Kicking back in the Caribbean

GETTING THERE
From LAX to San Juan, direct service (no change of planes) is available on American Airlines; connecting service (change of planes) is offered on US Airways and Continental. Restricted round-trip fares begin at $599.

From San Juan, Vieques Air Link, (888) 901-9247 or (787) 741-8331, www.vieques-island.com/val, and Isla Nena Air Service, (877) 812-5144, www.islanena.8m.com, fly daily to Culebra. Round-trip fares begin at $75.

By ferry: Ferries run frequently between Fajardo, P.R., and Dewey. The fare is $4.50 round trip; (787) 742-3161, www.islaculebra.com/index.htm?transit/ferry .htm&2.

WHERE TO STAY
Club Seabourne, P.O. Box 357, Culebra, PR 00775; (787) 742-3169, www.clubseabourne.com. Among the options available here are a family villa that accommodates five people for $329 per night during high season, bay view villas for $219 per night and single rooms that cost $189 per night. Rooms are decorated in Caribbean décor. Restaurant has Creole and international cooking, including vegetarian dishes. Entrees start at $16.

Villa Boheme, P.O. Box 218, Culebra, PR 00775; (787) 742-3508, www.villaboheme.com. Near the main town of Dewey on Ensenada Honda Bay. Air conditioning, kitchenettes, balconies. Freshly painted, overlooks the bay. Doubles start at $60 per night.

Rancho Buena Ventura, P.O. Box 657, Culebra, PR 00775; (787) 742-3374 or (787) 742-0628. House on well-landscaped grounds can accommodate a group for $225 per night, or rooms can be rented singly for $75 per night. The house has a large kitchen, living room and covered porch.

WHERE TO EAT
The Dinghy Dock, next to Villa Boheme. Open-air restaurant and bar on the canal offers Creole and international cooking, a variety of grilled dishes, some vegetarian meals and a selection of desserts. Breakfast options include coconut rum French toast and huevos rancheros. Meals $10-$20 per person.

The Oasis Pizzeria & Bar, (787) 742-3175. This Italian restaurant in downtown Dewey serves pizza and pasta dishes. Meals average $10 or less.

TO LEARN MORE
Puerto Rico Tourism Co., 3575 W. Cahuenga Blvd., Suite 405, Los Angeles, CA 90068; (800) 874-1230 or (323) 874-5991, fax (323) 874-7527, www.gotopuertorico.com.