About Vieques

Sun Bay: The Public Beach

"Isla del Encanto" in Spanish, she is even more beautiful than her name describes.  Vieques is located off the east coast of Puerto Rico, Vieques is the largest of the Spanish Virgin Islands. It is one of the Caribbean's "Best Kept Secrets"!

Vieques has become one of the premiere Caribbean wedding destinations, because of our beaches, accessibility, and the wonderful food available from our chefs and caterers. From "lechón asado" to Nuevo Latino cuisine, Vieques has been written up in Puerto Rico and the US for its quality cuisine.

This quaint little stop, Vieques is easily accessible from San Juan by small commuter airlines. It is also available by ferry from Fajardo. There is much more at www.enchanted-isle.com.

There are many Vieques guesthouses, Vieques hotels, and Vieques rental properties available to the traveler, but, as with any warm spot in the cold weather, you should make reservations before you arrive. Vieques lodging ranges from basic to luxurious. Some have air-conditioning, but most are cooled by the trade winds and ceiling fans. Prices range from about $70 - $350. There are also Vieques house rentals available with some spectacular views. This year Vieques made the Conde Naste listing as one of the top islands in the world to visit.

Caribbean coast from the hills

The pristine beauty of Vieques is readily apparent from the time you first see her on your initial air or sea approach. There is an abundance of white sand and sun, and a year round temperature that rarely drops below 78°. The island dress is casual and most of the restaurants are open-air. There are local car rentals available, but you needn't feel restricted without one, as there are Publicos (taxis), scooters and bicycles available as well.

There are numerous things to do, but not toooo many. The main activity is the beach. There are many and they're all wonderful. Some are great for snorkeling, some for body surfing and they're all just right for relaxing. There are numerous SCUBA Tour companies in Vieques.

Vieques is the home of El Fortin Condé de Mirasól, the last Spanish Fort built in the New World. It has been totally restored and is now a museum. Learn about Vieques history..  Or you could visit the Vieques Conservation and Historical Trust museum or one of our local Art Galleries. 

Oh Yes, there's shopping. The shops range from Caribbean made clothing, local handmade pottery and jewelry to paintings, T-shirts, and hot sauces. There are numerous art galleries showing not only different canvas mediums, but sculpture, and local craft art also.

If that's not enough, there's also one of the last remaining and the most spectacular Vieques Bio-Luminescent Bays in the World to tour and swim in.

But mostly you can just relax and leave your cellular phone at home. No fast food here. Everything is done at a leisurely pace. Please don't rush, but do enjoy.

Fine cuisine has come to Vieques and there are many new spots to try. Vieques was written up in the San Juan Star as having some of the finest dining experiences in all of Puerto Rico. There are also many excellent Vieques restaurants which serve the local seafood, which is a must to sample. Of course, you can find a "Cheeseburger in Paradise", and there are many excellent vegetarian dishes served at most establishments. The pace is leisurely and remember, there is no fast food here. You're on vacation; slow down to Island Time.

While in Vieques, remember you are visiting a very "old world" Spanish island where modesty in public is the norm, so Cover up! in town and on the street and leave the bikinis for the beaches.

The U.S. Navy left Vieques on May 1, 2003. The land they left behind was turned over to the U.S. Interior Department, and it is now managed under the direction of the US Fish and Wildlife Service as the largest Wildlife Refuge in the Caribbean. An environmental cleanup is in progress.

One last note* : If you're a golfer - this may not the island for you. All we have is sand traps. And we do have some of the finest sand traps in all of Puerto Rico. But, unless you are willing to commute to Puerto Rico to play, you maybe better situated at accommodations near or on one of that island's thirteen magnificent courses.

~ jts