8 reasons Vieques is the most underrated island in the Caribbean

When considering a trip to the Caribbean, popular islands like Turks and Caicos, Saint Lucia, and the British Virgin Islands often come to mind. For US citizens, Puerto Rico stands out as a particularly easy island getaway too, with tons of direct flights and no passport needed. However, just a 15-minute puddle-jumper flight away from Puerto Rico, lies a tiny little island that should be on the top of any traveler’s list.

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With postcard-worthy beaches at every turn, wild horses roaming free, and savory empanadas being served up at roadside cafés, Vieques is something of an unspoiled paradise. Up until 2003, the US Navy owned most of island, leaving it relatively underdeveloped compared to the rest of the Caribbean. Here, you can rent a jeep and explore at your own whim, finding secret beaches throughout the day and dining on fresh seafood at night with the locals. Below, we’ve laid out 8 reason Vieques is the most underrated island in the Caribbean:

1. Secluded beaches

Vieques is known for its stunning beaches, and there are no shortage of beautiful spots around the island. Off the main roads, unmarked pathways leading through the tropical brush can open up to reveal crystal clear water, white sands, and no one else in sight. One of our favorite beaches is Playa Navio, which has the most brilliant turquoise water, cliffs to jump off on either side, and is only accessible with a 4×4 vehicle down a rough backroad. Other can’t-miss beachfronts include Playa La Chiva, also known as Blue Beach, and Playa Negro, where you’ll find an awesomely rugged, Jurassic Park-like coastline marked by dark silver sands.

Wild horse on Vieques | Photo by Compass and Twine

2. Wild horses

Horses could easily be the island mascot of Vieques. Hundreds of equines roam the island, some wild, others owned by locals and branded on their hips. Whether they have an official home or not, the animals mingle together and graze along the roads and in open fields. Locals tell us the horses love potato chips, and when offered a tasty morsel, they’ll come right up to your car window and take the snack directly from your hand.

Pork and rice at Choli’s | Photo by Compass and Twine

3. Authentic cuisine

The food on Vieques is as tasty, authentic and flavorful as you could imagine. Puerto Rican favorites like mofongo and Caribbean delicacies like spiny lobster come together in delicious harmony. From the relaxed, open-air eateries in the main town of Esperanza to hidden gems like Choli’s tucked along a residential street, you can’t go wrong. For the best meal on the island, head to El Quenepo, where a charming seaside atmosphere and fresh, local ingredients make for an unforgettable dining experience.

Photo courtesy of @aeliusmeek

4. The world’s best bioluminescent bay

Besides the beaches, Vieques is actually most famous for its bioluminescent bay (affectionately known as Mosquito Bay). This magical body of water has organisms that produce a burst of bright blue light when they come into contact with other organisms. In other words, the water lights ups and glows at night. We’re not going to lie, the whole thing is pretty bananas and definitely worth the experience. The Guinness Book of World Records even named Vieques’ bio bay the brightest in the world.

Endless beachfronts with no one in sight | Photo by Compass + Twine

5. Off-the-beaten-path gems

Rent your own 4X4, and you’ll be free to go just about anywhere on the island. Reference the map on occasion, but really, you should venture out on your own and find whatever beach suits you best for the day. The more thrilling the off-road path you choose, the more secluded and rewarding the beach will be at the end. Part of the allure of Vieques is that you get to venture out solo; there are no parking lots or commercialization along these beaches. It’s just you and the ocean.

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The craggy coastline along Playa Negra | Photo by Compass + Twine

6. Rugged and unspoiled scenery

Because the US Navy claimed most of the island for so long, it remains refreshingly undeveloped and ruggedly captivating. Remote beaches are only enveloped by lush jungle greenery, rather than rows of concrete hotels. Vieques in a place where the natural beauty is the star. You’re allowed to run as free as the horses, and experience the hidden gems of the islands on your own terms. There’s no Starbucks, McDonald’s or high-rise condominiums. Even the few boutique hotels and restaurants strive to reflect and incorporate the raw scenery around.

Landing on the island’s small airstrip | Photo by Compass + Twine

7. Thrilling puddle-jumper flight

From San Juan, you have two options to get to Vieques. For those with a fear of flying, there’s a ferry service that takes anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour port to port. The faster way to arrive on the island is by prop plane. The 10-seater Cessnas (by Cape Air) will have you over there in 15 minutes. Think of it as an air taxi, where pilots make the trip back and forth about 10 times a day. The views from the sky are breathtaking…and landing will certainly take your breath away. If you’re lucky enough to get the co-pilot seat, you’ll be in the front row as the plane approaches the short, waterfront landing strip.

The rooftop at El Blok | Photo by Compass + Twine

8. A design-forward boutique hotel 

Set a block from the beach in the main town of Esperanza, El Blok is a 22-room boutique hotel that serves as a perfect home-base for a visit to the island. Bright colors boldly stand out against stark, concrete architecture, and the open-air design lets you appreciate the island’s breezy atmosphere. Best of all, they have a killer rooftop, where visitors and locals gather to enjoy evening cocktail and watch sky light up pink as the sun melts into the horizon.

Tagged: Caribbean