Why These Much less-Traveled Caribbean Islands Should Be Your Next Beach Vacation Destination

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While many vacationers persist with the mainland when visiting Puerto Rico, there are literally over 100 islands, islets, and cays which are a part of this stunning archipelago.  Many are uninhabited and utterly missed by the standard vacationer. 

The islands of Culebra and Vieques aren’t totally remoted – in truth, they’re very simple to get to – however they’re much much less traveled than different elements of Puerto Rico, making them splendid for a secluded getaway.

Fondly dubbed the “Spanish Virgin Islands,” Culebra and Vieques are house to not solely a few of the greatest seashores in Puerto Rico, however a few of the greatest seashores on this planet.  

Located only some miles off the jap coast of mainland Puerto Rico (6 miles to Vieques and 20 to Culebra), these islands are largely lined in wildlife reserves, and for that purpose, are an ideal place for climbing, snorkeling, and diving.

What To Do in Culebra and Vieques

The hottest points of interest in Culebra and Vieques are the world-renowned seashores and bioluminescent bays. There are additionally lots of actions to do contained in the sprawling wildlife reserves, together with climbing, diving, snorkeling, bird-watching, and even recognizing some wild horses! Here are a few of the superb methods you’ll be able to spend your days on these spectacular islands.

Visit Some of the Best Beaches within the World

Culebra’s white-sand Flamenco Beach was named one of many high 25 seashores on this planet by TripAdvisor.  Its calm waves and crystal-clear waters make an amazing setting for having fun with a calming day or performing some snorkeling.  The colourful graffiti-covered tanks that stay on the seashore are a reminder of the island’s previous as a naval base and a novel photograph op.

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Zoni and Tamarindo seashores are well-liked snorkeling and diving spots on Culebra, and also you’re prone to see sea turtles and even manta rays.  If you’re up for a problem with a worthy reward, you’ll be able to hike the rocky path main all the way down to the secluded Resaca seashore.

On Vieques, you’ll discover one of the best of each worlds with pristine white seashores in addition to a black sand seashore, Playita Negra.  Playa Esperanza and Sun Bay are identified for his or her tranquil waters, and Pata Prieta, or “Secret Beach,” is yet one more hidden gem the place you’ll be able to spend your day stress-free with little to no crowds.

Because many of the seashores on each islands are very secluded, the bulk received’t have services of any sort.  You’ll wish to keep in mind to convey every thing you want, together with water, meals, and one thing to guard your self from the solar – after which, after all, pack every thing out if you depart. 

Kayak Amongst Bioluminescent Phytoplankton

Aside from its unimaginable seashores, the highest focal point on Vieques is Mosquito Bay.  This space was truly acknowledged by the Guinness Book of World Records because the brightest bioluminescent bay on this planet. 

Visitors can take a tour in a clear-bottomed kayak by the bay and watch because the water glows blue when touched.  For a good higher expertise, it’s prompt to go to throughout a brand new moon.  This, mixed with the shortage of sunshine air pollution right here, will permit you to see the phytoplankton at their brightest.

Island Hop To Nearby Islands

Many smaller, uninhabited islands encompass Vieques and Culebra, together with Isla Culebrita and different cays.  You can simply spend a day island hopping to some unimaginable, untouched islets for much more distant and tranquil seashores.  These cays are additionally the right spot for snorkeling and diving amongst undisturbed marine life.  You can get to those hidden areas by water taxi, constitution boat, and even kayak.

Explore The Island’s Nature By Jeep

Wildlife reserves cowl a big portion of each islands.  In reality, the Vieques National Wildlife Reserve contains 20,000 acres of protected land and 9 nautical miles of a marine reserve.  One of one of the best methods to discover the distant elements of the island is to lease a Jeep, scooter, and even golf cart. 

This will permit you to seashore hop, discover distant climbing trails, uncover the island’s hidden gems, and sure come throughout a few of the island’s many wild horses.   

How To Get There

Getting to Culebra and Vieques is comparatively simple.  Both are accessible by small aircraft, with flights leaving a number of instances a day from San Juan (Isla Grande airport and SJU).  The flights are solely round 25-35 minutes, relying on which island you’re going to, and value round $100.

Ferries are the extra economical possibility, though not fairly as handy.  Ferries depart from the small city of Ceiba on the jap coast, which is about 40 minutes from San Juan.  The journey is 30-45 minutes, and tickets for both island will solely put you out $2-$4.  Although ferries depart a number of instances a day, they will get busy, so it’s beneficial to buy your ticket prematurely.

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This article initially appeared on TravelOffPath.com