Benjamin Rivera Noriega Airport

Benjamin Rivera Noriega Airport (CPX) is more than just a transport hub; it is essentially your gateway to a tropical paradise, where the adventure begins even before the landing gear touches the ground. Landing here is considered one of the most scenic and thrilling experiences in the Caribbean region: small aircraft maneuver between green hills, revealing fantastic views of turquoise lagoons to passengers. This compact air harbour is devoid of the hustle of huge terminals and immerses guests in the relaxed atmosphere of Culebra Island from the very first minutes.

Features and Advantages of the Airport

Despite its miniature size, Benjamin Rivera Noriega Airport plays a key role in the life of the island and possesses several unique characteristics that make it special for travellers:

• Unique Landing Experience: The airport is famous for its complex approach due to the surrounding terrain. Aircraft fly in close proximity to the hills, giving passengers unforgettable impressions and the opportunity to take stunning photos of the island from a bird's-eye view.
• Ideal Location: The airport is located practically within the limits of the island's main settlement — Dewey. This means you can reach the city centre, guest houses, or restaurants in literally a few minutes by taxi or even on foot if you are travelling light.
• Absence of Bureaucracy and Queues: Thanks to the low passenger flow, all formalities here pass lightning-fast. You will not have to stand for hours at passport control or wait for baggage delivery — suitcases are often unloaded manually almost immediately after the engines stop.
• Transport Rental Availability: Immediately upon arrival, literally within walking distance from the terminal exit, there are rental counters for jeeps and golf carts — the primary means of transport on Culebra.

Below you will find contact information for Benjamin Rivera Noriega Airport (CPX), which will help you plan your trip and resolve potential questions.

• Official Airport Website: The airport is managed by the Puerto Rico Ports Authority. The official website of the management company is prpa.pr.gov. The airport does not have a separate website.
• Inquiry Service Phone: +1 787-742-0022. It is recommended to call during working hours to obtain the most accurate information.
• Airport Address: Carretera 251, Culebra, 00775, Puerto Rico.
• Email: An official email address for general inquiries is not provided. It is recommended to use the telephone for communication.
• Social Media: The airport does not have its own official pages on social networks. Flight news is best tracked on the websites or pages of the airlines operating flights to Culebra.
• Lost Luggage Information: For all questions related to lost or damaged luggage, it is necessary to contact the airline you flew with directly. Airport staff do not handle luggage tracing.
• Passenger Support Service: For general questions and support, you can use the main airport telephone number: +1 787-742-0022.

Getting to Benjamin Rivera Noriega Airport (CPX) on the island of Culebra is a fairly simple task, given its compact dimensions. The airport is located just a few minutes' drive from the main settlement, Dewey. The main ways to move around the island are taxis, rented golf carts or jeeps, and local shared vans.

Public Transport: On Culebra, there is no traditional public transport system such as city buses or a metro. Their role is fulfilled by públicos — private minibuses or vans that ply the main routes between the town of Dewey, the beaches, and the airport. This is the most budget-friendly way to travel, but they do not have a strict schedule — they depart as they fill up. A trip from Dewey to the airport on such transport will cost just a few dollars.

Taxi and Transfer: A taxi is the most convenient and fastest way to get to the airport. On the island, these are typically spacious vans that easily accommodate passengers with luggage. A trip from any point in Dewey to the terminal will take no more than 5-7 minutes. The cost of the trip is usually fixed and reasonable, but it is always better to clarify the price with the driver before departure. Pre-booking a transfer is not always necessary, but it can be convenient if you are travelling in a large group.

Transport Rental: The most popular way of moving around for tourists on the island is renting a golf cart or a jeep. This gives complete freedom to explore all corners of Culebra, including secluded beaches, and allows you to get to the airport at the time you need without problems. Rental points are located both at the ferry terminal and near the airport. It is strongly recommended to book transport in advance, especially during the high tourist season, as the number of vehicles is limited.

Parking at the Airport: Benjamin Rivera Noriega Airport is very small, and there is a small parking zone near it. It is intended mainly for short-term parking. If you have rented transport, you will likely return it to the rental agency before departure; many of them are located near the airport or offer a return service directly at the terminal.

Benjamin Rivera Noriega Airport (CPX) is a very compact and functional regional airport serving the island of Culebra. Its structure is simplified to the maximum for the convenience of passengers travelling on small aircraft.

Structure and Navigation: One Terminal for All Tasks

The airport has only one small passenger terminal, which serves both departing and arriving flights. It is a single-storey building where all main zones are within walking distance of each other. Thanks to this, navigation is intuitively clear, and getting lost here is practically impossible. There are no complex diagrams, long corridors, or need to transfer between terminals.

Departure and Arrival Zones

In fact, the departure and arrival zones are located in one shared space. Upon entering the terminal, you immediately find yourself in the hall where the check-in counters are located. After checking in luggage and receiving a boarding pass, passengers pass through the single security screening point and enter a small but cosy waiting area. Arriving passengers enter the building from the airfield and collect their luggage in the adjacent hall.

Time for Procedures and Recommendations

Passing through check-in and screening at CPX airport takes minimal time thanks to the low passenger flow. As a rule, the entire process from entering the building to reaching the waiting area takes no more than 20-30 minutes. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 60-90 minutes before departure to check in for the flight and drop off luggage calmly. The main advice for navigation is simple: follow the signs, but most likely, you will find everything necessary simply by looking around.

Benjamin Rivera Noriega Airport, the main air hub of the picturesque island of Culebra, has a history closely tied to the development of tourism and the improvement of life for the local community. Its opening took place in 1957, which became a turning point for the island, which until that moment was accessible mainly by sea. Initially, it was a modest airstrip, but its appearance significantly simplified communication with the main island of Puerto Rico.

The airport owes its modern name to Benjamin Rivera Noriega — a pilot and former mayor of Culebra. He was an ardent supporter of developing air communication and invested much effort into modernising the airport. In recognition of his merits, in December 1994, after significant reconstruction, the new passenger terminal was officially named in his honour. This event became an important milestone in the history of the air harbour.

A key stage in the airport's development was precisely the reconstruction of 1994. During the works, a new, more comfortable, and modern terminal was built, capable of serving the growing flow of tourists. Although the airport cannot boast giant scales, its role for Culebra's economy is hard to overestimate. It has become the gateway for thousands of travellers striving to see the island's famous beaches, such as Flamenco.

One of the most interesting facts about Benjamin Rivera Noriega Airport is its relatively short runway and the scenic approach that requires skill from pilots. Aircraft here literally "dive" between the hills, revealing breathtaking views to passengers even before landing. This small but vital airport is an integral part of the charm and unique experience of travelling to Culebra.

Benjamin Rivera Noriega Airport (CPX) is a very compact regional airport serving the picturesque island of Culebra. It is important to understand that its infrastructure corresponds to its small size and is oriented towards serving short flights. The set of services here is basic, so passengers are recommended to resolve all important matters, such as dining or shopping, in advance.

In the terminal building, you will find a small waiting hall. Opportunities for shopping and dining are extremely limited: there are no restaurants or shops here. Sometimes a kiosk with beverages and light snacks may operate, but it is better to bring everything necessary with you. There are no VIP halls or business lounges at the airport.

Access to Wi-Fi is not guaranteed, and the number of sockets for charging electronic devices may be limited. It is recommended to have a portable charger with you. ATMs, currency exchange points, and bank branches are also absent in the terminal. All financial operations are best performed in the town of Dewey before arriving at the airport.

Basic access to the terminal is ensured for passengers with reduced mobility. However, to receive assistance with boarding and disembarking, it is necessary to notify your airline in advance. Specialized mother and child rooms or play zones are not provided. There is no permanent medical point at the airport, but in emergency cases, staff will provide first aid and call the appropriate services.

There are no hotels, business centres, or conference halls on the airport territory. Since Culebra Island is small, all accommodation options, from guest houses to apartments, are located within a few minutes' drive by taxi or golf cart.

When planning a departure from Benjamin Rivera Noriega Airport (CPX), it is important to consider its features. It is a very small and cosy regional airport serving the beautiful island of Culebra, and its infrastructure matches its dimensions. Here you will not find the variety of restaurants and cafes characteristic of major aviation hubs.

Dining options at the airport are extremely limited. As a rule, in the small terminal building, one small kiosk may operate, or there may be vending machines offering a basic selection: bottled water, carbonated beverages, crisps, chocolate bars, and perhaps packaged sandwiches. One should not count on full hot meals, signature local cuisine, or specialised dietary options (vegetarian, gluten-free, Halal, etc.) here.

The main recommendation for travellers is to eat in advance, before arriving at the airport. In the island's main town, Dewey, there are many charming cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy fresh seafood, try traditional dishes of Puerto Rico, or simply drink a cup of coffee with pastries. This will allow you to spend your time calmly and satisfied before the flight, without worrying about finding food at the airport.

Travelling through Benjamin Rivera Noriega Airport is an experience vastly different from the bustle of major hubs. Since this is a small regional airport serving mainly flights to and from the island of Culebra, there are no long queues here. As a rule, it is sufficient to arrive at the airport 60-90 minutes before departure. This time is enough to check in and pass pre-flight control without haste.

Registration and security procedures at the airport of Culebra are simplified to the maximum. Check-in is fast, and security screening, although mandatory, takes much less time than in large airports. The staff are friendly and ready to help, which creates a relaxed atmosphere before the flight.

Pay special attention to hand luggage. Airlines flying small aircraft in Puerto Rico set strict restrictions on the weight and size of luggage. Be sure to clarify these requirements in advance to avoid extra charges. When choosing a seat on the plane, if possible, give preference to a window seat — flights over the Caribbean Sea reveal stunning views of the turquoise water and islands.

Since the airport serves domestic flights within the jurisdiction of Puerto Rico, customs control is absent here. If you have a transfer planned, it will most likely be at a larger airport, such as San Juan. Ensure you have enough time between flights to collect luggage (if required) and check in again.

To save money, book flight tickets in advance, especially during the high season, as the number of seats is limited and they sell out quickly. The best way to save time and avoid stress is to travel light. This will not only help avoid excess baggage fees but also speed up your movement upon arrival.

Flights on small aircraft depend heavily on weather conditions, so delays or cancellations are possible. In case of a flight delay, contact your airline representative for up-to-date information. Given that amenities in the terminal are limited, during a long wait, it may be more comfortable to stay in the town if time permits.