The island of Vieques boasts some of the Caribbean’s nicest beaches, with no stoplights between the lush tropical hillsides. Wild horses wander freely, waters glisten with bioluminescence, and dramatic black beaches greet travelers to a Caribbean island that has stood the test of time.
Vieques, a U.S. territory located just six miles off the coast of Puerto Rico, is a stark contrast to its neighboring islands. “Puerto Rico exudes infectious vitality and vigor. Sylvia DeMarco, founder of the boutique hotel Finca Victoria in Vieques, describes the island’s deep connection to nature and profound relaxation as unparalleled.
Increased flight lift to the Caribbean makes accessing Vieques easier than ever, with no passport required for US guests. Continue reading for exclusive tips on planning a trip to the remote island.
1. Best Hotels and Resorts
Vieques lacks the typical commercial hotels and beach resorts seen in Puerto Rico, which adds to its charm. Instead, modest guesthouses and a surge of new boutique lodgings provide tourists with a more intimate connection to the island.
- Finca Victoria
Finca Victoria, located on a hilltop in Vieques, is a modern refuge that blends well with the natural environment. This 14-room boutique hotel provides a variety of accommodations, including tree homes, cabins, and a vintage airstream, all with a touch of breezy Caribbean flare and suitable for short visits or extended ayurveda retreats.
- El Blok
El Blok combines the relaxed atmosphere of a Caribbean resort with the contemporary design of a downtown hotel. El Blok, located in the heart of Esperanza’s vibrant town, is just steps away from the beach and the seaside boardwalk. The hotel’s rooftop pool and bar have panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea, making it one of the greatest places on Vieques to watch the sunset with a cocktail in hand.
- Hacienda Tamarindo
Hacienda Tamarindo, a small but mighty bed-and-breakfast elevated above the southern Vieques coastline, offers breathtaking ocean views and tropical breezes. A swimming pool and a big tropical breakfast are among the pleasures of a stay at this family-oriented establishment, but the pleasant service is the genuine standout.
2. Things to Do
- Kayak in bioluminescent Mosquito Bay.
Vieques’ most famous feature is Mosquito Bay, where phosphorescent plankton create a sea of blue light, making it the world’s most spectacular bioluminescent bay. Local tour operators accompany visitors by kayak across the glowing waters for a truly amazing experience. Many visitors come to Vieques solely to witness this occurrence, which is only the beginning of the island’s natural treasures.
- Sail, swim, and snorkel.
Getting out on the sea is the greatest way to explore Vieques. Vieques also has various unique diving locations, making it a popular destination for PADI-certified vacationers. Angel Reef, known for its beautiful coral and historic Spanish anchors, is a must-see for local PADI divers.
- Hit the beach.
During the peak season, even the most picturesque beaches on the island are almost deserted. DeMarco suggests Punta Arenas on the island’s northwest coast, as well as Caracas Beach. Vieques’ Playa Negra, known for its jet-black sand, stands out from the island’s other powdery white beaches.
- Taste local rum.
No trip to the Caribbean is complete without sampling the native rum. Crab Island Rum Distillery, the first artisanal rum distillery on Vieques, offers native spirits. Take a tour or visit the distillery’s shop from Thursday to Saturday between 12 and 8 p.m. On Saturdays, the party really gets started, with live music on tap.
3. Best Restaurants
- El Quenepo
El Quenepo, located on Esperanza’s coastline, is one of Vieques’ few excellent dining options. The use of locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, as well as the breezy, open-air dining area with views of the Caribbean Sea, keep things friendly and tropical. El Quenepo is open from Tuesday to Saturday, with reservations required.
- Placita
Hotel El Blok’s restaurant, Placita, is highly regarded in Vieques. Executive chef Alex Espinal serves a menu of modern Puerto Rican cuisine that changes daily based on the catch of the day and the ingredients available from local suppliers. The restaurant is open Thursday through Monday, and reservations are advised.
- Tin Box
Tin Box, a hidden gem with a corrugated steel front, offers a unique blend of BBQ and sushi. It’s a mixture that somehow works well for keeping this roadside staple stocked. Calypso nights, held on Mondays during the busy season, are among Vieques’ top live music events.
- Bananas
Bananas, located on Esperanza’s beachside walkway, is a casual beach restaurant ideal for a Caribbean holiday. Classic Puerto Rican delicacies like mofongo stand out, while fresh favorites like fish tacos and coconut flan are menu highlights.
4. Areas To Visit
“It’s impossible to understand the island’s unique makeup and geography without understanding its past,” DeMarco said. In the 1940s, the United States Navy converted about half of the island into a military base, leaving people with only a small plot of land in the island’s central third. “This led to a more vibrant and populated section of Vieques, and two undeveloped but beautiful ends on either side, which is a makeup that remains today.”
- Vieques National Wildlife Refuge
The Vieques National Wildlife Refuge was established after the U.S. Navy abandoned operations on the island in 2001. The Vieques National Wildlife Refuge, which covers over half of the island, is considered the Caribbean’s most ecologically diversified wildlife refuge. “The beaches here remain quite untouched and very pristine, a small benefit of a dark history,” DeMarco said.
- Esperanza
Esperanza, located on Vieques’ southern shore, is a little town with a lot to offer visitors. The malecón, or beachside boardwalk, is the heart of Esperanza. It has some of the best beachfront eateries on the island, as well as modest guesthouses and stylish hotels like El Blok. Esperanza’s proximity to several of the island’s top beaches, as well as the bioluminescent Mosquito Bay, making it an appealing tourist destination.
- Isabel Segunda
Vieques’ administrative center, Isabel Segunda, is located on the island’s northern coast. Isabel Segunda, which houses the island’s airport and ferry terminal, is the primary point of arrival for most visitors to Vieques. While Isabel Segunda has plenty of shops and conveniences, most visitors pass through on their way to Esperanza and the beaches on the island’s southern shore.