Vieques Island, PR
Hugged by beaches, Vieques is a small island located 8 miles east of Puerto Rico in the Caribbean Sea. At only 21 miles long and 4 miles wide, this tiny island’s name is derived from the Taíno Indian word “bieke“ meaning “small island”. Vieques island also has the nickname “Isla Nina” which translates as “Little Girl Island”. Puerto Rico and Vieques are US Commonwealth territories therefore, US citizens do not need a passport.
Easy to get to, you can leave New York in the morning and be in Vieques by lunchtime. About 25 minutes by air from Puerto Rico you quickly lose yourself in beach settings you've only dreamed about. Heavenly Blue beaches with not a building in sight, begging to be explored. A must see is Vieques’ Mosquito Bay, one of the last Bioluminescent Bays left on the planet, this bio bay was named the brightest in the world by the Guinness Book of World Records. Vieques has a small population of around 9,000 people and the native language is Spanish although most locals speak English.
On Vieques Island you will find many exotic hideaways, uncrowded white sand beaches, wild horses and other natural attractions. Bordered by the waters of the Caribbean and the Atlantic, Vieques shines as the Caribbean's natural wonder. Enjoying year round average temperatures between 80-90 degrees F and boasting the Caribbean’s largest wildlife sanctuary (Over 70% of the island is protected) Vieques Island is an ideal place to experience island life.
Vieques Bioluminescent Bay
"One of the planet's last bright spots!"
Washington Post SEPTEMBER 15, 2011
"Vieques’s Mosquito Bay, also called Bioluminescent Bay or Bio Bay, is one of the last ecosystems in the world where dinoflagellates — microscopic, single-celled organisms — create halos of light around whatever disturbs their nightly flotation. Marine bioluminescence, which appears to mirror stars in the night sky, occurs spontaneously around the globe, but no site on Earth hosts the phenomenon with more regularity than the southern coast of Vieques. Guinness World Records 2008 named Bio Bay the brightest in the world."
"The Bio Bay, it’s all about vibrations,” Charlie says. “You slap the water, and it lights up! It’s inspiring! The water holds so much awe!" - Washington Post
