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

While many vacationers stick with the mainland when visiting Puerto Rico, there are literally over 100 islands, islets, and cays which are a part of this lovely archipelago. Many are uninhabited and utterly missed by the everyday vacationer.

The islands of Culebra and Vieques aren’t totally remoted – actually, they’re very simple to get to – however they’re much much less traveled than different elements of Puerto Rico, making them ideally suited 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 dwelling to not solely a few of the finest seashores in Puerto Rico, however a few of the finest seashores on the planet.

Located just a few miles off the japanese coast of mainland Puerto Rico (6 miles to Vieques and 20 to Culebra), these islands are largely coated in wildlife reserves, and for that motive, are an ideal place for 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 points of interest 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 climbing, diving, snorkeling, bird-watching, and even recognizing some wild horses! Here are a few of the wonderful methods you’ll be able to 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 planet by TripAdvisor. Its calm waves and crystal-clear waters make an awesome setting for having fun with a calming day or performing some snorkeling. The colourful graffiti-covered tanks that stay on the seaside are a reminder of the island’s previous as a naval base and a novel picture 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’ll be able to hike the rocky path main right down to the secluded Resaca seaside.

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

Because many of the seashores on each islands are very secluded, the bulk received’t have amenities of any variety. You’ll wish to keep in mind to deliver all the pieces you want, together with water, meals, and one thing to guard your self from the solar – after which, in fact, pack all the pieces out once you go away.

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

Kayak Amongst Bioluminescent Phytoplankton

Aside from its unimaginable 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 planet.

Visitors can take a tour in a clear-bottomed kayak by way of the bay and watch because the water glows blue when touched. For a fair higher expertise, it’s advised to go to throughout a brand new moon. This, mixed with the shortage of sunshine air pollution right here, will assist 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 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 unimaginable, 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 places 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 contains 20,000 acres of protected land and 9 nautical miles of a marine reserve. One of the very best methods to discover the distant elements of the island is to hire a Jeep, scooter, and even golf cart.

This will assist you to seaside hop, discover distant 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 simple. 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 value round $100.

Ferries are the extra economical possibility, though not fairly as handy. Ferries depart from the small city of Ceiba on the japanese 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 advisable to buy your ticket prematurely.

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