Despite its weathered exterior, Casita Linda (by canal bridge in Dewey, 787/435-0430 or 787/742-0360, casitalindabeach [at] cs [dot] com, $119–225) offers three simple, cheerful, modern one- and two-bedroom apartments on the canal. Amenities include kitchens or kitchenettes, air-conditioning in the bedrooms, and porches, patios, or terraces. Some units sleep up to six people.

Villa Boheme (368 Calle Fulladoza, 787/742-3508, http://villaboheme.com, $95–125 s, $130–135 d, plus 9 percent tax) has a lovely Spanish hacienda–style exterior and landscaped grounds right on Fulladoza Bay. Inside are 11 cheerfully appointed rooms with air-conditioning and hot water. Some rooms have private balconies and small kitchens; others share a communal kitchen in the patio area, which also contains satellite TV. A large terrace spans the length of the rambling property and overlooks the bay. Guests may use the dock, equipped with water and electricity, for $2 per foot per night. Moorings are also available for rent.

In town on Ensenada Honda is Casa Ensenada (142 Calle Escudero, 787/742-3559 or 866/210-00709, www.casaensenada.com, $125–175 for two, plus 9 percent tax). Despite its small size and modest aesthetics, this three-room guesthouse has everything you could need. Rooms are outfitted with air-conditioning, satellite TV, VCRs, hot showers, and kitchenettes, and there are a telephone, high-speed Internet, fax, and copier on-site. For trips to the beach, towels, chairs, coolers, umbrellas, and ice are available.

Nearby is Vista Bella Apartments (on Ensenada Honda, 787/644-6300 or 787/742-0549, visabellaculebra [at] yahoo [dot] com, www.culebra-island.com, $120 studio, $163 one-bedroom that sleeps four, $218 two-bedroom that sleeps six). Four new, modern, and spacious apartments come with kitchens, air-conditioning, large covered balconies, and a spectacular view of Ensenada Honda.