Because Culebra is off the beaten track, it is protected from tourist invasion to a great extent — but that also means it takes careful planning to get there without too many delays.

Get information on all the scheduled local flights or ferries, then coordinate connection times before booking your jet flight to San Juan. That way you can minimize waiting in airport/ferry terminals— and maximize lounge time on the beach. PACK LIGHT! Try to avoid checking bags (and delays at baggage claim). Culebra is completely casual so you don't need a lot of variety in your wardrobe. Sun block, toiletries, etc are all available (at reasonable prices!) at the local shops. 

ALLOW AT LEAST 2 HOURS between your jet flight and the local flight (1 hour if you fly out of or into San Juan International), traveling both to and from Culebra. Flight delays or heavy traffic can disrupt tighter scheduling. ALLOW 3 HOURS if travelling by ferry because the port of Ceiba is further from the airport than the old port was. The taxi between San Juan Int'l airport and the ferry port of Ceiba takes at least 1 hour, more with traffic.