Why Vacation on the Isla de Vieques?
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Top 10 Reasons You Won’t
Want To Vacation On Vieques: 10. You just can’t fall asleep without the drone of traffic in your ears. 9. “There are bugs on Vieques?” 8. Your idea of a vacation is closing the bars at 3am every night. 7. You don’t like beaches. 6. Your therapist suggested that you take anti-anxiety medication. 5. You HAVE a therapist. 4. You have an aversion to crowing roosters and barking dogs. 3. You can’t make it through the day without your “McDonalds fix”. 2. You lack a basic understanding of Caribbean weather. 1. Nobody ever accused you of being “laid back”. You want it, and you want it NOW. |
It's ironic that for sixty years the vast majority of Vieques was closed off by the presence of the US Navy, and because of that unwelcome presence the island remained almost entirely undeveloped for tourism.
Now that lack of development is the main attraction. Vieques is a major ecotourism destination, a tiny, sleepy, unspoiled island full of old world charm and dozens of stunningly pristine, mostly empty beaches.
Probably the best-known attraction on Vieques is the Bioluminescent Bay on the Caribbean side of the island. The Bio-Bay is one of the brightest in the world, and also a lucky recipient of decades of non-development. You can also spend time at Fort Mirasol, visit Puntas Mulas Lighthouse, see the centuries-old Ceiba Tree, go shopping, visit a local art gallery, go hiking, rent a scooter or just catch up on your reading in a hammock enjoying the ocean breezes.
The waters here are warm and clear, and snorkeling is excellent. Fishing charters are available, as are kayak rentals, scuba trips, and half day or full day sailing charters.
The lodging is plentiful for such a small island, with everything from hotels to guest houses, bed and breakfasts to private villas. They range in quality from camping sites to rustic accommodations to one of the most luxurious resorts in the Caribbean.
There are restaurants galore. Still no fast food chains, but you will find plenty of roadside food stands, lots of local cuisine, seafood everywhere (this is an island, right?), pizza places, vegetarian fare, BBQ, and of course five star dining to rival restaurants anywhere.
Transportation to Vieques is accomplished via ferry from Fajardo, PR or by air travel. Once you are here, you can get around in your rental car, or try your luck with the publicos and island taxis.
For the fickle and demanding tourist, you may want to check out "The Top 10 Reasons You May Not Want To Vacation On Vieques". You may also want to check out our video gallery.
As long as you can adapt to the laid-back island mentality, you will have a very enjoyable vacation here on Vieques. Just go with the flow (and do as much research as possible prior to your arrival). You will then have a vacation to remember!