Just 8 miles (13 kilometers) off the eastern coast of Puerto Rico, the island of Vieques has a glowing claim to fame: the bioluminescent Mosquito Bay holds the Guinness World Record for the world’s brightest bioluminescent bay. And though the waters sparkle neon blue at night, they’re not too shabby during the day, either. Ripe with lush forests, wild horses, beautiful beaches, and hidden cove after hidden cove, it’s easy to see why so many call this their Puerto Rican island of choice.
Vieques’ high season is from December through April, when visitors flock here to escape winter in the US. It’s a great time to visit, as you’ll get reliably warm days and businesses with wide-open doors. If you’re into smaller crowds (and emptier beaches), visit between April and June. To see the bioluminescence of Mosquito Bay at its brightest, visit during a new moon.
The island is 20 miles (32 kilometers) long, and the beaches and attractions are pretty spread out. If you have the budget for a rental car, do it—ideally one with 4WD so you can hit all the beaches and tackle gravel or dirt roads. Without a rental car, you’ll need to use a combination of taxis, shuttles, and tours. You can rent bikes and golf carts, too.
If you’re looking to save money, know that there’s a ferry from Ceiba, a town on the mainland about an hour from San Jose, and it costs just a few US$. On a nice day, it’s a great adventure. Use Luquillo and its famous beachside food kiosks as a base if need be; beyond being about 20 minutes from Ceiba, it’ll also put you in a great position to explore El Yunque National Forest.
