This small island paradise is home to the Vieques National Wildlife Refuge, considered one of the most ecologically diverse refuges in the Caribbean and the largest NWR in the region. There are dozens of stunning beaches for you to enjoy and each one is different — including both white-sand and black-sand beaches for variety’s sake — so exploring more than one is a fun adventure.

You can arrive to Vieques by air or by sea. Flying to the island is a bit more expensive than taking a ferry, but it is the fastest and most convenient way to get there. You can board a small plane at the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU), Ceiba, or Isla Grande airports for what is about a 30-minute trip. Tickets are typically between $80 and $180 per trip, and the views you’ll get of the coast and islands alone will justify the cost. If you prefer to take a ferry ride, then you must go to the town of Ceiba, which is about 35 miles (60 km) from SJU airport.

Here is a glimpse of some of the top things to do in Vieques.

People are kayaking through Vieques' bioluminescent bay.

For an enchanting experience, plan a visit to one of the Island’s three bio bays.

Glow-in-the-Dark Adventures on Mosquito Bay

Witness a surreal experience when you visit the Mosquito Bioluminescent Bay, recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the brightest in the world due to the high concentration of microorganisms called dinoflagellates. These microscopic organisms react by flashing a blue-green light when agitated, and the waters of Mosquito Bay have about 1 to 2.1 million of those organisms per gallon of water. The lack of light pollution in the area means that a ride in a clear kayak during a new moon is an unforgettable natural spectacle.

Guide to Puerto Rico's three bio bays

view of the Fort Conde de Marisol in Vieques.

The Fortín Conde de Marisol was the last for built by the Spaniards in America. 

Vieques National Wildlife Refuge

The Vieques National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) occupies more than 60% of Vieques’ total land mass and encompasses several beaches, bays, mangroves, and trails to explore. You can spend a whole day hiking, beach hopping, snorkeling, birding, kayaking, paddleboarding, and horseback riding. Vieques is popular for its abundance of wild horses, and you're likely to spot a few inside the refuge.

Fortín Conde de Mirasol

This is a small fort — the last one built by the Spaniards in America — sitting on a hill with a beautiful view toward the town of Isabel Segunda. Inside, you will find an art and history museum with Caribbean artifacts, information about the sugarcane industry, historical records, and more. There is also an important exhibition about the people of Vieques' fight against the United States Navy, which had control over the island for decades. Admission to the museum is free of charge, but a kind donation is always welcome. Fortín Conde de Mirasol is open Wednesday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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