Culebra: A Caribbean Jewel Unveiled

• HelloHola
  [Oh-lah]
• GoodbyeAdiós
  [Ah-dee-ohs]
• YesSí
  [See]
• NoNo
  [Noh]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [Por fah-bor/Deh nah-dah]
• Thank youGracias
  [Grah-see-ahs]
• Excuse me/SorryPerdón/Lo siento
  [Pair-dohn/Loh see-en-toh]
• How are you?¿Cómo estás?
  [Koh-moh ehs-tahs]
• Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [Byen. Ee too]
• Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
  [Ah-blahs een-glays]
• I don't understandNo entiendo
  [Noh ehn-tee-ehn-doh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver el menú, por favor
  [Meh goo-stah-ree-ah vehr ehl meh-noo, por fah-bor]
• I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [Noh koh-moh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!¡Salud!
  [Sah-loohd]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMe gustaría pagar, por favor
  [Meh goo-stah-ree-ah pah-gahr, por fah-bor]

• Help!¡Ayuda!
  [Ah-yoo-dah]
• Go away!¡Vete!
  [Veh-teh]
• Call the Police!¡Llama a la Policía!
  [Yah-mah ah lah Poh-lee-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!¡Llama a un doctor!
  [Yah-mah ah oon dohk-tohr]
• I'm lostEstoy perdido
  [Ehs-toy pair-dee-doh]
• I'm illEstoy enfermo
  [Ehs-toy ehn-fehr-moh]

• I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...
  [Meh goo-stah-ree-ah kohm-prahr...]
• I'm just lookingSolo estoy mirando
  [Soh-loh ehs-toy mee-rahn-doh]
• How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [Kwan-to kwehs-tah]
• That's too expensiveEso es muy caro
  [Eh-soh ehs mwee kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?¿Puedes bajar el precio?
  [Pweh-dehs bah-hahr ehl pree-syoh]

• What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [Keh oh-rah ehs]
• It's one o'clockEs la una en punto
  [Ehs lah oo-nah ehn poon-toh]
• Half past (10)Las diez y media
  [Lahs dee-ehs ee meh-dee-ah]
• MorningMañana
  [Mah-nyah-nah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [Tahr-deh]
• EveningNoche
  [Noh-cheh]
• YesterdayAyer
  [Ah-yehr]
• TodayHoy
  [Oy]
• TomorrowMañana
  [Mah-nyah-nah]
• 1Uno
  [Oo-noh]
• 2Dos
  [Dohs]
• 3Tres
  [Trehss]
• 4Cuatro
  [Kwah-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [Seen-koh]
• 6Seis
  [Seh-ees]
• 7Siete
  [Syeh-teh]
• 8Ocho
  [Oh-choh]
• 9Nueve
  [Nweh-veh]
• 10Diez
  [Dee-ehs]

• Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está...?
  [Dohn-deh ehs-tah]
• What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [Kwahl ehs lah dee-rehk-syohn]
• Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puedes mostrarme (en el mapa)?
  [Pweh-dehs mohs-trar-meh (ehn ehl mah-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (autobús)?
  [Kwan-doh ehs ehl proh-ksee-moh (ow-toh-booos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (a ...)
  [Oon boh-leh-toh (ah ...)]

Culebra, originally known as Isla Pasaje and later Isla de San Ildefonso, was first inhabited by the Taíno people. They were skilled navigators and fishermen who left behind artifacts such as pottery and stone tools, evidence of their presence and rich culture.

In 1493, Christopher Columbus is believed to have been the first European to sight Culebra during his second voyage to the New World. However, it was not until the 19th century that the island saw significant European settlement.

In 1875, the Spanish crown officially established the island as part of Puerto Rico. A small settlement was founded by Cayetano Escudero and the island was named Isla de San Ildefonso after a bishop. The era saw the establishment of the first permanent community and basic infrastructure.

In 1901, the United States Navy began to use Culebra as a gunnery and bombing practice site. This period marked a significant shift in the island's history, influencing its development and the lives of its residents. Protests in the 1970s eventually led to the Navy's departure in 1975.

In 1976, after the Navy's departure, much of Culebra was designated as a National Wildlife Refuge. This status helped preserve its natural environment, protecting the coral reefs, sea turtle nesting sites, and bird populations that make the island ecologically significant.

Today, Culebra is known for its stunning beaches, particularly Flamenco Beach, which is often ranked among the world's best. The island's commitment to conservation and its laid-back atmosphere attract visitors looking for both adventure and relaxation.

Culebra is accessible primarily by air and sea. The most common way to reach Culebra is by taking a flight from San Juan International Airport (SJU) to Benjamin Rivera Noriega Airport (CPX) on Culebra. Several small airlines operate these flights, which typically last about 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can travel by ferry from Ceiba, which is a 1.5-hour drive from San Juan. The ferry ride from Ceiba to Culebra takes approximately 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on sea conditions.

Transportation on Culebra is relatively straightforward. The island is small and many attractions are within walking distance. Golf carts and scooters are popular rental options for getting around, and several rental companies operate on the island. Taxis are also available and can be a convenient option for longer trips. Note that there is no extensive public transportation system on Culebra, so plan accordingly.

The official currency in Puerto Rico, including Culebra, is the US Dollar (USD). Credit cards are widely accepted at most hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it is advisable to carry some cash, especially for smaller establishments and local vendors. ATMs are available on the island, but it's a good idea to withdraw sufficient cash before arriving, just in case.

Culebra is generally a safe destination for tourists, with low crime rates. However, it is always wise to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in isolated areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places, such as beaches and ferries. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but it's always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. Culebra has a small hospital and a police station to handle emergencies. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies available on the island where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do wear light, breathable clothing suitable for tropical weather. Avoid overly revealing attire when visiting local towns. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions, although Culebra is generally relaxed about religious observance. Public Transport: As there is no extensive public transport system, renting a golf cart or scooter is recommended. Greetings: A simple 'Hola' or 'Buenos días' is a polite way to greet locals. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and seafood. Don’t litter, especially on the beaches, as conservation is important to the residents.

To experience Culebra like a local, visit the local markets and street vendors where you can find fresh produce and local crafts. Engage with residents, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the island’s history and culture. Don’t miss Playa Flamenco, often ranked among the world's best beaches. For a unique experience, visit the Culebra National Wildlife Refuge, which offers opportunities for birdwatching and snorkeling.