Explore Vieques Island: A Perfect Weekend Getaway in Puerto Rico

A weekend on Vieques Island is probably all you need for your first trip to Puerto Rico. Many tourists spend their entire vacations here and barely set foot on “The Big Island” (mainland Puerto Rico). However, first-timers can get a good feel for what this small wonder of an island offers. Moreover, Vieques was slammed in 2017 by Hurricanes Irma and Maria; however, it is rebuilding beautifully, and tourists are returning to enjoy its charm. Most of these businesses mentioned have rebounded well after the hurricanes.

This weekend itinerary provides ample time for Vieques’ stunning beaches, its unparalleled bio-bay, and some unusual attractions. Included are suggestions on where to eat, play, and enjoy nightlife.

This island is a blend of idyllic beaches near military fortifications, rustic local life among luxury accommodations, and a turbulent history where local fishermen faced the U.S. Navy. You will get to explore it all.

How you get here primarily depends on your budget. If you can afford it, flying from San Juan is the best option. The 30-minute flight will save you considerable time. Alternatively, the cheaper option is a walk-on passenger on the ferry from Ceiba.

When you come to Vieques, be sure to bring the following:

• Multiple bathing suits (you’ll be in the water a lot).
• Light, summer clothes for comfort, as warm clothing is generally unnecessary.
• Sunblock is essential wherever you are in Puerto Rico.
• Your camera to capture unique sights that you won’t find elsewhere.

Day One: Settling in and Hitting the Beach

Whether you fly or float into Vieques, your first step will be to secure accommodations and a rental car. The type of car is crucial, as many roads are unpaved and may get muddy; hence, a jeep is highly advisable. Some visitors also enjoy renting scooters. After settling in, it’s time to hit the beach.

Itinerary

1. From the airport or ferry dock, take a público (a public transport van) to your hotel. Budget travelers should consider the SeaGate Hotel overlooking the ocean and hills of Vieques. Check in and change into your beach attire.
2. Arrange transportation by reserving your jeep, car, or scooter in advance. Reliable agencies include Vieques Car Rental, Maritza’s Car Rental, and Fun Brothers.
3. Head to Esperanza, the smaller of Vieques’ two towns, for a delicious lunch. The oceanfront Trade Winds and Bananas are among the most popular spots, located off the Esperanza malecón (waterfront boardwalk).
4. Spend an hour browsing the shops along the malecón. Kim’s Cabin is excellent for island apparel.
5. By now, it’s time to hit the beach! Steps away are Esperanza Beach and nearby Sun Bay, plus many more beaches to discover on the island.
6. Enjoy sunbathing and swimming until dinner time. Two commendable options just a short drive away are Carambola Restaurant at the Blue Horizon Boutique Resort (currently closed for repairs) and Bigotes, famed for its seafood and creative Caribbean cuisine.
7. Your nightlife options may be limited, but if you’re ready to party, visit Bananas, where the second floor is devoted to fun on weekends.

Day Two: Exploring the Island

Start your second day early, as there is much to see. Grab a map from your hotel (you’ll need it!) and look out for yellow markers that highlight the island’s sites and monuments.

Itinerary

1. If your hotel doesn’t provide breakfast, stop at Isabel II, Vieques’ main town, at Panaderia & Reposteria La Viequense for local pastries and to pack sandwiches for a picnic.
2. After breakfast, drive to the western side of the island via Route 200, leading to the Kiani Lagoon, a natural bioluminescent spot featuring a boardwalk through dense mangroves. Beyond the lagoon, relax at Punta Arenas and Green Beach.
3. On your way back along Route 200, detour to Mosquito Pier, a mile-long fishing pier, which was an aborted Navy attempt to connect Vieques to the mainland.
4. Return to Route 200 and look for a paved, unmarked road leading into the mountains. This military trail offers an eerie landscape filled with abandoned ammunition storage bunkers overgrown by nature.
5. At the end of this road, turn left towards Esperanza. On your route, you’ll encounter Playa Grande beach, and if you venture eastward, you might discover the hidden Playa Grande Sugar Plantation ruins.
6. Past Esperanza and Sun Bay on Route 997, you will find a road leading left to a cluster of enormous, mysterious boulders. This site hosts an archaeological dig that uncovered a 4,000-year-old skeleton known as the Puerto Ferro Man.
7. Take your time to explore the island and prepare for a magical night ahead.

Day Two: A Magical Night

After a full day of adventure, return to your hotel to relax for a bit before an early dinner. You will soon immerse yourself in another round of exploration, and it will definitely be worth it. If you’re still up for it, wind down the evening at a cool tropical bar.

Itinerary

1. Contact Vieques Outdoors or El Viequense Sea Tours to arrange a bio-bay tour. You can access the bio-bay via kayak or electric pontoon boat. Whatever your mode of transport, be sure to visit this lagoon where small creatures make you glow in the water.
2. The bio-bay experience can be tiring, especially after a kayak tour; however, if you want to continue your night, head to Isabel II for a laid-back local vibe at Al’s Mar Azul.
3. Return to your hotel for a restful sleep, lulled by the soothing sounds of the coquí tree frog and rustling leaves.

Day Three: Isabel II

Your final day on the island presents several options: Whether it’s diving, biking, horseback riding, or exploring what Isabel II has to offer, there’s no shortage of activity. If nothing piques your interest, there’s always another beach waiting to be discovered.

Itinerary

1. If you wish to take a tour, arise early. Diving and snorkeling enthusiasts can reach out to Abe’s Snorkeling Tours or visit Blackbeard Sports. La Dulce Vida offers mountain bike tours of the island, while horseback riding is available at the SeaGate Hotel. Additionally, Kiani Tours showcases cultural highlights of the island.
2. If you choose to explore Isabel II instead, begin your day at Roy’s Coffee Lounge, Vieques’ equivalent of a Starbucks, and try their “Frozen Roy.”
3. Visit the Fuerte Conde de Mirasol, recognized as Vieques’ largest cultural icon. This small colonial fort houses a museum featuring local art and history along with an excellent documentary on local fishermen’s struggles against the Navy.
4. If open, visit the Punta Mulas Lighthouse, a charming landmark that includes a museum dedicated to local maritime history.
5. Spend the rest of your time wandering around the town. The main plaza features a bust of Simón Bolívar, who made an unplanned stop in Puerto Rico at Vieques.
6. Finally, catch the ferry or plane back to the mainland, taking along fond memories of your Vieques weekend adventure.