DIVING in Culebra is a relatively new activity, dating back to approximately 1957 or so when Jacques Cousteau came to Puerto Rico. He was experimenting with his new DIVING SAUCER (remember) !! He allowed some of the locals (including me to hang around and try their SCUBA gear, WOW! But of course his chief diver happened to be the best FREE DIVER there was, M. FALCO. He showed us what FREE DIVING was all about. We never used Scuba unless it was absolutely necessary.

 

Understand that I am not putting Scuba down, I am still thrilled to hang a tank and be released from my 2 minute shots. But's let's talk about Culebra's great TREASURE... Its' extensive and varied REEF System. Jacques Cousteau quoted, "...the CULEBRITA REEF as the most beautiful reef of any Island in the CARIBBEAN." The Culebrita Reef is known as LOS CORCHOS to the locals. Starting with a uniqueness that is only Culebra's. Some of our REEFS are approachable from the shoreline. You do not need a boat to get to them. Some of these are

A) MELONES REEF: a protected shallow reef for beginners, some 1/2 mile long and no deeper than 15'. It is an ideal beach for snorkeling!

B) CARLOS ROSARIO (impact zone) as it is locally known. This is a reef that goes down to 40' and is about two miles long, awesome!!

C) FLAMENCO REEF has intermediate depths of 25'to 40'.

D) Another type of reef system is the CULEBRITA REEF I mentioned before. This is a four square mile reef composed of "Coronas" or coral crowns. It goes from 0 to 40' and they are spread all over !! The Culebrita reef is located south of Culebrita Island.

E) The next system is GRAMPUS REEF another 4 square mile reef south-east of the Culebrita Reef but in open water. This reef is for the experienced diver Free or Scuba. It is 30 to 70' in depth.

F) Then there is the ULTIMATE --- This would be to dive the edge of the SOUTH DROP. I have never done this in my 40 years of diving. You will need lots of experience and big cojones. Sharks are measured by the meter, not by the foot.