Come with me for a short visit to an often overlooked island just off the coast of Puerto Rico called Vieques
Hidden 7 miles off the coast of Puerto Rico, a tiny speck of an island silently exists today much like it has for millennia. Basking in the Caribbean sun and surrounded by the azure waters of the Atlantic Ocean to its north, and the cerulean blue of the Caribbean Sea to its south, Vieques (Bee-ay-kus) is the perfect place to step back in time and get away from your hectic and chaotic life for a while.
By JP Chartier
It’s a short 20-minute flight from San Juan International Airport on the mainland of Puerto Rico to the single runway airport on Vieques. If riding in one of the tiny, 6-seater, puddle jumping airplanes doesn’t suit you, you can take a boat over. A passport isn’t required to visit the island.
The Vieques of today is a much different place than it was only 15 years ago. Two-thirds of the small island was used as a bombing range by the United States Navy since WWII. They pulled out in 2003 and are in the process of making the whole island a safe place by removing all unexploded ordinances. Due to the presence of the Navy on the island for all these years, the beaches and much of the island are left in a natural pristine state. And that’s where the real beauty of Vieques came alive for me, the natural and unspoiled beauty.
W Retreat & Spa Hotel
I stayed at the “W Retreat & Spa Hotel” located on the north end of the island, right on the water. Named one of the 500 best hotels in the world by Travel & Leisure, it features 156 rooms and suites with either a balcony or a private patio. The hotel is beautiful and comfy and I highly recommend it, you’ll pay more but if you like to be pampered, this is your place.
My room had a distinct Caribbean island feel to it and a spacious bathroom with an awesome over sized bath tub. The king bed was especially comfortable with the 400 thread count sheets, pillow-top mattresses and goose down pillows. The room cost $250 a night (summer time rates). For more info about the rooms click here.
The W Retreat & Spa Hotel is a wonderful place, there’s plenty to do on the property and they have an amazing beach. The meals at the restaurant were really expensive, I’d recommend hitting the town for a bite to eat instead.
Things to do in Vieques
First and foremost you’re going to need transportation. I elected to go with a tour company that my hotel recommended, but you can rent a car, taxi, bicycle or moped.
Beaches – Like I said before the beaches are the primary attraction here, they are some of the most amazing beaches I’ve ever seen, and I’m from Florida, one of the beach capitals of America. One of the beaches I visited had starfish everywhere! Click here for more info on the beaches.
Snorkeling – Make sure to do some snorkeling while in Vieques, the sea life is spectacular!
The Ceiba tree – This strange and magnificent tree is 400 years old and is worth a visit. It’s located on the right side of the road just before the Mosquito Pier.
The Bioluminescent Bay – Or “Bio Bay” is a natural wonder hidden on the south end of the island that is a must see. A mysterious blue-green glow is created in the water when disturbed. The colored water is actually the work of micro-organisms that are half plant, half animal organisms. Whatever you do, don’t miss this. I elected to go with a tour company when I visited this. Warning: The road to the bay is a pot hole infested dirt path that might not be for anyone suffering from any kind of injury. Click here for more info.
Banana’s Beach Bar & Grill – After walking the beaches and exploring, I ventured into Banana’s, and was I ever glad I did. First of all, the views from the restaurant are top-notch, plus you get a fantastic ocean breeze while enjoying the comfy interior. The employees were awesome, they answered all my questions and helped me plan my day. Then I got my mixed drink, holy moly was it strong! The food was really good too. Be sure to give them a try. Here is their website.
Isabel Segunda – This is the capital of Vieques, a place that seems caught in the past. There are no traffic lights or traffic here, in fact, it’s not unusually to see horses roaming about everywhere. The town was named after the Queen of Spain and is referred to as El Pueblo by the locals. The colorful buildings have a Spanish flare and are full of character. One of the main attractions here is the Plaza.
Vieques National Wildlife Refuge – The refuge was once an American bombing range, but it’s now a fabulous place to take it easy and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. You have your choice of a variety of beaches, each appealing in their own right. If you want seclusion or if you prefer people, there is a beach here for you. The refuge is on the south-western end of the island. Refuge website here.
Fortin Conde de Mirasol Museum & Fort – There are remains of the original fort that was built here in 1845. Also on the property is a museum of art and history which has an extensive collection of documents detailing the history of Vieques. The fort and museum are located in the small town of Isabel Segunda on the north end of the island.
Taxi Horses – Located near the W Retreat Hotel on the north side of the island is a company that provides horse rides along the beaches. The staff are really friendly and knowledgeable. While some may find this a bit boring, the scenery makes it worth it. On Vieques, horses are free to roam, they are everywhere, including on the property of the W Resort.
Relaxation – After spending 7 days on this wonderful island I was amazed at how relaxed I felt. There are plenty of opportunities to do absolutely nothing while being surrounded by breathtaking beauty. So grab a drink (the Mojito’s were stellar) find a lovely view and just RELAX!
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Hi my name is JP Chartier and I write for Gutter Pup Adventures.com where you can expect to read well-written and entertaining articles about the people and places that often get overlooked at many popular vacation destinations around the world.
Vieques is an amazing place, JP! I love the pictures, they seem to capture the essence of the place!
Agness of eTramping recently posted…Who Should and Shouldn’t Go to North Korea
Thank you. I loved Vieques! Very romantic and beautiful!
Great article, its history is indeed very interesting and your photos are so good.
Hey JP,
Did you know Vieques features in The Rum Diary by Hunter S. Thompson? Great to see the beaches still looking beautiful.
Cheers!
The Drinking Traveller recently posted…How Does Travelling Affect Your Alcohol Consumption?
From bombing to retreating what a beautiful little Puerto Rican escape unlike San Juan.
Susan recently posted…Video Diary: Traveling in Argentina Part 1
Beautiful! I have never heard of Vierques before but it loos very tempting to go and check it out!
Elena recently posted…AUSTRALIA. EAST COAST
A lot of people haven’t heard of Vieques, it’s a little known jewel worth the visit.
This is a beautiful paradise I would say. .. Those photos are so inviting. .m
Anne Klien ( MeAnne) recently posted…Rome Italy: The City of Fountains and Piazza
I would concur Anne, it is a little known paradise! People will catch on sooner or later…
Vieques is coming up more and more these days on blogs, magazines, and tv shows about folks looking for houses and living the island life. Gorgeous place and I hope to get there before the masses.
Tim recently posted…Oasis of the Desert
I agree, the masses are coming, but not quite yet, you still have time Tim. I hope you can make it out.
This place looks amazing, like paradise! We would love to visit more place like this to get away from the tiring cities we usually find ourselves in, we love them but sometimes you need a break! Looks like you guys had a great time!
Roaming Renegades recently posted…Inspiring Interview… Travelling Buzz!
Hello Roaming Renegades! Yes the island is pretty amazing – a bit of some old time Caribbean flare – there are some really good places to eat also 🙂
What an amazing place to visit! Thanks for the tip I’ll definitely have to check out that hotel!
Rena McDaniel recently posted…HAVE YOU HEARD ABOUT POINT REYES NATIONAL SEASHORE, CA
Hi Rena! The W Resort & Hotel is gorgeous, they do a great job all the way around, would have liked to see the prices a bit lower on there food and drinks though, but I find myself saying that just about everywhere I go.. cya around
I could really use some time away on an island, what with this winter cold! Great post, you guys. Makes me want to jump on a plan to come back to the hotter regions haha! But I have to make do for now, I’ve been in the Philippines for far too long 😉 Safe travels!
Aileen recently posted…Applying for a Visa? Here Are 4 Important Tips to Get You Approved!
Vieques is a great, low-key place to spend some time rejuvenating the batteries! The beaches are A+ and the scenery is amazing. Happy travels 🙂