Culebra

Culebra is a small island municipality of Puerto Rico, located in the Caribbean. It comprises the main island of Culebra and several surrounding islets, including Culebrita. The municipal seat is the town of Dewey, named after Admiral George Dewey.

Geography and environment: The island lies off the eastern coast of Puerto Rico and features a tropical climate with white-sand beaches and coral reefs. Flamenco Beach, on the western shore of the main island, is frequently cited among the world’s best beaches. The interior is largely undeveloped, and much of the surrounding waters are part of the Culebra National Wildlife Refuge, which protects seabird nesting sites and marine habitats. The uninhabited island of Culebrita to the east hosts a historic lighthouse.

History: The island was inhabited by Taíno people before European contact. It was part of the Spanish colony and became a United States territory after the Spanish–American War of 1898. The name Culebra derives from the Spanish word for snake.

Administration and population: Culebra is one of Puerto Rico’s 78 municipios. It has its own mayor and municipal government; the population is small, concentrated in Dewey and coastal communities.

Economy and access: The economy relies on tourism and small-scale fishing. The island is served by Benjamín Rivera Noriega Airport (IATA: CPX) and by ferry services from the Puerto Rico mainland to Dewey.