Things To Do
Old San Juan
For those looking to explore the main island before making their way to Vieques. We recommend staying a night or two in Old San Juan to experience the architecture that reflects its Spanish colonial past. The buildings feature vibrant colors. Old San Juan has a lively atmosphere, with music often filling the air. Street performers, musicians, and artists contribute to the vibrant and festive ambiance. Because all flights from US will com through San Juan, it may be a fun option for some to spend a day exploring before heading to the ferry or puddle jumper over to Vieques.
Best Caribbean Beaches
There are so many amazing beaches to visit on island. Some are even voted the best in the world! The water is 80+ degrees and crystal clear! Lots of reefs and sea life to see as well. South Shore Beaches near Esperanza: 1. Sun Bay: A fav! Great for swimming, relaxing, walking 2. Media Luna: Shallow and clear 3. Esperanza Beach 4. Playa Negro (Black Sand Beach): A fav - 20 minute walk to this beach with volcanic black sand. Vieques National Wildlife Refuge: 1. La Chiva #8: Walk, swim, snorkel at this remote beach with sting rays and eagle rays 2. Caracas: Snorkel and swim 3. Punta Arenas: A favorite! Awesome snorkel, clear water, sea turtles. Get there earlier for the best snorkeling. North Shore Beaches: 1. Rumpeolas: 1 mile pier to walk, fish, snorkel to see awesome sea life including big turtles. 2. Sea Glass Beach
Bioluminiscente Bay
The Brightest Bioluminiscente Bay in the World! Elevate your wedding celebration with an extraordinary visit to one of Puerto Rico's bioluminescent bays, where the waters come alive with a mesmerizing natural glow. Imagine the thrill of a private kayak or paddle board tour under the night sky, surrounded by the enchanting luminescence of tiny organisms. You can book on Tripadvisor, google search to find many tour companies, or even book on-island! We recommend going through JAK Watersport's at jakwatersports.com/biobay-tour/. Learn more at: www.vieques.com/island-bioluminescent-bay
Snorkeling & Scuba Diving
There are many snorkel spots on the island including . We recommend bringing your own snorkel gear (you can find on Amazon) or renting snorkel gear so you can explore the beautiful coral and sea life! Swim with sea turtles, squid, spotted eagle ray or sting ray, octopus & more! The water is very warm, over 80+ degrees, but you can bring a wet suit or SPF shirt for sun protection. Where to Snorkel from Land: 1. The Pier at Rompeolas: Snorkel the pier for colorful coral, big and small fish, sea turtles. 2. Punta Arenas: A favorite! Great visibility, fish and turtles, plus a spot to chill on the beach. 3. Esperanza Sugar Pier: Easy to find and close by. 4. La Chiva #8 You can also take a snorkel or scuba diving tour from the many guides on the island! Scuba with Blackbeard Sports, call 939-283-6841. Rent Equipment like Snorkels/Fins, Kayaks, Paddleboards, Fishing supplies, bikes and beach gear on island through Black Beard Sports, Fun Brothers, Nauti Mermaid and more.
Esperanza Riding Company
Horseback riding is an awesome way to see the island and ride on the beach at Black Sand! Sunset is a great time for this. "Our guided rides will take you on a loop trail through the hills, open meadows, woods, river bottoms and two special beaches in the Esperanza area; idyllic palm tree-lined Playa Coqual & remote Playa Negra. We conclude the ride with a walk through our beautiful waterfront pasture, overlooking the south-side of the island. From this unique vantage point you'll enjoy views of the island. The pace of the ride can vary slightly, dependent upon the skill level of the riders. No experience required!"
Crab Island Rum Distillery
Handcrafted Rum Distillery with a fun deck to drink craft cocktails, eat empanadas, and listen to local music. We recommend the Coffee Infused Rum!
Surfing
For the die hard surfers, we recommend surfing in Rincon on Puerto Rico mainland before or after your trip to Vieques! A few surf spots on island include Playa Esperanza, Playa Navio is known for strong surf with lots of waves, La Chata on the north side has a well-known reef break. El Gallito, the little rooster, has a sweet right break when the wind is from the northeast for surfers and boogie boarders.
Punta Arenas Beach
SWIMMING, SNORKELING, RELAXING If you are seeking to visit a place that has a “remote” feel, the island of Vieques, Puerto Rico is for you. None of the beaches in Vieques feel crowded, but Punta Arenas feels the most remote. Punta Arenas is on the northwest tip and runs down the east side of Vieques. This beach is part of the Vieques National Wildlife Refuge. Once you get to the beach, you’ll find a spot to yourselves, the snorkeling it’s really great.
Black Sand Beach
One of the most beautiful and unique beaches in Vieques! You don’t have to fly all to a faraway place or Hawaii to appreciate and experience what it feels to sink your toes on black sand. Areas on the island like Monte Pirata are volcanic.
Mainland of Puerto Rico
If you want to make a longer vacation out of your trip to Vieques, we highly recommend checking out the mainland of Puerto Rico. Some ideas below: 1. Old San Juan - see the first section on this page for more info. 2. El Yunque - is the Jungle in the middle of the island. Enjoy the rainforest climate while hiking, swimming in fresh waterfalls and enjoying the tropical vegetation. Check out Casa Cubuy Ecolodge for a hotel just steps from a great waterfall. 3. Rincon - an iconic surf destination. 4. Culebra - an iconic scuba diving destination which is on another island that is just a short plane or boat ride away from Vieques.