15 Best Beaches to Visit on Vieques Island, Puerto Rico | The Exploreist (2024)

People worldwide flock to Vieques to see its majestic bioluminescent bay, but this post-card island has a lot more to offer, from fresh-made piña colada to blooming wildflowers to some of the best beaches you can find in the United States. And this post, we will share them all so you can beach-hop to the best ones.

1: Playa Media Luna

Located on the southern coast of Vieques, Playa Media Luna is the first beach we visited and one highly recommended by the locals. With lots of palm trees for shade, white sand, and calm water, this half-moon-shaped beach offers you the complete Caribbean vacation experience. It is also great for water sports, so bring your snorkel gear and explore the reef and various marine life.

From Playa Media Luna, you can walk for about 15 to 20 minutes to Sun Bay.

2: Playa Sun Bay (Balneario Sombe)

A designated swimming area with lifeguards, bathrooms, and showers makes Sun Bay the most accessible and family-friendly beach in Vieques. You canwalk to the beach from Esperanza Beach or Media Luna. And when you enter, you will be greeted by Paso Fino horses as they elegantly graze on the grounds.

The water at Sun Bay has many shades of blue, just what you’d expect from a Caribbean beach. The sand is light ivory and soft, super soft - an excellent treat for your feet. Also, the calm, slow waves make this a great beach for travelers of all sizes to swim and play in the water.

3: Playa La Esperanza (Esperanza Beach)

Also known as Playa La Esperanza, Esperanza is great for travelers who want to have the coast, restaurants, and facilities within walking distance. The main attraction is a pier where the kids like to jump into the waters, which is almost a tradition now, especially on Sunday afternoons. Around the pier is a sweet spot for snorkeling or sitting on the sand with your feet in the water.

From Playa Esperanza, you can easily reach Sun Bay, Cayo Adentro, and Playa Negra.

4: Black Sand Beach (Playa Negra)

The next beach to visit in Vieques is Playa Negra or Black Sand Beach. Unlike the yellow, red, and green beaches, it indeed has an incredible black color that originates from the volcanic material washed down to the beach from nearby volcanic areas during heavy rains.

To get to the beach, you’ll have to take a trail for about 30 minutes until the forest opens to a scene with cliff views, black sand, and small orange crabs everywhere. The tide can be strong during the winter, and there aren’t any facilities, so plan your visit accordingly.

5: Mosquito Bioluminescent Bay

Puerto Rico is blessed withthree bioluminescent bays.The brightest, Mosquito Bay, is in Vieques. The second is Laguna Grande in Fajardo, and the least bright is in La Parguera in the town of Lajas due to overexploitation and poor conservation.

The best way to see this is to book a tour and come during the new moon or half-moon phase. We highly recommend this one from Kayaking Puerto Rico that runs twice per night, at 7:00 PM and 9:00 PM. Upon arriving, the tour guide separated us into small groups, handed out life jackets and paddles, and helped us get on the kayak by the shore.

Then, off you go! When you sail to the middle of the bay, play with the water and see millions of “stars” (microscopic organisms that release heat when agitated) in a stunning blue-white glow, running through your fingers and scattering with every splash you make.

6: Red Beach (Playa Caracas)

If you have visited Vieques, you may have wondered if someone spilled the rainbow paint and colored the beaches in these beautiful shades, from pure white to sparkling soft black and light green. Scientifically, most of the colors are due to the chemicals released from volcanic eruptions that accumulated ashore.

Unlike Black Beach, which is named after its color, Red Beach isn’t red. It used to be a place for the U.S. Navy to practice simulations. Today, it is a family-friendly beach famous for its long stretch of white sand and turquoise waters and activities like snorkeling and surfing. It also has a smattering of covered cabanas for a lucky few.

7: Blue Beach (La Chiva)

Just like Red Beach, the name Blue Beach is a bit meaningless. The beach isn’t blue, but you will be blown away by the blue colors of the water, which is an out-of-this-world sight.

Playa La Chiva is a favoritesnorkeling spot in PR, especially around the cay and rocky side. You can access the water from several entrances carved out by the side of the road. Parking spots are limited, so be sure to get there early!

8: Green Beach (Punta Arenas)

On the northwest tip of Vieques, past metal bridges and a mangrove lagoon, you will find Green Beach, a narrow and remote paradise with dense and beautiful foliage.

If you are willing to go out of your way (we recommend coming with a sturdy 4-wheel vehicle) to find a peaceful place, this is your best bet. The beach is also great for snorkelers of all levels, thanks to its shallow and calm water. However, avoid it in the late afternoon when the sandflies are out and ready to make you miserable.

Along the beach, you will find an old track that was the route to transport sugar cane but is now submerged due to the rise of the sea level. If you want a little fun adventure, take a plunge and hunt for the tracks underwater. At the end of the beach and on clear days, you might see the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean collide!

9: Silver Beach (Orchid Beach or Playa Plata)

As the name suggests, this southeastern beach features white silver sand that sparkles when the water touches the shore; it is a perfect spot for honeymooners or those looking for peace of mind. In addition to the sand, the beach boasts beautiful views of green cliffs, coral reefs, and spacious parking spots.

There’s not much shade, but as Playa La Plata never gets crowded, you can easily grab one of the cozy shaded spots to relax. Also, the crystal clear water makes it a favorite snorkeling spot, especially at either end of the beaches. So be sure to bring your snorkel gear.

10: Navio Beach (Playa Navio)

If you’re a beginner surfer looking for some gentle bubbly waves to play with, this long stretch of sand framed by cliffs, with a lush forest of palm trees and native plants, is your best bet. Navio is also great for boogie boarding, so bring one.Note thatthere are no lifeguards here, so use common sense and don’t take any unnecessary risks.

For adventurous souls, you can go to explore one of the hidden caves along the cliff or take a plunge from any of the high rocks. Again, don’t take risks. If you rather play it safe, roll out a blanket in any of the shaded spots, sit on the soft sand, and enjoy the sweet Caribbean breeze to take away your worries.

You can access the water via the entrance to Sun Bay. Follow the road to the left once you enter, and soon you will see signs for Media Luna Beach and Navio.

11: Playa Grande

If you enjoy walking on a beach with a dramatic landscape, head to Playa Grande Beach. This long stretch of coarse sand offers breathtaking scenery, rock walls, and beautiful boulders. From Playa Grande, you can also walk all the way to Playa Negrita.

Best of all, it never gets crowded, even during the high season. Another draw of the beach is its coarse and unique sand, where you can often find a beautiful collection of broken shells, coral stones, and tiny soft pebbles. Take some time looking through the sand, and you might find a tiny shell that makes the perfect souvenir to spark moments in Vieques.

12: Garcia Beach (Playuela Beach)

Not as popular as its peers like Green or Blue Beach, Playuela (also called García Beach), which can be accessed from the same road, has a lot to offer - think of thinner crowds, strong surf, bright turquoise waters, and lush trees as the backdrop for great photos. You can also swim out to the cayo to snorkel among various marine life.

While most people miss the entrance to García on their way to Playa Caracas, this beach is worth a visit. Hiking enthusiasts can explore the Cerro Playuela trail, which boasts amazing views of the Puerto Ferro Cliffs and the surrounding beaches.

13: Secret Beach (Pata Prieta)

Located in the Vieques National Wildlife Refuge, this small beach cove is perfect for snorkeling, especially in the summer months, as long as you’re willing to make an effort to get there. There is no pavement to this beach, and the road can be impassable during rainy days (a 4-wheel drive is highly recommended.)

But it is definitely worth the effort.

The water is calm and clear with various jeweled tones, where you will find manta rays, coral gardens, and lots of tropical fish. There are also shaded spots along the beach for picnicking or relaxing. To get to Pata Prieta, you will walk a few minutes downhill with lots of crabs that will hide as you pass by.

14: Cofi Beach (Playa Cofi)

Also known by English-speaking travelers as “Seaglass Beach,” Playa Cofi has so much color that you don’t often see, from the blues of the water, and the crisp white of bubbles, contrasting with the bronze-colored rocks sitting on the honey-gold sand to the colorful display of sea glass emerging before your eyes as you walk towards the shore.

Take a moment to look through them and grab a few home as a souvenir that the island has saved just for you to find. To get to the beach, park in the residential area and walk downhill to the coast.

15: Escondida Beach

Despite being probably the smallest beach in Vieques, just a few feet wide, Playa Escondida has everything, from charming tropical scenery and thin crowds to gentle waves and breeze, to make your dream vacation come true. You can roll out a blanket to picnic, read your favorite book, or take a recuperating nap.

Embraced by hills covered in green, the water at this beach is very calm, especially in the summer months, making it a perfect spot for swimming and snorkeling.

Basics about Vieques Island

Located 7 miles off Puerto Rico’s eastern coast, Vieques (or Isla de Vieques in Spanish) is a secluded island in the northeastern Caribbean. It is part of an island grouping known as the Spanish Virgin Islands and retains strong influences from 400 years of Spanish presence.

This small island is home to one of the brightest bioluminescent bays in the world, Mosquito Bay, where microorganisms give the water a blue-green glow, undeveloped beach coves, lush rainforests, tropical marine life, and good Caribbean food!

While in Vieques, you might also want to check out Culebra, another great island in PR famous for its long, crescent-shaped Flamenco Beach, clear water backed by tree-covered hills, and fresh crabs and fish.

How to get to Culebra & Vieques

There aretwo waysto get to Culebra and Vieques from mainland Puerto Rico.

One is by air. You can fly out of San Juan’s capital or the east-coast town of Fajardo. The other is by ferry, departing from Fajardo.

The ferry is far more economical, which is $2 a ride. What you save in money, however, may be lost in convenience. The ferry schedule is notoriously quirky, and whether the boat will leave on time depends on many factors, including weather conditions.

Also, flights may be a more attractive alternative if you’re prone to seasickness. The seas between the Puerto Rican mainland and Vieques or Culebra can be rough.

1. If you choose to go by air, there are three airports - SJU, SIG, and RVR - to choose from. The flight is about 30 minutes, and some recommended airlines are Cape Air, Flamenco Air, Vieques Air Link to Vieques, and Air Margarita to Culebra.

   You will fly over turquoise water, small inlets, cays, smaller islands, and the breathtaking Flamenco Beach.

2. If you choose to go by sea, get tickets in advance! There are two types of ferries to these islands, the passenger ferry, and the cargo ferry. You can take either of them.

   Below is the most updated ferry schedule from Ceiba to Culebra and Vieques. It often takes an hour to get to Culebra from Ceiba and 35-45 minutes to Vieques, depending on the boat you take. The new boat is usually faster than the old one.

The passenger ferry for Ceiba (as published by DTOP on 30 October 2018)

1. Ceiba to Culebra (7 days a week) 6:00 AM, 10:30 AM, 3:00 PM

2. Culebra to Ceiba (7 days a week) 7:15 AM, 12:00 noon, 4:45 PM

3. Ceiba to Vieques (7 days a week & holidays) 6:30 AM, 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM

4. Vieques to Ceiba (7 days a week & holidays) 9:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 5:00 PM

The cargo ferry current schedule (may change). Passengers are allowed on these trips

1. Ceiba to Culebra (7 days a week) 4:00 AM, 9:00 AM, 7:00 PM

2. Culebra to Ceiba (7 days a week) 6:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 8:30 PM

3. Ceiba to Vieques (7 days a week & holidays) 4:00 AM, 9:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 4:45 PM, 8:15 PM

4. Vieques to Ceiba (7 days a week & holidays) 6:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM, 6:30 PM, 9:30 PM

Note thatthere is no Uber service in Vieques, and even taxis are limited. So, you can either drive yourself or charter a driver to help you get around.

Alrighty, these are all the best beaches to hop to in Vieques. If you know any others that deserve to be on this list, leave a comment below and let us know.