While many vacationers stick with the mainland when visiting Puerto Rico, there are literally over 100 islands, islets, and cays which might be a part of this lovely archipelago. Many are uninhabited and utterly ignored by the everyday vacationer.
The islands of Culebra and Vieques aren’t solely remoted – in actual fact, 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 house to not solely a number of the finest seashores in Puerto Rico, however a number of the finest seashores on the planet.
Located only some 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 cause, are an ideal place for climbing, snorkeling, and diving.
What To Do in Culebra and Vieques
The hottest points of interest 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 number of the superb methods you’ll be able to 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 prime 25 seashores on the planet by TripAdvisor. Its calm waves and crystal-clear waters make a fantastic setting for having fun with a soothing 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 singular photograph op.
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Zoni and Tamarindo seashores are fashionable snorkeling and diving spots on Culebra, and also you’re more likely to see sea turtles and even manta rays. If you’re up for a problem with a worthy reward, you’ll be able to hike the rocky path main all the way 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 Sun Bay are recognized for his or her tranquil waters, and Pata Prieta, or “Secret Beach,” is one more hidden gem the place you’ll be able to spend your day enjoyable with little to no crowds.
Because a lot of the seashores on each islands are very secluded, the bulk gained’t have services of any variety. You’ll need 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 whenever you go away.
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 planet.
Visitors can take a tour in a clear-bottomed kayak by way of 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 assist you to 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 areas 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 consists of 20,000 acres of protected land and 9 nautical miles of a marine reserve. One of the very best methods to discover the distant components of the island is to hire a Jeep, scooter, and even golf cart.
This will assist you to seashore hop, discover distant climbing trails, uncover the island’s hidden gems, and certain come throughout a number 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 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 price 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. Although ferries go away a number of instances a day, they’ll get busy, so it’s beneficial to buy your ticket prematurely.
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