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Vieques Island, Puerto Rico Isla de Vieques, one of the Spanish Virgin Islands, is located between Puerto Rico and Saint Thomas, just six miles off the southeast coast of Puerto Rico. 21miles long by 5 miles wide with about 10,000 inhabitants, it remains like the Caribbean of the past—tranquil, lush and uncrowded. Natural beauty abounds here—spectacular beaches, crystal blue and turquoise water, rolling hills blanketed with palms and tropical vegetation, horses roaming free. Vieques has wonderful attractions and there's plenty to do, but what makes it most special is what you won't find here—no malls, no movie theaters, no traffic lights, no hustle-bustle and no hassles.
The currency is the dollar, the postal service is U.S. Postal Service, English is spoken by most locals (Spanish is the official language), and no passport is required. The electrical current is the same as in the U.S., 110 AC. The temperature does not fluctuate outside the 60–90 degrees and is usually in the mid 80's. The island is rather dry with no clearly defined rain season. Weather in Vieques
Articles about Vieques:The New York TimesUSA Today The Boston Globe The Travel Channel TIME Magazine The Atlanta Journal Constitution Getting HereTo get to the island of Vieques, you can either take a small plane or a ferry boat from Puerto Rico.By Plane:Cape AirMN Aviation
Vieques Air Link
By Boat:Ferry from FajardoThe Puerto Rican Port Authority operates ferries between the town of Fajardo on the big island and Isabel II on Vieques High Speed Ferry from Old San Juan History
Affectionately known as "La Isla Nena" (little girl island), Vieques history is as colorful as the tropical flowers and charming homes that dot the landscape. First inhabited by Native Americans more than 2000 years before Columbus set foot in Puerto Rico, it was an infamous haven for pirates and was a prize that various European powers sought to control. Vieques and its capital, Isabel Segunda, (Isabel II) were founded in 1843. In the 1940s, the United States military took over two-thirds of the island and would use it as a training and weapons testing ground for the next 60 years. In May 2003, after years of protests and long negotiations, the U.S. Navy left Vieques. This land has since been turned into a U.S. National Wildlife Refuge managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Tourism now thrives on the island and Vieques is rapidly becoming a popular tourist destination. |
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AttractionsBeaches
You will find some of the most scenic, quiet and secluded beaches in the Caribbean. With nearly 50 pristine beaches, each with its own unique character, the biggest challenge of your vacation may be choosing which ones to visit. Most beaches are undeveloped, surrounded by wild native flora instead of concrete and asphalt. This is a place where horses are allowed to roam freely. Crystal clear waters, white sandy beaches, secluded bays... Come and see what true tropical sandy beaches are like. See more photos of Vieques' Beaches Snorkeling & Scuba DivingVieques offers a wide variety of diving and snorkeling locations around its many rocky inlets and bays. There are shallow beach areas perfect for beginners as well as spots that will thrill more adventurous and experienced divers. The waters surrounding Vieques offer hundreds opportunities for snorkelers and divers to discover and explore many diverse marine ecosystems—near shore and huge off shore reefs, vast grass flats, mangrove lagoons, small off shore islands, the Bio Bay.Snorkeling & Scuba Diving Pictures BicyclingThere are great adventurous natural trails that will lead to beautiful destinations.Bio-BayThe island is also home of phosphorescent Puerto Mosquito Bioluminescent Bay. Vieques' most magical attraction, a dive into the bay is like swimming in tiny stars. This rare and remarkable phenomenon is caused by millions of luminescent dinoflagellates, a tiny form of marine life having characteristics of both plants and animals, which light up when disturbed by movement.DiningEnjoy great food ranging from typical Puerto Rican fare to fine, European cuisine to American burgers and fries.DrivingEvery road is a relaxing adventure that will take you to interesting places. Enjoy the sights—not traffic jams on your way to the beach, no traffic lights and no annoying billboards to distract you from the beautiful surroundings.FishingSome of the finest fishing in the world—shallow flats and reefs all around which attract bonefish, tarpon, Jacks, snapper and more.Vieques is about 1 mile north of the Puerto Rico Trench. All along the edge of the trench is a great fishing area. Here you'll find dolphin (the fish), black fin tuna, mackerel, sail fish, grouper, yellowtail, and much more. And, if you are looking for a fight, there are plenty of barracuda. Hiking
There's no better way to gain an appreciation of the voluminous flora and ample natural wildlife on Vieques. 140 species of birds, beautiful wild horse, mongoose, iguanas and more. See more photos of hiking on Vieques
Historical Sites
• El Fortin Conde De Mirasol—The last fort constructed during the Spanish Empire in the New World. Built in 1893 and carefully restored in 1991, the fort now serves as the island's main museum, housing the Vieques Museum of Art and History and the Vieques Historic Archives. • The Punta Mulas Lighthouse also known as Morropo was built in 1893. This beautiful old lighthouse still protects the port and boasts a reflector imported from Paris in 1895 which extends a beam that can be seen from as far as 16 miles. • The Vieques Conservation and Historical Trust—The Trust operates a small museum in Esperanza. It also has a small aviary to help injured birds, turtles and other local wildlife, a meeting hall, and a laboratory for water and specimen testing. Its gift shop features the work of local artists. |
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