How to Plan an Unforgettable Trip to Vieques, Puerto Rico (2022)

How to Plan an Unforgettable Trip to Vieques, Puerto Rico (2022)

Vieques is a Caribbean island with secluded beaches, bioluminescent bays, and wild horses roaming free. As part of Puerto Rico, American travelers can visit without a passport. This 2022 travel guide shares the best hotels, top things to do, restaurants, when to visit, and how to get around to help you plan the perfect Vieques vacation.

An Introduction to the Island of Vieques

Nicknamed "La Isla Nena" (meaning little island), Vieques lies just six miles off the east coast of mainland Puerto Rico. Despite its small size at only 21 miles long and four miles wide, this island paradise packs a lot for travelers to explore.

What makes Vieques so special? Here are a few highlights:

• Over 50 stunning white sand beaches and dramatic black sand beaches perfect for swimming, snorkeling, sailing, and sunbathing. The beaches remain uncrowded even during high season.

• A vibrant, magical bioluminescent bay called Mosquito Bay, where dinoflagellates glow an electric blue when the water is disturbed at night.

• The fascinating history of the island's former use as a U.S. Navy base. Now the western and eastern ends make up the vast Vieques National Wildlife Refuge.

• Opportunities to spot wild horses, sea turtles, and tropical bird species while hiking through mangroves or lounging on the beach.

• An intimate, laidback vibe compared to busier Caribbean hot spots. With under 10,000 residents, local culture still thrives through art galleries, festivals, and mom-and-pop restaurants.

Getting to Vieques, Puerto Rico

Since Vieques is an island, getting there requires either flying or taking a ferry:

• Flights to Vieques Airport (VQS) take 30 minutes from San Juan's main airport on Cape Air or Vieques Air Link. It's the quickest way to reach Vieques.

• The ferry from Fajardo, Puerto Rico to Vieques takes 1.5-2 hours each way as it crosses the Pasaje de Vieques. Ferries run 4-5 times daily. Purchase tickets in advance online.

Visitors cannot drive to Vieques from mainland Puerto Rico. Leave your car on the main island and get around Vieques by rental car, publico vans, taxis, bikes or scooters once there.

When to Visit Vieques

December to April brings dry, sunny weather in the high season with temperatures around 85°F. Travelers flock here to enjoy the beaches and outdoor adventures. Room rates and flights peak, so book early.

Shoulder season runs May to June and September to November with scattered rain showers. Expect smaller crowds and lower prices.

July to August is Vieques' wet season. Tropical storms are more likely, yet the island still sees sun. Super budget travelers can find flight deals and empty beaches now.

Top Hotels and Resorts in Vieques

Leave the big resorts and chains behind. Boutique hotels, eco-lodges, rental homes, and guest houses best embrace the island’s laid-back character.

Finca Victoria

Finca Victoria is a serene wellness retreat and 14-room boutique hotel located on a lush hilltop surrounded by nature. Guests choose from breezy cabins, Airstream trailers, or the stunning two-story Victoria House with a wraparound porch.

Unique on-site experiences, from yoga to ayurvedic treatments, incorporate the healing plants growing on the organic farm. Plus, Finca Victoria serves farm-to-table cuisine at its open-air restaurant.

Hacienda Tamarindo

This small beachfront bed and breakfast sits atop a bluff overlooking the Caribbean Sea towards the eastern tip of Vieques. It’s one of the few places to stay inside the protected Vieques National Wildlife Refuge.

Guests rave about the warm hospitality from owners Beverly and Tito, as well as epic sunrise views from their saltwater infinity pool. Three guest rooms and one private villa accommodation available.

Hotel El Blok

Urban meets tropics at this chic 22-room property right on Esperanza’s popular malecón (oceanfront promenade). Bold decor with concrete and wood finishes lend an artsy edge. Social areas like the rooftop infinity pool attract both hotel guests and visitors.

Top Things To Do in Vieques

With over 50 beaches, bioluminescence, salsa dancing, horseback riding, and paddleboarding adventures, boredom doesn't exist here. Build your Vieques itinerary around these quintessential experiences:

Kayak in Bioluminescent Mosquito Bay

Numerous tour companies lead guided glow-in-the-dark kayaking adventures into Mosquito Bay at night. As paddles dip into the water, micro-organisms sparkle neon blue and green. Sometimes fish darting create trails of light too!

Mosquito Bay holds the Guinness World Record for the brightest bioluminescence, visible 300 nights a year. Go on a moonless night for maximum magic. Insider tip: September has the most bioluminescence.

Snorkel at Blue Beach

Swim among rainbow-colored fish and swaying sea fans at this aptly named spot inside the wildlife refuge on Vieques' western end. Expect fewer people and an extra tranquil vibe. Watch for sea turtles too!

Strong swimmers can venture out towards offshore reefs. Otherwise, snorkel straight from shore to discover marine life in the calm, shallow areas.

Savor Local Cuisine and Rum

Puerto Rican chefs put their creative spin on classic dishes here using the island's bounty of seafood, tropical fruit, and vegetables. Placita's modern menu changes daily while longtime favorite Bananas Cafe excels at mofongo, mahi mahi tacos and more.

Sip top-rated rums made right on Vieques at the Crab Island Rum Distillery. Take a tour or belly up to the lively tasting room bar on Saturdays. Their unique pineapple and coconut flavors shine.

Photography Session on Stunning Beaches

Capture Instagram-worthy travel photos during an intimate professional beach photography session with local pro Crystal J. Emery of Vieques Image.

She'll guide you to dreamy locations like rocky Pata Prieta, vivid turquoise Blue Beach, or even sun-dappled Playa Escondida hidden behind dense mangroves only accessible by kayak. Perfect for couples, families, friends and more.

Wellness Retreats

Detox, relax and reset mentally and physically with a tailored wellness retreat incorporating yoga, fitness, nutrition planning, spa treatments, life coaching and more. The island's stunning natural setting enhances the experience.

Finca Victoria leads small group retreats on-property in their dedicated wellness facility focused on ayurvedic principles. Or book private sessions.

Best Places to Eat and Drink in Vieques

Freshly caught mahi mahi, papaya-stuffed mofongo and potent tropical cocktails are just the start of the culinary pleasures here.

El Quenepo - Upscale Caribbean/Latin fare dished up in a refined yet relaxed dining room. Mofongo relleno de mariscos (seafood-stuffed plantain) wows diners, as does the extensive rum list. Open for dinner Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations recommended.

Bananas – Laidback oceanfront restaurant and bar shaking up terrific mojitos and overflowing fish tacos since the 1990s. Their coconut flan makes an ideal light dessert after feasting on classic Puerto Rican mofongo stuffed with shrimp, octopus or chicken.

Duffy’s – Family-owned Duffy’s pours strong, affordable mixed drinks at both their small original location and newer tropical-themed addition called Duffy’s Tiki Bar. Each has breezy open-air seating. The perfect happy hour pit stop and locals’ go-to for potent punch bowls too!

Morales Supermarket – Fill up your rental home fridge with picnic provisions and Puerto Rican snack foods at this well-stocked market. Try guava or pineapple pasteles, bean-filled alcapurrias fritters, and Mexican-style enchilada baked goods.

Food trucks - Follow the locals lead by grabbing cheap, authentic eats from food trucks ringing the park in Isabel Segunda. Standing favorites include El Norteno (Mexican food), Frito Lay (fried delights) and Delicias Vequenses (local cuisine).

Best Areas and Beaches to Explore

Outside the main towns of Isabel Segunda and Esperanza, Vieques remains tranquilly undeveloped. Over half the island makes up the protecte Vieques National Wildlife Refuge with roads leading to empty dreamy beaches.

While the refuge beaches shine, travelers also shouldn't miss the happening small town vibe of Esperanza.

Esperanza

On Vieques' southern shore, this former fishing village morphs into a popular tourist hub with bars, international restaurants, shops, small hotels and guest houses lining the palm-dotted oceanfront malecón.

Soak in the Caribbean views over dinner or sunset cocktails before dancing the night away at La Nasa on Calle Flamboyan, Esperanza’s open-late nightlife hotspot.

Vieques National Wildlife Refuge

Occupying the western and eastern sections of the island, this 18,000 acre refuge protects gorgeous beaches, semi-tropical dry forests, wetlands, sea turtle nesting grounds, lagoons and offshore cays.

The bumpy dirt roads and lack of signs keep crowds away. Be prepared for an adventure accessing these wild areas by renting a rugged 4x4 vehicle. Highlights include Blue Beach for snorkeling, Playa Caracas’ red cliffs and perfect crescent of sand, and Bahia de la Chiva’s unbeatable sunset panorama.

Bio Bay Beaches

See bioluminescence sparkle in the Mosquito Bay waters surrounding Esperanza at sunset. Many tours meet at the Malecón right in town.

Afterwards, stroll down the beach walkway lit at night to find cocktail bars and eateries like Oceano, El Quenepo and Belly Buttons. For later nightlife, La Nasa club bumps beats until the wee hours.

Getting Around Vieques

Ditch the usual tourist areas and really discover Vieques by renting your own 4x4 vehicle. The island’s rutted dirt roads head deep into the wildlife refuge's secluded beaches and interior hills.

Expect to pay around $80-100 per day for a Wrangler-type Jeep from companies like Martineau Car Rental or Vieques Car Rental. Reserve well ahead of your trip, even up to a month out. Supply remains limited, especially during winter high season when the island receives far more visitors.

Other transportation options for navigating around Vieques include:

• Taxis – Call popular taxi services like Bieke Car Rental and Taxi or Island Taxi to arrange airport transfers or custom island tours.

• Publicos – These shared vans run regular routes from the airport and ferry docks to Esperanza and Isabel Segunda for just a few dollars.

• Bicycle/Scooter Rentals – Pedal or scoot your way around less bumpy roads between Esperanza, Isabel Segunda and southern coastal beaches. Expect to pay around $20/day.

Trip Planning Tips and Resources

• Pack eco-friendly bug spray, reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and beach towel.

• Visit the informative website enchanted-isle.com for the latest on events, beach conditions and bioluminescence activity.

• Remember that Vieques uses US dollars only. Some businesses accept credit cards, but always carry some cash too.

• Download offline maps to access when cell service gets spotty in Vieques' interior or remote beaches.

• Restaurants stay open late in Vieques, so you needn’t rush for an early dinner. Most bars and clubs pickup after 10 p.m.

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Vieques

Do I need a passport to visit Vieques? No, you do not need a passport since Vieques is part of Puerto Rico and a territory of the United States. All you'll need is a valid state-issued ID or driver's license.

What is there to do in Vieques besides going to the beach? Go horseback riding through the hills, tour a rum distillery, explore historic Fort Count Mirasol, check out the island's bioluminescent bay, hike through mangroves to wild beaches only accessible on foot, visit the fruit and vegetable stands, take a cooking class focused on Puerto Rican cuisine like mofongo or bistec encebollado, hear local musicians play, go sea kayaking and paddleboarding, watch sea turtles nest (April–September), and so much more!

Is Vieques safe? Yes, Vieques is a safe place to visit. Violent crime is extremely rare, especially against tourists. Use typical precautions as when traveling anywhere new, like not leaving valuables unattended on the beach while swimming.

When is hurricane season in Vieques? The Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from June 1 through November 30, with the peak from late August through September. September and October also average the highest rainfall. Only visit Vieques during this period if you don't mind rain and understand trips may face potential disruption from storms.

Which side of the island is best? Each side has highlights, so try to explore both during your stay! Esperanza on the Caribbean side offers lively beach bars and oceanfront hotels. Less crowded, wilder beaches lie over on the island's Atlantic side reachable by scenic dirt roads through Vieques National Wildlife Refuge.

What is the best way to experience Vieques' bioluminescent bay? Local companies offer guided nighttime kayaking, paddleboarding and electric boat tours into the magical Mosquito Bay. For the ultimate perspective, opt for transparent canoes or kayaks allowing viewing straight into the glowing waters below. Wear bug spray!

Are there bank ATMs in Vieques?
Yes, two bank ATMs are located in Isabel Segunda with an additional ATM in Esperanza. RBC Bank near the ferry dock and Banco Popular on Calle Antonio G. Mellado offer 24/7 ATMs. Remember that power outages occur more frequently on the island, so carry some cash just in case.

Start Planning Your Dream Trip to Vieques

Off-the-beaten-path tropical island adventures await in Vieques. Spend lazy days beach-hopping along undiscovered shores, then fuel up on fresh seafood and get your move on with live salsa music at night.

The island welcomes everyone from families to solo travelers to couples seeking romance or an escape from reality. Follow this Vieques travel guide to experience this Caribbean gem before the secret really gets out!

Have you visited Vieques, Puerto Rico? What was your favorite part? Or do you still have questions on planning a trip there? Share in the comments below!