Culebra Island

(Local Name: Isla de Culebra) Called "Isla Chiquita" (Small Island), Culebra was founded on October 27, 1880. Located 27 km / 17 mi east of Puerto Rico and 19 km / 12 mi west to the Caribbean island Saint Thomas, Culebra is about 11 km / 7mi long and 5 km / 3 mi wide. There are 23 offshore islands that together with Culebra form a miniature archipelago. The area's coral reefs are considered some of the best in the entire Caribbean region. Today's population is about 1,542, and the capital of the island is Dewey. The history of Culebra is somewhat clouded prior to the 19th C because the island did not have a permanent settlement. The major draw to the island is ecotourism, and Culebra is one of only two nesting sites for giant sea turtles in the USA. The island offers great opportunities for fishing, diving, and other water sports.