Vieques Island
Vieques Island
4.5
About
This island off the east coast Puerto Rico is best known as the location of the Bioluminescent Mosquito Bay, where you can see a mystical blue glow on the shores at night—best viewed on a kayaking or boat tour. But Vieques Island offers more than just that. Here, you can see wild horses galloping on the beach, explore the unspoiled mangroves of Vieques National Wildlife Refuge, and relax and snorkel at secluded beaches like La Chiva. You can also explore the town of Vieques and historic landmarks that give you a glimpse into the island's history. There's limited transportation on the island so make sure you book a rental car beforehand. – Tripadvisor
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Top ways to experience Vieques Island and nearby attractions
The area
Reach out directly
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
33 within 3 miles
Attractions
40 within 6 miles
See what travellers are saying
- Pamela FAthens, Ohio10 contributionsSelfish Tourist!Don’t go to Vieques, because I want it all to myself!! You’ll hate the gorgeous beaches and the Caribbean breeze. There’s nothing to do but relax and party with your friends. All you’ll do is eat, eat eat because the foods amazing, so stay home and let me keep Vieques to me.Visited November 2023Travelled with familyWritten 21 November 2023
- Ho Giustino LCharlotte Amalie, St. Thomas5 contributionsSecret Jem IslandVery nice and charming island! Beautiful nature sided with pristine beaches with kindful locals and natives... would visit again definitely:) Be aware of lack of development since Hurricane Maria 2017 with a little bumpy roads and destroyed buildings in the northwestern side of the island nearby Florida and Mosquito. Also you can witness the animals walking besides you on the street starting from cats, dogs, chickens, and horses! Anyway, this island is my secret getaway spot in the Caribbean US.Visited December 2023Travelled soloWritten 22 December 2023
- Usha J2 contributionsVieque cheaterThe island is very beautiful for the bio bay tours. Angelo is a local guy whose name is listed for cab driver please don’t go with him. He is. Cheater. He took 100$ for the car for rent and called us multiple times for car switching and gave a car which won’t even start and we have to call him and wait for him to come. Lastly next morning when returning he asked us to pay $20 extra for gas. Please don’t get tricked by him.Visited December 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 29 December 2023
- john_d_boston94 contributionsBeautiful beaches, unfriendly locals?Beautiful island just a short and cheap ferry ride from Ceiba. Lots of beaches to choose from. Those on the south are nicer and calmer. You might even find one with no one on it. Decent reef snorkeling right off the beach. The only down side to this island in our experience was the less than friendly islanders, compared to mainlanders. Granted, residents here have a lot of historical reasons to resent the US government and Navy (look it up), but as a visitor, I am trying to contribute to the local economy by eating and staying in locally owned establishments.Visited February 2024Travelled with familyWritten 26 February 2024
- BeckibeckaAurora, Colorado567 contributionsBeautifulI recommend staying somewhere in Esperanza to be within easy walking to restaurants, beach, and tour pickup spots. You will see horses and chickens everywhere. The beaches are absolutely beautiful! La Chica isn't too busy and has great snorkeling. The Bio Bay Tour is an amazing experience. Go with a company with clear kayaks. Food options can be limited as a lot of restaurants are closed certain days and times. Pack some snacks to hold you over in a pinch. Taxis can be difficult to get, so when you find someone you like get their number and ask them to be your driver.Visited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 12 March 2024
- JenniferChicago, Illinois40 contributionsBeautiful, relaxing island with tons of perfect beachesBeautiful, relaxing island with tons of perfect beaches. I'd recommend staying at least four days to get a good amount of beach time and be able to explore some of the other attractions. My son LOVED the wild horses that are everywhere on the island. My only regret is not staying longer!Visited March 2024Travelled with familyWritten 31 March 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
4.5
251 reviews
Excellent
183
Very good
39
Average
10
Poor
10
Terrible
9
Mark Z
11 contributions
Feb 2022 • Couples
This island is very inconvenient and expensive, and we regretted coming here almost as soon as we arrived. We got here on a ferry but they only let you reserve 20% of the seats online, so we had to take a 5am ferry because that’s what we could get guaranteed tickets for even though on the day of we found there were plenty of seats available on later ferries. When we got to the island, none of the rental car places open until 9am, and there was nowhere to sit in the ferry terminal to wait until then, so we had to wander around in the dark for three hours. A few cafes showed as open on Google but none of them allowed indoor seating. Then, you have to rent a car to get around, but supply is so limited that even golf carts cost more than renting a real car on the main island, the rental places don’t open until 9, and they charge you for a second day if picking up before noon. Our hotel was also twice as expensive as any we stayed in on the main island. There also isn’t anything special about this island besides beaches, which you can see plenty of on the main island, and the bioluminescent bay, which you can do as part of a package tour that is probably much easier and cheaper than coming here yourself.
Written 21 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chad N
Bountiful, UT18 contributions
Mar 2021 • Family
Do not make plans to Vieques! The ferry is a joke. We bought tickets 2 weeks in advance. We arrived 2 and half hours early for our ferry. They filled the ferry with residents that arrived up to the time of departure and would not let us on. We were at the head of the line while they let all the “residents” cut in front of us. While this happened they kept telling us “everyone will get on the boat, don’t worry.” Then they shut the gate and told us to go sit down and wait for the next ferry. It was all a lie so we wouldn’t be upset and complain while the residents filled the ferry. This was mid-week. (Wednesday). I’ve heard weekends are worse. You will be treated as a second-class person. AVOID!
Written 31 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marilka
Wauwatosa, WI36 contributions
Feb 2022 • Friends
Vieques is a great experience for those that don’t mind a little adventure. There are many beautiful activities to enjoy here to access nature and the outdoors including bio bay kayaking, yoga, snorkeling, paddle boarding, and horseback riding. Be warned this is a small island And there can be minor inconveniences like the power going out, or losing water for several hours or a day. We stayed at a very well appointed Airbnb and experienced both of these things for short periods. The one thing that was really disappointing is the condition of the roads. You absolutely cannot navigate without A four-wheel-drive vehicle. There are giant potholes on almost all of the major roads. All of the activities that we booked worked out perfectly and owners of businesses were extremely communicative and helpful. I don’t think I’ve ever been in a place where universally people confirmed and followed up with all of the details. The island is clean and it’s clear the locals take a lot of pride and are doing their best to respect nature and the beautiful resources of the island. I’d recommend picking up the magazine Vieques insider when you arrive as it’s current and has a great directories of businesses that are all open And ready to serve. You may not be able to find every grocery item you’re used to at home, but there are plenty of grocery stores, restaurants and a farmers market on Tuesday mornings that will get you everything you need and more.
Written 6 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rachel A.
Spring, TX28 contributions
Apr 2021 • Couples
Requires very careful planning. You cant just walk in and rent a car/moped/golf cart. Everything will be sold out at every place you call. Plan way ahead. Without transport your trip will be ruined, driving everywhere by taxi is costly. Taxi from airport to Blue Horizon hotel $20 plus tip. Blue Horizon: dirty bathroom on reception. Amazing view. Flight from main island to Vieques $300 plus per person roundtrip. Check in bag $30. No additional covid test needed.
Written 11 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
avg joe
2 contributions
May 2021
There is absolutely nothing there to do if you cannot entertain yourself. Went with family and they couldnt wait to leave. Not used to waiting for long periods for everything. No answer calling on phone, noone to greet you at establishments, businesses...etc Is not tourist oriented(however nice the locals).
Written 16 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Randy P
Denver, CO33 contributions
Feb 2023 • Solo
If you are a resort vacation type person, don’t go to Vieques. You will be a miserable complaining wretch and there are enough of those on here already. Vieques is for people who can unplug, relax, be at peace on a beautiful beach or hiking through a pristine forest area. This island is kept the way it is on purpose by the locals. Don’t expect to be catered to like at a resort, although I experienced great customer service everywhere I went. Yes there are horses, chickens, dogs and cats running wild. This is culturally acceptable and you aren’t going to “save” them by complaining about it on here. They are cared for by the locals who love their island the way it is. If you want to truly unwind come here. Snowflakes need not bother.
Gorgeous beaches. I have been to Cancun and Cabo and Puerto Peñasco, and Vieques beats them all for beach beauty. Looking forward to going back in a few weeks.
Gorgeous beaches. I have been to Cancun and Cabo and Puerto Peñasco, and Vieques beats them all for beach beauty. Looking forward to going back in a few weeks.
Written 12 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ViequesConcierge
Isla de Vieques, Puerto Rico17 contributions
May 2020
We would love to welcome you once we are ready and back in business. Let me save you time. The mayor is not welcome tourist yet in order to protect the residents.
You have to prove that you are resident of Vieques Island in order to get in the island. Many restaurants are only open 25% of their business operations, many of them have almost regular schedule but lockdown still 5am -7pm, most of them are doing deliveries. The hospital is a temporary clinic. Fish and Wildlife Refuge is closed until further notice (check their website).Most of the tourism operations are not allowed to operate, yet. Some taxis are taking reservations of 24 hours prior the arrival of the essential services such as pick up or drop off (airport or ferry) if you are a resident. Hope this help.
Besides I have the bless to live here, people are very nice and honest. We will be very happy to see you again once this is all over.
You have to prove that you are resident of Vieques Island in order to get in the island. Many restaurants are only open 25% of their business operations, many of them have almost regular schedule but lockdown still 5am -7pm, most of them are doing deliveries. The hospital is a temporary clinic. Fish and Wildlife Refuge is closed until further notice (check their website).Most of the tourism operations are not allowed to operate, yet. Some taxis are taking reservations of 24 hours prior the arrival of the essential services such as pick up or drop off (airport or ferry) if you are a resident. Hope this help.
Besides I have the bless to live here, people are very nice and honest. We will be very happy to see you again once this is all over.
Written 29 May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ray T
Maynard, MA94 contributions
Mar 2020
We have been going to Vieques intermittently since 2003. We over that time have stayed in three lovely home rentals - each on the beach and in the north shore neighborhood of Bravos de Boston. The beaches, on the south side mainly, are spectacular as is the wonderful clear warm Caribbean water. The restaurants range from good to great ... and feature lots of local seafood and Caribbean inspired fare. Shelling and snorkeling are good and there is even reasonable surfing on the north shore. boogie boards are everywhere and body surfing is good too. NO big hotels, NO fancy Bermuda-like shopping, NO gambling makes Vieques a perfect destination for us. We never run out of things to do and try to do at least ONE new thing every year ... the black beach, the new rum distillery, the fossilzed reef etc etc.
Written 22 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
othynguyen
Baltimore, MD100 contributions
Jul 2022
They offer rentals for a day plus an hourly rate after the 24 hours at 7.50 per hour. They pick you up wherever you are to get the rental and drop you off when you return rental - even to ferry. While other places charge for pick up and drop off!! Employees are so friendly. Car was nice and clean. We forgot out pack in the rental after drop off and Hiram turned around so we could get our bag!! Highly recommend them!!
Written 4 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
phaydra680
High Point, NC60 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
Here’s my experience and impression of Vieques. Arriving by ferry into Isabella, the town on the northern side of the island, you are surrounded by dilapidated buildings, chickens, and very busy, narrow streets. There are old faded vinyl signs hung everywhere. There is litter everywhere. People are generally unhappy/angry. Every place we went on this part of the island we encountered indifference at best and rudeness frequently. Also, “Island time” means open is anyone’s guess and closed often. Everything is overpriced which is an example of colonialism? Not occasionally, not the exception, but rather everywhere we attempted to eat lunch (we’re once a day eaters at lunch time). $16 chicken wraps with no side. A person can eat cheaper in San Francisco, not an exaggeration. Where is the tourist money going? Not in providing a clean island. And the wild roaming horses, chickens, cats, and dogs. My god, they’re in terrible shape too!
Esperanza on the southern side is much better as far as cleaner and less rudeness. We were told that’s the tourist side. Ok, we’ll never come back, but Esperanza was ok. Beaches are pretty. Not prettiest in the Caribbean. Oh well. Live and learn.
Esperanza on the southern side is much better as far as cleaner and less rudeness. We were told that’s the tourist side. Ok, we’ll never come back, but Esperanza was ok. Beaches are pretty. Not prettiest in the Caribbean. Oh well. Live and learn.
Written 29 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Any place offering New year’s 2025 dinner/party in vieques?
Written 5 September 2024
Has anyone a solution for how to travel in this island with a baby? Do they allow babies in golf carts without car seats? I heard you can’t put car seats on golf carts and regular cars are not advisable. Any one with advice or ideas?
Written 28 October 2023
Any advice of what part of this island to stay in for first visit in March? We love water views, snorkeling, beach access and some town access.
Written 16 August 2022
This island is beautiful everywhere but if you are going into any beach please refrain from food at least two hours before so bathroom trips won’t be an issue. Some of these beaches have no bathrooms. You can’t combine food intake and beach adventure. It’s one of the other.
Written 28 October 2023
May 2021 We are headed to culebra for a few days and vieques for 10 days.
We have verizon service. I know it was fine before Maria but does it work now work on either island?
How is the internet for either island? Will I b able to do a zoom call in a cafe? In vieques we are on Isabel side.
Written 26 April 2021
We're considering a trip in April 2021. Does anyone know how to access COVID testing before our return to NYC? What about the reserve beaches - I'd heard they were closed - is the reserve open?
Thanks for any info!
Written 13 February 2021
Hello! Looking at potentially visiting Vieques in mid-April this year (2021). I've heard that the ferry is operating to Culebra, but to Vieques for residents only. Any news on when this might change? Also looking for confirmation that flights to Vieques are a go for non-residents. Appreciate your help!
Written 8 February 2021
I have read that the ferry is available to tourist if you take a covid test 72 ours before boarding.
Written 13 April 2021
I’m thinking of visiting Vieques this March (2021). Is the island open for tourism?
Written 31 January 2021
Thanks for the answers. Looks like we would need a negative test just to get to PR, and then could only fly to Vieques rather than take the ferry. We decided to pass this year because of the problems that creates. Hope to get back there next year!
Written 9 March 2021
We are visiting PR in july, vieques still closed ?? I really want to do the bio luminescent kayaking... second question is, do we need to spend the night?
Written 28 June 2020
We’ve visited PR in the past . San Juan was wonderful but want to spend another week more secluded this time. Looking for recommendations in Vieques? I’d love to see the bioluminescent bay and ride horses, then spend the rest of the week on the beach. Where should we stay within walking distance of beach and restaurants? Fancy is not necessary this time.
Written 11 December 2019
If you want walking distance to restaurants and close to horseback riding and bio bay, find a place off the malecon. I really liked the rooms above Duffys. Great WiFi, views, clean, and good people.
Written 17 December 2019
Showing results 1-10 of 24
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing