Vieques Island sits just a few miles southeast of Puerto Rico’s mainland. This small Caribbean island has over 40 beaches, each different from the next in size, sand color, and water conditions.
If you’re planning a trip to Vieques and want to know which beaches to visit, I’m here to help. I’ve spent a lot of time on these shores, and I’ll share what I’ve learned about the best beaches in Vieques.
How to Get to Vieques Island: Two Easy Ways to Reach the Beaches
Before we talk about the beaches, let’s figure out how to get to Vieques. It’s pretty easy, and you’ve got two main choices:
Flying to Vieques: Quick 15-Minute Flights from Puerto Rico Mainland
You can take a short flight from San Juan or Ceiba. The planes are small, but the views are awesome! The flight only takes about 15 minutes, and you’ll land at Antonio Rivera Rodríguez Airport on the north side of Vieques.
Vieques Air Link is the main airline that flies there. I love flying because it’s quick and the view of the island as you land is amazing. But it can be a bit pricey, especially during the busy season.
Taking the Ferry to Vieques: Affordable $2 Boat Rides from Ceiba
If you want to save some money, the ferry is a great choice. You catch it from the Ceiba Ferry Terminal, and it takes about 30 minutes to get to Vieques. As of September 2024, it only costs $2 each way, which is a steal!
The ferry arrives in Isabel Segunda, the main town on Vieques. It’s cheap and fun, but it can get crowded. Try to get there at least 30 minutes early to buy your ticket, or even an hour early if you need to park your car.
Planning tip: if you’re planning a longer Puerto Rico trip, consider exploring some Puerto Rico itinerary ideas to make the most of your visit before or after your Vieques beach adventure.
Best Ways to Get Around Vieques for Beach Hopping
Once you’re on Vieques, you’ll need a way to get to all those beautiful beaches. Here are your options:
Renting a Jeep on Vieques: Access All Beaches with 4×4
This is my top pick for getting around. You can reach all the beaches, even the ones with rough roads. It’s fun to drive around Vieques Island, and you can pack all your beach gear easily.
Jeeps cost about $65-$85 per day, depending on the season. It might seem like a lot, but trust me, it’s worth it to see the best beaches in Vieques.
Golf Cart Rentals in Vieques: Cheap Option for Nearby Beaches
Golf carts are a fun option for shorter trips. They’re good for getting around town and visiting beaches close to Esperanza or Isabel Segunda.
Golf carts are a cheaper option if you’re not going far, usually costing around $45-$65 per day. Unfortunately, they can’t go on the rough roads to some of the best beaches on Vieques Island.
Using Taxis and Publicos in Vieques: When Not to Drive Yourself
If you don’t want to drive, you can use taxis or publicos (shared vans). They’re good for getting from the airport or ferry to your hotel and for short trips around town.
But taxis in Vieques can get expensive if you use them all day for beach hopping. A trip from Isabel Segunda to Esperanza costs about $15-$20.
The Best Beaches in Vieques: My Top Picks
Now, let’s get to the good stuff – the beaches! I’m going to tell you about my favorite beaches on Vieques Island and why I think they’re so special. To give you an idea, here’s a quick look:
| Beach Name | Known For | Best For | Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Playa La Chiva (Blue Beach) | Clear water, white sand | Swimming, snorkeling | 4×4 needed |
| Playa Caracas (Red Beach) | Soft sand, good waves | Families, body surfing | Easy, paved road |
| Sun Bay Beach | Large size, facilities | Convenience, amenities | Close to town |
| Playa La Plata (Silver Beach) | Seclusion, soft sand | Quiet relaxation | 4×4 needed |
| Punta Arenas (Green Beach) | Sunsets, snorkeling | Scenic views, marine life | 4×4 needed |
| Playa Negra (Black Sand Beach) | Unique black sand | Photography, walks | 0.5-mile hike |
Playa La Chiva (Blue Beach): Crystal Clear Water and White Sand
Playa La Chiva, also known as Blue Beach, is hands down one of the most beautiful beaches on Vieques. It’s a long stretch of white sand with clear turquoise water that’s perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
The beach is inside the Vieques National Wildlife Refuge, so you’ll need to drive there. Look for parking spots numbered 1-21.
My favorite spot is between parking areas 8 and 10. The water here is super shallow for a long way out, creating a stunning turquoise lagoon effect. It’s great for families because kids can play safely in the shallow water.
One thing to watch out for – when we went snorkeling near the small island offshore, we got some tiny stings all over our bodies. They looked like mosquito bites and went away after a few hours, but it was kind of weird. So just be careful if you decide to swim out there.
Playa Caracas (Red Beach): Family-Friendly with Easy Access
There’s nothing red about this beach! Playa Caracas, or Red Beach, is a picture-perfect crescent of white sand hugged by green hills. It’s one of the most popular beaches in the Vieques National Wildlife Refuge, and for good reason.
The sand here is super soft and white, both on the beach and in the water. The waves are a bit bigger than at some other beaches, which my kids loved. They had a blast playing in the surf and body surfing. If you bring a boogie board, this is a great place to use it.
One of the best things about Playa Caracas is how easy it is to get to. The road is paved all the way to the beach, and there are two big parking lots. This is pretty rare for Vieques beaches! There are also picnic tables and some basic facilities, which makes it great for a full day at the beach.
Fun fact: This beach was used as a shooting location for a Victoria’s Secret Swim campaign. That’s how gorgeous it is!
Sun Bay Beach: Closest to Town with Great Facilities
Sun Bay is the closest beach to the main tourist town of Esperanza, making it super convenient. It’s only about a 5-minute drive from town if you have a rental car, or you can even walk there in about 20 minutes.
This beach is huge, with plenty of room to spread out. The sand is soft and golden, and the water is usually pretty calm because the bay is shaped like a big U. There are palm trees all along the beach, which give it a real tropical feeling.
Sun Bay has the best facilities of any beach on Vieques. There are showers, bathrooms, and even lifeguards on duty during the day. There’s also a little food kiosk called Arenamar SunBay’s Cafe where you can get things like fresh fish, fruit smoothies, and piña coladas.
Planning tip: wear shoes when you’re walking around Sun Bay beach, especially near the road. There are lots of thorns that can really hurt if you step on them!
Playa La Plata (Silver Beach): Secluded Spot with Powder-Soft Sand
Playa La Plata is a hidden gem that a lot of visitors miss. It’s one of the most secluded beaches in Vieques, and it really feels like you’ve found a secret spot.
Playa La Plata is at the far eastern end of the wildlife refuge, so you’ll need a 4×4 vehicle to get there. The road is pretty rough, but it’s not as bad as some people say. When you get there, you’ll see why it’s worth the trip.
The sand in Silver Beach is super white and soft – it feels like walking on powder. The water is incredibly clear, with all kinds of shades of blue and turquoise.
One of the coolest things about Playa La Plata is how quiet it is. Every time I’ve been there, there’s been hardly anyone else around. It’s perfect if you want to feel like you have a whole beach to yourself.
There’s even a ‘secret beach’ on the far eastern side of La Plata Beach. You have to wade through some waist-deep water around some rocks to get to it.
It’s pretty small and not great for swimming, but you can see lots of cool sea life there, including some beautiful blue crabs. Just be careful – those crabs can pinch!
Punta Arenas (Green Beach): Best Sunset Views and Snorkeling Spot
Punta Arenas, or Green Beach, is on the very western tip of Vieques. It’s a bit of a journey to get there, but the payoff is totally worth it.
This beach is great for a few reasons. First, it’s one of the best places on Vieques to watch the sunset. You can see the main island of Puerto Rico from here, and watching the sun go down over the water is just amazing.
Second, the snorkeling here is really good. The western end of the beach has a nice reef system where you can see all kinds of fish and sea life. Just be careful of sea urchins – there are quite a few around.
The beach itself is pretty small, but it’s lined with palm trees and jungle, which makes it feel really tropical and secluded. The water here is super calm – it’s like swimming in a big, warm bathtub. Just keep in mind that it gets deep pretty quickly, so keep an eye on kids if you’re there with family.
To get to Punta Arenas, you’ll need a 4×4 vehicle. The road is long and bumpy, but that’s part of the adventure! I recommend getting there early in the morning for the best conditions, especially if you want to snorkel.
Playa Negra (Black Sand Beach): Unique Volcanic Sand and Scenery
Playa Negra is really unique – it’s the only black sand beach on Vieques. The sand here is incredibly dark, almost midnight black, because of volcanic activity in the area. It’s a really cool sight, especially if you’ve never seen a black sand beach before.
To get to Playa Negra, you have to walk about half a mile from the road. The trail can get muddy and there’s sometimes standing water, so wear shoes you don’t mind getting dirty. The walk is totally worth it though.
One fun thing to do here is to make ‘sand graffiti’ on the orange cliffs behind the beach. The black sand sticks to the cliffs, so people draw pictures or write messages. It’s not permanent, so it’s a cool way to leave your mark without damaging anything.
Just a heads up: Playa Negra isn’t the best beach for swimming. The waves can be pretty big and there are strong currents. But it’s a great place to walk or take some amazing photos.
Vieques Island Beaches for Different Activities
Now that we’ve covered some of the top beaches, let’s talk about which beaches are best for specific activities.
Best Snorkeling Beaches in Vieques: Where to See Colorful Fish
If you love snorkeling, you’re in for a treat. Here are my top picks for snorkeling on Vieques Island:
- Playa La Chiva (Blue Beach): The area around the small cay offshore is full of marine life. Just be careful of those mystery stings I mentioned earlier!
- Punta Arenas (Green Beach): The western end has a beautiful reef system with lots of colorful fish.
- Mosquito Pier: This isn’t actually a beach, but it’s the best spot on Vieques for seeing a variety of fish and even sea turtles.
Kid-Friendly Beaches in Vieques: Safe Spots for Family Fun
Traveling with little ones? No problem! Here are some great beaches in Vieques Island for families:
- Media Luna Beach: This beach has super shallow, calm waters that are perfect for young swimmers. The sand is really soft too, great for building sandcastles.
- Sun Bay Beach: With good facilities and easy access, this is a convenient choice for families. The long, gently sloping beach means there’s plenty of shallow water for kids to play in.
- Playa Caracas (Red Beach): The protected cove keeps waves gentle, and there are picnic facilities for family lunches.
Warning: none of the beaches on Vieques have lifeguards, so always keep a close eye on your kids in the water.
Surfing Beaches in Vieques: Where to Catch Waves on the Island
Vieques isn’t really known as a surfing destination, but there are a couple of spots where you can catch some waves:
- Navio Beach: This beach on the south coast can have decent waves, especially in winter. It’s a small cove surrounded by cliffs, which makes for a pretty cool surfing experience.
- Playa Grande: Another south coast beach that can offer good surfing conditions. It’s also the longest beach on Vieques, so there’s plenty of space to find your perfect wave.
Keep in mind that surfing conditions in Vieques can be pretty unpredictable. Always check local reports before heading out, and be aware that there are no lifeguards or surf shops on the island.
Secluded Beaches in Vieques
If you’re looking for a more private beach experience, Vieques has plenty of hidden coves and secluded shores. Here are a few of my favorite remote beaches on Vieques island:
Playa Escondida
Playa Escondida literally means “hidden beach,” and it lives up to its name. It’s a small cove past Playa La Chiva in the wildlife refuge.
To get there, you need to keep driving past the numbered parking spots for La Chiva. The beach is small but absolutely beautiful and often completely empty.
Playuela Beach
This beach is right next to Playa Caracas but way less crowded. Why? Because you have to hike about 0.6 miles to get there.
The trail goes through a mangrove forest, which is pretty cool. You might see little lizards scurrying around. Just be careful – there’s a sign warning about old munitions from when the US military used the island, so stick to the trail.
Playa Grande
Despite its name (which means “big beach”), Playa Grande is often empty. It’s past Black Sand Beach, heading west from Esperanza. The waves here can be pretty big, so it’s not great for swimming, but it’s perfect for a long beach walk, especially at sunset.
Remember, these secluded beaches often don’t have any facilities, so bring water, snacks, and sun protection. And please, whatever you bring in, take out with you to keep these beautiful spots clean!
Tips for Visiting Vieques Beaches: What You Need to Know
To make the most of your beach-hopping adventure in Vieques, here are some practical tips:
- Rent a Jeep if you can. Many of the best beaches are only accessible by dirt roads, and a 4×4 vehicle will make your life much easier.
- Bring supplies. Most beaches lack facilities, so pack water, snacks, and sun protection. A beach umbrella or tent can be a lifesaver on hot days.
- Respect nature. Vieques beaches are part of a wildlife refuge. Don’t disturb plants or animals, and always take your trash with you.
- Check the weather. Some beaches are better in calm conditions, others come alive with a bit of wind. A quick weather check can help you pick the best beach for the day.
- Start early. Beat the heat and the crowds by hitting the beaches early in the morning. Plus, early morning light is great for photos!
- Be aware of the horses. Vieques is famous for its wild horses, and you might see them on the beaches. They’re beautiful, but remember they’re wild animals, so don’t approach or feed them.
- Bring cash. Many small businesses on Vieques don’t accept credit cards, so it’s good to have cash on hand.
Planning tip: many visitors start their journey in San Juan, where you can learn fascinating San Juan Puerto Rico facts while enjoying the city’s vibrant culture before heading to Vieques’ serene beaches.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Vieques Beaches?
Vieques beaches are great all year, but each season has its perks. From December to April, the weather’s perfect for beach days. It’s sunny and not too hot, making it ideal for enjoying the best beaches in Vieques, Puerto Rico. But watch out – it gets crowded and pricey.
May to November is less busy and cheaper, but it’s hotter with some rain. There’s also a small chance of hurricanes, especially August to October.
My favorite time to hit the top-rated beaches on Vieques is May or November. The weather’s still good, but there are fewer people around. It’s perfect for exploring the amazing beaches within the Vieques National Wildlife Refuge without the crowds.
Final Thoughts on the Best Beaches in Vieques
After spending so much time exploring the beaches of Vieques, I can honestly say it’s one of my favorite places in the world. Each beach has its own personality, from the calm, shallow waters of Media Luna to the dramatic black sand of Playa Negra.
My top picks? I’d have to say Playa La Chiva for its stunning beauty and great snorkeling, Playa Caracas for its accessibility and fun waves, and Playa La Plata for when I want to feel like I’m on my own private island.
But really, the best beach in Vieques is the one that matches what you’re looking for on any given day. Want to relax? Head to Sun Bay. Want to surf? Check out Navio. Want to see something unique? Don’t miss Playa Negra.
No matter which beaches you choose to visit, I’m sure you’ll fall in love with Vieques just like I did. The natural beauty, the laid-back vibe, and the incredible variety of beaches make it a truly special place.
