Whereas 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 utterly neglected by the standard vacationer.
The islands of Culebra and Vieques aren’t completely remoted – in reality, they’re very simple to get to – however they’re much much less traveled than different components of Puerto Rico, making them excellent 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.
Positioned just a few miles off the jap 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 mountaineering, snorkeling, and diving.
What To Do in Culebra and Vieques
The most well-liked points of interest 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 mountaineering, diving, snorkeling, bird-watching, and even recognizing some wild horses! Listed here are a few of the superb methods you’ll be able to spend your days on these spectacular islands.
Go to A few of the Greatest Seashores within the World
Culebra’s white-sand Flamenco Seaside was named one of many high 25 seashores on the earth by TripAdvisor. Its calm waves and crystal-clear waters make an ideal setting for having fun with a calming day or performing some snorkeling. The colourful graffiti-covered tanks that stay on the seaside 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 more likely to see sea turtles and even manta rays. In the event you’re up for a problem with a worthy reward, you’ll be able to hike the rocky path main right down to the secluded Resaca seaside.
On Vieques, you’ll discover the very best of each worlds with pristine white seashores in addition to a black sand seaside, Playita Negra. Playa Esperanza and Solar Bay are identified for his or her tranquil waters, and Pata Prieta, or “Secret Seaside,” is yet one more hidden gem the place you’ll be able to spend your day stress-free with little to no crowds.
As a result of many of the seashores on each islands are very secluded, the bulk gained’t have services of any sort. You’ll need to bear in mind to carry every part you want, together with water, meals, and one thing to guard your self from the solar – after which, after all, pack every part out once you depart.
Kayak Amongst Bioluminescent Phytoplankton
Except for its unbelievable seashores, the highest focal point on Vieques is Mosquito Bay. This space was really acknowledged by the Guinness E-book of World Data because the brightest bioluminescent bay on the earth.
Guests can take a tour in a clear-bottomed kayak via the bay and watch because the water glows blue when touched. For a fair higher expertise, it’s instructed to go to throughout a brand new moon. This, mixed with the shortage of sunshine air pollution right here, will let you see the phytoplankton at their brightest.
Island Hop To Close by Islands
Many smaller, uninhabited islands encompass Vieques and Culebra, together with Isla Culebrita and different cays. You may simply spend a day island hopping to some unbelievable, 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 may get to those hidden places by water taxi, constitution boat, and even kayak.
Discover The Island’s Nature By Jeep
Wildlife reserves cowl a big portion of each islands. In truth, the Vieques Nationwide Wildlife Reserve consists of 20,000 acres of protected land and 9 nautical miles of a marine reserve. Among the best methods to discover the distant components of the island is to lease a Jeep, scooter, and even golf cart.
It will let you seaside hop, discover distant mountaineering trails, uncover the island’s hidden gems, and sure come throughout a few of the island’s many wild horses.
How To Get There
Attending to Culebra and Vieques is comparatively simple. Each 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 value round $100.
Ferries are the extra economical choice, though not fairly as handy. Ferries depart from the small city of Ceiba on the jap 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. Though ferries depart a number of instances a day, they’ll get busy, so it’s advisable to purchase your ticket upfront.
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