While many vacationers follow the mainland when visiting Puerto Rico, there are literally over 100 islands, islets, and cays which are a part of this stunning archipelago. Many are uninhabited and fully missed by the everyday vacationer.
The islands of Culebra and Vieques aren’t completely remoted – in truth, they’re very straightforward to get to – however they’re much much less traveled than different elements of Puerto Rico, making them excellent for a secluded getaway.
Fondly dubbed the “Spanish Virgin Islands,” Culebra and Vieques are residence to not solely among the finest seashores in Puerto Rico, however among the finest seashores on the planet.
Located just a few miles off the japanese coast of mainland Puerto Rico (6 miles to Vieques and 20 to Culebra), these islands are largely lined in wildlife reserves, and for that purpose, are an ideal place for mountain climbing, snorkeling, and diving.
What To Do in Culebra and Vieques
The hottest sights in Culebra and Vieques are the world-renowned seashores and bioluminescent bays. There are additionally a number of actions to do contained in the sprawling wildlife reserves, together with mountain climbing, diving, snorkeling, bird-watching, and even recognizing some wild horses! Here are among the wonderful methods you possibly can spend your days on these spectacular islands.
Visit Some of the Best Beaches within the World
Culebra’s white-sand Flamenco Beach was named one of many prime 25 seashores on the planet by TripAdvisor. Its calm waves and crystal-clear waters make an important setting for having fun with a soothing day or doing a little snorkeling. The colourful graffiti-covered tanks that stay on the seashore are a reminder of the island’s previous as a naval base and a singular photograph op.
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Zoni and Tamarindo seashores are in style snorkeling and diving spots on Culebra, and also you’re prone to see sea turtles and even manta rays. If you’re up for a problem with a worthy reward, you possibly can hike the rocky path main all the way down to the secluded Resaca seashore.
On Vieques, you’ll discover the very best of each worlds with pristine white seashores in addition to a black sand seashore, Playita Negra. Playa Esperanza and Sun Bay are identified for his or her tranquil waters, and Pata Prieta, or “Secret Beach,” is yet one more hidden gem the place you possibly can spend your day stress-free with little to no crowds.
Because a lot of the seashores on each islands are very secluded, the bulk received’t have amenities of any variety. You’ll wish to bear in mind to convey every little thing you want, together with water, meals, and one thing to guard your self from the solar – after which, in fact, pack every little thing out once you depart.
Kayak Amongst Bioluminescent Phytoplankton
Aside from its unbelievable seashores, the highest focal point on Vieques is Mosquito Bay. This space was truly acknowledged by the Guinness Book of World Records because the brightest bioluminescent bay on the planet.
Visitors can take a tour in a clear-bottomed kayak via the bay and watch because the water glows blue when touched. For a good higher expertise, it’s instructed to go to throughout a brand new moon. This, mixed with the dearth of sunshine air pollution right here, will will let you see the phytoplankton at their brightest.
Island Hop To Nearby Islands
Many smaller, uninhabited islands encompass Vieques and Culebra, together with Isla Culebrita and different cays. You can simply spend a day island hopping to some unbelievable, untouched islets for much more distant and tranquil seashores. These cays are additionally the right spot for snorkeling and diving amongst undisturbed marine life. You can get to those hidden areas by water taxi, constitution boat, and even kayak.
Explore The Island’s Nature By Jeep
Wildlife reserves cowl a big portion of each islands. In reality, the Vieques National Wildlife Reserve contains 20,000 acres of protected land and 9 nautical miles of a marine reserve. One of the very best methods to discover the distant elements of the island is to lease a Jeep, scooter, and even golf cart.
This will will let you seashore hop, discover distant mountain climbing trails, uncover the island’s hidden gems, and certain come throughout among the island’s many wild horses.
How To Get There
Getting to Culebra and Vieques is comparatively straightforward. Both are accessible by small aircraft, with flights leaving a number of instances a day from San Juan (Isla Grande airport and SJU). The flights are solely round 25-35 minutes, relying on which island you’re going to, and price round $100.
Ferries are the extra economical possibility, though not fairly as handy. Ferries depart from the small city of Ceiba on the japanese coast, which is about 40 minutes from San Juan. The journey is 30-45 minutes, and tickets for both island will solely put you out $2-$4. Although ferries depart a number of instances a day, they will get busy, so it’s really helpful to buy your ticket upfront.
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