Summary
On the small island of Vieques, you have ample choice of beaches. Some people love to beach-hop, while others prefer to find that one sun-kissed spot that will hold them for the day. Here’s a guide to 10 of the best.
Note: Most beaches in Vieques have an English name and a Puerto Rican name. On this list, the original Spanish names are shown in parentheses.
Sun Bay (Sombe)
Sun Bay is the most visited and popular of Vieques’ numerous beaches. This beach features various facilities including a large parking area (with a parking fee), bathrooms, showers, telephones, camping areas, garbage bins, and water fountains. Moreover, it’s a short walk from the town of Esperanza, so you may not need a car to get here.
The beach itself is a stunning curve of sand, adorned with palm trees and two small keys, or cayos, creating a picturesque scene from the water.
Red Beach (Caracas)
Red Beach, along with Blue and Green Beach described below, were named by the U.S. Navy, which previously utilized the area for training exercises and designated landing zones with color codes.
This beach has been open for about five years and has quickly become a favorite among visitors. With its expansive stretch of white sand and turquoise waters, Red Beach is well-loved for its snorkeling and surfing opportunities. In addition, there are several covered cabanas available for select visitors.
Blue Beach (Manuelquí)
Blue Beach has been the backdrop for various war films depicting storming beach scenes. This expansive beach offers a long yet relatively narrow stretch of sand, with several entrances carved out by the side of the road that accommodate only a few parked cars. Consequently, this increases your chances of finding a private slice of heaven, even during peak season. The sandbar extending towards a small key in the middle of the beach provides excellent snorkeling opportunities.
Green Beach
On the western side of the island, past metal bridges and a mangrove lagoon, Green Beach rewards those who are willing to venture off the beaten path in search of sun. This narrow, secluded beach, surrounded by lush foliage, is often overlooked, providing a chance for solitude. However, it is advisable to avoid Green Beach during late afternoon, as sandflies can make your visit uncomfortable.
Media Luna
Media Luna translates to “half-moon,” aptly describing one of the most beautiful beaches on Vieques. This beach is somewhat hidden and requires taking a dirt path from the ever-popular Sun Bay beach. Although you may encounter more sea-grass here than at Sun Bay, the seclusion and serene shallow waters make it a worthwhile visit.
Navío
Navío is also accessible via the road to Sun Bay, yet reaching it can require a bumpy ride that demands a four-wheel-drive vehicle in muddy conditions. Visitors appreciate this beach for two main reasons: it offers fantastic surfing and bodyboarding conditions and a secret spot; when the winds are calm, you can swim out to discover a natural cave formed by the rocky shore.
Black Sand Beach
True to its name, Black Sand Beach features black, volcanic sand. Accessing this beach can be challenging, as visitors must navigate through a series of barbed wire fences and pesky insects. This may not be an ideal place for a full day, but it provides a unique visual experience. If you bring a magnet, you will notice that the magnetized sand clings to it.
Playa Grande
Playa Grande, which translates to “Big Beach,” truly lives up to its name. Located away from the bustling town of Esperanza, Playa Grande offers a long and broad expanse of sand. Although it may not have the graceful curves of Media Luna or Sun Bay, it is typically less crowded and presents lovely views of Esperanza and its nearby keys.
Garcia Beach
Garcia Beach is another less-frequented spot that often gets overshadowed by the more popular Red and Blue Beaches, which are accessed from the same road. However, it has much to recommend it; although smaller than its neighbors, Garcia can experience powerful surf and features a charming little key in the center of the water. Visitors can swim out to snorkel around the cayo.
Secret Beach
Secret Beach is indeed a hidden gem; although the word is out, making it quite popular, it’s still possible to stumble upon this small, grassy area and find yourself alone for the day.
Reaching it can be challenging—drive past the entrance that leads to Garcia, Red, Blue, and Silver Beaches, and take a right turn upon noticing an unmarked path next to two garbage barrels. From this road, take the first right to arrive at Secret Beach.
