer of Episode visiting Puerto Rico and beautiful islands. Culebra Island and Culebrita, the best places to visit for vacations in the Caribbean.



Visit to 10 out of 10 beach in Caribbean Turtle Beach. Playa Tortuga

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Coral Reefs and Wildlife - Culebra, Puerto Rico

The plethora of the wildlife that accompanies a coral reef. Video captured while snorkeling. Depths from 0-10 ft, no red filter or scuba equipment needed.

Puerto Rico - Culebra Getaway in 4K

Exploring the U.S. Virgin Islands by drone.

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Playa La Chiva on Vieques Island in Puerto Rico, Part of Caribbean Islands National Wildlife Refuge

Our first vacation without the kids. We went to the Puerto Rican Island of Vieques. This is from our scooter trip to La Chiva beach.

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I'm an older achy dad living with my wife and two young kids in the state of Vermont in the USA. I focus on sharing reviews and experiences as we strive to live a simple, education and community-focused, techno-eco-friendly, below-our-means lifestyle. That was a mouth full!

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The Puerto Rican Islands: Culebra, Vieques and Bioluminescent Bay

My trip to Puerto Rico was nothing short of amazing; it was better than I ever imagined. Isla Culebra was the most beautiful Caribbean destination that I have ever experienced. Flamenco Beach was a must see when traveling to Puerto Rico! Enjoy!

Puerto Rico Wildlife and Nature

Exploring the incredible island of Puerto Rico. June 2018.

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Vieques Island Adventure | Puerto Ferro Lighthouse

Driving a scooter around the island of Vieques. Visiting the Puerto Ferro Lighthouse, in the National Wildlife Refuge and other cool places on the island.

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culebra sea turtle carlos rosario snorkle puerto rico

a sea turtle, probably a hawksbill, on the reef at carlos rosario nature reserve at culebra island, puerto rico.

Culebra, Puerto Rico - an airplane tour of the island

One of the Spanish Virgin Islands

Culebra is a small tropical island in the Caribbean. It's considered a part of Puerto Rico but is actually located closer to the US Virgin Islands - St. Thomas is just 10 miles way.

Two thousand residents call the island home. Visitors from all over the world come to see the magical beaches. Flamenco Beach in particular is world famous. Just a few years back it was named by the Travel Channel as one of the top ten beaches.

Only 7 miles by 3, the island is very small in size. But what it lacks in size it makes up in pristine beaches and crystal clear waters. It offers fantastic snorkeling opportunities at several US allocated wildlife reserves.

Visitors coming to the island often stay at rental homes. There are a few small hotels and resort style accommodations. But don't expect to find the Hilton or anything like that. This island is proud that it only has one franchised business on the whole island (Thrifty Car Rental).

The best way to reach the island is by small plane from San Juan, Puerto Rico. You can always arrive by Ferry Boat

If you want to escape to an island paradise where you can hike to a beach and be the only one there - consider the beautiful island of Culebra. It's my favorite little island in the Caribbean.

Best of Puerto Rico - Wildlife and Scenery

Best of Puerto Rico - Wildlife and Scenery

Vieques National Wildlife Refuge

Videography and Photography Credit: Amanda Lalezarian and Viviane Feldman

The US Fish and Wildlife Service is in charge of the massive Vieques National Wildlife Refuge in Puerto Rico, but the previous land owners left quite a mess for them to clean up.

Puerto Rico's Nature & Wildlife

I spent this past winter (2012) in Puerto Rico, and its hard to capture all the nature and wildlife, so I made a video of some of the adventures I was able to have through out the Island.

Culebrita

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Isla Culebrita is a small, uninhabited island off the eastern coast of Culebra, Puerto Rico and is part of the Puerto Rico Archipelago.Together with Cayo Botella off the northwestern point, and Pelá and Pelaita to the west, it belongs to the barrio Frailes of Culebra.It is a nature reserve and is part of the Culebra National Wildlife Refuge.The island is home to Culebrita Lighthouse, one of the oldest lighthouses in the Caribbean.

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Baby Manatee Culebra I

Culebra, Puerto Rico: May 13, 2013 Robert Garriel videotaped a newborn manatee near the entrance to Caño Bruley, Culebra National Wildlife Refuge mangroves on Culebra. This area is less than 400m from the historic area known as Lower Camp. Robert began taking video with his phone - He captured video of what appears to be a newborn baby manatee. Robert his wife Debbie observed three adults with the baby in the area. The little one had to surface frequently for air and Robert said he saw the mother supporting the baby at the surface.

Top10 Recommended Hotels in Culebra, Puerto Rico

Top10 Recommended Hotels in Culebra, Puerto Rico
1. Club Seabourne Hotel ***
2. Casa Robinson Guest House ***
3. Villa Ensenada Honda *****
4. Palmetto Guesthouse
5. Hillbay View Villas
6. Naniqui by the Bay
7. W Retreat & Spa - Vieques Island *****
8. Ababor Suites
9. Casa Dos Chivos ***
10. Vista Bella Apartments

Addres:
1. Fulladosa Bay, Ensenada Honda, 00775 Culebra, Puerto Rico
Overlooking Fulladoza Bay the hotel offers a dock and access to water sports facilities. The hotel is 3 km from Culebra Pueblo town centre and 7 km from Flamenco Beach.
2. H-10 Bo. La Romana PO Box 244, 00775 Culebra, Puerto Rico
Casa Robinson Guest House is located in Culebra, a 5-minute drive from Playa Flamenco beach. It boasts free WiFi and parking,
plus excellent views of Ensenada Honda bay.
3. Calle 250, Villa C-2, La Romana, 00775 Culebra, Puerto Rico
Villa Ensenada Honda is located 5 minutes’ drive from Emsemada Honda Bay and 3.4 km from Flamenco Beach. It features airport
shuttle and free parking.
4. 128 Manuel Vasquez Street, Barrio Flamenco , 00775 Culebra, Puerto Rico
Palmetto Guesthouse is a small 6-room property set on the beautiful island of Culebra, most of which is designated a National Wildlife Refuge.
5. C-3, Street #1, La Romana Sector, 00775 Culebra, Puerto Rico
Hillbay View Villas is a self-catering accommodation located in Culebra Island, 5 minutes’ drive from Flamingo Beach.
6. Carretera 250, Numero 189, Bahia Ensenada Honda, 00775 Culebra, Puerto Rico
Naniqui by the Bay is located just 350 metres from Culebra local airport and 5 minutes’ drive from Culebra town centre. It features a terrace and free parking.
7. State Road 200 Km 3.2 - HC1, 00765 Vieques, Puerto Rico
This oceanfront resort in Vieques, Puerto Rico sits on the Caribbean, minutes from local beaches. The 5-star hotel features an outdoor pool overlooking the ocean, tennis courts and full-service spa.
8. Rd 200 km 2.2, 00765 Vieques, Puerto Rico
Located in Vieques, Ababor Suites is a set of self-catering beachfront apartments that offer free kayaks, free WiFi access and free private parking.
9. 120 Cll 16, 00765 Vieques, Puerto Rico
Casa Dos Chivos is located on the island of Vieques. It features panoramic ocean and island views from the spacious balconies.
10. Clark 260, 00775 Culebra, Puerto Rico
Vista Bella Apartments is an apartment complex located in Culebra. Flamenco Beach is 4 minutes’ drive away. The property is air conditioned and features BBQ facilities.