Vieques

https://www.travelandleisure.com/worlds-best-awards-2025-islands-caribbean-bermuda-bahamas-11735952

Our Readers' Favorite Islands in the Caribbean, Bermuda, and the Bahamas of 2025

"Part of Puerto Rico's Spanish Virgin Islands, this destination is one of the territory's entries on the list and is noted alongside a sister island as a reader favorite in that group." - Hannah Walhout Hannah Walhout Hannah Walhout is a senior editor at Travel + Leisure, where she edits the Discoveries section of the print magazine and develops longer stories focusing on food, wine, and spirits. She has previously worked at Food & Wine and in the writing program at NYU Abu Dhabi. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines

https://www.travelandleisure.com/best-places-to-visit-in-puerto-rico-8398987

20 Best Places to Visit in Puerto Rico

"An island with no stoplights, prized for untouched beaches, dreamy boutique stays, and its most famous attraction: the bioluminescent Mosquito Bay, which "glows blue at night as you kayak through waters filled with phosphorescent plankton." Visitors can enjoy a day trip or linger for several nights; unique accommodations mentioned include cabins, treehouses, and a vintage Airstream trailer at Finca Victoria amid lush interior vegetation." - Carley Rojas Avila Carley Rojas Avila Carley Rojas Avila is a bilingual travel writer, editor, and content marketer. She is an expert on Latin America, the Caribbean, and Cuba, as she lived and worked in four different countries in that region. Carley founded the digital travel publications Loosely Local and Home to Havana. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines

https://www.cntraveler.com/story/hotels-com-coupon

The Top Hotels.com Promo Codes for Travelers

"A Caribbean island with a rich cultural heritage, beautiful beaches, and historic sites. Offers a tropical escape without a passport for US citizens."

https://www.cntraveler.com/story/best-time-to-visit-puerto-rico

When Is the Best Time to Visit Puerto Rico?

"An island known for its beautiful beaches, including the unique black sand beach Playa Negra, and the bioluminescent bay that glows at night."

@afar

"Horseback Riding Along the Beach at Sunset On Puerto Rico , horses roam the farms, the mountains, the town centers—and also the beaches. A couples' horse ride at sunset is a perfect way to kiss the day good-bye. With Tropical Trail Rides, in the northwestern municipality of Isabela, you can take a two-hour ride through the forest and by the beach as the sun sinks down toward the water. Make sure you take the opportunity to break for a hike or a swim along the way. On the north side of the island in Manatí, Kerry’s Horses designs personalized sunset rides by the beach or through nature reserves."

A Perfect Day in Vieques

Kate Jackson

Google

Absolutely stunning island. What a special place to visit in the world. Highly recommend making this part of your Puerto Rico trip or considering over more typical Caribbean islands. Also, support local businesses - you don’t need to buy food on the mainland! There is plenty here and it’s a great way to strengthen the local economy. Sit back relax and enjoy phenomenal sunsets, beaches, local food and abundant domestic-wildlife!!

Lora Lee

Google

The biobay is a great wonder. There's plenty to do on the island, although it is rather small. Lots of good eats and all the service from restaurants were friendly and helpful. The sunsets are breathtaking, but make sure to bring bug spray because the mosquitoes are out heavy during that time. There are many wild horses and chickens running around. There were a lot of negative things to say about the fairy when I did some research, but I found that it wasn't bad at all. It actually seemed quite organized despite the forums. We traveled on Thanksgiving day. We stayed at Blue Horizon, which had the most beautiful view, but do not come here for luxury. Make sure to rent a or scooter early, a couple weeks beforehand . We stayed in Elsperanza and drove the coastline, stopping at different beaches.

Emma M.

Google

Gorgeous!! Everyone is very friendly. I would recommend using 741 taxi app to get around, there are a lot of options but they were the most helpful to me. And get a sandwich at Lydia's near the Ferry :)

Tiki Toni Spagnoli

Google

Shhhh. This island is a secret and magical place. Please don’t tell anyone. Pristine beaches with differing topography at each one. If you’re looking for a beautiful sunset, calm waters filled with shallow water snorkeling, black sand or amazing cliff side photo ops, Vieques has it all. You can move around the island easily and see all of that and more. This island will not be for everyone. There’s no big box hotels, stores or chain restaurants. If you’re not adventurous and can’t handle bumps in the road, roaming horses and maybe some food you’ve never heard of, the occasional cold water shower only situation, this island is not for you. If you’d like to go to beaches where there are no people taking up your space and you can respect and hang with the locals, you just might have found paradise. Thank goodness for what it is, the most beautiful unspoiled island. We’ve already booked a second trip and may end up being locals some day! Remember, don’t tell anyone!

Tony Mendez

Google

An incredible island still somewhat damaged by hurricane Maria but recovering nicely. Beautiful beaches and a beautiful people with strong spirits and kind hearts. Please come here and support this island paradise. Some of the most amazing sunsets I have witnessed in Puerto Rico. Make sure to do the bio bay tour it’s awesome to witness.

Shanna Perreault

Google

Absolutely beautiful island. The horses that roam free are very friendly! Many beaches to explore. Truly, an island with something for everyone. Some beaches have great surf(laChiva), others are ideal for visitors with young children(Sunbay). Best of all, the best things cost nothing but your time! The culture is friendly and welcoming. We were blessed with amazing sunsets.

autumn meierle

Google

Such a beautiful place, please make time to go see as much as you can and enjoy. For most of the day on our golf cart we were the only people! Get you an air bnb, a golf cart, a cooler and put Vieques on your list to visit.

Jose R Lopez

Google

Born in Ponce, PR. The blood just seems to calls you back to your roots with time. I will come back soon and stay till the end. I mean why not be a local and live, where others go to vacation at? You always hear about the locals/people on how they treat you. I've always had a good heart, so it's easy to go back home. I want to be part of this and yet be part of the solution to help my neighbors, community, family and town. This is a location that is a must visit place. Vieques has a few different beaches you'll be glad you visited. Black Sand Beach, Sunset Bay and so on. You have choices to choose from, some are better for swimming at, others are better to snorkel at and others just to sit back and enjoy the sights. Don't forget the bioluminescent bay. Only five in the world and Puerto Rico area has three total. Vieques has the best one in my opinion. It has a few historical landmark's, like the Old Fortress. The Ceiba tree that's over 300+ years old now. The two Lighthouse are another area to make a sure stop at. You have a working Lighthouse and the Old Ruins one on the opposite end of the island. The views from different locations are truly selfie epic. Book your stay for a day trip but to really enjoy this Island, stay two to three nights and explore it. Don't forget to rent a jeep for most your stay and a golf cart for one day, it's fun to.

Elfrida R.

Yelp

Vieques is amazing. We love Vieques so much, we want to go again, but to vacation there for a few days. The people's hospitality in Vieques is superb. We grabbed a taxi van and he ended up serving as a tour guide to us, which he was happy to do. He took us to a few different places with pleasure. At the last stop he had picked up his son and drove us around with no problem. I really loved he was so personable. In Vieques you see horses all around, which was so beautiful; we really enjoyed that. We went to two beaches. We loved the second one, which was Playa Caracas. The sand was so white, and soft. The water waves were calm and warm. We had so much fun and made some friends while in the water. We ended up trading up drinks. If you go to Vieques and need transportation contact Yo-Yo's Taxi US DOT 3914032. Phone number 787-585-9560, he is the best of the best.

Susan G.

Yelp

Isla Vieques was lovely. We stayed at Casa de Armistad while there. Absolutely lovely gentlemen that own and operate. Private pool. Communal kitchen. Handicap rooms on the bottom floor. We rented a golf cart for exploring. Horses roam freely on the island. Most are owned. The bakery close by is excellent. The blue restaurant faces the sunset and accommodates wheelchairs. Food is great. There is a shop next to the bakery. Lovely. The owner and her husband own an Air B&B up on a hill. Five star. There is a movie library on the bottom floor. The first night they left juice, bakery bread, eggs, etc for us. Lovely couple. We went swimming on the beach. Warm waters. Gravel keeps boiling as you try to get out of the water. Have someone to help you out if you are older. Restaurant near the photo on this site has great food, complete with the biggest crab in the world. Fish is caught daily. Uber services for leaving is prompt, courteous. Be sure to go to Mosquito Bay!! It is a WOW!!

Dimary C.

Yelp

Vieques is open for business, many places will require to have protocols related to wear the mask, hand sanitizer or alcohol. This is one of the first municipality that its residents are already getting the vaccines. For many travelers, is important that you want to take the airplane from Ceiba Airport is only $40.00 is only 7 minutes flight, From SIG (Isla Grande Airport) $85.00 is 30 minutes flight and the SJU (International San Juan Airport) is more and 30 minutes flight... Many tours are available; Horseback riding on the Black Sand Beach Biolumisnicent Mosquito Bay Tours or Bio Bay Tour Sporting Clay on a 100 acre property overlooking the Caribbean Sea in La Hueca. Natural Walks Observatory Plataforms White Sand Beaches and over 172 Beaches Many amazing gastronomical experience in over 29 restaurants and many food trucks all over the island specially on the weekends. From Black Sand Beach to Coconut Beach, you have to go thru the main road from the beach shore is not connected. From Esperanza to Sun Bay is connected and is an amazing walk towards the end of Sun Bay. From the End of Sun Bay you could walk towards Media Luna Beach trail and from there walk towards Navío Beach trail. The road is way better now, many golf cars would be able to go there if isn't raining. The Vieques National Fish and Wildlife is open from Monday to Friday from 3 PM to 6:30 PM. Other attractions you might like to visit is Ceiba Tree, Mosquito Pier, Light houses, Los Chivos street View, you get to see both side the north and the south of the island from the middle of the island. Fuerte Conde de Mirasol (fort) is currently closed (waiting to get fix since H.María...) The Isabel Segunda, the main town usually is busy during the weekdays. Please, use the mask if you will be close to people, beaches are open for recreational use but the government is enforcing not to drink alcohol on the beach. Hopefully this pandemic times will be over soon. Stay safe!

Mollie W.

Yelp

When your friend suggests Vieques as a vacation destination, but says there is nothing to do there? You respond with, "That's the whole point." There was nothing, alright. Nothing but the most amazing beaches, beautiful foliage, unique animals, incredible rainbows after short rains, and friendly people all over the island. Getting to the island is easy! My journey began by taking a Southwest flight non-stop to San Juan, getting on a puddle jumper plane with Vieques Air Link, then renting a car at Maritza's Car Rentals. I booked a house in Isabel II through VRBO, frequented the Morales family supermarkets, and toured all over the island for 7 days. I began my beach vacation at Blue Beach, followed by Red Beach, Green Beach, Playa Grande, Black Sand Beach, and Silver Beach. I enjoyed wonderful meals at St. Voodoo's Restaurant (as well as a hilarious Halloween costume party and karaoke), Mama Mia, Coqui Fire, Bananas, Lazy Jack's, Bieke's Bistro, and at "home" with fresh Grouper and Lobster that was bought at the fish market in Isabel II by the ferry terminal. The island is 21 miles long and 3 miles wide, but it takes awhile to get to places due to the road conditions (think offroading in ATVs). There are horses, roosters, hens, cats, and dogs all over the island, which I really loved! I was lucky enough to see some reptiles, a huge heron, and watch 5 large pelicans diving for fish at Playa Grande. This island is doing everything right when it comes to preventing Covid19. You must wear a mask indoors at all times or risk a fine. You also have to show your Covid vaccination card in order to get into most restaurants. I appreciated the precautions they are taking, as Vieques has no hospital on the island. So! When you're thinking of a vacation place that has nothing to do? Check out Vieques. Nothing but paradise!

Guy K.

Yelp

In A Nutshell: -Wow, Vieques is the type of island to escape! Barely any tourists and the locals are cool as heck. -You can get here by ferry or plane. We took the plane route, which costs alot more ($72 per person/one way) but only takes 25 minutes from San Juan. -We also choose to rent a scooter ($55 for 24 hours) to explore the island. Others rented Jeeps and there are only a few taxis. -You'll see an abundance of wild horses roaming free on the entire island. Such a great environment for them! -There are many beaches you can relax on (Blue Beach, Red Beach, Green Beach and Black Sand Beach). You will also find a ton of smaller beaches and you can take off all your clothes and jump right in! Overall, this is a place that you should visit at least once, especially if you are in Puerto Rico. We plan to come back again!!!!

Brunna C.

Yelp

We had so much fun coming here!! The ferry to get to Vieques isn't the most pleasant ride, but it's $2.50 so can't complain too much. Totally worth it though!! We rented a golf cart and took it all over the island! There are tons of incredible beaches (don't miss the black sand beach!), wild horses and chickens everywhere, great food, friendly people, and so much beauty to enjoy!! We didn't stay overnight (left Ceiba at 6am and left Vieques at 4:15pm), so we didn't get to see the famous bioluminescent bays there, but we heard a lot of great things about them! Mosquito pier is worth the drive down (so much beautiful water on both sides!!), and going into the nature reserve is super cool (plus the beaches there are A1 too!) Make sure to bring sunscreen (We learned the hard way) and be prepared for a relaxing day of beautiful beaches and exploring!

Corey G.

Yelp

I fell in love with Puerto Rico. The list of reasons why is long, but near the top of the list? :::::: Vieques, definitely the Isle of Vieques. Whether it was the beautiful white-sanded beaches, the sleepy chill feel of life here, or the feeling of "undiscovery" here, it's not a wonder how this island is love-inspiring. One can travel to this small Island by ferry (from Fajardo), or plane from San Juan. I went with the latter. With the drive to Fajardo, and the ferry's reputation with unreliability, the risks clearly outweighed the slight savings. If you fly, be sure to fly out of Isla Grande (http://www.yelp.com/biz/aeropuerto-isla-grande-san-juan#hrid:h87mID4sjPVukE3iGkbtgg/src:self)---the flights are surprisingly cheap, and the tiny planes start your trip with a sense of adventure. This island is a step back in time. You will not find tons of luxury hotels here (the only one is W on the north shore), but if you search you can find some decent accommodations. No fancy restaurants, but there are certainly some cool options. Nightlife is limited, so you won't have many, if any, salsa dancing options. But you know what? That's alright. Vieques makes up for it with the relaxation it delves in droves....along with killer beaches. Yeah, you have to unplug here, to have a true Vieques experience. Whether you make it here for the world famous bioluminescence bay, or just to discover your own secluded stretch of sand, your heart will thank your feet for taking you here.

Alanda B.

Yelp

The Best part of our trip to Puerto Rico was to visit this small island. Get away Tom the city life and chaos. I went to both atalantic and pacific sides of the beach. We were the very very few people there. Nobody was there lol quiet and nobody would bother you. Tips: remember to rent a jeep coz you need it (whether being running errands or going to restaurants). Do a snorkeling/boating/ paddling/ (any water sports) while you are there. Worth the money and you will have a good time. Don't live near downtown where most tourists stay (it's worse at night that you will run into lots of drunk college kids/ drink drive). Very noisy.

Teisha V.

Yelp

This place is simply gorgeous!!! Simple yet soo much to do and see. Step into this world and see stray cats, dogs and many horses that run the many blocks. The beaches are breath taking and soo clear and bluish turquoise it's like right out of a magazine. . This is a bucket list must see for sure

Hemang S.

Yelp

Underrated island of Puerto Rico! We were unlucky to have been a few people behind in the Culebra line when they sold out of tickets, so we jumped into the Vieques line to get ferry tickets instead. When we got there, we just asked a taxi drive to take us to a beach and were pleasantly surprised with the beaches/culture! I loved seeing wild horses everywhere as well. Be safe with your belongings, but have fun as well!

Chad N.

Yelp

AVOID! We bought ferry tickets to Vieques 2 weeks in advance. We arrived 2 and a half hours early for our ferry. We stood at the head of the line while they let all the "residents" board first, including those who arrived just before the departure time. They told us "everyone will get on the boat, don't worry" while the residents boarded. It was a lie to keep us from protesting. The ferry reaches capacity, they closed the gate and told us to wait for the next ferry. They would not even guarantee that we would be allowed on that ferry because "residents board first." You will be treated as a second-class person. This was Wednestay, and I heard weekends are worse. Do not make plans because chances are you won't be able to get there!

Silvia V.

Yelp

Vieques Island is our favorite vacation spot. We spent 4 days on the island in 2013 and returned for 6 more in 2014. The W is probably the best place to stay on the island. You need to rent a Jeep, you need a map and you must explore the island. The island is very rustic and undeveloped. There are no traffic lights. There are plenty of beaches and you will not have a favorite, they're all favorites. The people of Vieques are friendly and welcoming.

Ahmad A.

Yelp

Awesome place, truly a hidden Gem. I am reluctant to write this review, one part of me wants to be selfish and keep it to myself and another part wants to share this beauty with others. Where do I start? the beaches are majestic, truly a virgin island, I;ve been to hawaii and I honestly think Viequez is better, in the sense that its not heavily commercialized. The people here are super friendly, ( except for some american expat living here, I reviewed their businesses in here). Definitely checkout La chiva beach.

Lindsey M.

Yelp

Simply amazing. Great beaches, super laid-back, and if you're lucky, the bio bay tour is running. This is a hidden gem that I fear won't stay hidden for long. Because it's not overly developed, there aren't overwhelming options of things to do - but you will only be as bored as you allow yourself to be! There is swimming, hiking, biking, horseback riding, sailing, fishing, paddle boarding, bioluminescence bay, endless beaches, and plenty of food & drink! Most of the restaurants are run by mainlanders who needed to get away. We spent 3 night in Esperanza & it was heaven on earth!

Renee Marie J.

Yelp

Vieques is luckily, still a relatively unknown gem. Where else can you lay on pristine beaches and possibly see no one else all day long. Add to that wild horses sauntering along the beaches and streets, a bio- luminescent bay and a few unbelievable restaurants and you have a rare combination unlike anywhere else on the planet. shhhhhhh!

Hero W.

Yelp

Lovely laid back island off the coast of San Juan, easy 25 minute transfer on a small plane. Great tropical landscape, white beaches and clear blue seas with wild horses roaming, beautiful unspoilt beaches with just sand, coconuts and warm seas. Good coffee in Isabel at Gray's Magic Coffee Expresso Bar and great cocktails at El Blok is Esperanza. What more could one want! Perfect for a relaxing break from the cold European winter. Jeep hire is useful and best company on the island is Mariza, if you do nothing else a visit to the Bio Bay is a must, totally magical experience.

David M.

Yelp

$2 ferry ride and $3 taxi ride to your room? Not bad at all! If you're here overnight, you MUST do the bio-bay tour. It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Do some homework on who you go with for the tour though; some of the operators are shady and not very reliable. We used Abe's and they were great, and there are others as well. Check out tripadvisor for their list, as that's what we used.

Peter C.

Yelp

Vieques...what an I say? I have been to Mexico many times, Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, and big island Puerto Rico, all have their virtues but Vieques is a special gem. Quiet, easy, beautiful, ecologically amazing, cool, easy to navigate. What more can I say. If you want 'Beaches' or 'Club Med' don't come here. If you are looking for margueritaville, go some place else. This is about as mellow as it gets - and no passport is required!

Sudip R.

Yelp

Puerto Rico - Easy to drive around the island, once you're out of city limits. Even without GPS, you cannot get lost in this island if you're from USA and driven there a lot as this whole island is too small for a car (110 Miles X 40 Miles) 3,500 sq miles ! You can get lost and then get to your destination. People are mostly friendly and eager to help you, unlike some other Caribbean places where poverty produces some natural hustlers ... A rental car ($14 per day on budget, Oct 2012 + $4 approx per gallon gas) takes you to Fajardo, and standing in line fetches you a $2 one way ferry ticket to this wonderful island. Vieques - Went to the island and took a ride from a local to get to a beach, before stopped at a bar to each lunch. Playa Esperanza it was, very nice tranquil and Caribbean waters. Did not try to suck us in unlike the bigger Atlantic waves! A line again one hour before the ferry departure again fetches the return ticket ... and back to Fajardo Inn which was very nice and the nearby avenidas were full of nice food, party & driving around options in the weekends. Left luminescent bay, snorkeling, scooter-ing around the island, and other pleasures were tucked away for the next time.

Mihir M.

Yelp

A nice quiet, laid back island off the eastern coast of Puerto Rico. Nearby is the smaller & even more laid back island of Culebra. This is a nice place to chill, enjoy beaches, take boat rides & be away from it all. Must visit the bioluminescent bay. There are decent vegetarian food options available. We rented a jeep. We stayed at El Blok, though felt it was over priced. Though the W is way more expensive.

Frankie L.

Yelp

Yes indeed beautiful beaches and nice snorkeling. If you go snorkeling with a company don't use Vieques Sailing Co. Captain Mark is trying to run snorkeling tours but he doesn't have an idea of how to run a legitimate business. He looks like he just woke up and his boat looks the same. The boat is dirty throughout and needs work. The bottom of the boat has not been cleaned in months and the top is worn from the sun and needs a serious waxing. He uses his wife for help and the day we went out she was feeling sea sick to give you an indication that she is not an experienced sailor.

Donita T.

Yelp

Vieques is a little known gem of an island ...but not for long ! It came recommended by friends who had visited several times over the past two years so we gave it a try as the spot to celebrate a 65th birthday and retirement! Perfect choice! We spent three days in old San Juan first, then rented a house in Vieques. The flights over are frequent and brief. If you are renting a house, we suggest shopping in San Juan for meats or specialty items unavailable in Vieques. The variety and quality of restaurants is remarkable for such a small island but our favorites were Bili in Esperanza, Conuco in Isabel secundo, and Tin Box for BBQ. Do not miss the SOL FOOD truck at the entrance to the wildlife preserve beaches....it looks a little sketchy but the food is delicious. Best chocolate brownies and pork carnitas we've ever eaten! Only operate fri/sat/sun until around 1:30 or they run out of food . Don't miss the bio bay tour if it's happening (they don't operate around a full moon) and book with Abe's ; a sunset drink at Al's bar next to the ferry landing in Isabel; salsa dancing at la nasa in Esperanza on sat night with the locals ; snorkeling anywhere and a different gorgeous beach every day. Our favorites we Carracas, La Chiva and Navio. Horses roam the island freely as do iguanas ....makes driving in the narrow roads a little interesting. I would recommend less than a week or 10 days here is you really want to experience all the Vieques has to offer . Decent hotels recommendations are the W (beautiful but pricey ), Bravo Beach Hotel (Isabel side ) , and Blue Horizon (Esperanza side). come and enjoy ! But shhhhh....keep our secret

https://www.travelandleisure.com/worlds-best-awards-2025-islands-caribbean-bermuda-bahamas-11735952

Our Readers' Favorite Islands in the Caribbean, Bermuda, and the Bahamas of 2025

https://www.travelandleisure.com/best-places-to-visit-in-puerto-rico-8398987

20 Best Places to Visit in Puerto Rico

https://www.cntraveler.com/story/hotels-com-coupon

The Top Hotels.com Promo Codes for Travelers

"A Caribbean island with a rich cultural heritage, beautiful beaches, and historic sites. Offers a tropical escape without a passport for US citizens."

https://www.cntraveler.com/story/best-time-to-visit-puerto-rico

When Is the Best Time to Visit Puerto Rico?

"An island known for its beautiful beaches, including the unique black sand beach Playa Negra, and the bioluminescent bay that glows at night."

@afar

A Perfect Day in Vieques