Puerto Rico - Vieques

Vieques is best known internationally as the site of a series of protests against the United States Navy's use of the island as a bombing range and testing ground, which eventually led to the Navy's departure in 2003. Today the former Navy land is a national wildlife refuge, with numerous beaches that still retain the names given by the Navy, including Red Beach, Blue Beach, Green Beach and others. The beaches are commonly listed among the top beaches in the Caribbean for their azure-colored waters and white sands. For sixty years the majority of Vieques was closed off by the US Navy, and the island remained almost entirely undeveloped for tourism. This lack of development is now marketed as a key attraction for those looking for an inexpensive Puerto Rico vacation. Vieques is promoted under an ecotourism banner as a sleepy, unspoiled island of rural 'old world' charm and pristine deserted beaches, and is rapidly becoming a popular destination. Snorkeling is excellent, especially at Blue Beach (Bahia de la Chiva). Aside from archeological sites, such as La Hueca, and deserted beaches, a unique feature of Vieques is the presence of two pristine bioluminescent bays, including Mosquito Bay. Vieques is also famous for its feral horses, which roam free over parts of the island. These are descended from stock originally brought by European colonizers. User Reviews Brion H. 12/31/2011 "Great beaches and people! The locals would offer to pick us up if we were walking, and always offered that we could call them if we had any problems. Wild horses on the roads were cool to see. Signs are lacking in many areas, so ask for directions. You'll need a rental car to get around if you want to see the entire island. Esperanza has the best restaurants (on the Malecon). Must go to the bio bay! Amazing!" Have you been here? Rate it and add a review >>>

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Activities War Barracks Mosquito Bioluminescent Bay (Bio Bay) Funky Beehive Yerbabuena Y Mas Health Food Store Kiani Lagoon Rompeolas Mosquito Pier Southern Point of Bermuda Triangle Museum of Art and History Playa Brigadier (Purple Beach) Munoz Rivera Plaza Balneario Sun Bay    View More War Bunkers and Barracks Buen Provecho Organic Food Caribbean Walk and Craft Boutique Punta Mulas Lighthouse Playa Negra (Black Sand Beach) Old Ceiba Tree Island Ferry Big Beach (Playa Grande) Glass Art Studio Vieques Conservation and Historic Trust Hombre de Puerto Ferro (Vieques Stonehenge) Nu 2 U Colmado Mambo Relocatable Over the Horizon Radar (ROTHR) Facility Black Beard Sports Fort Conde de Mirasol Museum Gringo Beach Mama Playa Himalaya Rompeolas Mosquito Pier Sugar Mills Ruins (Central Playa Grande) Green Beach (Punta Arenas) Upload more activities >>>

Travel Information   Fly into San Juan, Puerto Rico (on the mainland), and catch a short flight, or take the ferry from Fajardo. Find flights into VQS More Information English-Speaking?: YES Weather: Vieques has a warm, relatively dry, tropical to sub-tropical climate. Temperatures vary little throughout the year, with average daily maxima ranging from 82 F (28 C) in January to 87 F (31 C) in July. Average daily minima are about 10 F (6 C) lower. Rainfall averages around 45 to 55 inches (1150 to 1400 mm) per year, with the months of May and September - November being the wettest. The west of the island receives significantly more rainfall than the east. Prevailing winds are easterly. Vieques is prone to tropical storms and at risk from hurricanes from June to November. In 1989 Hurricane Hugo caused considerable damage to the island. Currency: US Dollar Famous People: Jaime Benitez Rexach, educator, politician and humanist Juan Francisco Luis, Governor of the U.S. Virgin Islands (1978-1987) Esther Mari, television and film actress Germán Rieckehoff Sampayo, a renowned president of the Puerto Rican Olympic committee. Rafael Rivera Castaño, physician and Public Health pioneer Carlos Vélez Rieckehoff, local nationalist leader and political activist. Carla Tricoli Rodríguez, Miss Puerto Rico Universe 2005 Raymond Serrano, ballet dancer

Tours  Vieques Adventure Company Caribbean Fly Fishing Bieque Eco Trips Nan-Sea Charters Island Adventures Blue Caribe Kayaks Want to be listed here, or stand out from the rest? Contact us or view ad rates Festivals Add more festivals >>>

Dining   Coconuts El Quenepo Chez Shack Mr. Sushi Restaurante Bili Sol Food Blue Moon Bar and Grill Lazy Jack's Pub & Pizza Cafe Media Luna Puerto Rican and Mexican Restaurant Panaderia La Viequense    View More Conuco Bananas Bar and Grill Trade Winds Restaurant Al's Mar Azul miX on the Beach Roy's Internet and Coffee Lounge Chicken King and Ice Cream El Patio Restaurant and Bieke's Bistro Veritas Restaurant Next Course Duffy's Belly Button Cafe and Grill Orquideas Richard's Cafe Restaurant Mamasonga Carambola Add more dining >>>

Accommodations   Seagate Hotel Guesthouse   Inn on the Blue Horizon   W Retreat and Spa   Kama Hotel and Lounge Crow's Nest Inn The Hix House Birdnestudios Ocean View Hotel La Finca Caribe Hacienda Tamarindo Trade Winds Guest House    View More Bananas Guest House Malecon House Casa de Tortuga Esperanza Inn Casa Alta Vista Casa La Lanchita Bravo Beach Hotel Casa de Amistad Add more accommodations >>>

Links Vieques role in US Defense - History on how the United States Navy and the United Stated Marine Corps use the Atlantic Fleet Weapons Training Facility (AFWTF)... Vieques TV - Many videos to watch about local destinations and businesses on the island... Vieques Map from Resort Maps - This is the digital version of the free maps you'll find all over the island... Upload relevant links >>> News Articles Experience the world's clearest bioluminescent bay - Schedule a moonless night for a swim or kayak tour and you'll be greeted by billions of micro-organisms called dinoflagellates that ignite the water with a magical blue-green glow (Aqua Frenzy Kayaks, from $30 per person). It's like swimming in a watercolor painting...more Food and Wine: Caribbean Sleeper - Vieques, the tiny Puerto Rican island, is so sleepy that its guard dogs often doze off in the streets. Writer Susan Choi explores its gorgeous beaches and has one of the best meals of her life...more Vieques 10 Years After the Bombing Stopped - Ten years ago May 1, the people of Vieques, Puerto Rico and their supporters from around the world defeated the most powerful military machine ever, through mass civil disobedience and without firing a single shot...more Puerto Rico to improve ferry service to islands - U.S. territory's government is renting a fifth ferry to increase the number of daily trips between the islands...more USAToday: Vintage Vieques - Travelers smitten with this 21-mile-long island off the coast of Puerto Rico love it as much for what it lacks as for what it has...more Add news >>>