Best Beaches in Vieques

Blue skies above, warm sand below, crystalline waters ahead, and the place most likely all to yourself: you’re in Vieques.

A place that feels like a dream, La Isla Nena is the ideal destination for those seeking pristine vacations like no other. With astonishing scenery, this “sleepy island” offers breathtaking beauty in unexplored settings and is complemented by intimate, breezy experiences, almost forcing visitors to slow down and take in nature.

The beaches in Vieques are known for providing some of the most relaxed and tranquil atmospheres you’ll find in Puerto Rico. The soft waves and uncrowded environment sets them apart from those in the mainland. With so many locations to choose from, your most challenging task will be deciding where to unwind and soak up the sun.

Note: Some of these locations are secluded beaches where you won’t find restrooms, trashcans, or other facilities. Please be mindful and help keep the island’s natural resources clean by packing out everything you brought with you.

Here’s a list of the best beaches in Vieques:

La Chiva

Often ranked as one of the best beaches in the Caribbean, you can expect different shades of blue waters and diamond-dust sand at La Chiva, also known as Blue Beach. The beach, which is lined across palm trees and rich vegetation, gets pretty busy but never feels crowded. The water, which changes shades throughout the day, is very clear, and you can see the grass beds scattered across the floor. There are some rocky areas for the more experienced snorkelers, and shallow ends if you just want to spend time bathing under the sun. There are a few gazebos on-site, as well as restrooms. While visitors can enjoy the beach, hikers are not allowed to venture into closed portions of the reserve.

Playita Negra or Black Sand Beach

One of the most dramatic and extraordinary landscapes is Playita Negra, where the turquoise waves brush against the black-sand shore. A refreshing sight for beach lovers, the color of this beach derives from the offshore volcanic rocks. The beach is surrounded by golden cliffs, short bushes, and driftwood that make the scenery awe-inspiring. While this is not a swimming beach, due to the rip currents, this spot is perfect for hiking (about two miles long), relaxing, and enjoying the lavish natural surroundings. You can access this “secret beach” through Playa Esperanza.

La Esperanza beach in Vieques. — Crystal-clear, white-sand beaches abound on the island of Vieques.

Playa Esperanza and Sun Bay

These are the two most popular locations in Vieques. Families with children prefer Esperanza beach because it is located near the pier, with many places to eat close by, while Sun Bay– a few steps from Esperanza, is famous for its easy access and calm, slow waves. These beaches are great for water sports such as swimming, kayaking, or merely splashing around the water. Although widely popular, there is always a spot for you under the shade of a palm tree, and these locations never feel “too busy.”

Pata Prieta or Secret Beach

Known as Secret Beach, the shallow, clear waters of Pata Prieta make it the best spot for rookie swimmers and inexperienced snorkelers looking for a day of fun under the sunny Vieques’ sky. The cove is located inside the island’s Wildlife Refuge, where you can spot an array of aquamarine life such as schools of colorful fishes, manta rays, and bountiful coral reefs. There are lush green bushes in the background and a few palm trees that provide shelter from the sun. Don’t forget your snorkel gear and a camera!

A woman wades through turquoise water on Playa Media Luna in Vieques, Puerto Rico — **Playa Media Luna**, one of Vieques' most picturesque white-sand beaches.

Media Luna Beach

Another ideal beach for families with small children is Media Luna (which translates to Halfmoon beach). A protected cove past Sun Bay with calm waters and white sand, this spot is perfect for exploring marine life. The tide at Media Luna is shallow enough for you to walk about 50 feet offshore to play around schools of tropical fish. Lusciously green hills complement the scenery on both sides of the beach. Since there are no facilities on-site, this beach is mostly secluded.

Just six miles off the coast, Vieques is home to a pristine wildlife refuge and the world's brightest bioluminescent bay. Vieques offers breathtaking scenery, unparalleled beauty, unexplored spaces, and laid-back experiences.