Playa Negra, a rare black-sand beach on the charming tropical island of Vieques

Culebra & Vieques

Just a short flight or boat ride from the Puerto Rico mainland, these enchanting islands are home to world-renowned beaches and the world's brightest bioluminescent bay.

If Puerto Rico has a best-kept secret, it is the islands of Culebra and Vieques, sometimes known as the Spanish Virgin Islands. Puerto Rico is an archipelago, which means it has dozens of cays and islets. Two of its most popular nearby islands are Culebra and Vieques. Whether you're coming for a day trip or making it an extended stay, these two islands are worth the trip, and both are world-class destinations in their own right.

Note: As of May 2023, all visitors must pay a $2 fee to reach Culebra by air or sea. This charge is included when purchasing your ferry ticket in the Ceiba terminal or from any digital platform selected and used to sell and reserve boarding tickets to the small island.

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VIEQUES CULEBRA & VIEQUES CULEBRA y NORTH NORTE METRO SOUTH SUR WEST OESTE CENTRAL MOUNTAINS CORDILLERA CENTRAL EAST ESTE Culebra Vieques Guánica Cabo Rojo Rincón Salinas Ponce Coamo San Juan Carolina Bayamón Ciales Utuado Orocovis Dorado Manatí Arecibo Río Grande Caguas Fajardo
A group of friends walk toward the iconic military tank at Flamenco Beach in Culebra, Puerto Rico.

The tanks of Flamenco Beach are some of the most photo-worthy sights in Puerto Rico.

Things to Do

With their breathtaking beaches, Culebra and Vieques are excellent destinations for water activities such as swimming, diving, kayaking, or snorkeling. Mosquito Bay in Vieques is the brightest bioluminescent bay in the world, according to the Guinness Book of World Records. Culebra has Flamenco beach, which the Discovery Channel named the second-best beach on the planet. There is also the Vieques National Wildlife Refuge, which has hiking trails and other amenities for nature lovers. At the Cayo Luis Peña Natural Reserve in Culebra, you’ll find impressive spots for snorkeling and scuba diving.

Things to Do in Culebra

Things to Do in Vieques

Pool-side view at El Blok

Can you say sleek-chic? Overlook the ocean while you enjoy the rooftop pool at El Blok. 

Where to Stay

There are several lodging options in Vieques, including vacation rentals, guesthouses, and a small selection of eclectic hotels, such as the trendy El Blok and the eco-friendly Hix Island House. For its part, Culebra has more than 100 options for vacation rentals that you can book through services such as Airbnb and HomeAway. Other lodging options include Club Seabourne and Palmetto Guesthouse.

Explore Places to Stay in Culebra

Explore Places to Stay in Vieques

People entering a quaint restaurant in Vieques.

Duffy's is a very popular restaurant in Vieques.

Where to Eat 

The restaurants of Culebra and Vieques offer a unique dining experience in a gorgeous setting. Suppose you're getting away from it all during a few days hanging out on the Spanish Virgin Islands. In that case, you'll find a variety of dining options, from casual beach-front favorites to more refined offerings with craft cocktails and fresh seafood.

Find restaurants on Culebra and Vieques

An aerial view of Culebra, a small island off the east coast of Puerto Rico.

Much of the island of Culebra is a designated national wildlife refuge.

Getting to the Islands

You can reach Culebra and Vieques by boat, ferry, water taxis, or small planes, and you'll find a range of options available for each. Both Vieques Airport (VQS) and Culebra Airport (CPX) are accessible via flights from Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) or the smaller Isla Grande Airport (SIG) in San Juan. In Ceiba, the new Ceiba Airport (RVR) on the east coast offers some flight service to the islands. There are ferry terminals in Ceiba and Fajardo, with boats traveling back and forth several times a day.

Learn more about how to get to Vieques & Culebra

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