Are you in search of the perfect seashores in Vieques, Puerto Rico?
Vieques is an island off the japanese coast of Puerto Rico identified 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 proper 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 preferred Vieques seashores, whether or not you are in search of smooth white sand, golden sand with shady palms, or perhaps a black sand seashore!
Listed here are all the perfect 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 below are the ten+ Vieques seashores you positively ought to attempt to see!
Observe: Vieques was utilized by the US Navy for navy coaching/munitions testing from 1941-2003. Most of the seashores have each native names and navy names; I am principally utilizing the native Spanish seashore names on this checklist!
1. Playa La Plata
Playa La Plata is the furthest seashore you may go to on the japanese aspect of Vieques, inside the Vieques Nationwide Wildlife Refuge. (The island extends additional than this, however the far japanese finish of the wildlife refugee shouldn’t be accessible to guests.)
As a result of it takes slightly further time (on a dust street) to achieve, La Plata Seashore feels very secluded and isn’t crowded. It is excellent for swimming and snorkeling, with among the clearest water you will discover in Puerto Rico (snorkeling is finest alongside the rocks at both finish of the seashore). It is also an ideal place to lounge, as Playa La Plata has among the softest pure white sand.
You will not discover any seashore providers or restrooms right here, so it is a spot the place it is advisable come ready with every part you’ll need for a day on the seashore.
2. Playa La Chiva
Playa La Chiva is extensively thought of to be probably the greatest seashores in Vieques. It is also situated 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 seashore with white sand and calm, clear water. There are some good snorkeling spots right here, so you should definitely convey your snorkeling gear!
As a result of this can be a bigger seashore, there are a number of totally different seashore entrances/parking areas marked alongside the street. The parking areas are numbered 1-20, and usually don’t refill. Seashore providers listed below 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 Seashore)
Pata Prieta, often known as Secret Seashore, is a not-so-secret gem on the southern aspect of Vieques. Some individuals are postpone by the drive (you positively want a Jeep or a car with four-wheel drive!) or the brief, rocky stroll required to achieve the seashore, however it’s price it.
It is a small, often calm seashore that’s not often 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 seashore, however it’s a really tranquil hidden paradise.
4. Playa Caracas
Additionally situated within the Vieques Nationwide Wildlife Refuge, Playa Caracas is a superb place to spend a day enjoyable on the seashore.
This family-friendly seashore is in style with locals and vacationers alike. You will usually discover individuals lounging within the solar or enjoying a sport of seashore volleyball right here. Caracas Seashore has nice water that is very clear and gives some good snorkeling choices.
When it comes to amenities at this seashore, you will discover pavilions for picnicking or barbecuing. There’s additionally a public restroom near the doorway of the seashore.
Observe that the easiest way to get round on Vieques is by renting a Jeep or a automobile. Jeeps are the preferred kind of automobile to hire since some roads may be unpaved, full of potholes, and muddy – however you CAN technically attain all these seashores in a traditional automobile, 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 Seashore.
This horseshoe-shaped seashore has white sand and loads of shady palm timber. The seashore is in a small bay shielded from winds, making the water very calm and clear. It is also extraordinarily shallow, so it is splendid for households with babies (although it is not often crowded).
This was my private favourite seashore in Vieques!
Like many of the different seashores on this checklist, you will not discover restrooms or different seashore providers right here, however there are some pavilions the place you may take pleasure in a picnic lunch.
6. Solar Bay Seashore
Solar Bay Seashore is likely one of the bigger and extra in style seashores on Vieques. This seashore is lower than a 10-minute drive from Esperanza, one of many foremost cities in Vieques, and is a protracted, half-moon-shaped seashore lined with palm timber.
That is one other seashore the place it is common to identify a few of Vieques’ free-range horses roaming. (They are not wild horses; they’re owned by locals, however are allowed to roam freely across the island.)
There are not any public restrooms on the seashore, however it’s near city the place you will discover extra amenities. There are additionally a number of eating places near this seashore, together with Arenamar SunBay’s Cafe.
There’s theoretically an entry payment of $4 at Solar Bay Seashore, however there’s not often anybody there to gather it.
7. Playa Esperanza
Esperanza Seashore is correct in the primary vacationer city of Vieques, making it a really handy seashore to go to in case you are staying at one of many lodges or guesthouses on the town.
It is a chill seashore with loads of bars and eating places inside straightforward strolling distance, and boats often anchored within the distance.
Esperanza is a relaxed seashore with few waves, and it is a in style spot to observe the sundown. It’s also possible to stroll from this seashore to a sandbar and all the best way out to Cayo de Tierra, a small island that you would be able to discover.
GOOD TO KNOW: Need 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 aspect of Vieques. (Although do not completely low cost the southern seashores; they’re nonetheless beautiful, even with seaweed.)
8. El Cocal / Coconut Seashore
El Cocal or Coconut Seashore is a small, quiet seashore close to Esperanza (it is proper throughout from the Vieques Guesthouse) that’s the excellent spot for a quiet seashore stroll or watching sunsets.
You possibly can typically see horses right here, and there is additionally a big wood swing connected to one of many palm timber, which makes for a cool photograph op.
This is not the perfect seashore for swimming as a result of the waves may be fairly robust, however it’s very scenic nonetheless. There are not any amenities at this small, rugged seashore, however there is a good likelihood you will have it nearly to your self.
9. Playa Negra (Black Sand Seashore)
Playa Negra is situated 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 seashore requires a brief 10-minute hike by way of the forest, however the smooth black sand on the finish is price it. It is a tremendous lovely seashore, 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 seashore providers close by, so come ready. This additionally is not the perfect seashore for swimming; come for the views!
10. Punta Arenas
Positioned on the northeast tip of Vieques, Playa Punta Arenas (AKA Sandy Seashore) is a distant seashore that is a bit more tough to get to. Nevertheless, it is price it! Getting right here requires a drive on a really tough street, so you’ll positively need a Jeep or a car with four-wheel drive.
Punta Arenas is understood for its golden sand and reef simply off-shore, and is the perfect spot to snorkel with sea turtles in Vieques. Simply be careful for sea urchins (water sneakers aren’t a foul thought right here) and be ready to probably battle sandflies.
Deliver every part you want for a day at this seashore, as a result of it’s miles away from city and there are no amenities close by.
11. Playa Blaydin & Parque de la Ceiba
Playa Blaydin, AKA Starfish Seashore, is to 1 aspect of the lengthy Mosquito Pier. It is not the perfect seashore for sunbathing, however is a great spot for snorkeling across the pier. You possibly can certainly discover starfish right here, in addition to fish, rays, and sea turtles.
On the opposite aspect 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 seashore. It is an unbelievable tree!
12. El Gallito (Gringo Seashore)
In the event you’re in search of a pleasant seashore that is straightforward to get to, El Gallito, often known as Gringo Seashore, is an effective spot. Positioned on the northern aspect of the island, it is a calm seashore that’s excellent for swimming or simply lounging round within the solar.
There are no restrooms or seashore providers right here, however you are not removed from the city of Isabel II in case you want something. (This seashore can be near the small Vieques airport.)
Vieques seashores map
Listed here 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 perfect 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 way of November. June-November can 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 12 months you go to. I went one 12 months in February (peak season in Puerto Rico), and my husband Elliot and I nonetheless had some Vieques seashores to ourselves!
(Simply observe that if kayaking the bioluminescent Mosquito Bay is in your to-do checklist in Vieques, you will wish 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 other ways to get to Vieques, Puerto Rico: you may take the ferry, or you may fly.
The ferry leaves from Ceiba, which is slightly over an hour from San Juan by street. 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 choice over vacationers. They do supply a small variety of tickets for pre-booking on-line (here), however there may be typically a danger of not making it onto your required boat when you wait to buy tickets on the dock.
The opposite approach to get to Vieques is by flying. There are flights from 3 totally 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 instances per day, together with Vieques Air Link and Cape Air.
Study 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 seashore resorts or lodges on Vieques; this can be a small island that also appears like a small island. A lot of the lodging choices listed below 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 Seashore. We LOVED this guesthouse. Our room was spacious, the value was cheap, and the homeowners have been so extremely pleasant and stuffed with nice island suggestions.
Read reviews on TripAdvisor | Book a room here
Different good lodge/guesthouse choices on Vieques embrace:
There are additionally a number of trip rental choices on Vieques, listed on websites like Vrbo. These can be a superb possibility 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 embrace:
- Bonita Vista – This romantic retreat is ideal for 2 and comes full with a personal pool overlooking the Vieques Nationwide Wildlife Refuge.
- Wind Dancer – This 2-bed, 2-bath apartment on the north aspect 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 personal pool that visitors have all to themselves.
- Vieques Villa – This beautiful villa sits up within the hills and has a big personal 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 house base in Ohio, specializing in experiential and considerate journey by way of the US, Europe, and remainder of the world. Amanda solely shares suggestions based mostly on her private experiences and locations she’s truly traveled!
