When it gets cold in Connecticut the natives go south. This year consider taking a cruise or vacationing on the island of Vieques, Puerto Rico. Isla de Vieques, or The Island of Vieques is often referred to, is one of the Spanish Virgin Islands because of its location and beauty. Vieques is located approximately 6 miles off the southeast coast of Puerto Rico. The island is 21 miles long by 5 miles at its widest point and is home to roughly 10,000 residents.

You will not find any malls or McDonalds on this island, but don’t let that scare you away. Though the island is small, there are many things to do, especially if you are an outdoor enthusiast. You can go horseback riding, fishing, hiking, bicycling, jet skiing, kayaking, sailing, surfing, paddle boarding, scuba diving, sailing, snorkeling or if you’d prefer you can lay around on some of the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever been to. There are several restaurants, a few places to shop and on some days there are people selling wares from tents in Esperanza, which is considered to be the downtown area.

As I stated before there are several beaches to choose from, listed here are SOME of them:

Sun Bay Beach is one of the widest bays in Vieques
Media Luna Beach is a very shallow bay where you can walk over 40’ out!
Navio Beach is a small secluded beach with huge surf. (use caution here)
Esperanza Beach is the beach where the local kids seem to hang out ( I do not recommend this beach)
Gallito Beach popular with surfers
La Chata Beach is another that is popular with the surfers
Playa Negra where the sand is mostly black
La Chiva Beach is a long beach that holds several beaches, and is my person favorite. Bring your snorkeling gear here and see many beautiful, colorful fish
Caracas Beach is favorite among locals and tourists alike, get there early and grab a gazebo

At night, be sure to take a kayak tour of the bioluminescent bay at Puerto Mosquito (Mosquito Bay) which is located on the southern shore of the Island. This magical bioluminescent bay has been officially declared the brightest recorded in the world by Guiness Book of World Records 2008! My trip to the bio bay was something that I will never forget, it was truly magical to swim at night in glowing water and look up at the starlit sky.

Driving on the island is a bit tricky because the roads are very narrow, not wide enough for 2 way traffic, not to mention the wild horses, iguanas, mongoose or the occasional milking cow that you will also have to share the roads with so drive with caution.

You can find guided tours for most of these activities, just ask one of the many friendly people around in town or head over to one of the many resorts for information.

Have you ever visited Vieques, Puerto Rico? We’d love to hear about your experience.