Updated October 11, 2026. Ferry details come from Puerto Rico Ferry; beach fees from Culebra's conservation authority (ACDEC) as reported by the press and local guides. Fees change, so carry cash and check before you go.
Flamenco Beach (Playa Flamenco) is a mile-long, horseshoe-shaped bay of white sand and calm turquoise water on the north shore of Culebra, a small island-municipality east of mainland Puerto Rico. You can't drive there from San Juan: you take a ferry from Ceiba or a short flight, then a van or e-bike to the beach.
Quick facts
| Where | Northwest Culebra, about 2.5 miles from the town of Dewey |
| Getting there | Ferry from Ceiba (~1 hr 30 min, $2.25 adult) or flight to Culebra (CPX) |
| Entry | $2 per person (wristband at the gate) |
| Parking | $5 per car or golf cart; bikes free |
| Camping | Public campground run by ACDEC, reservation required |
| Managed by | Autoridad de Conservación y Desarrollo de Culebra (ACDEC) |
| Bring | Cash, water, reef-safe sunscreen. No glass. |
Why it's famous
The beach wraps around Flamenco Bay for about a mile, with a reef that shelters the water and keeps it calm most days. That makes it good for swimming and, at the rocky ends, for snorkeling. In 2013 it ranked third in the world in Tripadvisor's Travelers' Choice beach awards, which put it on many travelers' lists.
The name: Flamenco means "flamingo" in Spanish. The beach is named for the Caribbean flamingos that once used the lagoon behind it. Don't expect to see them now.
Blue Flag: Flamenco regained Blue Flag status in 2016, but it isn't on the 2025–26 Blue Flag list for Puerto Rico.
The tanks on the beach
Two rusting M4 Sherman tanks sit on the sand, covered in layers of graffiti. They're left over from the decades when the U.S. Navy used Culebra as a gunnery and bombing range, starting in 1939. Islanders protested from 1970, and in 1971 protesters occupied the Flamenco Beach target area for weeks. The Navy ended operations on Culebra in 1975 and moved them to Vieques, where they continued until 2003. The tanks are a reminder of that history, so treat them with respect and don't climb on rusted metal.
How to get to Flamenco Beach
- Get to the Ceiba Ferry Terminal (Marina Dr., Roosevelt Roads, Ceiba). It's about an hour's drive east of San Juan. There's no ferry from San Juan or Fajardo. Our San Juan to Fajardo guide covers vans, rideshares and parking-free options.
- Take the ferry to Culebra. The operator lists about 1 hour 30 minutes for the crossing. Adults (13–59) pay $2.25 one way; ages 4–12 and 60–74 pay $1.00. Visitors can't bring cars: only Culebra and Vieques residents can ship vehicles. Buy tickets early for weekends and holidays. Full schedule in how to get to Culebra.
- Or fly. Cape Air flies San Juan (SJU) to Culebra (CPX). Vieques Air Link flies small planes from Isla Grande (San Juan) and Ceiba.
- From the dock or airport to the beach: Flamenco is about 2.5 miles from town. Shared vans (públicos) run from the ferry dock; many visitors rent an e-bike, golf cart or Jeep on the island.
What it costs (per adult, day trip)
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Ferry, round trip | $4.50 |
| Beach wristband | $2 |
| Público van, each way | about $5 |
| Parking (if you rent a cart or car) | $5 per vehicle |
A budget day trip comes to roughly $15–20 per adult before food, plus parking at the Ceiba terminal if you drive there. Kiosks near the entrance sell food and drinks and rent chairs and umbrellas, so bring cash.
Camping at Flamenco
Flamenco has Culebra's public campground, run by ACDEC. You need a reservation (by phone or email with the ACDEC office). Local guides list the rate at about $30–35 per tent per night for up to six people. Facilities are basic: bring your own tent, water and supplies, and pack out your trash. For a roof over your head, see where to stay on Culebra or the Culebra lodging directory.
Tips for a good day
- Arrive early. Ferries and parking fill up on weekends and holidays.
- No glass anywhere on the beach.
- Snorkel near the ends of the bay, where there's reef and rock. More spots in Culebra snorkeling.
- Check the flags and swim near other people. Conditions change with winter swells.
- Stay the night if you can. A day trip leaves only a few hours on the sand once you add the ferry, the drive to Ceiba and the van ride.
More on Culebra
- Culebra travel guide and things to do on Culebra
- Culebra beaches and is Culebra safe?
- Vieques vs. Culebra and the best beaches in Puerto Rico
- Local guides in the Culebra tours directory
FAQ
How do I get to Flamenco Beach from San Juan? Drive or ride about an hour east to the Ceiba Ferry Terminal, take the ferry to Culebra (about 1 hour 30 minutes), then a van or e-bike 2.5 miles to the beach. Or fly SJU to Culebra.
How much does it cost to enter Flamenco Beach? $2 per person, plus $5 per vehicle if you drive a rented cart or car.
Can you camp on Flamenco Beach? Yes, at the public ACDEC campground, by reservation only.
Why are there tanks on Flamenco Beach? They're left over from the U.S. Navy's use of Culebra as a bombing and gunnery range, which ended in 1975.
Can I take my rental car on the ferry? No. Only residents of Culebra and Vieques can take vehicles on the ferry.
Originally published on PuertoRico.com (2022-09-07); last updated 2026-10-11.