Lois Larson
Yes, there is an airport in Culebra, Puerto Rico. Benjamín Rivera Noriega Airport (IATA: CPX, ICAO: TJCP, FAA LID: CPX) is a public airport on the island, owned by the Puerto Rico Ports Authority. The airport was originally built as a military airport by the United States Marine Corps and opened in 1957. It covers 15 acres of land and has one runway. The airport offers a scenic view as you fly over turquoise and emerald-green waters, small inlets, cays, smaller islands, and the breathtaking Flamenco Beach.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airport Name | Benjamín Rivera Noriega Airport |
| Airport Code | CPX |
| Location | Carretera 251, Culebra, Puerto Rico |
| Owner | Puerto Rico Ports Authority |
| Area | 15 acres |
| Elevation | 49 feet |
| Runway | 1 (2,600 by 50 feet) |
| Ferry Terminal | Ceiba |
| Flight Duration from San Juan | 35 minutes |
| Airlines | Cape Air, Vieques Air Link, Air Flamenco |
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What You'll Learn
Benjamín Rivera Noriega Airport
The airport covers an area of 15 acres at an elevation of 49 feet above sea level. It has a single runway, designated 13/31, with an asphalt surface measuring 2,600 by 50 feet. Due to the short length of the runway, commercial operations are limited to propeller aircraft with 10 seats or fewer. The airport is known for its proximity to a mountain, located less than 1,000 feet from the north end of the runway, which also prevents jet aircraft from using it.
The first passenger terminal was inaugurated on October 24, 1976, after the Navy-Culebra protests. The airport and its 80 acres were officially transferred to the Puerto Rico Ports Authority in 1980. A new passenger terminal was opened in 1994, and the airport was renamed Benjamín Rivera Noriega, honouring a pilot from Ciales who became a community leader recognised for his service to the residents of Culebra.
The airport offers scheduled passenger service via four commercial airlines, including Cape Air, which offers daily year-round flights to and from San Juan Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU). Flying is the fastest and most convenient way to travel to Culebra, offering scenic views of the surrounding islands and beaches.
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Flying from the US to San Juan
To get to Culebra, an island belonging to Puerto Rico, flying from the US to San Juan is the easiest way. San Juan International Airport (SJU) is served by several major airlines from the US mainland, including American Airlines, Delta, United, and US Airways. The airport is also served by several international airlines, including Air Canada Vacations, British Airways, and Lufthansa. The flight time from the US to San Juan varies depending on your departure location, with flights from New York taking 3.5 hours and flights from Miami taking just 1.5 hours.
When planning your trip, it is important to consider the time of year. April to November is the rainiest period in San Juan, while the winter months offer cooler temperatures and lower chances of rain. If you're looking for a unique cultural experience, consider visiting in December or January, when you can experience one of the longest Christmas seasons in the world, which ends with the San Sebastian Street Festival in late January.
In terms of preparation, it is recommended that you pack lightweight sneakers as they are less likely to cause delays at security checks. It is also important to familiarise yourself with prohibited items and pack sharp objects in your checked luggage. To ensure you get the best deal on flights, it is advisable to shop around and compare prices, as well as to be ready to book at a moment's notice when a good deal arises.
Once you arrive in San Juan, you have several options to get to Culebra. You can either take a commuter plane, which offers a scenic 35-minute flight, or you can take a passenger ferry, which takes 45 minutes. The ferry departs from the port town of Ceiba, which is approximately 1.5 hours from San Juan International Airport.
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Ferry from Ceiba
There is an airport in Culebra, Puerto Rico, but it only accommodates small aircraft. For those travelling from abroad, the easiest way to reach Culebra is via San Juan, Puerto Rico. From there, you can either fly to Culebra or take a ferry.
The ferry is a great, low-cost way of getting to Culebra and its sister island, Vieques. Ferries to/from Culebra depart from the port town of Ceiba, Puerto Rico, located on the island's east coast. The port of Ceiba is 1 hour to 1.5 hours from San Juan International Airport (SJU) by car, depending on traffic. A taxi from the airport in San Juan will cost you around $90-100 for a group. Uber is also available and will be cheaper.
There are two types of ferries that passengers can use: passenger ferries and cargo-passenger ferries. Passenger ferries carry no cargo, so the trip is faster (around 45 minutes). Cargo ferries take around 1.5 hours and also carry passengers. The one-way fare is $2.25, but there is an additional fee if you are bringing a vehicle, which can range from $20 to $40, depending on its size. Tickets can be purchased online in advance, which is recommended to avoid lines and assure there is space for you.
To get to the Ceiba Ferry Terminal, drive along Route 26 east to Route 66 east to Route 3 east (toward Fajardo). Then, at KM 52.4, turn left onto Tarawa Drive. Continue straight and turn left onto Marina Drive. The terminal is located at the former Roosevelt Roads Naval Base. The facility is large, so plan to arrive early, especially during weekends or holidays. There is paid parking available onsite, and signage will guide you to ticketing and boarding areas. Remember to bring an ID, and keep your ticket handy for boarding.
It's important to check the latest ferry schedules in advance, as they can change based on demand, season, and weather conditions. The trip can be rough, especially in the winter months, so if you are prone to motion sickness, take medicine at least one hour before boarding.
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$7.99
Cape Air flights
Yes, there is an airport in Culebra, Puerto Rico. The airport, Benjamín Rivera Noriega Airport (CPX), was opened in 1957 by the United States Marine Corps as a military airport.
Cape Air offers daily flights between San Juan Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) and Benjamín Rivera Noriega Airport (CPX) in Culebra. The airline offers low-fare flights and has check-in counters at the main terminal in Culebra. The flight duration is approximately 34 minutes, and prices start from $98 one way.
Cape Air also offers flights from Kingston to New York (KIN-JFK) and Fort Lauderdale to New Providence Island (FLL-NAS), among other routes.
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Snorkelling spots
Culebra, a tiny island located just 17 miles east of Puerto Rico, is known for its pristine beaches and vibrant coral reefs. The island offers some of the best snorkelling spots in the Caribbean, with an abundance of marine life and coral formations. While the island is easily accessible by ferry, it also has its own airport, making it a convenient destination for travellers.
Carlos Rosario Beach
Considered by many to be the best snorkelling spot on the island, Carlos Rosario Beach offers a diverse range of corals and fish. The best snorkelling areas are found in around 15-25 feet of water, where you can explore the vibrant coral reefs and schools of tropical fish.
Tamarindo Beach
Part of the Luis Peña Channel Natural Reserve, Tamarindo Beach is known for its healthy population of green sea turtles and stingrays. The University of Puerto Rico is also working on "planting" coral to help refurbish the reef. While the beach is accessible by car, the snorkelling area is mostly rocky, so water shoes are recommended.
Flamenco Beach
Ranked as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Flamenco Beach is a must-visit destination in Culebra. The beach boasts crystal clear waters, white sand, and an array of marine life, including turtles. It is also known for its surreal landscape, dotted with tanks left behind from World War II.
Melones Beach
Located within the Luis Peña Channel Natural Reserve, Melones Beach offers clear waters and healthy coral reefs. As part of the reserve, it is a designated no-take marine area, ensuring the protection of the marine life and corals.
Punta Soldado
A bit of a drive and then a hot hike (or a risky drive on a rental vehicle), Punta Soldado offers decent snorkelling with lots of underwater "rocks" and marine life. The beach is located on the northeastern shore of Culebra.
With its clear waters, white sand beaches, and abundant marine life, Culebra is a snorkeller's paradise. The island's small size and proximity to Puerto Rico make it an easily accessible destination, whether by ferry or plane.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, there is an airport in Culebra. The airport is called Benjamín Rivera Noriega Airport (IATA: CPX, ICAO: TJCP, FAA LID: CPX).
The airport covers an area of 15 acres with one runway measuring 2,600 by 50 feet.
Cape Air offers daily flights to Culebra from San Juan Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU). Other airlines include Vieques Air Link and Air Flamenco.
The closest airport to Culebra is the San Juan International Airport (SJU) in Puerto Rico.
An alternative to flying is to take a ferry from the port town of Ceiba, Puerto Rico.
