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I'm a 22 yr old female needing a break from the NYC rat race. Culebra seems like the perfect place, especially since I'm NOT into the big hotels and crowded touristy scene. I've done some backpacking in Europe and Africa and find travelling alone can be really great since fellow travellers really reach out to you.
I only have five days. I'm wondering where I could stay where I'll have easy access to a not-so-crowded beach where I can get some peace, but can still find a nice social scene (preferably one that involves fruity drinks and a laid back atmosphere :) ). Hoping for something not too pricey that's still clean and comfortable.
My plans are for March 11-16. I'm a little concerned that might be prime time for Spring Breakers, and while I had fun on similar spring breaks in college, I'm not really into that kind of party. Hoping for twenty-somethings who can really kick back...fumbling around on drums and guitars, talking about adventures barefoot, sipping a beer kind of kicking back.
Any suggestions? I don't have tons of research time at the moment which is why I'm reaching out. (Also wondering whether flying to San Juan then taking the flight to Culebra is easiest...can I fly into Aguadillas and do something similar? Safe-ish to travel alone?)
A big thanks to anyone who can help.
Re: female, alone, relaxing and finding friends
Aguadilla is a good place, but not for a woman alone. Culebra is a good place.
The ferry on weekends is most full, so you have to get early, 0730.
If you are about to visit culebra in week days, you will find what you are looking for, but not the weel ending SEMANA SANTA.
I recommend you explore the hotels in this forum, and take the best for you.
Should you need me, I'm just an e-mail away.
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Re: female, alone, relaxing and finding friends
Author: ilaine robinson (---.proxy.aol.com)
well we have something very similar to what you are looking for in casa robinson.. and the price not that bad
send us an email casarobinson01@aol.com
we might have some space available for that time you are going.
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Re: female, alone, relaxing and finding friends
You're headed in the right direction with Culebra. Most of the social scene you describe will be centered around the happy hours at Mamacita's and the Dinghy Dock...this is where the local ex-pats party with the tourists.
I don't think Culebra has developed into a spring break destination, yet, so it's hard to predict whether there will be a significant number of twenty-somethings on a given night. What you CAN be sure of is a supply of very interesting yarn-spinners and laid back Caribbean vibe.
Look into Posada la Hamaca. It provides a lot of utility at a very reasonable price. You are steps from the two establishments listed above, just a few blocks from all the shops and markets in town, and a short stroll to the publicos to take you to Flamenco Beach.
You will find, that in the 5 days, you'll get to recognize and know most of the locals and tourists by name, and will hear about what's happening. On Saturday night at Mamacita's they have a rumba (percussion) band and I've been reading that a steel band plays at Bahia Marina. If you get a chance to go to a high spot after dark, the star gazing and views of St. Thomas and Vieques are so fine.
When you get back, let us know how it went...
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Re: female, alone, relaxing and finding friends
I almost forgot. I don't believe there is an easier way to reach Culebra than via San Juan. I'm not sure the Fajardo ferry is a good option, as it requires several hours in each direction, and I'd hate to burn the better part of a day getting to and from Culebra. It is very safe to travel alone in Culebra. Not necessarily, in San Juan.
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Re: female, alone, relaxing and finding friends
When looking at schedules for the flights from San Juan to Culebra keep in mind that the Isla Grande airport is a short cab ride away (like from Laguardia to JFK trip) and gives you additional options for the puddlejumper trip. Culebra has plenty of quiet beaches and the people here are easy to talk to. Enjoy!
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Re: female, alone, relaxing and finding friends
I came to culebra alone last year in march (also from NYC). I camped in flamenco beach and it was great. it's about $20 a night and very quiet (on weekdays only!), very safe and you meet a lot of other backpackers and end up making lots of cool friends. there's a taxi that runs back and forth to town for $2 a trip. It might feel weird to camp alone at first but once you get used to it you'll feel like you're on top of the world!
ps. I also took a flight from san juan to culebra ($92 round trip on viequez air link).
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Re: female, alone, relaxing and finding friends
Wow...I'm actually sort of touched that all of you have been so helpful ;) I'm all set up now. Hopefully I'll run into some of you during the trip. Thanks...!
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Re: female, alone, relaxing and finding friends
L, I too am a jaded mellow New Yorker planning a solo trip to Cubrela and I'd be curious to hear how your trip went, esp re: lodging...
(I'm shooting for end of March/beg of April, depending on the availability & price of flights.)
thanks & take care!
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Re: Relaxing and finding friends
Author: Andy Bettag (---.nyc.res.rr.com)
It sounds like you have all the advice you need, but just to pile on...
The description of what you're looking for in a vacation simply could not encapsulate Culebra any more accurately. It is a wonderful, very very welcoming place. It's as laid back as any you will find, and it's the perfect escape from NYC.
I've camped out at Flamenco by myself ( I guess it's a little different) a week at a time for on three different occasions, and had no problems whatsoever.
I would advise that you take a spot in the campgrounds closer to the office, but that's only for convenience, not safety.