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.
You can't beat the views from your private pool at Villa Tampico in Culebra.
The catch of the day is always the way to go.
Kayakers paddle through the bioluminescent bay in Vieques.
Can you say sleek-chic? Overlook the ocean while you enjoy the rooftop pool at El Blok.
Yum! Try Puerto Rican staples like fried plantains.
Take a beach break and visit Culebra’s only museum.
Take a picture by the iconic war tank in Flamenco beach.
Rent a Jeep and explore the islands as you wish.
Crystal-clear water and abundant sea life make Culebra one of Puerto Rico's top snorkeling and diving destinations.
Visit Vieques’ black sand beach and cross it off from your bucket list.
Explore Culebra & Vieques
Flamenco beach in Culebra has been recognized as one of the best beaches in the world.
Culebra
With its white-sand beaches and active reef, Culebra is one of the most idyllic destinations in the Puerto Rico archipelago.
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Playa Negra (Black Sand Beach) in Vieques has one of Puerto Rico's most dramatic and extraordinary landscapes.
Vieques
Just six miles off the Puerto Rico mainland, Vieques is home to a pristine wildlife refuge, wild horses, and the world's brightest bioluminescent bay.
Discover morePuerto Rico's Island Gems
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.
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.
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.
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.
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