The Island
Vieques has so many beautiful beaches, most of which are in the two nature preserves on each end of the island, that you often have a beach completely to yourself.
In addition to the beaches there are numerous trip operators and places to rent equipment so that you can go fishing, sailing snorkeling, scuba diving, paddleboarding, wind surfing, kite boarding, kayaking, horseback riding and tennis. Vieques also has a group of golfers that play every Thursday at El Conquistador on the mainland. And of course, if there is one thing you must do on Vieques, it is go on an evening cruise on the BioBay, which Guinness Book of World Records says in the brightest bioluminescent bay in the world. A nighttime cruise on the glowing waters with the sky carpeted by stars is an unforgettable experience.
For more information about the bio bay and adventures on Vieques, go to Vieques Insider, a magazine connecting visitors to Vieques.
Beaches
While building Eco-Casa Vieques we have had a chance to explore many of the island’s beaches, which are some of the best in the Caribbean. Here are some of our favorites.
For more on the beaches in Vieques, check out this Vieques Beach Map.
Media Luna Beach — We spent a quiet afternoon at Media Luna, one of the beautiful beaches that is not in the Nature Preserve. Take a left into Sun Bay and then turn left again and drive all the way to the end of the beach where you will find a dirt road to bring you here. With extensive shallows and no waves this is a perfect beach to come to with children.
Punta Arenas — Situated on the western tip of the island, Punta Arenas is one of the most beautiful beaches on Vieques. The last time we went there, the water was crystal clear and the view back to the main island and El Yunque rainforest, spectacular. There are plenty of small coves which you are likely to have to yourself and all the coral reefs make of great snorkeling. But be sure to take someone with you when you go swimming there as the currents are strong and can become dangerous.
Sun Bay — Sun Bay is the public beach on the Island and it is located just to the east of Esperanza. A crescent shaped beach that is about a mile long, it is a great place to walk, and it has lots of parking. In a building near the western end of the beach you will find the Arenamar Café, which serves food and drink and is reported to have the best Pina Colada going.
La Chiva — La Chiva, also in the National Wildlife Refuge, is the longest accessible beach on the Island and if you want a piece of the beach all to yourself, her is the place to go. It has very white sand with natural fan coral. The beach, white sand with natural fan coral is, in its entirety, is several miles long and this where we like to go for a long walk. It is also a great place for swimming, paddle boarding and snorkeling. And, if you want a stretch of beach all to yourself, here is the place to go. In fact, there are so many sections of beach, each with its own parking spot, that they are numbered.
Caracas Beach — One of the first beaches you come to as you drive into the National Wildlife Refuge, Caracas Beach is where we head to when we want a few hours to relax. If we get there early, we can often grab one of the kiosks that has a picnic table and shade. The beach is about a mile long and the waters are shallow, calm and refreshing. The only danger here is losing your picnic lunch to the wild horses that roam the Refuge. This beach has picnic areas, bathrooms, and a huge parking lot.
Shopping
Dulce Mango — Dulce Mango, a women’s clothing, and accessories boutique is Sarah’s favorite store in Vieques. Claudia, who had a career in the world of New York fashion, stocks beach appropriate items that are reasonably priced. Dulce Mango is next to the gas station on the way our of town and is easy to walk from EcoCasa.
Siddhia Hutchinson/Glen Wielgus Fine Arts Gallery — Siddhia and Glen’s gallery has a curated collection of Caribbean-inspired works of art. The pictures and sculptures you will see in the house were purchased there, and they have a nice selection of jewelry The gallery is located in the middle of Isabel Segunda next to Gonzo’s Garden and they often have openings and receptions. Siddhia and Glen are gracious hosts so be sure to check them out. — https://hutchinsonwielgusgallery.com
Scallywags — Forgot your bathing suit, need a new sun hat???? Head over to Scallywags which is only a few blocks from the ferry. Sarah got her new beach cover up and Mark bought a new bathing suit. The selection is good and Amanda is always there to help you.