Where is Playa Dátiles located?

Playa Dátiles is located in Culebra, Puerto Rico. The exact coordinates are 18.296146, -65.300635. You can use GPS navigation or follow signs to Culebra and look for beach access points.

Is Playa Dátiles good for swimming?

Yes, Playa Dátiles is a public beach open for swimming. The beach has calm waters, making it ideal for swimming.

What facilities are available at Playa Dátiles?

Playa Dátiles offers the following facilities: Parking, Picnic Areas.

What activities can I do at Playa Dátiles?

Popular activities at Playa Dátiles include swimming, snorkeling. The beach is family-friendly and perfect for a day trip from Culebra.

Is there parking at Playa Dátiles?

Yes, Playa Dátiles has parking available.

Playa Dátiles - Culebra | Puerto Rico Beach Finder

At a glance

Playa Dátiles is a family-friendly beach in Culebra, Puerto Rico, known for calm waters and families. A sheltered cove on Culebra's southeast coast offering some of the shallowest, calmest waters on the island—wade 140 feet out and barely reach knee depth. Facilities include parking.

Swimming

Easy — calm water

Snorkel

Great — reef

Family

Safe for kids

Access

Short path

Best for

Camping
Scenic
✓ Parking
✓ Picnic Areas

Getting there

Short path.

Best time

December through May offers the best weather and calmest conditions.

Know before you go

Heads up

Extremely shallow and calm water — one of the safest swimming beaches for children in Puerto Rico.

No lifeguard

Swim with a buddy and know your limits.

Parking

Small paved lot at the end of the access road near the campground. Free. Limited to about 10 vehicles.

Conditions today

84°Mainly clear · feels like 90°

☀ UV High 💨 Wind 11 mph

🌿 Sargassum: light reported

☀ Sunrise 6:07 am🌙 Sunset 6:29 pm

Where it is

Culebra · The Cays18.30°N 65.30°W

Ways to experience Playa Dátiles

Bookable tours and activities at and around this beach.

Viator partner

Official photo for Culebra Snorkel and Beach Day with Lunch and Drinks on Viator

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About Playa Dátiles

A sheltered cove on Culebra's southeast coast offering some of the shallowest, calmest waters on the island—wade 140 feet out and barely reach knee depth. This family-friendly beach features a designated campground with paved road access, making it ideal for swimming, camping, and kayaking. Perfect for young children and those seeking a peaceful, scenic escape.

Local tips

✔Arrive before 10am to secure the best parking spots and beach locations

✔Bring a kayak or rent one in town — the calm shallow water makes this one of the easiest launch points on Culebra.

✔Golden hour (shortly after sunrise or before sunset) provides the best lighting for photos

✔Camping permits should be obtained in advance through the DRNA (Department of Natural Resources). Spots fill in peak season.

✔Bring your own snorkeling gear for the best fit and visibility

✔The extremely shallow water is safe for toddlers but the sandy bottom can have occasional rocks — water shoes recommended.

Plan Your Visit

What to Bring+

Sun and Water Protection:

Reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher)
Hat and sunglasses for sun protection
Reusable water bottle for hydration
Water shoes (sandy bottom has occasional rocks)

Swimming and Floating:

Swimsuit and towel
Float or inflatable for lounging on calm water
Beach toys for children

Camping Essentials:

Tent and sleeping bag
Camping stove and cooking supplies
Headlamp or flashlight
Insect repellent

Food and Shade:

All meals, snacks, and plenty of water in a cooler (no food vendors nearby)
Portable beach umbrella or pop-up shade tent (limited natural shade)

About This Beach

History & Background+

Playa Dátiles is located in the municipality of Culebra, a small island municipality 17 miles east of mainland Puerto Rico, accessible by ferry from Ceiba or small plane. As an offshore island community, this area offers a different pace from mainland Puerto Rico, with surrounding waters influenced by both Atlantic and Caribbean currents. The relative isolation has preserved the natural coastal environment.

This sheltered cove on Culebra's southeast coast features some of the shallowest, calmest water on the island—you can wade 140 feet offshore and barely reach knee depth, making it one of the safest swimming beaches in Puerto Rico for small children. The beach includes a designated camping area with paved road access and serves as an ideal launch point for kayaking to nearby cays and exploring Culebra's southeastern coastline.

The municipality of Culebra has deep roots in Puerto Rico's history, and beaches like Playa Dátiles reflect the ongoing relationship between coastal communities and the sea. Whether visited by local families on weekends or travelers discovering the island for the first time, this stretch of shoreline carries the character of its surroundings.

Nearby Attractions+

Playa Datiles is situated in Culebra, which offers several attractions beyond the beach itself. The island town of Dewey is a short drive away and features the central plaza with a church, local shops, and cafes—a good place to experience everyday Puerto Rican town life. Many towns hold weekend markets or festivals throughout the year, particularly during patron saint celebrations (fiestas patronales) featuring live music, food, and cultural performances.

Flamenco Beach: One of the Caribbean's most famous beaches, known for pristine white sand and clear turquoise waters
Culebra National Wildlife Refuge: Protects important seabird and sea turtle nesting habitat across the island
Playa Resaca: Alternative beach with different character worth exploring
Sardinas II (Town Beach): Local beach near Dewey with community atmosphere
Local restaurants and roadside kiosks (chinchorros): Serving traditional Puerto Rican fare including fresh seafood, mofongo (mashed plantain with garlic), tostones (fried plantain slices), empanadillas, bacalaítos (codfish fritters), and piraguas (shaved ice with fruit syrup)