There’s no ride-share on the island, and the best beaches are at the end of dirt roads. Book a car or UTV before you arrive, especially in high season.
Vieques is known to have some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean. Most of them look the way the Caribbean did before anyone built on it. Much of the island is protected wildlife refuge, so the coastline stays wild: no high-rises, no beach clubs, often no one else in sight. On the south side, the water is calm and impossibly clear, with soft white sand and reefs just offshore for snorkeling. The north shore is rougher and more dramatic, with waves rolling in and cliffs at the edges. Some beaches sit at the end of long dirt roads, some are shaded by sea grape trees, and a few have wild horses wandering down to the waterline. Here are some of our favorites:
La Chiva (Blue Beach)
Bright blue water and some of the best snorkeling on the island. Shaded tables can be claimed for a group, if you get there early.
Sun Bay
Wide, calm, and minutes from Esperanza. Room for everyone.
Media Luna
Drive through Sun Bay and keep left until you reach a small crescent of shallow water. Good for kids and snorkelers.
Caracas
Inside the wildlife refuge. Blue water, picnic tables, and grills. Bring lunch.
Bastimento
East of Isabel II. A natural rock breakwater keeps the water calm and shallow.
Punta Arenas (Green Beach)
Where the snorkel boats from Fajardo drop anchor. Clear water for floating or snorkeling.
Black Sand Beach
Volcanic sand, dark as coffee, at the end of a short and easy trail.
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Boats & Charters
Pick a captain, or be one.
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Boat Charter
Jenny and Tomás will take you around the island to the best snorkel spots, with drinks and snacks on board.
Past Mosquito Pier, the short hike around the Sugar Mill Ruins is great to explore and imagine you are in an Indiana-Jones film.
Lookout Towers
Climb Monte Pirata, a one-mile walk uphill, or head to the lookout in the reserve: turn left at the southern entrance and drive to the top, then walk straight ahead. The road is too steep for golf carts.
Lookout Towers
Blue coves, winding roads, and the island's quiet southern
edge. The Reserve is home to Caracas, La Chiva Media Luna,
and one of the island's look-out towers.
The Ceiba Tree
More than three hundred years old and still spreading. A few minutes past the airport.
One more thing: off-season hours on the island can be unpredictable. Check ahead or ask us at the desk. We’re happy to help plan the day.