Plan Now for Shoulder Season in the Caribbean http://www.caribbeanlogue.com/plan-now-for-shoulder-season-in-the-caribbean.html/feed0http://www.caribbeanlogue.com/files/2010/08/beach-120x120.jpg120120http://www.caribbeanlogue.com/files/2010/08/beach.jpgMid-April to late May and from early September to mid-December is shoulder seasons in the Caribbean, a time when hotel prices drop up to 30%, crowds dissipate and the weather is pleasant, at least outside of the June to November hurricane season in the more northerly islands. For a safer bet during hurricane season, consider looking into islands that are further south and out of the path of most major storms.
Shoulder season travel is an excellent way to see the Caribbean. Airfare to the Caribbean is much less expensive than during the winter high season, when everyone from the north is clamoring to head down south for warmer weather. You’ll find the beaches much less crowded too, but you may miss out on a few days of sun and surf if they weather takes a turn for the worst. When booking any Caribbean trip during this time, it’s wise to take out a good travel insurance plan; if a hurricane does derail your trip, you’ll recoup your loses.
For a safer bet, check out islands out of the path of most storms. Southern islands like St. Lucia, and the island of Bermuda (which is actually about as far north as South Carolina) are generally unaffected by the hurricane season. Here you can enjoy shoulder season discounts at cheap hotels in Bermuda, without the worry of a holiday ruined by severe weather.
Camping in Culebra, Puerto Rico http://www.caribbeanlogue.com/camping-in-culebra.html/feed4http://www.caribbeanlogue.com/files/2009/05/dsc_1154-120x120.jpg120120http://www.caribbeanlogue.com/files/2009/05/dsc_1154.jpgFor those of us on a budget, camping is the only accommodation option in Culebra, Puerto Rico. The one and only government run camp ground is located right on beautiful Playa Flamenco, which is exactly where you’ll want to spend your days anyway. Camping in Culebra can be an exercise in frustration for those of you without a vehicle, but you can get by if you’re made of pretty stern stuff.
Hours
The Playa Flamenco Campground is officially run by the government of Puerto Rico. Posted office hours are 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. During our stay, we quickly found that campground hours are subject to island time. Upon arrival at the campground, we found the office to be deserted at about 6:30 p.m. Not to worry. If this should happen to you, pitch your tent and be prepared for someone to wake you up at about 6:00 a.m. to get you checked in.
Dining
As I mentioned before, there is a row of dilapidated kiosks (that are in the process of being rehoused) at the entrance of the campground. The proprietors show up when the mood strikes, so dining on the beach (especially during the early part of the week) may not be possible without self-catering. The mango juice is outstanding, as are the chicken kebabs. I would avoid the burgers and hotdogs at the last stall. The Pina Coladas made beachside are rum-free, as it is illegal to sell alcohol on a Blue Flag beach. Buy your own pint (or gallon or whatever quantity you need) in town and DIY. I really recommend sampling the Don Q rum for those of you who are looking to drink like the locals. Be careful, though! The kiosks close shop fairly early in the day. You should plan on cooking in one of the designated grills or taking a taxi in to town for dinner. There are no restaurants or shops within walking distance of Playa Flamenco.
Campsites
The campsites are split in to designated sections. We were advised to camp in Section A, as it was closest to the office, well lit and “the safest.” I did not at any point feel unsafe while camping at Playa Flamenco, and kind of wish we would have struck out to the more remote and quieter sections. Noise was a serious problem in the camping areas. We heard several theories on the topic, including that we were visiting during a busy time for college students and that it’s just always loud because there is noone around to stop the noise. If you’re a light sleeper, take your earplugs and camp as far away as possible from other people.
Transportation
Playa Flamenco Campground is fairly remote. If you don’t have a vehicle, you’ll have to depend on either the shuttles that run between the beach and Dewey or private taxis. The shuttles run quite frequently during the day, but stop around sundown. After hours, you can check the list of taxi drivers, including Miguelito at (787) 473-2594. Shuttles and taxis are reasonably priced. You should never pay more than $3 or $4, with the exception of early morning pick-up’s which are $5.
Facilities
This is probably the best part. There are regular flush toilets found in the campground. TP supplies tend to run low, so it wouldn’t kill you to take your own. But the showers, oh…the showers. The showers at Playa Flamenco Campground are like practice ground for the television show fear factor. During the dry season, the outdoor showers (and the only showers in the park are outdoor) are absolutely covered with bees. You’ll get bees in you shampoo, bees on your shoes, and the occasional bee on your body. Your showers in Culebra will definitely be unforgettable.
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Culebra, Puerto Rico http://www.caribbeanlogue.com/culebra-puerto-rico.html/feed1http://www.caribbeanlogue.com/files/2009/05/dsc_1150-120x120.jpg120120http://www.caribbeanlogue.com/files/2009/05/dsc_1150.jpghttp://www.caribbeanlogue.com/files/2009/05/culebra-map-120x120.jpg120120http://www.caribbeanlogue.com/files/2009/05/culebra-map.jpgCulebra, a small island in Puerto Rico, is a stunningly beautiful slice of the Spanish Virgin Islands. Nestled a short 17 miles from Puerto Rico and only 12 miles from St. Thomas, this haven offers vacationers a much more Caribbean vibe than the mainland, as well as a safer alternative to its crime-prone neighbor Vieques. You don’t even need to speak a lick of Spanish on Culebra, my sister didn’t. Just sit back, relax, and enjoy one of the world’s few Blue Flag beaches at Playa Flamenco.
Whether you arrive by air or by ferry, you’ll begin your visit in the laid-back town of Dewey. Cargo ferries will transport rental cars, space available, and passengers throughout the day. For those of you visiting by air or sans rental car, transportation is a breeze with several reliable local taxi drivers (most of whom speak English) and frequent daytime shuttles between Dewey and Flamenco Beach.
The island is startlingly uninhabited compared to the mainland. Mostly because the U.S. Navy (my father) used it for target practice for many years. Yes, the Navy did clean house as they were leaving but finding old explosives is not unheard of. A good deal of the island is restricted as a nature reserve, and I suspect as the portion where one would be more likely to run in to a stray shell.
Accommodations on Culebra are found in town, with only camping and the Flamenco Beach Guesthouse available on the beach. The prices are in line with those on the mainland and probably inexpensive compared to its Caribbean neighbors. For those of you on a budget, your only option in camping on Flamenco Beach.
Dining establishments are varied. You can score a bagel at the bakery or partake in some excellent seafood, the best of which is Mamacita’s. The Dinghy Dock is also a popular option in town, with decent happy hour deals. At Flamenco Beach, there is a row of dilapidated kiosks (that are in the process of being rehoused). The proprietors show up when the mood strikes, so dining on the beach (especially during the early part of the week) may not be possible. The mango juice is outstanding, as are the chicken kebabs. I would avoid the burgers and hotdogs at the last stall, unless you’ll otherwise die of hypoglycemic shock. Oh, and the Pina Coladas are oddly rum-free. Buy your own pint (or whatever quantity you need) in town and DIY. I really recommend Don Q rum for those of you who are looking to drink like the locals.
Culebra offers travelers a Caribbean vacation at Puerto Rican prices. Most of the businesses on the island are run by ex-pats, so don’t expect to score any great bargains. Luckily, development on the island has been low key and if the locals have any part in the deal it will remain so. Get yourself to Culebra, whether by ferry or your own luxury yacht, spend a few days diving, exploring or just lying on the beach, and experience the little-known Spanish Caribbean.
Mid-April to late May and from early September to mid-December is shoulder seasons in the Caribbean, a time when hotel prices drop up to 30%, crowds dissipate and the weather is pleasant, at least outside of the June to November hurricane season in the more northerly islands. For a safer bet during hurricane season, consider looking into islands that are further south and out of the path of most major storms.
For those of us on a budget, camping is the only accommodation option in 
Culebra, a small island in Puerto Rico, is a stunningly beautiful slice of the Spanish Virgin Islands. Nestled a short 17 miles from Puerto Rico and only 12 miles from St. Thomas, this haven offers vacationers a much more Caribbean vibe than the mainland, as well as a safer alternative to its crime-prone neighbor Vieques. You don’t even need to speak a lick of Spanish on Culebra, my sister didn’t. Just sit back, relax, and enjoy one of the world’s few Blue Flag beaches at Playa Flamenco.
Dining establishments are varied. You can score a bagel at the bakery or partake in some excellent seafood, the best of which is Mamacita’s. The Dinghy Dock is also a popular option in town, with decent happy hour deals. At Flamenco Beach, there is a row of dilapidated kiosks (that are in the process of being rehoused). The proprietors show up when the mood strikes, so dining on the beach (especially during the early part of the week) may not be possible. The mango juice is outstanding, as are the chicken kebabs. I would avoid the burgers and hotdogs at the last stall, unless you’ll otherwise die of hypoglycemic shock. Oh, and the Pina Coladas are oddly rum-free. Buy your own pint (or whatever quantity you need) in town and DIY. I really recommend Don Q rum for those of you who are looking to drink like the locals.