Enjoy the unspoiled Caribbean island of Vieques
Vieques sits off the coast of Puerto Rico, surrounded by the warm Caribbean Sea. It features long stretches of unspoiled beach and is less touristy than many of the surrounding islands. Book a Vieques vacation rental and you can spend time discovering the quiet beaches, as well as walking through the dense forest trails. Under Spanish rule for 100s of years, the island still has a strong Spanish influence, with lots of colonial architecture in the town of Isabel Segunda. This is the main settlement on the island, with tapas restaurants and a few small, local museums.
See the nighttime colors of Vieques' bioluminescent bays
Mosquito Bay is an unforgettable nighttime attraction, where the water seems to glow as you move. Known as a bioluminescent bay, this phenomenon is caused by microorganisms which glow whenever they're disturbed, meaning every time you splash, the colors come to life. As you swim or kayak in the dark waters, there's an explosion of bright blue that creates an unforgettable experience. You can also book a boat tour and see the water glowing underneath you, making for the perfect photo opportunity.
Tropical sunshine all year round in Vieques
Temperatures in Vieques are pretty stable all year round, from the mid-70s to high-80s. However, the rainy season from September to November tends to feel hotter, as there's increased humidity. The rest of the year is mostly dry and comfortable, with warm seas that are ideal for swimming or scuba diving. June to November is hurricane season, so, if you're visiting during these months, keep an eye on the weather before you leave.
Volcanic landscapes and coral reefs in Vieques
Most of Vieques is covered by the Vieques National Wildlife Refuge, a protected area made up of beaches, wetlands and sub-tropical dry forests. Stay in a Vieques vacation rental close to the refuge, and you can explore winding trails, visiting the distinct areas of the park. Find an almost empty beach and enjoy the calm seas or hire a kayak and look for rare birds nesting in the wetlands. For the best views of the island, take the shady trails up Pirate Mountain, giving you spectacular views across the coast, and beyond.
Traveling to and around Vieques Island
The nearest airport is in Vieques (VQS-Antonio Rivera Rodriguez), located 3.2 mi (5.2 km) from the city center.