Vieques Real Estate
Vieques is often called the hidden paradise of Puerto Rico, and not without reason. This unfrequented island with pristine beaches and magical sunsets has everything that makes up the perfect Caribbean dream. The best Vieques real estate options deliver an unspoiled tropical experience, perfect for disconnecting from city life and reconnecting with nature. If you are planning to settle down in one of the best islands in the Caribbean, you are in for a remarkable experience.
About Vieques
Vieques is an island municipality in Puerto Rico extending 20 miles in length and 4.5 miles in width. The island is 8 miles off the east coast of Puerto Rico and is connected by flights and the ferry service from Ceiba or Fajardo. You can also board a flight from the Luis Ribas Dominicci Airport, Isla Grande Airport in San Juan or the Jose Aponte de la Torre Airport in Ceiba. Like most of Puerto Rico, the indigenous people inhabited Vieques until the Spanish rolled in. After it became a U.S. territory in the late 19th century, Vieques was used by the U.S. military as a munition testing ground until 2003. The army left the island after a series of local protests. While destinations like San Juan and Rio Grande have a vibrant setting, Vieques is all about relaxing and forming a deep connection with nature. The administrative center of the island is Isabel Segunda, the most populated town. Esperanza is another town at the southern end of Vieques, which has a few restaurants and guesthouses. The wilderness in Vieques is unlike anything you will experience in the rest of Puerto Rico. Apart from the gorgeous beaches, Vieques is also famous for Mosquito Bay – the bioluminescent bay that turns magical at night.Things to Do in Vieques
Even though the land area of Vieques is just 52 square miles, there are plenty of things to do here.Exploring Beaches
If you love swimming and sunbathing, there is no shortage of options in Vieques. The island has both white and black sand beaches, offering tranquil settings. It’s not uncommon to find a completely empty beach on the island, making it feel like it is all yours. Some of the top options are Media Luna, Playa Caracas, Sun Bay Beach, Playa Negra, and Pata Prieta Beach. Some visitors also count Playa La Chiva Beach among the best beaches in Puerto Rico. The only thing is that the roads leading to some of the remote beaches can be rough, especially after heavy rains.Kayak at Mosquito Bay
Nighttime paddling through the waters of Mosquito Bay is a glow-in-the-dark adventure of a lifetime. Remarkably, this is one of the brightest bioluminescent bays in the world. The shining blue light in the water looks ethereal – it may seem that there are thousands of fireflies in the water- making it a special experience.Enjoy Outdoor Activities
Snorkeling is one activity that you can pursue on many of the beaches in Vieques. The waters around the Mosquito Pier are well known for sea turtle sightings. Another option is to enjoy a horseback riding trip. While horses roam all around the island, a few companies have trained horses that can take you through some fascinating landscapes.Relish the Local Cuisine
The food trucks in Vieques serve some of the best authentic Puerto Rican dishes you will ever taste. You will find them in the Vieques Food Park or around beaches like Esperanza Beach. Grabbing a drink from a bar or restaurant around the beach while enjoying the colors of a sunset is also a great idea.Tips for Moving to Vieques
Compared to towns like Palmas Del Mar, Vieques does not offer a wide range of facilities and luxuries. Moving to Vieques means embracing the slower and idyllic lifestyle of a tropical island. Here are a few tips to help you adjust to the “Real Caribbean” feel.- Since the number of supermarkets or convenience stores is limited, shopping can be a challenging experience at times.
- For transportation, you can rent a car or a scooter, or take a taxi. There is also a public transport system by Publico. Because of the rough terrain, we recommend renting a Jeep.
- Keep in mind that since there are only two gas stations on the island, lines can get long at times. So, try to fill up when the line is not long.
- Note that getting to and from the island can be difficult in certain months due to the weather factor. Keeping a stock of essential items is a good idea in those months.