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 fully missed by the everyday vacationer.
The islands of Culebra and Vieques aren’t solely 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 supreme for a secluded getaway.
Fondly dubbed the “Spanish Virgin Islands,” Culebra and Vieques are residence to not solely a number of the greatest seashores in Puerto Rico, however a number of the greatest seashores on this planet.
Situated just a few miles off the japanese coast of mainland Puerto Rico (6 miles to Vieques and 20 to Culebra), these islands are largely coated in wildlife reserves, and for that motive, are an ideal place for mountain climbing, snorkeling, and diving.
What To Do in Culebra and Vieques
The preferred points of interest in Culebra and Vieques are the world-renowned seashores and bioluminescent bays. There are additionally numerous actions to do contained in the sprawling wildlife reserves, together with mountain climbing, diving, snorkeling, bird-watching, and even recognizing some wild horses! Listed here are a number of the superb methods you’ll be able to spend your days on these spectacular islands.
Go to Among the Finest Seashores within the World
Culebra’s white-sand Flamenco Seashore was named one of many prime 25 seashores on this planet by TripAdvisor. Its calm waves and crystal-clear waters make an excellent setting for having fun with a calming day or performing some 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 photograph op.
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Zoni and Tamarindo seashores are standard snorkeling and diving spots on Culebra, and also you’re prone to see sea turtles and even manta rays. Should 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 seashore.
On Vieques, you’ll discover the very best of each worlds with pristine white seashores in addition to a black sand seashore, Playita Negra. Playa Esperanza and Solar Bay are identified for his or her tranquil waters, and Pata Prieta, or “Secret Seashore,” is one more hidden gem the place you’ll be able to spend your day enjoyable 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 keep 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, after all, pack the whole lot out whenever you go away.
Kayak Amongst Bioluminescent Phytoplankton
Other than 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 this planet.
Guests can take a tour in a clear-bottomed kayak via the bay and watch because the water glows blue when touched. For a good higher expertise, it’s instructed to go to throughout a brand new moon. This, mixed with the dearth of sunshine air pollution right here, will permit you to 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. The truth is, the Vieques Nationwide Wildlife Reserve consists of 20,000 acres of protected land and 9 nautical miles of a marine reserve. The most effective methods to discover the distant components of the island is to hire a Jeep, scooter, and even golf cart.
It will permit you to seashore hop, discover distant mountain climbing trails, uncover the island’s hidden gems, and sure come throughout a number of the island’s many wild horses.
How To Get There
Attending to Culebra and Vieques is comparatively simple. Each are accessible by small airplane, 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. Though ferries go away a number of occasions a day, they will get busy, so it’s really useful to buy your ticket prematurely.
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