Isla vieques: Vieques Puerto Rico Travel Guide – Attractions, Hotels, Beaches, Things to Do

Introduction to the island of Vieques, Puerto Rico

The Navy Years

The residents of Isla de Vieques have a special love for this island, even though the stressful years of the Navy’s presence, the low employment rates, the inconveniences of having to go the main island for many services among many other challenges they choose to stay in Vieques.

Viequenses and many supporters fought a long battle to get the Navy out.  For 62 years only about the middle quarter of the island was open for use by Viequenses.  The eastern and western three-quarters of the island were U.S. Navy Property, which they used for bombing practices.

In 1999, a civilian was killed by a stray bomb from a fighter jet that missed its target. Viequenses relentlessly protested in order to stop the Navy’s military practices on the island in order to protect the island’s natural resources and the health of the locals, finally on May 1st, 2003 the Navy left.

Facing Changes & Challenges

The major consequences of the Navy’s bombing and practices are still evident and locals continue the fight for equality and justice.   Studies show health problems among locals are related to toxic materials used by the Navy.  The people of Vieques are demanding that the United States government clean up the toxic materials that still remain on some parts of the island still off limits to visitors and residents.   The data shows high infant mortality, radiation contamination and the 27% higher cancer rate than the main island of Puerto Rico.  The US Navy continues to deny that its military practices are at fault for all the health issues the natives have faced and still deal with.  Currently, the island is dealing with the allocation of hundreds of beautiful valuable land that is now under the care of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services in Vieques.   At the same time, real estate prices have gone up dramatically, making it very sad, painful and frustrating for the locals since many of them cannot afford to buy the land that they fought so hard to attain.  Investors are grabbing land and buying homes, it is scary and sad to think that the kids and grandkids of the people that fought for the Navy to cease bombing practices will not be able to own land in their beloved Isla Nena. The Navy was the main source of employment on the island, the rate of unemployment has since inflated. Viequenses rely much on fishing, many residents grown their own fruits and vegetables and the elderly have to rely on Social Security and government aid.

Martineau Bay Resort and Spa was the first and only resort on the island, which was turned into W Retreat & Spa; the first W in the Caribbean, and was the largest employer on the island until Hurricane Maria caused serious damage and closed.  The new jobs that tourism brings have been a blessing to Viequenses, however, come with challenges.  The world has come to expect a certain level of services that Viequenses were simply not trained to offer. Viequenses are very welcoming and hospitable people, please keep in mind when you visit that luxury tourism is a new field for the island and the Viequenses are training for the tourism changes.  While some residents have welcomed the resorts and are taking advantage of the new opportunities, some have opposed it.   The greatest concern is how structures, such resorts, will impact the ecological health of the island, which already has withstood tremendous damage for 62 years from the Navy’s presence.

Vieques Travel Guide (2022) – Travel Lemming

Super useful & totally free travel guides, written by locals who love Vieques

• ✨ Things to Do
• 🗺️ Where to Stay
• 🛎️ Hotels
• 🍽️ Restaurants
• ⛱️ Best Beaches
• ⛰️ Best Hikes
• 🖼️ Historical Sites
• 🗓️ Best Time to Visit
• ✈️ Getting There
• 🚌 Getting Around
• 👉 Tips
• 🧳 What to Pack

Enjoy the solitary beaches of Vieques

Why We Love Vieques: Vieques is the perfect mix of a relaxing Caribbean Eden and an outdoor adventure destination. It’s the dream island for beach bums (there are sandy beaches galore), hiking enthusiasts, party spirits, history geeks, and nature lovers alike. The municipalities are safe and tourist-friendly with many English speakers that openly welcome families, couples, and solo travelers. An island with a history of war and destruction that was reborn and transformed into a beautiful haven, Vieques will become the “happy place” you escape to in your daydreams.

Best of Vieques

✨ Things to Do

Beach hop between Vieques beaches

Vieques is small in size but not in entertainment. This island offers activities for outdoor lovers, families, and couples that are looking for a unique vacation:

• Mosquito Bay – Kayak in the brightest bioluminescent bay in the world, hidden in the Vieques Wildlife Refuge.
• Beach Hopping – Spend hours hopping between the paradisiacal beaches with crystal clear waters and golden sand.
• Snorkeling – Reefs with a variety of marine life, snorkeling in Vieques is an out-of-this-world experience.
• Horseback Riding – The fantasy of riding a horse along a coast of shimmering sand and relaxing waves comes true in Vieques.
• Hiking – This small island has multiple hiking trails with astonishing views of the coast and the beaches that it lays claim to.

👉 Explore all things to do in Vieques.

🗺️ Where to Stay

You’ll find hotels and apartment rentals almost everywhere on the island, but these are the best areas to stay in Vieques:

• Isabel II – Close to the ferry port and the town center, Isabel II features both prime locations and great beaches.
• La Esperanza – La Esperanza is close to the best beaches in Vieques, and has lots of restaurants, bars, and shops.
• Bravos de Boston – Minutes away from the airport and terminal, this area hosts top-notch hotels in a central location.
• Colonia Luján – The charming mountainous interior of Vieques offers a relaxing stay and cheaper apartment rentals.

👉 Read the complete guide to where to stay in Vieques

La Esperanza is within steps of the beach

🛎️ Best Hotels

Many hotels have a beach view

Whether you’re looking for a beachside hotel or a relaxing stay in the countryside, Vieques has a hotel for you:

• Bravo Beach Hotel – Within walking distance of the ferry, this hotel offers great sea views and amenities year-round.
• Malecón House Boutique Hotel – A small hotel with high-class service that’s close to restaurants, bars, and the beach.
• El Blok – This adult-only hotel features its own restaurant and a prime location – just steps from the beach.
• Great Escape and Breakfast Inn – Away from the crowds, this hotel has a bar and a restaurant that serves on-site breakfast. 
• Finca Victoria – A unique stay in the countryside of Vieques with an outdoor pool, a bar, and an on-site car rental service.

🍽️ Restaurants

Eat pulled pork tacos in La Esperanza

While beaches are the main attraction of Vieques, foodies will love the local gastronomy which boasts a great variety of delicious snacks and dishes:

• Duffy’s Esperanza – A beachfront restaurant with seafood dishes, craft beer, tropical cocktails, and lively atmosphere.
• El Resuelve de Carmen – A local favorite with budget prices and staples like rice, tostones, and roasted pork.
• D’ Frozz – Besides selling ice cream and coffee, this place offers delicious all-day brunch and soups.
• El Local – A restaurant where you can enjoy local food with unique presentation, open late.
• Rincon del Sabor – If you’re craving the traditional mofongo with fried pork, this is the place to go in Vieques.

⛱️ Best Beaches

Pata Prieta Beach in the south of Vieques

While visiting the island, you’ll find a wide variety of beach options that range from family-friendly to relaxing:

• Caracas Beach – An all-time favorite, Caracas boasts breathtaking landscapes, white sand, and crystal clear waters.
• La Chiva Beach – Featuring calm waters almost all year, La Chiva is great for snorkeling and swimming.
• Sun Bay Beach  – The perfect beach for families, Sun Bay sports showers, lifeguards, bathrooms, and a beautiful landscape. 
• Black Beach – Considered the only black sand beach in Puerto Rico, Playa Negra is great for hiking and swimming. 
• Navio Beach – A beach for thrill-seekers, Navio offers playful waves, cliff diving, and caves you can explore.

👉 Read the complete guide to Vieques beaches.

⛰️ Best Hikes

The hike to the viewpoint is one of the bests in Vieques

Even if it’s small, Vieques is home to multiple hiking trails worth exploring – all with amazing views:

• Puerto Ferro – A 20-minute trail that leads to the ruins of a lighthouse with a picture-perfect view of the cliffs.
• Cayo de Tierra – A hike along Esperanza beach and one of the cays of Vieques, with lots of wildlife and scenery.
• Mosquito Viewpoint – A trail that crosses the Wildlife Refuge from the main road to a viewpoint with views of the coast.
• Cerro Playuela – A trail that goes through Playuela Beach, Playa Corcho, and the dry forest with picturesque views.
• Playa Grande Sugar Mills – Starting at the main road, this trail ends up in the historical ruins of a sugar mill in Vieques.

🖼️ Historical Sites

Learn Vieques’ history in Conde Mirasol Museum

While the beaches are irresistible, Vieques also features an interesting history you can discover in its historical sites and museums. Some of them are:

• Castillo Conde Mirasol – The last Spanish fort built in America in 1845, this museum hosts exhibitions about Vieques history.
• Playa Grande Sugar Mills – Vieques had an active sugar cane industry in the 19th century. Playa Grande Central was active until 1941.
• Navy Bunkers – The military bunkers still hold old furniture and equipment left behind by the USA military.
• Old Sugar Cane Pier – Once used for sugar cane transportation, this pier is now the local-favorite diving and snorkeling spot.
• Mosquito Pier – A pier built in 1941, meant to connect Vieques and the main island, is now a place to relax and snorkel.

Vieques Travel Advice

🗓️ Best Time to Visit

Although Vieques’ season changes are barely noticeable, depending on when you visit you’ll find fresher temperatures, better tides, or awesome hotel deals. Here’s the rundown:

• 🌞 Summer –  Though the start of the rainy season, summer is the high season for locals with great tides and weather. 
• 🌼 Spring –  Has better beach tides than winter but without the stifling heat of the summer.
• ❄️ Winter – The high season for tourists, winter is when most attractions and tours are available in Vieques.
• 🍂 Fall – A great season to find cheap prices on hotels, rentals, and tours, but also the peak of hurricane season.

✈️ Getting There

Since Vieques is a municipality island outside of Puerto Rico, you can’t drive all the way there. These are the ways to get to Vieques.

• ✈️ Airplane –  Vieques has its own airport offering commercial flights from around Puerto Rico.
• ⛴️ Ferry –  The cheapest way to get to Vieques is by taking a 30-minute trip on a ferry from Ceiba to Isabel II.
• 🚗 Driving –  If you’re taking the ferry then you’ll need to drive all the way to Roosevelt Roads in Ceiba to catch it.

👉 Read our full guide on how to go from San Juan to Vieques.

🚌 Getting Around

There are different options for transportation around Vieques, so the method you choose will depend on where you want to go and your budget:

• 🚶‍♀️ Walking – Both Isabel II and La Esperanza offer great attractions within walking distance.
• 🚗 Driving – The easiest way to move around and visit all the attractions is by renting a car.
• 🚇 Public Transit – Vans and cars with a yellow tag that go to main attractions for between $5.00 and $20.00.
• 🚴‍♀️ Biking – Biking in Vieques is difficult due to the terrain, although there are some area-specific exceptions.

👉 Tips & Things to Know

• 🥤 The drinking age is 18 – If you’re planning on bar hopping, keep in mind the legal drinking age is 18 and you’ll need ID if you look younger.
• 🌧️ There is a hurricane season – Fall is the peak of the hurricane season. Monitor the local weather and buy travel insurance before visiting.
• 🏪 Stores Close –  Fall is the low season for Vieques, and many restaurants and attractions close for the season or operate on reduced hours.
• 🌑 Visit with New Moon – Although noticeable other nights too, Mosquito Bioluminescent Bay in Vieques shines brightest during new moon nights.
• 🚙 Rent a Jeep – If you’re renting a car, get a Jeep so you can move freely in the Wildlife Refuge and the mountainous interior of Vieques.

🧳 What to Pack

• ☀️ Sunscreen – You´ll be spending a lot of time outdoors in Vieques. To avoid sunburn, wear sunscreen and reapply every 4 hours.
• 👙 Swimsuit – Leave the heels and dresses at home – you won’t be needing them on Vieques’ beaches. Pack your swimsuit, flip-flops, and a hat.
• 🦟 Bug Spray – If you’re visiting the beach in the evening, mosquitoes will eat you alive. Avoid bites and illnesses by using bug spray.
• 📱 Waterproof case – Whether you’re visiting the bio bay or swimming on the beach, keep your phone dry and safe with a waterproof pouch.
• 💧 Reusable Bottle of Water – The warm weather calls for constant hydration. A reusable bottle will save you money and help keep the island clean.

👉 Read our full Puerto Rico packing checklist.

🤓 Facts & Info

• Census Population (2020) – 8, 931 habitants
• Time Zone – AST (UTC/GMT -4 hours all year) No daylight saving time.
• Area Codes – 787, 939
• Airports – Vieques Airport (VQS).
• Nickname – Isla Nena
• Demonym – Viequenses
• Territory – Puerto Rico
• Country – United States of America

👉 Read our full list of Puerto Rico facts.

💵 Costs & Budgeting

• 3 Star Hotel Room – $130-300/night
• 1 Bedroom Apartment Rental – $60-400/night
• Rental Car – $90-150/day
• Public Transit Ticket – ~$5 if shared ($20 to the airport from the center if alone)
• Take Out Meal for Two – $15-40
• Sit Down Dinnerfor Two – $25-50

FAQs About Visiting Vieques

Is Vieques safe for tourists?

Vieques is a safe city for tourists. The island is one of the main tourist attractions of Puerto Rico and is home to many ex-pats, which is why visitors should feel safe all the time.

👉 Read the complete guide for safety in Vieques.

Is Vieques worth visiting?

Vieques is home to the brightest bioluminescent bay in the world, amazing paradisiacal beaches, and breathtaking scenery. People who travel to Puerto Rico should definitely make time to visit Vieques.

What’s better Vieques or Culebra?

While both Vieques and Culebra are wonderful destinations, visitors looking for entertainment, bars, museums, historical ruins, beaches, hiking trails, restaurants, and shops should travel to Vieques. 

Do I need a Car in Vieques?

Although there is public transportation in Vieques, the public taxis won’t go everywhere and the easiest way to move around and visit all the attractions is by renting a car.

Meet Our Vieques Travel Experts

Vanessa Ramos

Vanessa Ramos is a travel and lifestyle writer from Puerto Rico. Vanessa has traveled for international work exchange, backpacking, and solo traveling around three continents. When she’s not writing about the best things to do, places to visit, or where to stay on the island of Puerto Rico, she’s hunting airplane tickets for her next trip abroad. Vanessa also writes her own lifestyle blog, Existence as I Know It.

👉 Read Vanessa’s Articles

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🗺️ Vieques Map