Why These Less-Traveled Caribbean Islands Should Be Your Next Beach Vacation Destination

Garrett Gardner

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Even though numerous vacationers adhere to the mainland when checking out Puerto Rico, there are actually in excess of 100 islands, islets, and cays that are component of this gorgeous archipelago.  Many are uninhabited and completely disregarded by the typical vacationer. 

The islands of Culebra and Vieques are not totally isolated – in fact, they are really uncomplicated to get to – but they are a lot less traveled than other sections of Puerto Rico, earning them great for a secluded getaway.

Boats docked at a bay on Isla Culebrita in Puerto Rico

Fondly dubbed the “Spanish Virgin Islands,” Culebra and Vieques are household to not only some of the best beaches in Puerto Rico, but some of the finest beach locations in the entire world.  

Situated only a handful of miles off the japanese coast of mainland Puerto Rico (6 miles to Vieques and 20 to Culebra), these islands are mostly covered in wildlife reserves, and for that explanation, are a excellent location for hiking, snorkeling, and diving.

Wild horses walking on the beach on the island of Vieques in Puerto Rico

What To Do in Culebra and Vieques

The most well known attractions in Culebra and Vieques are the world-renowned beaches and bioluminescent bays. There are also a whole lot of routines to do within the sprawling wildlife reserves, which include climbing, diving, snorkeling, bird-observing, and even spotting some wild horses! Below are some of the amazing means you can devote your times on these amazing islands.

Stop by Some of the Finest Shorelines in the Earth

Culebra’s white-sand Flamenco Seaside was named a person of the top rated 25 shorelines in the environment by TripAdvisor.  Its tranquil waves and crystal-obvious waters make a fantastic location for taking pleasure in a soothing day or accomplishing some snorkeling.  The colorful graffiti-lined tanks that continue to be on the beach are a reminder of the island’s earlier as a naval base and a exceptional photograph op.

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Colorful tank sitting on a white sand beach at Flamenco Beach in Culebra Puerto Rico

Zoni and Tamarindo beaches are well known snorkeling and diving places on Culebra, and you are most likely to see sea turtles or even manta rays.  If you are up for a obstacle with a deserving reward, you can hike the rocky path top down to the secluded Resaca beach.

On Vieques, you will find the most effective of each worlds with pristine white beaches as properly as a black sand beach front, Playita Negra.  Playa Esperanza and Sunshine Bay are recognized for their tranquil waters, and Pata Prieta, or “Secret Beach front,” is nonetheless one more hidden gem where you can expend your day calming with minimal to no crowds.

Since most of the seashores on equally islands are quite secluded, the greater part won’t have facilities of any sort.  You’ll want to don’t forget to deliver everything you will need, together with drinking water, meals, and something to safeguard your self from the sunlight – and then, of program, pack every thing out when you depart. 

Bioluminescent plankton glowing blue in a bay with boats in the background

Kayak Among Bioluminescent Phytoplankton

Apart from its outstanding seashores, the top rated point of interest on Vieques is Mosquito Bay.  This region was basically identified by the Guinness Book of Planet Information as the brightest bioluminescent bay in the globe. 

Site visitors can acquire a tour in a obvious-bottomed kayak by the bay and view as the drinking water glows blue when touched.  For an even far better encounter, it’s advised to check out through a new moon.  This, combined with the deficiency of mild pollution right here, will permit you to see the phytoplankton at their brightest.

The Caribbean Sea and white sand backdrop of Playa Zoni beach on a sunny day in Culebra, Puerto Rico

Island Hop To Close by Islands

A lot of smaller sized, uninhabited islands surround Vieques and Culebra, including Isla Culebrita and other cays.  You can simply commit a working day island hopping to some amazing, untouched islets for even much more distant and tranquil beach locations.  These cays are also the perfect place for snorkeling and diving amongst undisturbed marine lifestyle.  You can get to these hidden areas by h2o taxi, constitution boat, or even kayak.

Fisheye view under water revealing native vegetation and coral reef at Tampico Beach on Caribbean island of Isla Culebra

Investigate The Island’s Mother nature By Jeep

Wildlife reserves protect a big part of the two islands.  In fact, the Vieques National Wildlife Reserve consists of 20,000 acres of shielded land and nine nautical miles of a maritime reserve.  Just one of the ideal techniques to explore the remote areas of the island is to rent a Jeep, scooter, or even golfing cart. 

This will make it possible for you to seashore hop, find remote climbing trails, explore the island’s concealed gems, and probably come across some of the island’s several wild horses.   

Turtle swimming among colorful coral reef with swimmers and divers observing nearby

How To Get There

Getting to Culebra and Vieques is relatively uncomplicated.  Each are obtainable by tiny aircraft, with flights leaving many times a working day from San Juan (Isla Grande airport and SJU).  The flights are only all-around 25-35 minutes, based on which island you are heading to, and value all-around $100.

Ferries are the a lot more affordable possibility, though not rather as practical.  Ferries depart from the little town of Ceiba on the japanese coastline, which is about 40 minutes from San Juan.  The journey is 30-45 minutes, and tickets for either island will only set you out $2-$4.  Whilst ferries leave many instances a working day, they can get busy, so it’s proposed to acquire your ticket in progress.

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