Discover Vieques: Your Winter Escape
Trade the snow for sun, and discover the paradise we call home.
Just a short hop from San Juan, Vieques is a Caribbean island like no other; wild, peaceful, and full of wonder. Imagine glowing waters at the world’s brightest biobay, white-sand beaches that stretch for miles, and free-roaming horses that remind you you’ve stepped into a slower, more magical world.
Why travelers love Vieques:
The brightest bioluminescent bay in the world
The Caribbean’s largest wildlife refuge & best beaches
Free-roaming horses along the roads and shore
Eco-chic places to stay, from El Blok to Finca Victoria.
A sky so dark you’ll see more stars than you ever thought possible
Vieques isn’t for tourists chasing casinos or crowds. It’s for travelers ready to connect with nature and themselves.
Discover the Paradise We Call Home: Vieques, Puerto Rico
Looking for a winter escape that feels both magical and authentic? Vieques, a quiet island just off the east coast of mainland Puerto Rico, offers travelers an experience unlike anywhere else in the Caribbean. Far from the pool parties and casinos of San Juan, Vieques is a place to reconnect with nature, discover unspoiled beauty, and immerse yourself in a slower rhythm of life.
Whether you’re a solo traveler, part of an active family, or a woman ready to embrace a season of independence and renewal, Vieques invites you to trade the ordinary for something extraordinary.
Why Choose Vieques?
Natural Wonders
Bioluminescent Bay (Mosquito Bay): Known as the brightest biobay in the world, the glowing waters of Vieques are a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Wildlife Refuge & Beaches: Home to the largest wildlife refuge in the Caribbean, Vieques protects miles of untouched shoreline. Here you’ll find some of the most celebrated beaches in Puerto Rico—powdery sands, turquoise waters, and absolute tranquility.
Free-Roaming Horses: Gentle herds wander freely across the island, a reminder of the wild spirit that defines Vieques.
Getting to Vieques
Reaching Vieques is easier than you might think:
By Air: Small airlines like Cape Air and Vieques Airlink offer daily flights from San Juan to Vieques.
By Sea: From the mainland town of Ceiba, a ferry makes the short journey to the island several times a day.
👉For complete details on getting from San Juan to Vieques, click here.
Once you arrive, car rentals are the best way to explore. Options include:
Avis
Maritza Car Rental
👉 Click here to read more about car rental options on Vieques
Where to Stay
Vieques is known for its eco-friendly, design-forward accommodations that feel worlds apart from typical Caribbean resorts. Some favorites include:
El Blok – A striking, architectural landmark on the Malecón.
Hix Island House – Award-winning eco-retreat designed with sustainability in mind.
Lejos Eco Retreat – A hidden escape for wellness seekers.
Finca Victoria – A lush, boutique guesthouse in the hills.
Hacienda Tamarindo – A charming inn with panoramic views.
For families, weddings, or larger groups, house rentals are an excellent choice. Browse select Paraiso Realty Rental Properties (👉click here) or explore options through Airbnb.
👉 To explore the perfect stay while on Vieques, clisk here.
Dining on Vieques
For a small island, Vieques offers an impressive variety of restaurants and bars that surprise first-time visitors with their quality and range. Fine dining is easy to find at El Quenepo, Bili, and Placita, while casual favorites like Tin Box, Bar Central, Bar Plaza, Taverna, and Trade Winds keep the island’s dining scene lively and approachable. If you’re looking for atmosphere, head to the Malecón and enjoy the views from Duffy’s, Banana’s, or Mango’s Taphouse in the hills. And for authentic Puerto Rican flavors, local gems like El Norte, El Patio, El Nativo, and Shauna’s serve up delicious criolla cooking that captures the soul of the island. For breakfast, don’t miss Rising Roost, a local favorite that’s perfect for starting the day with something special.
Things to Do in Vieques
Whether you crave relaxation or adventure, Vieques offers experiences that travelers cherish:
Snorkel the Rompeolas, an underwater haven of marine life.
Go scuba diving in pristine Caribbean waters.
Try your hand at deep sea fishing.
Explore hidden beaches. Each with its own personality.
Practice yoga in tranquil settings.
Go horseback riding along the shore.
Enjoy world-class bird watching.
Take a sailing trip into open waters.
Marvel at the night sky. Vieques is one of the darkest places in the Caribbean for stargazing.
Culture & History
Vieques is not just about beaches, it’s an island rich in art and history.
Explore galleries by artists such as Ernesto Peña, Siddhia Hutchinson, and Glen Wielgus.
Step into the past at the Sugar Mill Ruins of Playa Grande and the Fortín Conde de Mirasol, the last fort built by the Spanish in the Americas.
Stroll through Isabel Segunda, where homes from the late 1800s still stand with graceful charm.
Visit the archeological boulders where the Hombre de Puerto Ferro, the oldest known skeleton in Puerto Rico, was uncovered.
Beaches That Define Paradise
With more beaches than you could visit in a year, Vieques is a dream for sea lovers. Favorites include:
Sun Bay: Easily accessible and loved by locals and visitors alike.
Media Luna: Baby-soft sand and calm waters, perfect for families.
Navío: Known for waves that invite playful bodyboarding.
La Chiva: Famous for breathtaking beauty and secluded coves.
Caracas: Clear waters and shaded cabanas make this a perfect day trip.
Black Sand Beach: A natural wonder of shimmering volcanic sand.
👉To read more about the best beaches on Vieques, click here.
Who Is Vieques For?
Vieques is not for everyone, and that’s its secret. If your idea of a getaway is nightclubs, casinos, and crowded resorts, you’ll be happier elsewhere. But if you’re a traveler - not a tourist - someone who values nature, history, art, and tranquility, then Vieques is waiting for you.
It’s the perfect island to spend your winter in peace, connect with community, and rediscover yourself.
Start Planning Your Stay
Paraiso Realty can help connect you with select properties, guesthouses, and insider tips to make your visit seamless. Begin your journey today and discover the paradise we call home.
Considering Making Vieques Your Home?
For some, a visit to Vieques is just the beginning. At Paraiso Realty, we specialize in helping buyers discover their dream homes on the island. Whether it’s a beachfront villa, a charming casita in Isabel Segunda, or a modern eco-retreat tucked into the hills. Many of our clients spend part of the year here, renting their properties when away, while others make a full-time move to embrace island life.
👉 To explore available Paraiso Realty Properties For Sale, click here.