Night view of the world’s brightest bioluminescent bay, Vieques

Things to do in  Vieques

The brightest bay on Earth

Just 8 miles (13 kilometers) off the eastern coast of Puerto Rico, the island of Vieques has a glowing claim to fame: the bioluminescent Mosquito Bay holds the Guinness World Record for the world’s brightest bioluminescent bay. And though the waters sparkle neon blue at night, they’re not too shabby during the day, either. Ripe with lush forests, wild horses, beautiful beaches, and hidden cove after hidden cove, it’s easy to see why so many call this their Puerto Rican island of choice.

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Top 2 attractions in Vieques

#1

Bioluminescent Bay (Mosquito Bay)

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Bioluminescent Bay (aka Mosquito Bay or Puerto Mosquito) is one of Puerto Rico’s three bioluminescent bays, located on the island of Vieques. A popular destination for nighttime boat tours, this bay is by far the brightest. The water is illuminated by dinoflagellates called Pyrodinium bahamense, tiny microorganisms that glow when touched.More
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#2

Sun Bay Beach

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Half moon-shaped Sun Bay Beach on Vieques boasts palm-lined sands, clear turquoise waters, and plenty of room for relaxing. As one of the most accessible beaches on this Puerto Rican island—and the only one with public facilities—it’s a popular spot for day-trippers. Plus, its calm waters with gentle waves make it ideal for swimming, especially at its far eastern end.More
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Explore Vieques by interest

Top activities in Vieques

Bioluminescent Bay Kayak Trip from Vieques

Bioluminescent Bay Kayak Trip from Vieques

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804
From
$60.00
Overnight Bio Bay Kayak Tour in Vieques Island

Overnight Bio Bay Kayak Tour in Vieques Island

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428
From
$55.99
Private Sailing Tour in Vieques

Private Sailing Tour in Vieques

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2
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$600.00
per group
Mosquito Bay Kayak Experience in Vieques

Mosquito Bay Kayak Experience in Vieques

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$115.00
1-Hour Bioluminescent Boat Tour in Mosquito Bay, Vieques
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1-Hour Bioluminescent Boat Tour in Mosquito Bay, Vieques

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130
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$128.00
Isla de Vieques Beach Sightseeing Day Tour

Isla de Vieques Beach Sightseeing Day Tour

From
$70.00
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All about Vieques

When to visit

Vieques’ high season is from December through April, when visitors flock here to escape winter in the US. It’s a great time to visit, as you’ll get reliably warm days and businesses with wide-open doors. If you’re into smaller crowds (and emptier beaches), visit between April and June. To see the bioluminescence of Mosquito Bay at its brightest, visit during a new moon.

Getting around

The island is 20 miles (32 kilometers) long, and the beaches and attractions are pretty spread out. If you have the budget for a rental car, do it—ideally one with 4WD so you can hit all the beaches and tackle gravel or dirt roads. Without a rental car, you’ll need to use a combination of taxis, shuttles, and tours. You can rent bikes and golf carts, too.

Traveler tips

If you’re looking to save money, know that there’s a ferry from Ceiba, a town on the mainland about an hour from San Jose, and it costs just a few US$. On a nice day, it’s a great adventure. Use Luquillo and its famous beachside food kiosks as a base if need be; beyond being about 20 minutes from Ceiba, it’ll also put you in a great position to explore El Yunque National Forest.

Local Currency
US Dollar ($)
Time Zone
AST (UTC -4)
Country Code
+1-787,+1-939
Language(s)
Spanish
Attractions
2
Tours
6
Reviews
1,237
EN
e1d944e6-b632-4d40-81f8-353fb84f6c6f
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People Also Ask

Is Vieques island worth visiting?

Yes, Vieques island is absolutely worth visiting. Home to the world’s brightest bioluminescent bay, the sea offers 24/7 adventure. Beyond the water, there are also black-sand beaches, great restaurants and cafes, and plenty of history at spots such as Fortin Conde de Mirasol, the last fort built by Spaniards in the Americas.

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How many days do you need in Vieques?

You need 2–3 days in Vieques to experience the island’s highlights. This gives you time to go kayaking on a bioluminescence tour; spot the island’s wild horses; visit Black Sand Beach; sample mofongo (plantain and crispy pork skin) at El Quenepo; explore the historic Fortin Conde de Mirasol; and relax with a margarita, poolside.

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What is special in Vieques Puerto Rico?

The island of Vieques, just off Puerto Rico, is special for Puerto Mosquito, or Mosquito Bay—it’s the brightest bioluminescent bay in the world. And that’s not the only nature visitors get to experience: 60% of the island is designated Vieques National Wildlife Refuge, rife with mangroves, salt flats, and great walking trails.

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Which one is better: Vieques or Culebra?

Whether Vieques or Culebra is better depends on what you’re looking for. Vieques is bigger, more populated, swankier, has better infrastructure, and more museums, restaurants, and entertainment. Culebra is five times smaller, with fewer people and fewer attractions, but it boasts quieter beaches, uncrowded snorkeling spots, and endless opportunities to disconnect.

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What is the best month to visit Vieques?

Most travelers will head to Puerto Rico when most of the northern hemisphere is cold—from December through April. It’s a great time weather-wise, but you’ll experience bigger crowds and higher prices. If you can push it to April–June, you’ll be in the shoulder season, with still-great weather and considerably more elbow room.

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Is Vieques walkable?

No, Vieques isn’t walkable. At 52 square miles (134 square kilometers), that’d be quite the hike. You’ll probably want a rental car—ideally with 4WD, especially if you want to hit all the beaches, which can require a bit of offroading. Though, technically, you could get by with a combination of taxis, shuttles, private drivers, or bicycles, too.

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