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Looking for a guide to plan your Vieques visit? I’ve got you!

I first visited Puerto Rico in 2023 and was absolutely kicking myself that I missed Vieques. During my second trip to Puerto Rico this year, I made absolutely sure that I left time for a side trip to this island, and girl I am glad that I did.

Vieques is stunning, with natural marvels like a bioluminescent bay, and gorgeous white sand beaches with turquoise waters.

Read on for my guide to the best relaxing and adventurous weekend on the island!

A small black-headed gull standing on a pristine sandy beach near the edge of gentle ocean waves. In the background, turquoise waters stretch toward a horizon where a few people are wading, with a rocky shoreline visible on the right. The scene conveys a calm, tropical beach setting on the island of Vieques.
On your list of things to do in Vieques should be visiting the beautiful beaches

Getting to Vieques

Click here to jump to things to do in Vieques

Passengers boarding a large ferry docked at a pier, with a colorful logo featuring a palm tree and sun visible on the vessel's upper deck. The ferry has a sleek design with large windows and a lifebuoy visible on the front deck. In the foreground, a woman wearing a blue backpack and holding luggage walks toward the ferry, while the calm sea and another ferry are visible in the background.
Getting on the ferry to Vieques Island in Puerto Rico

Ferry Reserve your ferry ride ahead of time, and plan your transportation to the port. Ceiba, where the ferry terminal is located) is about 1.5-2 hours driving away from San Juan. Many shuttle services offer transport of you and your bags to Ceiba, but we found that an Uber was more affordable during the off-season for two of us (July).

If you have a rental car on the main island, you will want to park it at the parking lot beside the ferry terminal and pick it up when you return. You can’t take a rental car with you to Vieques.

A small Cape Air airplane parked on the Vieques  airport tarmac under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds. The aircraft features a sleek design with its signature blue tail displaying a white bird logo, and an open door with a boarding staircase where a crew member is visible. The scene conveys a calm and sunny day on the island, with grassy fields in the distant background."
The small plane we took leaving Vieques
An aerial view of Puerto Rico's Vieques island coastline, showcasing turquoise waters, sandy beaches, and lush green landscapes. The image captures a bustling cityscape in the distance, with an airport runway visible near the shoreline. The wing of an airplane featuring an animal graphic is in the frame, highlighting the perspective from mid-flight on a clear, sunny day.
View of Vieques from the plane

Plane – You can also fly from San Juan or Fajardo to Vieques. While it is a bit pricier, the views are beautiful and the travel time is shorter.

We decided to fly on our way back from the island because it got us right to the airport for our flight out of Puerto Rico on the last day. You can’t beat that convenience!

A bright yellow Jeep Wrangler parked under the shade of lush tropical trees on Vieques Island, Puerto Rico. The vehicle features a spare tire mounted on the back and rugged detailing, ideal for exploring the island's terrain. The natural surroundings highlight the Jeep's adventurous and practical design.
One of the first things to do in Vieques is renting a Jeep.

Getting around Vieques

You will want to schedule a vehicle rental ahead of time to ensure it will be available on arrival. It is more difficult to rely on taxis, and there is no Uber on the island. Most people either rent a golf cart or a jeep on Vieques.

We rented a jeep. While it would really come in handy for rainy days when the streets flood and get muddy, we were lucky enough to not experience much of that during our quick visit.

🐎 Good to know: Don’t be alarmed when you see “wild” horses all over the island. Vieques is known for its resident horses.

If you are only planning to go around main parts of the island, any vehicle will be fine. I would avoid a golf cart in case of rain or bad weather. However if you want to explore the national wildlife refuge and go off main roads, you’ll want a jeep.

There are a few locally owned rental companies on the island, but we heard the best things about Maritza’s Car Rental. Since I planned my trip so last minute, they were out of jeeps so I ended up renting through Avis Rent-a-Car.

When searching for a rental car, websites like Expedia will show you cars on mainland Puerto Rico, so be careful when booking and make sure you are booking a rental on Vieques. You cannot bring a rental car from the mainland to Vieques.

Contact the car rental company in advance to schedule your pick up based on the ferry or flight. If they are closed during your arrival, they usually have a way to pick up and drop-off after hours but you’ll want to confirm all needed details.

We had to fill out a form with our information and pay ahead of time since we couldn’t check-in in person.

The entrance to Hix Island House, a minimalist concrete building surrounded by lush green vegetation on Vieques Island, Puerto Rico. A tall, modern sign reading 'Hix Island House' is prominently displayed near the pathway leading to the structure. The building's clean architectural lines and natural setting emphasize its eco-friendly and serene design.
Hix Island House is a beautiful, sustainable hotel on the island

Where to stay in Vieques

There are two main town hubs on the island: Esperanza on the southern coast of the island, and Isabel Segunda on the northern coast.

Both the ferry port and the airport are located by Isabel Segunda, but the island is so small you won’t really need to be so close during your stay.

Hix Island House is a sustainable property located in the middle of the island – a quick drive to restaurants, beaches, hikes, and even the wildlife refuge. There is a pool and daily yoga, and the views of the rainforest are spectacular.

A tranquil view from a minimalist concrete balcony at sunset, overlooking lush greenery and silhouetted trees against a softly glowing sky. The scene includes a simple black lounge chair in the foreground, emphasizing the peaceful and natural ambiance. The open design frames the vibrant outdoors, blending modern architecture with nature at Hix Island House in Vieques, Puerto Rico.
View of the sunrise from our room at Hix Island House on Vieques island

Breakfast is provided, with things like local fresh bread and fruit, and each room has a small kitchenette for you to save more money by cooking there rather than eating out. (Although, eating out is probably one of my favorite parts of travel!)

The buildings are all made from concrete and open air, allowing the wind to cool them down in place of air conditioner. Everything is powered by solar power, and the showers are semi-outside as well. Staying here felt like the perfect mix with being in nature and staying in an architectural hotel.

We saved over a hundred dollars at this sustainable property by booking through Expedia rather than directly with the hotel too. When we got there, they even upgraded us to a nicer room with a better view. Nice!

🤩 Check pricing and availability for Hix Island House in Vieques 🤩

Things to do in Vieques, Puerto Rico

A glowing bioluminescent trail created by a paddle stirring the water at night in Mosquito Bay, one of the top things to do in Vieques. The vibrant blue light illuminates the dark water, showcasing the magical phenomenon of bioluminescence. This bio bay tour is an unforgettable experience highlighting the natural beauty of Vieques Island.
Vieques has the brightest bioluminescent bay in Puerto Rico

Day 1 – Bio bay tour

There are only five year-round bioluminescent bays in the world, and three of them are in Puerto Rico. The rumor has it that Mosquito Bay in Vieques is the brightest bio bay in Puerto Rico, so you’re in luck!

If you’re on a serious budget like I was, you might be interested in this tour.

The shuttle bus was definitely on it’s last leg, but the kayaks were just fine and we really enjoyed the tour once we were out on the water. (It was also one of the only tours I could find that could accommodate me as a heavier guest on the kayak.)

YOU NEED TO KNOW: You can’t wear bugspray or sunscreen on the bio bay tour so leave them at the hotel. These chemicals can harm the tiny organisms that cause the bioluminescent glow.

Paddling out onto the water and immediately seeing the water sparkle was magical. We spent an hour gliding through glowing water as fish swam by and our paddles broke into the effervescent waters.

If you want to splurge on an even more fun experience, look for a fully clear kayak bio bay tour so you can enjoy the bioluminescence from every angle.

Note that no matter which tour you choose, you will be entering the bay through a cut-out mangrove which is very squishy mud with a sulfer smell. You will have to walk in barefoot as you won’t want to ruin your shoes.

A serene beach on Vieques Island, Puerto Rico, featuring golden cliffs and a mix of golden and black sand along the shoreline. The calm turquoise water gently laps at the beach on Playa Negra, while the rugged cliffs add a dramatic backdrop under a partly cloudy sky. The peaceful setting highlights the natural beauty and tranquility of Vieques."
Visit Playa Negra to see a black sand beach

Day 2 – Beach-hopping!

Vieques has some of the prettiest beaches in Puerto Rico, so let’s go beach-hopping to see them. You will want to wear comfortable shoes, and bring your sunscreen. That tropical sun is no joke.

A woman walking along a shaded dirt trail surrounded by dense greenery on the short hike to Black Beach in Vieques, Puerto Rico. The path is framed by lush trees and plants, with dappled sunlight filtering through the canopy. The serene setting highlights the natural beauty and tranquility of the journey to the beach.
Be prepared to get your shoes muddy on the hike to Black Beach

Playa Negra is a black sand beach located a short 1/2 mile hike away from the parking lot on the southern coast of the island. The hike in follows a stream bed, so don’t wear shoes that you wouldn’t want getting a little muddy.

Once you are at the beach, the black sand is mixed with the golden sand at the entrance, but you can walk further along the shore to see it better.

The beach here is surrounded by tall orange cliffs and makes for great vistas. Note that the tide does come in close to the cliffs so make sure you visit during low tide.

Playa Caracas is a picturesque beach on Vieques Island, Puerto Rico, featuring soft white sand, turquoise waters, and palm trees lining the shore. Families and small groups of people are enjoying the beach in the distance, some walking along the shoreline while others swim and relax in the calm water. The vibrant greenery and tropical setting create an inviting and serene atmosphere.
Caracas Beach is beautiful with pristine waters and white sand
A woman, the author Michele, is wearing a red bikini and sunglasses and standing on a pristine sandy beach with turquoise water gently lapping the shore. The backdrop includes rocky green hills under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds, showcasing the natural beauty of Vieques Island, Puerto Rico. The scene conveys a carefree and sunny beach day.
The water is calm on Playa Caracas

Playa Caracas is located in the Vieques National Wildlife Refuge that stretches across half of the island. Parts of the refuge are open to the public to visit for free, and there are tons of activities from fishing, to hiking, to kayaking, but you’re heading there to enjoy the beaches.

One of the most popular beaches on the refuge is Caracas Beach. There is a free parking lot right in front of the beach, and a short walk to the shore.

Caracas was one of the prettiest beaches I have ever seen. The sand is soft and white, and the water is a beautiful teal blue. The water is calm and easy to relax in, but you can also enjoy sitting on the sand and reading like my friend Anna ended up doing.

From here, you can continue to stop at as many beaches as your heart desires, just make sure you remember to keep applying your reef-safe sunscreen. Two more beautiful beaches nearby are Blue Beach and Playa Chiva. See a map of the refuge to help plan your route here.

Day 3 – Explore town before heading home

Spend some time wandering around towns on Vieques Island without an agenda. You can go to Esperanza on the southern part of the island, and Isabel Segunda in the north close to the ferry port and airport.

A colorful dinner plate featuring grilled salmon served over a bed of quinoa, black beans, and corn, garnished with fresh watermelon, kiwi, mint leaves, and a side of sauce. A glass of golden beer sits beside the dish, with a casual dining setting in the background. The vibrant and fresh meal highlights a delightful dining experience at Mango Taphouse and Gastropub.
Mango Gastropub has healthy options with tropical flair

Where to eat in Vieques

Mango Taphouse and Gastropub was our go-to when we wanted a quick bite near the Hix Island House and it was great. Local craft beer and healthy dinner options, or a burger if you’re just feeling hungry.

I had the quinoa bowl with salmon and it was so delicious. I love that it came with fruit which I wouldn’t normally expect, and it was so light compared to a lot of the richer dishes I had been eating on the islands.

There are tons of breweries on the main island of Puerto Rico, so be sure to try something local from the taphouse. I love Ocean Lab Brewing’s Passionfruit Wheat (Mambo).

A plate of crispy fried shrimp tacos served on soft tortillas with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, mangos, and jalapeños, accompanied by golden French fries and a side of ketchup. The dish is beautifully presented on a white plate atop a dark textured table, creating a vibrant and appetizing seafood meal.
Get some fresh seafood right on the water at Bananas

Bananas is located right on the water in Esperanza and is a great option for lunch on your way to beach hop. I had shrimp tacos here and laughed at the rooster wandering around under the tables. Only in Puerto Rico.

If you are looking for something quick or just to enjoy a beer, try Lazy Jack’s. We got a wrap and tater tots here and it was pretty standard, though since we weren’t drinking it wasn’t exactly the best place for us to be.

On the northern side of the island, we had great recommendations for Rising Roost for breakfast, but time was not on our side this visit.

Map of things to do in Vieques

FAQ about Vieques, Puerto Rico

Can I visit Vieques for the day?

If you are going on a bio bay tour, you have to spend the night on Vieques due to the ferry and plane schedule. Otherwise, you can definitely just take a day trip to Vieques island and enjoy the beaches before heading back to mainland Puerto Rico.

Are there Ubers on Vieques?

Uber is not available on Vieques island. Most visitors rent a car or golf cart, but there are also some taxis on the island.

Is Vieques safe?

Yes the island is very safe to visit. It is a small island with a tight-knit community. There aren’t many natural dangers either, but make sure you are on top of your sunscreen to avoid a bad sunburn.

How many days should I spend in Vieques?

For a bio bay tour you will at least spend one night. A day trip is possible to the island, but spending 1-2 nights is better to take it slowly and really enjoy the natural beauty of Vieques.

Is Vieques walkable?

If you are staying in Esperanza or Isabal Segunda you can walk around town, but to get around the island or between towns you will need transportation.

Can I swim in Mosquito Bay?

No, swimming is not allowed in the bio bay on Vieques Island to protect the fragile organisms that cause the glow. If you want to swim in a bioluminescent bay in Puerto Rico, visit La Parguera on the main island instead.

Can I visit Mosquito Bay without a tour?

No, you cannot visit the bay on your own. You are required to have a licensed tour guide to see the bio bay.

A tranquil outdoor pool surrounded by tropical greenery and framed by two tall palm trees, with turquoise lounge chairs placed around the stone patio. The modern pool design features clean lines and a serene atmosphere under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds. The lush vegetation adds a touch of natural beauty to the relaxing setting.
Spend some time relaxing at the beautiful pool at Hix Island House

Wrapping up this Vieques Itinerary

While there are plenty of things to do in Vieques, one of my favorite parts of this trip was just relaxing. From lounging in our amazing sustainable hotel, to relaxing by the pool or on white beaches with crystal clear water – I love the slow pace and on Vieques island, and I am sure you will too.

If you are looking for more ideas in Puerto Rico, check out my 4-day itinerary that explores the Eastern part of the island!

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A Pinterest pin promoting travel to Vieques, Puerto Rico, featuring a woman in a red bikini standing on a picturesque beach with turquoise water and green cliffs in the background. Bold text reads 'Vieques, Puerto Rico' and 'Everything You Need to Plan Your Trip,' with a bright orange starburst highlighting 'See the Bioluminescent Bay!'
A Pinterest pin titled 'How to Visit Vieques Island in Puerto Rico,' featuring an aerial view of Vieques' stunning coastline with turquoise waters, sandy beaches, and lush greenery. A green box with text '+ Map Included' and a clickable cursor icon adds a helpful detail, while the website URL 'theadventuresabound.com' is displayed in a gold banner at the bottom.
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