While there is plenty to see and do in Vieques, Puerto Rico, it’s close proximity to the main island makes it a popular day trip for many vacationers. With some of the most beautiful beaches in the world and plenty of unique experiences, it would be a shame to pass up a chance to visit this tropical island paradise!
Check out this day trip to Vieques itinerary for the best way to spend 24 hours on this island in Puerto Rico.
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How to get to Vieques
For visitors heading to Vieques for just 24 hours, the ferry is a popular option for getting to the island. The ferry ride takes about 30 minutes each way and with tickets starting at just $2, it’s the ideal choice for conscious travelers.
Visitors are encouraged to book tickets online in advance as the ferry can often be sold out at certain times of day or on busy travel days like weekends and holidays.
After arriving on Vieques, visitors can find taxis at the ferry terminal as a way to get around the island.
Pro tip: Make connections with your first taxi drive to ensure you have transportation throughout the day.
Vieques Day Trip Itinerary
8am-10am
Start Your Day Off Right with a Nutritious Breakfast
Between the sunrise and roosters crowing, things start pretty early on this little island! Start your day with a healthy breakfast at Buen Provecho located in the main area of town, just a few short blocks away from the ferry.
Open 8am-2pm Monday through Friday, their menu options include items like omelettes, freshly made french toast, avocado toast, lox bagels, and more. Try out one of their fresh fruit smoothies or popular bloody marys complete with local beer on the side.
Before heading out for the day, stock up on some fresh fruits, snacks, and wine at the onsite market.
10am-2pm
Hit the Beach for Some Fun in the Sun
After breakfast, grab a taxi to Caracas Beach located in the Vieques National Wildlife Refuge.
Nestled in a protected alcove, this beach is known for its expansive white sand shores and pristine turquoise waters. There is very little current or swell at this beach with mainly calm waters that are perfect for families with kids.
This beach has plenty of sun shelters so guests can pack light when heading to the beach for the day but make sure you get there early to secure your spot before they’re all gone!
Aside from the shelters, there are very few facilities at this beach, so make sure you pack plenty of water, snacks, and sunscreen for the whole afternoon.
Pro tip: Call ahead and book your taxi in advance to avoid any delays in your trip!
2pm-4pm
Refuel with a Quick Afternoon Snack
Although being out in the sun can be a great way to get some extra vitamin D, spending too much time soaking up rays can easily make guests tired and dehydrated.
Take a break from the beach and head over to Lazy Jack’s Bar & Restaurant to enjoy a bite to eat with popular bar food options like burgers, pizza, wraps, and more.
Located directly across the water on the main strip in Esperanza, guests can enjoy food and a round of painkillers, a popular island cocktail, while gazing out over the open ocean.
Pro tip: Bring a reusable water bottle and fill up at their self-serve water station.
4pm-6pm
Walk Along the Shores of Black Sand Beach
After lunch, grab a taxi up to Black Sand Beach to explore the rumored healing powers of this striking magnetic sand.
Getting to this beach requires a short 10-15 minute walk along a mostly flat, sandy trail with plenty of shade. Along the way, visitors can see an abundance of tropical fauna and small island wildlife like lizards and green iguanas.
At the end of the trail, visitors will be greeted by the crashing waves along the shore and be enamored by the glistening black sand.
Although this beach is not suitable for swimming due to rough waters, rocky shores, and an overabundance of sea urchins lurking below the surface, it’s worth spending some time strolling along the shores and digging your toes into the sand.
6pm-8pm
Take a Bio Bay Tour
No trip to Vieques would be complete without a trip to the world famous Mosquito Bay, the brightest bioluminescent bay in the world! This protected area is only accessible as part of a guided tour and visitors should ensure they plan ahead for the most enjoyable experience.
On nights when the moon is full, many Bio Bay tours will not operate as the light emitted by the moon makes it nearly impossible to see the bioluminescence.
Book a tour with Bieque Eco Trips to enjoy a guided glass bottom kayak tour of this natural wonder.
Late Night
In most parts of the world, 8pm is likely not considered late night, but in Vieques it is!
For travelers spending only one day on Vieques, the last ferry of the day usually leaves at 8:30pm so visitors without accommodation should head back after their Bio Bay tour to make sure they get back to the main island.
Guests staying overnight have a few options for a nightcap at bars like Saint Voodoo’s Mar Azul on the northside or head back to Lazy Jack’s on the south side as these bars stay open until the early morning hours.
