Isla Culebra (Snake Island)

Once back at Doel lovely abode I got to wash all my clothes and pack my bag for camping at Culebra Island on Flamenco Beach. We headed of mid day on the Monday on an open air boat with the perfect view of the sunset and all the Cayos on the coast of Puerto Rico. Both Doel and I were too busy to take photos that we barely said a word too each other the whole way, but it was never an uncomfortable silence so it was fine. I guess that is how it is between good friends :)

We arrived on the island after dark, so I had no idea of what it really looked like, or what to expect. But judging by the docking are it would be great. We drove down to the campsite and started the search for the perfect site to put up our tent. I had after all very strict criteria; close to the beach s possible, not too many bugs, a little secluded and close to the bathroom and showers. Poor Doel was a little fed up with me for being so picky, but finally we found the perfect spot furthest down on the camp ground. The only thing that was bad was that we could not see any place to hang the hammock, and almost walking straight into a giant spider hanging down from a tree! As i saw the spider in fron of my face i jumed back and screamed janking at Doel so he almost dropped the fridge... He was not imprssed at the time! hahaha

After setting up the tent and sorting out our “home” for the next 5 days, we grilled dinner (lovely meat, vegetables, and baked potato), and enjoyed rum and coke, whilst chatting and enjoying the stars blinking above. It was an amazing evening with great company in great surroundings. Doel just makes you feel so at ease, and that is great fro some relaxing days at the beach!

The next morning I finally got to see the place, I took 3 steps and I was on the white sand beach, looking out at the blue and turquoise waters. It was stunning, and it all ended in a beautiful bay. The beach is called Flamenco Beach, and it has white sand on one end, and pebbles on the other which will pain a picture of its length. The beach also has a funny and strange item on it, which makes you think of the beauty and the beast. Situated midway between sand and water on the beach there is an old military tank that has been decorated, by humans and nature. It is one of those rarities that you just feel compelled to take pictures of, and in any other place you would think it was all very ugly, but here it just seems to fit in, giving contrast and extenuating the beauty of this island even more.

We headed into town for lunch and we ended up at a marvellous place they call the Dinghy Dock. As the name explains it is right on the water front, and the Dinghy’s and other boats dock there. The place has character and charm, and it is great to sit less than half a meter from the water watching the fish go by, as well as the fishermen. We both had Grouper served in one fried piece, and with Tostones (Fried plantains, salad and plenty of lemon. I don’t know what heaven tastes like, but I can imagine it is something like this. The fish melted in my mouth, and I made sure to leave nothing. When I had finished it looked like a carcass that had been attacked by vultures, leaving nothing but dry bones. Even the bones where even in the end by the fish below me :)

Doel and I decided to go on a little venture tour around the island exploring its mountains and sights as far as we could. We drove up a mountain top to find the beautiful view of Resaca beach, and also the town as Saint Thomas on the US Virgin Islands. A little strange standing in one country and looking across to another. It was a wonderful moment looking out over the island and taking in the overwhelming beauty of its untouched nature, and beaches. Thank god Doel has a 4 wheel drive is all I can say, as the hills were steep, and the roads not exactly friendly.


When we got back to camp we went for a swim, and unfortunately we had the great idea to have a shower just as the sun was setting, and the mosquitos and the little invisible mangrove beasts come out to play. As Doel helped to throw water over me from the water tower (Showers were not working), i was getting eaten alive. Trying o wash my hair, condition it, and soap myself in, was hard work whilst swatting the mosquitos away. Doel had the pacience of a saint once again!First helping me whilst doing a little dance to dodge the flying beasts and ants crawling up his legs. Then when it came to his turn selffish me just ran for cower. I felt so bad afterwards.... sometimes i just don't think! Sorry Doel!

In the evening we settled into camp with a heated can of spaghetti and Ravioli, which left much to desire. We had our night cap and walk on the beach before deciding to go to bed earlyish, to get an early start the next day:)

The next morning we decided to go snorkelling at Playa Melon which is an area with little sand, but plenty of coral which makes for great snorkelling in very clear water. As we headed down to the beach after renting some snorkel gear for me we met some people walking by the road, so Doel being the gentleman that he is offered them a ride to the beach, and they jumped in We all snorkelled for a few hours, then we all went to the Dingy Dock again to devour yet another feast of heavenly taste. Matt and Samantha a couple from New York were great people to lunch with, with plenty to talk about and in general really nice people.

After lunch we though we would go to Flamenco beach for some snorkel there, but unfortunately we were unable as they were searching for mines in the area. Culebra too used to be an US military base, and they are constantly finding new mines in the area which are still functioning, so hopefully in the near future the island will be safe for people to venture anywhere they like without having a foot taken off.

In the evening after hours in the water playing and swimming, we headed of to one of the 2 supermarkets on the island for some dinner. After heated cans the night before we decided to go for a proper BBQ again, with meat, tomatoes, beans, and anything else we had. Just as i was setting the table, Doel says" Lone i don't want to worry you, but i best tell you now; there is a scorpion on the table" I of course did was expected of me; SHOUT! Fisrt i thought it was dead, but unfortunatelky it was far from dead it was probably just in shock after my loud screaming! Doel was extatic of course, another photo object, but bugs like that is where i draw the line!

It is so nice to be so close to nature (barr; some bugs), and not following a clock or a schedule at all, just relaxing and taking things in your stride. After dinner we went for a walk on the beach and we were mesmerised by the luminescent fish appearing all over the bay. We stood there watching the water as it light up in random places, the light being brighter and weaker depending on the size of the fish I guess. It is something I feel blessed to have seen, as many people I have spoken to have never seen anything like it.

The last day at the Island we got up early in the morning to go to Playa Tamarindo for a last snorkel. We ventured into the water realising it was still a little murky from the rain that night. We decided to stay in after all, and it was superb, I was swimming around seeing fish and plants, when Doel grabbed me to signal there was a big fish in front of me, I got realty excited and started swimming after it to get a photo when I felt something yank me back. It was Doel with a slightly strict look on his face pointing to the surface. Once I popped my head out of the water he told me it was never a good idea to pursue a Barracuda that size (1-1, 5 meters) as they are predators……. How was I supposed to know that, I am not used to fish that can eat me for breakfast. After that we were both a little anxious as the visibility was not very good, and we were wondering what else could sneak up on us.

In the afternoon we decided to head to the dingy Dock for one last red snapper meal before packing up the campsite and heading home to Levittown. During lunch a boat parked up and starting selling fresh fish and lobster. It was fabulous, as I started taking photos, many of the guests took the opportunity to get some fresh dinner and within a short time everything was sold and off the fishermen went probably to catch a new load to sell.

Life here is so wonderful! A great friend to share with, great nature and relaxing surroundings. Could i ask for more!

In the evening we waited for the ferry in town whilst watching flying fish, and the sun setting once again over this marvellous Country. On the ferry back Doel and I were both shattered so we fell asleep head to head on the bench, only awakening in time to hop in the car and head for “home”. The car ride was the usual with loud music and Doel drumming away not missing a single beat. This man is so talented in so many ways! For most of the time i just enjoy watching him drum away and sometimes i find myself joining in, but not loud enough to be heard of course, as i would not want to ruin the moment.

Another great adventure had finished, and many new memories had been made!

THANK YOU DOEL FOR SHARING THIS WITH ME :)

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