- In 1493, the explorer Christopher Columbus became the first European to set foot on the island. Up until that point it had been inhabited by Taino Indians and used by pirates as a hideout. Culebra remained as it had been for hundreds of years until 1875, when the first governor was declared by the Spanish government and given the responsibility of protecting the island and its inhabitants from pirates. The governor was assassinated the same year. Times started to get better in 1880 when colonization began, which helped rid the area (for the most part) of pirates.
At the conclusion of the Spanish-American war, Costa Rica, and in turn Culebra, was given to the United States. Soon after, in 1901, the U.S. navy took over the area for marine exercises and in 1939 started using the site for bombing practice. This continued until the mid-1970s. There are still some remains of America's military presence on the island, including a few tanks scattered throughout Flamenco Beach. - All transportation into Culebra originates from the Puerto Rico mainland. A small airport provides flights to and from San Juan. Prices for a round-trip flight run around $100. There are also ferries available from Fajordo on the mainland, which costs only $4.50 round trip. The ride itself lasts about 45 minutes.
Taxis are available on the island, and rental cars are offered as well. - Culebra is an arid island, which means there are absolutely no fresh water rivers or lakes found on its surface. Because of this, all drinkable water is imported from the mainland. Because of the lack of fresh water, beer is the drink of choice on the island. The locals drink Medella, which is made in Puerto Rico.
Food is similar to that on the mainland and is a mix of Spanish, African and Taino. Culebra also makes use of fruits and vegetables from local gardens. - Lying on the beach is one of the most popular activities among visitors to Culebra. Flamenco Beach is one of the world's most beautiful beaches and welcomes thousands of tourists each year. Snorkeling is also available throughout the island and provides great underwater views of the coral (all though the U.S. bombing practices did destroy a portion of this). Tourists can check out boats or take a guided tour if they feel like exploring the surrounding waters or the 23 smaller islands around Culebra.
- The temperature is always warm in Culebra, with the yearly temperature ranging from 80 degrees F to 95 degrees F during the day and 75 degrees F to 85 degrees F at night. The winter months, December through February, are slightly cooler.
Culebra does experience rain showers through the year, with most lasting only a few minutes. Most rain occurs from September through November.
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