Travel to Vieques Guide
How to arrive in Vieques
Welcome to Vieques island, the best place to relax, unwind and adventure in nature. With more than eleven years living and working in Vieques, in this Travel to Vieques Guide, I share with you my best recommendations and tips for getting to Vieques, where to stay, what to eat and things to do. This guide is focused on wellness and is written for the wellness minded traveler.
Vieques is a remote destination but travel can be smooth sailing if planned in advance.
First, book your flight to arrive in San Juan, Puerto Rico at Aeropuerto Luis Munoz Marin (SJU).
After arrival at SJU, there are three main options for travel to Vieques. All should be planned and reserved in advance of travel.
1. Direct flight to Vieques – Book a direct flight to Vieques (VQS) from San Juan (SJU) on Cape Air. Keep in mind, you will have to retrieve your luggage from your first flight, then go upstairs to the Cape Air desk to check-in and re-enter through security at SJU to board your Cape Air plane. Be sure to give yourself enough time in between flights. Planes do not fly after dark to Vieques, so you if arrive late in the day, plan for a night in Old San Juan or Condado before flying over. This option is the least hassle but convenience comes with a higher price tag.
2. Regional Flight to Vieques – This route requires leaving SJU. Find the taxi line on the lower level of the airport. Tell the taxi driver to take you to Isla Grande Regional Airport (SIG). Prior to travel, make a reservation on Vieques Airlink to fly from Isla Grande (SIG) to Vieques (VQS). This option requires a bit of movement but can be less expensive than Cape Air depending on demand and time of year. Rideshare such as Uber is available at SJU but it requires a long walk. Taxi is easier and typically the same price. There is no Uber in Vieques. There is a local taxi app, 741 TAXI, search for it in the app store on your phone and download before you arrive. Gerry’s Transpo is another local, reliable taxi service.
3. Travel to Vieques by Ferry – The ferry is the most economical way to travel to Vieques and it is best for group travel. To arrive at the ferry terminal located in Ceiba, Puerto Rico, exit SJU on the lower level (baggage claim) and enter the taxi line. Tell the driver to take you to Terminal de lanchas de Ceiba or Ceiba Ferry Terminal. The drive is about one hour. Remember to consider traffic, time of day and any stops into account when planning your timeline.
Purchase your ferry tickets in advance on the Puerto Rico Ferry website. The tickets typically become available around the beginning of each month. Continue to check the website until your dates of travel become available. Please do not buy multiple time slots as this takes the space that could be available to residents and other travelers. Arrive at the ferry terminal one hour prior to your departure.
If you rent a car in San Juan, leave your rental car in the lot at the Ferry Terminal. There is a shuttle to bring you to the terminal with your luggage. Cargo tickets to bring your vehicle on the boat are reserved for residents with vehicle title and must be purchased in person at the box office. You will want to have a car rental reserved before you arrive in Vieques. Most companies will pick you up at the Vieques airport or Vieques Ferry Terminal and take you to the rental office.
Timelapse of 25 minute flight to Vieques island on Cape Air.
Paso Fino horses roam freely in Vieques.
Sunrise and sunset views from El Blok Hotel
Where to stay
El Blok Hotel is the best place to stay in Vieques. Located in Esperanza on the south shore of Vieques island, El Blok Hotel is the perfect location for your vacation. With a full-service restaurant, rooftop bar and jacuzzi, morning coffee bar, sunrise and sunset yoga sessions and onsite gift shop Atrevida, El Blok has everything you want in one place.
Explore nearby, Balneario Sun Bay, hike the trail at the cayo, snorkel or paddle in Esperanza Bay, walk to excursion meeting points and nearby restaurants. Everything is right at your doorstep, when you book your stay at El Blok.
To register for a yoga session at El Blok or to view the full fitness class schedule in Vieques, click here.
Classes at the hotel are open to all levels. All are welcome to join. The hotel rooftop is 18+ at all times.
What to eat and drink
BREAKFAST
In Isabel Segunda, Panaderia Lydia has the best local bread, sandwiches and quesitos. Rising Roost and Cundeamor are great choices to sit and enjoy your meal. Check opening days and hours on Facebook.
In Esperanza, Kristy’s on the Caribe serves from 7am six days per week. Trade Winds offers brunch on Sundays. Arenamar at Sun Bay is open on the weekends. El Blok’s Cafe is a great stop for a morning latte and pastry.
LUNCH
Duffy’s Esperanza offers the best view, food and drinks on the malecon. Open noon until 8pm. Ask about the daily specials.
SUNSET
The Rooftop @ El Blok has epic views, sunset cocktails, live music by Harold on Fridays and DJ Danny on Sundays. The Rooftop bar is open Thursday to Monday from 4pm to 8pm. Sunset Yoga sessions on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 5pm.
The Mar Azul Vieques is the best spot to grab a drink and watch the sun go down in Isabel Segunda on the deck overlooking the water. Open 7 days.
Sunset Bar upstairs at Banana’s offers trivia on Tuesdays starting at 6pm on the Malecon in Esperanza. Closed Saturdays.
DINNER
Tin box The freshest spot on the rock. With two separate kitchens, Tin box offers an Island BBQ Menu and a Sushi Menu, both with something for the meat eater and veggie alike. Try the Buddha Roll or BBQ Tofu Skewers if you are vegan or vegetarian. Badass Bacon, BBQ Trio and Sushi Lasagna are menu favorites. Do not miss the fresh watermelon margaritas, martinis and mocktails after a day at the beach. Reservations recommended.
El Quenepo With an elegant island inspired interior and open air breezes, El Quenepo is a special place for an intimate celebration or night out. The menu is filled with offerings to delight any palate. Reservations recommended.
Placita at El Blok Arrive in time for the sunset and a cocktail on The Rooftop @El Blok then make your way downstairs to dine at Placita and taste the flavors of the bayahonda mesquite fired grill. Reservations recommended.
Bar Central Try a craft cocktail or mocktail, dine in the island courtyard and taste the flavors of caribbean and international cuisine. The Lamb Gyro and the No Fish Filet are not to be missed.
Travelers looking to cook or find fresh produce will want to visit the fruit and vegetable stand, Placita Reyes, on a Tuesday or Friday during high season. The health food store located in Isabel Segunda is called Yerbabuena y Mas and can be fuond on Google maps. There are local colmados located in each neighborhood that offer essentials and provisions.
Things to do in Vieques
Vieques is your portal to eco-adventures and relaxation.
From nighttime kayaking and star gazing in the brightest bioluminescent bay in the world to sunrise yoga flow on the rooftop at El Blok Hotel.
Lazy days on the beach or excursions for beach hopping and snorkeling with sea turtles.
The adventure is yours for the choosing!
Here is my top ten list of things to do in Vieques.
1. Yoga & Fitness in Nature – Reserve a yin yoga and restorative class with Vieques Wellness and Yoga to shake off those travel vibes and ease into island time. This class includes a sound bath for grounding, relaxation and stress relief. Bootcamp classes get the blood pumping and energize you for the day ahead. Multiple outdoor experiences and locations to choose from.
2. Bio Bay – Kayak in the brightest bioluminescent bay in the world with The Pirate Bio Bay Tours. Plan your travel to Vieques away from full moon dates as the bright sky can hinder the view of Mother Nature’s glow.
3. Snorkeling – Book a snorkel tour with Vieques Snorkel Tours. Local guides know the islands waters best and will take you to the location with the best visibility and opportunity to view sealife on the day of your tour. These conditions change daily. Do not try to snorkel on your own, currents are strong in some areas and can be dangerous without proper knowledge. Support local small businesses by booking a tour.
4. Beaches – Stunning beaches surround Vieques island. It is highly recommended to take more than one day to explore and relax on the many beaches, each with a different landscape. Some traveler favorites include Caracas, La Chiva, Balneario Sun Bay, Playa Gallito and Punta Arenas.
5. Hiking Trails – From the Sugar Mill Ruins and Monte Pirata in the west to trails in the U.S Fish and Wildlife Refuge, there is something for everyone and each skill level. Find a complete list of U.S Fish and Wildlife trails in Vieques by clicking here. Take note, the trail to Playa Negra can flood after heavy rains.
6. Parque de la Ceiba and Hombre de Puerto Ferro – Two quick and beautiful stops to find peace in nature. The Parque de la Ceiba honors a ceiba tree with deep roots 300-400 years old, grand branches and a serene energy. The Hombre de Puerto Ferro is a space filled with huge boulders where remains were found dating to the oldest man in the Caribbean.
7. Horseback Riding – Book your horseback riding tour with Jurutungo Farm or Esperanza Riding Company. Don’t miss the opportunity to ride local paso fino horses and learn more about Vieques.
8. Boat Excursion – Whether you prefer to sail or sit back and beach hop, the island offers a boating excursion to meet your vibe. Reach out to explore the unique offerings at Salty Spirit and Vieques Sailing Charters.
9. Buggy Adventure – The Vieques Off Road Buggy Adventure tour is a fun way to see spectacular views! Take a ride off the beaten path with local guides on the buggy adventure.
10. Relax into island time – However you decide to spend your time in Vieques, remember to sit back and enjoy the view! Vieques is often like stepping back to a simple, relaxed and enjoyable way of life. I invite you to slow down, put the phone away and ease into island time. Soak in the sun and surroundings, take a deep breath and just be.
VIEQUES TRAVEL PRO TIP #1
The busiest months for travel to Vieques are December, January, February, March an April. Book your rental vehicle before you book your accomodations as they do sell out. Vieques is best seen by using a rental vehicle to explore. Contact Maritza’s Car Rental to make your reservation.
Vieques TRavel Pro TIp #2
There are likely more horses than people wandering around Vieques. Use caution when driving, go slow, especially at night when it is very difficult to see horses standing in the road. You might observe them grazing, rolling in the sand on the beach or doing what they love best, eating local mangos.
VIEQUES TRAVEL PRO TIP #3
Tip your servers, bartenders, tour guides and taxi drivers. Most of the humans you will interact with during your stay are service professionals who work for locally owned small businesses. Most island incomes are solely based on tourism with many relying on gratuity. If you love your experience, it is customary to leave propina to show your gratitude.
VIEQUES TRAVEL PRO TIP #4
The majority of hotels and guesthouses on the island do not have TVs in the rooms or at restaurants. If someone in your party must catch a game or sporting event checkout Mango Taphouse and Gastropub with multiple TVs and games streaming daily.
MORE FUN THINGS TO DO IN VIEQUES
Spend time being creative. Register for a painting class with Painted Paw Studio or learn something new and attend a salsa or zumba class with Tropical Storm Dance Co.
0 Comments