📍 Location & Geography
Culebra is a small island municipality located in the northeastern Caribbean, part of the archipelago of Puerto Rico. It is positioned approximately 17 miles east of the Puerto Rican mainland, 12 miles west of St. Thomas, and 9 miles north of Vieques. Culebra is the smallest of Puerto Rico’s municipalities and is made up of the main island and 23 smaller islands that surround it, including Culebrita and Luis Peña.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographic coordinates for Culebra are approximately 18.3030° N latitude and 65.3008° W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Culebra is part of the Spanish Virgin Islands, which are also known as the Passage Islands. It covers a total area of about 11.6 square miles (30.0 km²). The main island itself is approximately 7 miles long and 3 miles wide.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2010 U.S. Census, Culebra had a population of around 1,818 residents, making it one of the least populated municipalities in Puerto Rico. The population is diverse, with a mix of locals and expatriates. The official language is Spanish, though English is widely spoken.
🏛️ History
Culebra was originally inhabited by the Taino Indians before the arrival of the Spanish in the 15th century. The island was used for farming and raising livestock during the Spanish colonial period. In 1901, the U.S. Navy began using the island as a gunnery and bombing practice site until 1975. The island was officially declared a wildlife refuge by Theodore Roosevelt in 1909. In 1976, Culebra was incorporated as a municipality of Puerto Rico.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Culebra is known for its stunning natural beauty, with numerous beaches, coral reefs, and wildlife. It is home to the Culebra National Wildlife Refuge, which hosts a variety of bird species and sea turtles. The island’s clear waters make it a popular destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. Flamenco Beach, one of the island’s most famous beaches, is often ranked among the world’s best beaches.
🏫 Education
Education in Culebra is overseen by the Puerto Rico Department of Education. The island has one elementary school, one middle school, and one high school. There are no institutions of higher education on the island, so students seeking university degrees typically travel to the mainland.
🚧 Transportation
Culebra can be reached by ferry from Fajardo or by air from Ceiba and San Juan. The island has one airport, Benjamin Rivera Noriega Airport. On the island, transportation options include taxis, public buses, and private vehicle rentals.
📜 Trivia & Events
Every year, Culebra hosts the Festival de la Ballena, a celebration of the humpback whales that migrate through the region. The island is also known for its New Year’s Eve festivities, which attract visitors from around the world. Despite its small size, Culebra has a rich history and vibrant culture that make it a unique and charming destination.