On the island of Vieques, not a single stoplight stands between leafy, tropical hillsides and some of the best beaches in the Caribbean.
Vieques is located just six miles off the coast of Puerto Rico and is a part of this U.S. territory, but in many ways, these islands couldn’t be more different.
An increased flight lift to the Caribbean is making reaching Vieques easier than ever – no passport required for U.S. travelers.
Travel tips
Visit between December and April for pleasant weather and a lively atmosphere.
Stay at 14-room boutique hotel Finca Victoria — or book a retreat for a wellness-focused vacation.
Kayak around Mosquito Bay, known as one of the most vibrant bioluminescent bays in the world.
Explore the expansive and ecologically diverse Vieques National Wildlife Refuge.
Get a taste of modern Puerto Rican cuisine at Placita.
Things to Do
Kayak in bioluminescent Mosquito Bay.
Sail, swim, and snorkel.
Hit the beach.
Taste local rum.
Reset on a wellness retreat.
Vieques National Wildlife Refuge
When the U.S. Navy began to abandon operations on Vieques in 2001, the lands they left behind became the Vieques National Wildlife Refuge. Occupying almost half of the island, the Vieques National Wildlife Refuge is considered the most ecologically diverse wildlife refuge in the Caribbean.
Esperanza town
The oceanfront walkway, known as the malecón, is the heart of Esperanza, home to some of the best beachfront restaurants on the island and a smattering of small guesthouses and cool hotels like El Blok. Proximity to many of the island’s best beaches and the bioluminescent Mosquito Bay makes Esperanza an appealing base for travelers.
Isabel Segunda
The administrative center of Vieques, Isabel Segunda is located on the northern coast of the island. Home to the island’s airport and ferry terminal, Isabel Segunda is most visitors’ point of arrival on Vieques. While Isabel Segunda has plenty in the way of shops and conveniences, most travelers tend to pass through on their way to Esperanza and the beaches of the island’s southern coast.
How to Get There
All transportation to Vieques starts in Puerto Rico, whether you’d prefer to reach the island by water or air.
Ferries to Vieques depart Puerto Rico from the small town of Ceiba, located about an hour and a half east of San Juan. The ferry makes the 35-45 minute journey between the islands several times a day.
Vieques also has a small airport, offering a more hassle-free travel option via quick flights from San Juan. Cape Air flies directly from San Juan’s Luis Muñoz Marin International Airport, making these flights the best choice for travelers heading straight to Vieques upon arrival in Puerto Rico. Or, take a Vieques Air Link flight from San Juan’s smaller Isla Grande Airport, about a 10-minute drive from San Juan’s international airport.
Alternatively, book a catamaran or yacht for a private trip to the island, be it from Puerto Rico or neighboring Caribbean islands. Dream Yacht Worldwide offers charters to Vieques from nearby St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Spend your days leisurely exploring the best beaches and pristine waters of Vieques before heading to other destinations like nearby Culebra with its world-famous Flamenco Beach.
How to Get Around
There are no Ubers and few taxis on Vieques, meaning visitors should plan on renting a car to explore the island properly. Drivers share the road with golf carts and bicycles, also available for rent (but more challenging for navigating the hilly terrain in the center of Vieques).
More than just any rental car, locals recommend booking a 4×4 vehicle to properly access the island’s more remote destinations. Reaching some of the island’s best beaches, especially those in the Vieques National Wildlife Reserve, can be a treacherous endeavor without a proper four-wheel-drive vehicle.
Martiza’s Car Rental and Vieques Car Rental are among the island’s reliable car rental companies. Locals recommend booking a rental car far in advance of your stay, even as soon as you book your accommodations.
