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

While many vacationers persist with the mainland when visiting Puerto Rico, there are literally over 100 islands, islets, and cays which might be a part of this stunning archipelago. Many are uninhabited and fully neglected by the everyday vacationer.

The islands of Culebra and Vieques aren’t fully remoted – in actual fact, they’re very straightforward to get to – however they’re much much less traveled than different elements of Puerto Rico, making them ultimate 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 house to not solely a few of the finest seashores in Puerto Rico, however a few of the finest seashores on the earth.

Located only some miles off the jap coast of mainland Puerto Rico (6 miles to Vieques and 20 to Culebra), these islands are largely lined in wildlife reserves, and for that cause, are an ideal place for mountain climbing, 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 hottest sights in Culebra and Vieques are the world-renowned seashores and bioluminescent bays. There are additionally a number of actions to do contained in the sprawling wildlife reserves, together with mountain climbing, diving, snorkeling, bird-watching, and even recognizing some wild horses! Here are a few of the wonderful methods you may spend your days on these spectacular islands.

Visit Some of the Best Beaches within the World

Culebra’s white-sand Flamenco Beach was named one of many high 25 seashores on the earth by TripAdvisor. Its calm waves and crystal-clear waters make a terrific setting for having fun with a calming day or doing a little snorkeling. The colourful graffiti-covered tanks that stay on the seashore are a reminder of the island’s previous as a naval base and a novel photograph op.

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

Zoni and Tamarindo seashores are standard snorkeling and diving spots on Culebra, and also you’re prone to see sea turtles and even manta rays. If you’re up for a problem with a worthy reward, you may hike the rocky path main all the way down to the secluded Resaca seashore.

On Vieques, you’ll discover the perfect of each worlds with pristine white seashores in addition to a black sand seashore, Playita Negra. Playa Esperanza and Sun Bay are identified for his or her tranquil waters, and Pata Prieta, or “Secret Beach,” is one more hidden gem the place you may spend your day stress-free with little to no crowds.

Because many of the seashores on each islands are very secluded, the bulk gained’t have services of any type. You’ll need to keep in mind to deliver every part you want, together with water, meals, and one thing to guard your self from the solar – after which, in fact, pack every part out if you go away.

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

Kayak Amongst Bioluminescent Phytoplankton

Aside from its unbelievable seashores, the highest focal point on Vieques is Mosquito Bay. This space was truly acknowledged by the Guinness Book of World Records because the brightest bioluminescent bay on the earth.

Visitors can take a tour in a clear-bottomed kayak by the bay and watch because the water glows blue when touched. For a good higher expertise, it’s instructed to go to throughout a brand new moon. This, mixed with the dearth of sunshine air pollution right here, will help you 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 Nearby Islands

Many smaller, uninhabited islands encompass Vieques and Culebra, together with Isla Culebrita and different cays. You can simply spend a day island hopping to some unbelievable, untouched islets for much more distant and tranquil seashores. These cays are additionally the proper spot for snorkeling and diving amongst undisturbed marine life. You can get to those hidden areas by water taxi, constitution boat, and even kayak.

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

Explore The Island’s Nature By Jeep

Wildlife reserves cowl a big portion of each islands. In truth, the Vieques National Wildlife Reserve consists of 20,000 acres of protected land and 9 nautical miles of a marine reserve. One of the perfect methods to discover the distant elements of the island is to hire a Jeep, scooter, and even golf cart.

This will help you seashore hop, discover distant mountain climbing trails, uncover the island’s hidden gems, and sure come throughout a few of the island’s many wild horses.

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

How To Get There

Getting to Culebra and Vieques is comparatively straightforward. Both are accessible by small aircraft, with flights leaving a number of instances a day from San Juan (Isla Grande airport and SJU). The flights are solely round 25-35 minutes, relying on which island you’re going to, and price round $100.

Ferries are the extra economical possibility, though not fairly as handy. Ferries depart from the small city of Ceiba on the jap coast, which is about 40 minutes from San Juan. The journey is 30-45 minutes, and tickets for both island will solely put you out $2-$4. Although ferries go away a number of instances a day, they’ll get busy, so it’s really helpful to buy your ticket prematurely.

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