Vieques - Things To Do
Beaches
Vieques is blessed with a multitude of fine tropical beaches. Most are fairly secluded and quiet - certainly not like conventional mass tourist beaches worldwide. Many are in reef protected lagoons meaning that depth decreases slowly and tides are slight. There are some with more surf, but nothing approaching surfing heights found elsewhere in the world. All beaches with the exception of Sun Bay by Esperanza (a couple of dollars) are free, but none offer any more facilities than a few picnic tables. Sun Beach is a palm shaded expanse of shoreline, site of a public bathing beach and campground. Other favorite beaches are on the South of Vieques such as Red Beach and Blue Beach on the US Marine Base Camp Garcia (free access with a drivers license when there are no maneuvers), Half Moon Bay and Navio Beach reached by track from Sun Bay etc. Navio beach offers the best surfing available on the island and was actually also the setting for the film, Lord of the Flies. On the other hand Half Moon Bay's shallow waters have no surf at all and are ideal for children. There are smaller beaches on the Northern side such as at Mosquito Pier just beyond the Airport and on the US Navy Base (same access at Camp Garcia). However, simply driving around the coastline you will come across many small deserted beaches.
Bioluminescent Bay
These are a natural rarity of which less than a dozen exist worldwide. Two are located on Vieques, with the larger and main one being at Mosquito Bay. The bay's phenomenon is that it is densely inhabited by a rare plankton which glow when agitated. During the day the bay looks entirely normal. At night it remains dark until some activity occurs whereafter the immediate vicinity of the activity is transformed into a myriad of phosphorent neon lights, as the plankton are disturbed. An organized trip is a must when on Vieques. You can even go for a swim from the boat - the swim is worth the trip alone. Organized trips leave nightly and congregate at the bar at Casa Del Frances (Island Adventures, Inc., PO Box 1526, Vieques, Puerto Rico 00765 - Tel (787) 741 0717 or 3751)
Diving and Snorkeling
Vieques offers a wide variety of diving and/or snorkeling locations around its many rocky inlets and bays. Some divers favor Blue Beach on the US Marine Base, with the best dive shops also being located on the Esperanza side of the island. To pick a location it's best to consult with one of the shops who will advise you based on your interests and experience. One of the more highly recommended diving companies is Blue Caribe Dive Center run by two ex-Navy Seals, Tom Keith and Paul Pivirotto.
(Blue Caribe Dive Center, Esperanza, Vieques - Tel/Fax (787) 741 2522)
(El Malcriao Charters, - Tel (787) 741 5012 / Cellular 316 0458)
(El Pescador Divers Supply and Marine Center, Barrio Santa Maria)
El Fortin Conde de Mirasol (Fort Count Mirasol)
This is the old fort on a piece of elevated ground in Isabel Segunda. offering scenic views over the village and out to sea towards the mainland). It was build in honor of the Governor of Puerto Rico, who pushed for it's construction (1845-1855). It was the last fort constructed during the Spanish Empire and over time also served as a jail before falling into disrepair. In 1991 it's careful restoration by the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture was completed and it now serves as the island's main museum, housing the Vieques Museum of Art and History and the Vieques Historic Archives. Exhibition rooms professionally showcase the island's people, history and architecture. It's historian, Robert Rabin, is a local institution and has an extensive knowledge of Vieques history. Admission is free but donations are encouraged. Their is a small shop in the foyer (Museum Fort Count Mirasol, Institute of Puerto Rican Culture, Magnolia 471, Vieques, Puerto Rico 00765 - Tel (787) 741 8651 or 741 1717)
Esperanza
Visitors and residents alike congregate in Esperanza, a fishing village with a scattering of inns, restaurants and shops along a crystal clear beachfront. The atmosphere is not unlike a much smaller and quieter Bali intermixed with a traditional local atmosphere. Along the beach front promenade the smells of island cooking, from fried fish to arepas (fried bread dough puffs) and pastelillos (seafood turnovers), tempt passersby. A small museum, the Conservation Trust Museum is located in an old sugar mill. It documents the islands indigenous and natural history, and includes exhibitions on wildlife rehabilitation and other topics. Esperanza is also a good starting point for the beaches at Sun Bay, Half Moon (Media Luna) and Navio during the day or the Bioluminescent Bays at night.
Festivals and Carnivals
Festival of Culture - April
Fiestas Patronales Virgin del Carmen - July Festival del Bili - November
Festival de la Arepa - November
La Casa de Frances (Frenchman's House)
This lies on Route 201, just outside Esperanza. It was built for the wife of Gustave Mourraille, owner of the Esperanza Sugar Plantation and Mill. Nowadays it serves as a Hotel and Restaurant (Casa del Frances, Carretera 201, PO Box 458, Esperanza, Vieques 00765 - Tel (787) 741 3751 or 0717 and Fax (787) 741 1330)
Puerto Ferro Lighthouse
This lighthouse was built be the Spanish in 1894. Today, it lies inside the grounds of Camp Garcia, the US Marine Base. As long as maneuvers are not being conducted, you can obtain free access to the base and the lighthouse on production of a US driving license or similar.
Puerto Mulas Lighthouse
This restored lighthouse was built by the Spanish in 1893. It is located above the mouth of Isabel Segunda harbor (it's picture is at the top of this page) and is set in some scenic grounds. Inside, the lighthouse has been converted into a small marine museum featuring life on Vieques.
Tomb of Teophile J.J. Maria La Guillou
Teophile J.J. Maria La Guillou, was a Frenchman and served as the Political and Military Governor of the Spanish Colony of Vieques from 1832-43. He is commonly regarded as the founder of Vieques