A Guide To Visiting Vieques, Puerto Rico
When my fiancĆ© told me that we were visiting Vieques, Puerto Rico, I was really excited!Ā I had several questions about the beautiful private island, so I decided to ask several friends and family if they had ventured there.Ā They told me that they had not.Ā So I decided to create a helpful guide to assist anyone desiring to visit Vieques!
Where is Vieques?Ā
Vieques is locatedĀ about eight miles east of the Puerto Rican mainland and measures about 21 miles long by 4 miles wide. Everyone says the best time to visit Vieques is between December and April. Most people visit when it’s cold in the U.S. Their main source of revenue is tourism, so several businesses close or reduce their business hours until peak season, which is December until April.Ā In my opinion, anytime is a great time to visit this spectacular island. And if a beach resort closer to home is what you are after, here are four reasons to visit The Henderson Beach Resort.
Fun Fact:Ā Vieques is best known internationally as the site of aĀ series of protestsĀ against theĀ United States Navy’s use of the island as aĀ bombing rangeĀ and testing ground, which led to the navy’s departure in 2003.
Why Visit Vieques?Ā
When I initially found out that my fiancĆ© and I were visiting Vieques, I was elated for several reasons.Ā One of the main reasons was because I was in need of a vacation. And a vacation just isn’t a vacation without a beach.Ā I am certain that I was a mermaid in a previous life because I refuse to take vacations without beaches.Ā If you are like me, then Vieques is a match made in heaven because it has some of the best beaches in the world.Ā Vieques’ beaches feature white sand beaches and black sand beaches.Ā Secondly, I was estastic about the resort where we were staying, which was the W Resort.Ā I’m a huge fan of all-things Starwood brand. The resort was so beautiful! If you love a luxurious hotel stay as much as I do, read about my staycation at the Waldorf Astoria Atlanta. (blog post coming soon).Ā One great thing about Vieques is if you don’t have a passport, it is totally okay because Vieques is a terriority of the United States. I always encourage everyone to get a passport, but if you don’t have one, Vieques would be the perfect getaway. On the other hand, if you would rather skip the flight altogether, these 6 staycations near Atlanta are a wonderful place to start.
Fun Fact: The entire island of Vieques has seven beaches:
*Pata Prieta Beach ā āSecret Beachā ā Vieques Island
* La Chiva Beach āBlue Beachā- Vieques Island
* Escondida Beach,Ā Playa la Plata – Vieques
* Playa Negrita/ Negra āBlack Sand Beachā – Vieques
* Playa Grande Beach ā Vieques
* Sun Bay Beach / Balneario Sombre – Vieques
* Mosquito Pier Beach, Rompeolas – Vieques
No matter where you stay on the island, you are sure to have a great beach to enjoy. And if beaches are your love language too, here are five reasons to visit Hilton Sandestin.
Getting ToĀ Vieques
We flew on Vieques Air on an eight-seater puddle jumper. Several people asked why didnāt we take the ferry, which was is $4 and a one-hour travel time.Ā Well, you get what you pay for.Ā We flew for three reasons: Ā One, residents of Puerto Rico have seniority, which means you can have a confirmed ticket and wait for a ferry; however, three residents can come, which means you are now bumped off.Ā I have read horror stories about couples and fellow travelers waiting three hours or more for a ferry. In my opinion, it wasnāt worth it.Ā You’re totally losing time playing a waiting game. Secondly, the flight is only 25 minutes.Ā I love to maximize my time on vacation, so 25 minutes verses one hour just made more sense to me. Third, W Vieques has their own airport lounge, and the W provides transportation to the hotel, which is were we stayed. I love a resort that takes care of the details, which is also why I adore the Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort.
Fun Fact: There is no difference inĀ currency, which means theĀ U.S. dollar is accepted.Ā We used our cards for everything except to pay for taxis.
Must-Do Experiences in Vieques
Beyond the beaches, there are some unforgettable experiences you shouldnāt miss:
1. Mosquito Bay (Bioluminescent Bay)
Vieques is home to Mosquito Bay, the brightest bioluminescent bay in the world. At night, the water glows when disturbedāitās truly magical.
2. Wild Horses
Youāll see wild horses roaming freely all over the island. It adds such a unique and charming vibe to Vieques.
3. Snorkeling & Diving
The waters are incredibly clear, making it perfect for snorkeling. Youāll spot colorful fish, coral reefs, and sometimes even sea turtles.
4. Explore Esperanza
The small town of Esperanza is great for restaurants, beachfront walks, and sunsets.
Transportation in ViequesĀ
I don’t make it a habit to drive when I’m in another country.Ā I am not familiar with their laws, and I can barely drive in Atlanta.Ā We decided to use taxis, which was really cost effective.Ā Our most expensive cab ride was $11. When you use the cab services, make sure you set up transportation everywhere.Ā Typically, you have to call for a cab.Ā But during our four-day visit, I didn’t see one cab.Ā If you live in a high-traffic city like myself, take the time to enjoy someone else driving.Ā Relax!Ā It is a vacation.Ā If you are more adventurous, you can rent a car. And if you love time on the water as much as I do, here are 5 tips for the perfect boat day.
Fun Fact: Vieques doesn’t have a speed limit. You just drive how you feel.Ā Drive with precaution.
What language is spoken in Vieques?Ā
While we were there, we experienced very minimal language barriers. Puerto Rico’s official languages are bothĀ SpanishĀ andĀ English. The preferred language of Puerto Ricans, however, isĀ Spanish.
Fun Fact: English is taught starting in elementary school, so you will have a easy time communicationing.
I hopeĀ this information was helpful.Ā When you visit, you are certainly going to have a blast!Ā I know that we did!
Where To Eat in Vieques?
Vieques has amazing local food you donāt want to miss:
- Fresh seafood (lobster, snapper, shrimp)
- Traditional Puerto Rican dishes like mofongo and arroz con gandules
- Beachfront dining with incredible views
Popular spots are mostly located in Esperanza and Isabel II. For more coastal dining, see my five restaurants to visit in Pensacola, Florida and four restaurants you must visit in Amelia Island.
Helpful Travel Tips
- Bring cash for taxis and small vendors
- Pack reef-safe sunscreen to protect marine life
- Book tours (especially the bioluminescent bay) in advance
- Expect a laid-back island paceāeverything moves slower here
- Stay hydrated and bring bug spray
Everything I Love for a Vieques Beach Day
This post contains affiliate links. I only share products I personally use and genuinely love. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen
A mineral formula for long days on the sand.
Waterproof Phone Pouch
So you can take photos in the water without worry.
Waterproof Dry Bag
Keeps your things dry on the kayak tour of the bioluminescent bay.
Water Shoes
Helpful for rocky beaches and snorkeling stops.
Turkish Beach Towel
Lightweight, quick to dry and easy to pack.
Wide-Brim Straw Sun Hat
Shade that still looks chic in photos.
KEEP HOSTING
More journeys worth taking ā three destinations and stays to explore next.
Where To Stay In Vieques Puerto Rico: W Retreat & Spa – Vieques Island
W Retreat & Spa – Vieques Island ā a memorable place to stay in Vieques Puerto Rico.
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Where To Stay In San Juan Puerto Rico: Hotel La Terraza De San Juan
Hotel La Terraza De San Juan ā a memorable place to stay in San Juan Puerto Rico.
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Smart ideas for making the most of a new city.
Keep Reading āFinal Thoughts
Vieques is one of those destinations that feels untouched, peaceful, and truly special. Whether you’re relaxing on the beach, kayaking through glowing waters, or simply enjoying the slower pace of life, you’re guaranteed to have an unforgettable experience. For more slow, restorative escapes, I also recommend Barnsley Resort, a Biltmore Estate staycation and, for my wine lovers, Charles Krug Winery in Napa Valley.
If youāre looking for a tropical escape without leaving the U.S., Vieques is absolutely worth it. And for island glamour of a different kind, step inside a Palm Beach Royale inspired brunch at The Colony Palm Beach.
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