While many vacationers keep on with the mainland when visiting Puerto Rico, there are literally over 100 islands, islets, and cays which might be a part of this stunning archipelago. Many are uninhabited and fully ignored by the standard vacationer.
The islands of Culebra and Vieques aren’t fully remoted – actually, they’re very simple to get to – however they’re much much less traveled than different components of Puerto Rico, making them splendid for a secluded getaway.
Fondly dubbed the “Spanish Virgin Islands,” Culebra and Vieques are residence to not solely a few of the finest seashores in Puerto Rico, however a few of the finest seashores on the earth.
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 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 loads of actions to do contained in the sprawling wildlife reserves, together with climbing, diving, snorkeling, bird-watching, and even recognizing some wild horses! Here are a few of the superb 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 high 25 seashores on the earth by TripAdvisor. Its calm waves and crystal-clear waters make an awesome setting for having fun with a calming 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 novel picture op.
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Zoni and Tamarindo seashores are fashionable 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 right down to the secluded Resaca seashore.
On Vieques, you’ll discover one of the best of each worlds with pristine white seashores in addition to a black sand seashore, Playita Negra. Playa Esperanza and Sun Bay are recognized for his or her tranquil waters, and Pata Prieta, or “Secret Beach,” is one more hidden gem the place you possibly can spend your day enjoyable with little to no crowds.
Because a lot of the seashores on each islands are very secluded, the bulk received’t have services of any type. You’ll wish to bear in mind to carry the whole lot you want, together with water, meals, and one thing to guard your self from the solar – after which, in fact, pack the whole lot out while you depart.
Kayak Amongst Bioluminescent Phytoplankton
Aside from its unimaginable 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 earth.
Visitors can take a tour in a clear-bottomed kayak by means of the bay and watch because the water glows blue when touched. For a fair higher expertise, it’s steered to go to throughout a brand new moon. This, mixed with the shortage of sunshine air pollution right here, will can help 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 unimaginable, untouched islets for much more distant and tranquil seashores. These cays are additionally the proper spot for snorkeling and diving amongst undisturbed marine life. You can get to those hidden places 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 truth, the Vieques National Wildlife Reserve contains 20,000 acres of protected land and 9 nautical miles of a marine reserve. One of one of the best methods to discover the distant components of the island is to hire a Jeep, scooter, and even golf cart.
This will can help you seashore hop, discover distant climbing trails, uncover the island’s hidden gems, and certain come throughout a few of the island’s many wild horses.
How To Get There
Getting to Culebra and Vieques is comparatively simple. Both are accessible by small aircraft, with flights leaving a number of occasions 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 value round $100.
Ferries are the extra economical choice, 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 occasions a day, they’ll get busy, so it’s advisable to buy your ticket upfront.
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