CULEBRA

• PRCPX
• Latitude: 18.3051
• Longitude: -65.2952
• Caribbean Sea
• Port in Puerto Rico

Location: Puerto Rico

Culebra is a small island located approximately 17 miles east of Puerto Rico's main island and around 12 miles west of St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The main town on the island is Dewey. Despite its small size and somewhat remote location, Culebra is renowned for its pristine beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and unspoiled natural beauty, making it a popular spot for eco-tourism, snorkeling, and diving. Here's an overview of Culebra from a marine port and maritime perspective:

Culebra Marine Port: Overview

The primary port facility for Culebra is located in the town of Dewey. It serves as the main entry point for both passengers and cargo ferries coming from the main island of Puerto Rico (mostly from the port town of Fajardo) and other nearby islands. The port facilities in Culebra are more modest in comparison to larger commercial ports but are functional for the needs of the island.

Specifications:

Location:

• Island: Culebra
• Coordinates: Approximately 18.3167° N latitude and 65.3000° W longitude
• Time zone: Atlantic Standard Time (AST), UTC -4

Port Facilities:

1. Passenger Ferry Terminal:

   • Primary access point for tourists and residents traveling between Culebra and Fajardo.
   • Occasional ferry services from other parts of Puerto Rico and nearby islands.
   • Basic terminal facilities including waiting areas, ticket offices, and restrooms.

2. Cargo Handling:

   • Basic facilities for handling essential goods arriving via cargo ferries.
   • Limited capacity for large or specialized cargo due to the port's small scale.
   • Primary imports include food, fuel, and construction materials.

3. Berths:

   • Limited number of berths for small to medium-sized vessels.
   • One or two primary docking facilities for passenger ferries.
   • Additional smaller docks for local fishing boats and private yachts.

Navigational Information:

• Approach: The approach to Culebra is relatively straightforward but requires careful navigation due to the presence of coral reefs and shallow waters.
• Charts: Nautical charts are essential for safely navigating around Culebra's waters, which are marked to indicate safe passages and hazard zones.
• Tides and Currents: Tidal range is moderate, and currents can vary depending on the weather and time of year.

Marine Services:

• Fuel: Limited refueling facilities available for small boats and yachts.
• Water and Electricity: Services available at the main dock, but may be limited.
• Repairs: Minor repair facilities for yachts and smaller vessels; major repairs would require transport to larger ports.

Customs and Immigration:

• As Culebra is part of the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico, U.S. customs and immigration laws apply.
• Visitors arriving from international destinations must comply with U.S. entry requirements.

Additional Information:

• Tourism: The port is a key gateway for tourists visiting Culebra's famous Flamenco Beach, snorkeling sites like Carlos Rosario Beach, and the Culebra National Wildlife Refuge.
• Environmental Considerations: The port and surrounding waters are part of a sensitive ecological area, requiring adherence to stringent environmental regulations to protect marine and coastal habitats.

Conclusion:

While Culebra's port may not offer extensive facilities, it adequately serves the island's needs, providing essential connectivity and services for both residents and visitors. The island's maritime accessibility is crucial for its tourism-driven economy and the well-being of its community.