Are you in search of the very best seashores in Vieques, Puerto Rico?
Vieques is an island off the japanese coast of Puerto Rico recognized for its wonderful seashores, free-roaming horses, and bioluminescent bay, a novel vacation spot the place the water glows blue-green attributable to microorganisms. It is a secluded paradise and the right vacation spot for a beach getaway in Puerto Rico.
Though the island of Vieques is pretty small at simply over 50 sq. miles, it is full of gorgeous seashores. There are loads to select from, however this submit covers the most well-liked Vieques seashores, whether or not you are in search of smooth white sand, golden sand with shady palms, or perhaps a black sand seaside!
Listed below are all the very best seashores to go to in Vieques, Puerto Rico!
10+ finest seashores in Vieques, Puerto Rico
Beginning within the southeast and going round Vieques in a counter-clockwise route, listed here are the ten+ Vieques seashores you positively ought to attempt to see!
Word: Vieques was utilized by the US Navy for army coaching/munitions testing from 1941-2003. Most of the seashores have each native names and army names; I am principally utilizing the native Spanish seaside names on this listing!
1. Playa La Plata
Playa La Plata is the furthest seaside you may go to on the japanese facet of Vieques, throughout the Vieques Nationwide Wildlife Refuge. (The island extends additional than this, however the far japanese finish of the wildlife refugee isn’t accessible to guests.)
As a result of it takes a bit additional time (on a dust highway) to succeed in, La Plata Seaside feels very secluded and isn’t crowded. It is excellent for swimming and snorkeling, with a number of the clearest water you will discover in Puerto Rico (snorkeling is finest alongside the rocks at both finish of the seaside). It is also a fantastic place to lounge, as Playa La Plata has a number of the softest pure white sand.
You will not discover any seaside providers or restrooms right here, so it is a spot the place it’s good to come ready with every part you’ll need for a day on the seaside.
2. Playa La Chiva
Playa La Chiva is extensively thought-about to be probably the greatest seashores in Vieques. It is also positioned within the a part of the Vieques Nationwide Wildlife Refuge that guests can attain, and is kind of like a bigger model of Playa La Plata.
La Chiva is a large seaside with white sand and calm, clear water. There are some good snorkeling spots right here, so remember to convey your snorkeling gear!
As a result of this can be a bigger seaside, there are a number of completely different seaside entrances/parking areas marked alongside the highway. The parking areas are numbered 1-20, and customarily don’t refill. Seaside providers listed here are minimal; there are loos at parking areas #3 and #12, in addition to a number of pavilions close to many of the parking areas for picnics.
3. Pata Prieta (Secret Seaside)
Pata Prieta, also referred to as Secret Seaside, is a not-so-secret gem on the southern facet of Vieques. Some persons are delay by the drive (you positively want a Jeep or a automobile with four-wheel drive!) or the quick, rocky stroll required to succeed in the seaside, but it surely’s value it.
It is a small, normally calm seaside that’s hardly ever crowded. You will discover smooth white sand and clear turquoise water that’s excellent for swimming or snorkeling, plus loads of shade.
As soon as once more, you will not discover any amenities at this primitive seaside, but it surely’s a really tranquil hidden paradise.
4. Playa Caracas
Additionally positioned within the Vieques Nationwide Wildlife Refuge, Playa Caracas is a superb place to spend a day stress-free on the seaside.
This family-friendly seaside is fashionable with locals and vacationers alike. You will usually discover folks lounging within the solar or taking part in a recreation of seaside volleyball right here. Caracas Seaside has nice water that is very clear and presents some good snorkeling choices.
By way of amenities at this seaside, you will discover pavilions for picnicking or barbecuing. There’s additionally a public restroom near the doorway of the seaside.
Word that one of the best ways to get round on Vieques is by renting a Jeep or a automotive. Jeeps are the most well-liked kind of automotive to hire since some roads might be unpaved, crammed with potholes, and muddy – however you CAN technically attain all these seashores in a traditional automotive, so long as you drive slowly!
5. Playa Media Luna
Not removed from the well-known Mosquito Bay (the bioluminescent bay in Vieques), you will discover Media Luna Seaside.
This horseshoe-shaped seaside has white sand and loads of shady palm bushes. The seaside is in a small bay protected against winds, making the water very calm and clear. It is also extraordinarily shallow, so it is excellent for households with babies (although it isn’t normally crowded).
This was my private favourite seaside in Vieques!
Like many of the different seashores on this listing, you will not discover restrooms or different seaside providers right here, however there are some pavilions the place you may get pleasure from a picnic lunch.
6. Solar Bay Seaside
Solar Bay Seaside is among the bigger and extra fashionable seashores on Vieques. This seaside is lower than a 10-minute drive from Esperanza, one of many essential cities in Vieques, and is a protracted, half-moon-shaped seaside lined with palm bushes.
That is one other seaside the place it’s normal to identify a few of Vieques’ free-range horses roaming. (They don’t seem to be wild horses; they’re owned by locals, however are allowed to roam freely across the island.)
There aren’t any public restrooms on the seaside, but it surely’s near city the place you will discover extra amenities. There are additionally a number of eating places near this seaside, together with Arenamar SunBay’s Cafe.
There’s theoretically an entry price of $4 at Solar Bay Seaside, however there’s hardly ever anybody there to gather it.
7. Playa Esperanza
Esperanza Seaside is correct in the primary vacationer city of Vieques, making it a really handy seaside to go to in case you are staying at one of many lodges or guesthouses on the town.
This can be a chill seaside with loads of bars and eating places inside simple strolling distance, and boats normally anchored within the distance.
Esperanza is a peaceful seaside with few waves, and it is a fashionable spot to look at the sundown. It’s also possible to stroll from this seaside to a sandbar and all the best way out to Cayo de Tierra, a small island which you could discover.
GOOD TO KNOW: Wish to keep away from Sargassum seaweed in Vieques? Due to tradewinds, the darkish seaweed mostly washes up on Vieques’ southern seashores. So if you wish to keep away from it, head for seashores on the northern facet of Vieques. (Although do not completely low cost the southern seashores; they’re nonetheless beautiful, even with seaweed.)
8. El Cocal / Coconut Seaside
El Cocal or Coconut Seaside is a small, quiet seaside close to Esperanza (it is proper throughout from the Vieques Guesthouse) that’s the excellent spot for a quiet seaside stroll or watching sunsets.
You’ll be able to typically see horses right here, and there is additionally a big wood swing connected to one of many palm bushes, which makes for a cool photograph op.
This is not the very best seaside for swimming as a result of the waves might be fairly sturdy, but it surely’s very scenic nonetheless. There aren’t any amenities at this small, rugged seaside, however there is a good likelihood you will have it virtually to your self.
9. Playa Negra (Black Sand Seaside)
Playa Negra is positioned in the direction of the western finish of Vieques, and, because the identify suggests, it is distinctive due to its black sand.
Attending to this seaside requires a brief 10-minute hike by the forest, however the smooth black sand on the finish is value it. It is a tremendous stunning seaside, with black sand mixing with golden sand, and in contrast to some other seashores you will discover on Vieques.
You will not discover any public restrooms or different seaside providers close by, so come ready. This additionally is not the very best seaside for swimming; come for the views!
10. Punta Arenas
Situated on the northeast tip of Vieques, Playa Punta Arenas (AKA Sandy Seaside) is a distant seaside that is a bit more troublesome to get to. Nevertheless, it is value it! Getting right here requires a drive on a really tough highway, so you’ll positively need a Jeep or a automobile with four-wheel drive.
Punta Arenas is understood for its golden sand and reef simply off-shore, and is the very best spot to snorkel with sea turtles in Vieques. Simply be careful for sea urchins (water footwear usually are not a nasty concept right here) and be ready to probably battle sandflies.
Carry every part you want for a day at this seaside, as a result of it is away from city and there are no amenities close by.
11. Playa Blaydin & Parque de la Ceiba
Playa Blaydin, AKA Starfish Seaside, is to 1 facet of the lengthy Mosquito Pier. It is not the very best seaside for sunbathing, however is a great spot for snorkeling across the pier. You’ll be able to certainly discover starfish right here, in addition to fish, rays, and sea turtles.
On the opposite facet of Mosquito Pier, it is also worthwhile to cease at Parque de la Ceiba, the place you may see an enormous 375+-year-old Ceiba tree on one other seaside. It is an unimaginable tree!
12. El Gallito (Gringo Seaside)
If you happen to’re in search of a pleasant seaside that is simple to get to, El Gallito, also referred to as Gringo Seaside, is an effective spot. Situated on the northern facet of the island, it is a calm seaside that’s excellent for swimming or simply lounging round within the solar.
There are no restrooms or seaside providers right here, however you are not removed from the city of Isabel II in case you want something. (This seaside can also be near the small Vieques airport.)
Vieques seashores map
Listed below are all of the above seashores plotted on a map.
To save lots of this map to make use of later, click on on the star ⭑ subsequent to the map’s title when logged in to your Google account. To make use of it, open Google Maps in your cellphone, click on “Saved,” then click on “Maps.”
When to go to Vieques
As for the very best time to go beach-hopping on Vieques, Puerto Rico mainly has two tourism “seasons.” Peak season is from December to Might, and off-peak season runs from June by November. June-November can also be hurricane season within the Caribbean, which has positively impacted Vieques previously.
Usually, nonetheless, Vieques is pretty quiet it doesn’t matter what time of yr you go to. I went one yr in February (peak season in Puerto Rico), and my husband Elliot and I nonetheless had some Vieques seashores to ourselves!
(Simply be aware that if kayaking the bioluminescent Mosquito Bay is in your to-do listing in Vieques, you will need to go to as near the brand new moon as potential, since darker skies imply a brighter bio bay.)
How you can get to Vieques island
There are two alternative ways to get to Vieques, Puerto Rico: you may take the ferry, or you may fly.
The ferry leaves from Ceiba, which is a bit over an hour from San Juan by highway. The ferry is affordable (solely $2 per particular person) and solely takes about half an hour. However the ferry can get crowded, and locals are given desire over vacationers. They do provide a small variety of tickets for pre-booking on-line (here), however there’s typically a threat of not making it onto your required boat when you wait to buy tickets on the dock.
The opposite solution to get to Vieques is by flying. There are flights from 3 completely different airports to Vieques; you may fly from San Juan Worldwide Airport (SJU), Isla Grande Airport (SIG), or Ceiba Airport (RVR). A number of small airways fly these routes a pair occasions per day, together with Vieques Air Link and Cape Air.
Be taught extra about planning your journey to Vieques right here: How to Plan the Perfect Island Getaway to Vieques, Puerto Rico
The place to remain in Vieques
You will not discover any enormous seaside resorts or lodges on Vieques; this can be a small island that also seems like a small island. A lot of the lodging choices listed here are small guesthouses and trip leases.
Elliot and I stayed on the Vieques Guesthouse, which is inside strolling distance to all of the eating places in Esperanza, in addition to Coconut Seaside. We LOVED this guesthouse. Our room was spacious, the worth was cheap, and the house owners have been so extremely pleasant and stuffed with nice island suggestions.
Read reviews on TripAdvisor | Book a room here
Different good resort/guesthouse choices on Vieques embody:
There are additionally lots of trip rental choices on Vieques, listed on websites like Vrbo. These can be a wonderful choice when you’re planning an extended keep, or when you’re touring with a gaggle or giant household.
Some trip rental listings to take a look at embody:
- Bonita Vista – This romantic retreat is ideal for 2 and comes full with a non-public pool overlooking the Vieques Nationwide Wildlife Refuge.
- Wind Dancer – This 2-bed, 2-bath condominium on the north facet of the island is open and ethereal with ocean views.
- Barefoot Bungalow – This 3-bed bungalow sits proper on the ocean, but in addition has a non-public pool that company have all to themselves.
- Vieques Villa – This beautiful villa sits up within the hills and has a big non-public pool with panoramic views.
Who’s able to go beach-hopping on Vieques?
Amanda Williams is the award-winning blogger behind A Harmful Enterprise Journey Weblog. She has traveled to greater than 60 international locations on 6 continents from her residence base in Ohio, specializing in experiential and considerate journey by the US, Europe, and remainder of the world. Amanda solely shares ideas based mostly on her private experiences and locations she’s really traveled!
