Luis Peña Beach

 4.5/5

Location: Luis Peña Key, Culebra

Getting there: Take the ferry from Ceiba to Culebra Island. From Culebra, you’ll need to hire a water taxi or organize a tour to get to Luis Peña Key. I went via this Airbnb Experience. It seems to be operated via Bright Paddle Tours. You can also kayak to this key from Tamarindo Beach if you rent a kayak in town. It’s about a mile-long paddle to get to the key. Only attempt this in mild weather and surf conditions.

Things to do: Relax in the shallows – Given fair conditions, the water is calm and clear. There will likely be other boats anchored on the small beach. Snorkel – There is excellent snorkeling on the left side of the beach (looking out to sea from shore). The reef is deep but still worth exploring even if you prefer to stay on the surface.

Heads up: The conditions at this beach change depending on the time of year. When I went, there were no waves at all, but there can be rather large shore break waves.

Pros

One of most picturesque beaches in Puerto Rico.
Calm water perfect for relaxing in the shallows, given the right conditions.
Great snorkeling albeit over a deep reef.

Cons

To get there, parking at the ferry terminal costs $15.00 a day, the ferry costs $4.00, and the water taxi costs $65.00 – $100.00.
There is no shade.
There are not many companies to choose from to take you there.
Depending on the tour you organize to take you here, you may not have as long on the beach as you’d like.