Blog - Visit the Blue

Welcome to Vieques

Reaching your destination of Vieques

Make sure you plan to arrive on the ISLAND Of Vieques. We often talk with guests who may not realize Vieques is an Island that is located just a short 6 miles off the southeast coast of Puerto Rico. Vieques is known as the Star of the Caribbean and we want to be sure you reach your final destination. Remember when traveling from the U.S. you will not need a passport, making your travel even easier!

The island of Vieques is unique. You won’t find cookie-cutter resort communities here and there are no tourist traps where you have to spend a lot of money to enjoy a great vacation. We have no traffic lights and no Uber! If you plan ahead and follow these simple steps your trip will be even better!

Here are the last 3 steps to complete your arrival to the Blue Horizon! You got this and we are here to help you along the way!

Step 1: ferry vs flying

Ferry

Go to www.puertoricoferry.com to purchase tickets or you can buy tickets in Ceiba when you arrive. We recommend getting your tickets in advance for sure!

Although it may sound fun to ride a boat to the island. The ferry tickets are often hard to come by on short notice as they sell limited amounts for tourists. When you arrive without a prepaid ticket you stand the risk of being moved to different times. After a long day of traveling, you may want to consider these factors in your decision to take the Ferry vs. flying!

Driving from San Juan Airport to Fajardo takes about an hour, and cabs cost roughly $100. Ferry tickets cost $2 per person. Ferries typically take about an hour and a half to reach Vieques, but the duration can vary based on weather conditions. Ferries often depart later than scheduled.

Now on your way home, if you are not in a rush taking the ferry can be a nice slow return to the main island again.

There are 2 major airlines that fly into Vieques. Remember these are small island hopper-type planes. There is limited space and weight. Travel light and travel easy!

From San Juan International Airport (SJU) to Vieques Airport (VQS) – with CapeAir

It takes about 30 minutes to fly from SJU to Vieques, Puerto Rico

We recommend you check your incoming flights to SJU to make sure you can catch the flight to Vieques. Don’t get stuck in San Juan because of bad timing!

From Isla Grande Airport (SIG) to Vieques Airport (VQS) – with Vieques Air Link

Flights from Isla Grande, Puerto Rico to Vieques take approximately 17 minutes. The Isla Grande airport is about a 10-minute car ride from San Juan International airport (SJU).

Flying

Puerto Rico Ferry

With Puerto Rico Ferry you can buy tickets to travel from Ceiba to Vieques and back but you can also go from Vieques to Culebra.

Click here to see the schedule of the ferry on the Ceiba – Vieques route.

You can also download their app to easily manage your bookings

Contact details:
Website: www.puertoricoferry.com

Cape Air

This airline flies from San Juan Airport (SJU) depending on your connecting flight to San Juan you may have to pick up your bags and re-check into CapeAir. CapeAir has a terminal at SJU.

Contact details:
Phone number: 800-227-3247
Website: www.capeair.com

Vieques Air Link

This airline is a small airport close to San Juan Airport (SJU). You will need to pick up your bags and grab an Uber to the terminal.

Contact details:
Phone number:
787-741-8331 or 888-901-9247
Website: www.viequesairlink.com

Step 2: Transportation to the Blue Horizon Resort

Rent your vehicle

Ok GREAT! Now you can imagine stepping off the plane and ferry and knowing you are less than 20minutes from the Blue Horizon. If you have not secured transportation with a local company for your stay on the island you will want to think about a taxi to us.

Included in your Blue Horizon welcome email we offered numbers for our car rental affiliate companies. Here is a reminder.

If you are staying for several days we highly recommend you also rent transportation. Car, jeep, golf cart or scooter. Beach hopping is well known here and without Uber you will want to be able to move freely and at your own pace.

Here are a few companies we recommend, but there are more!

Island Jeep Rental

Phone number: 787-741-0190
Website: www.islandjeeprental.com

Coqui Car Rental

Phone number: 787-741-3696
Website: www.coquicarrental.com

Alternatives

Shared Publicos

Shared Publicos are inexpensive but they won’t necessarily take you all the way to the beaches and your destination points. If you arrive on the ferry there are Publico vans there when you arrive. Hustle up they don’t hang out long!

Here are a couple of numbers of ones we work with:

Tito & Wanda: 787-219-3899 & 787-436-6147
Jorge Segura: 939-272-1968

Taxis

Remember there is no Uber on this Island. Taxis run mainly during daytime hours but can be scheduled for special times and locations. Once you make good contact with a taxi driver please keep their number and TIP them well.

Here are a couple of numbers to help you out:

Vieques Taxi: 787-741-8294
Angel: 787-243-2564 & 787-981-8023
A to B Taxi: 787-981-8033
Coquí Taxi: 787-374-6820 (daytime only)

Step 3: Be welcomed at our beautiful resort

We are here during this entire process. Our front desk and concierge service is there to help you with these details and many more. Look for our blogs on excursions, beaches, historic sights to see and nightlife/dining here on Vieques.

Call us anytime! 787-741-3318

Safe TRAVELS and Happiest of Adventures

Blue Horizon Resort

ACTIVITIES YOU CAN DO IN
VIEQUES, PUERTO RICO

Now that you have decided to visit Vieques Puerto Rico, we want to be the first ones to say Yay! and Congratulations! Or maybe you have already arrived in paradise, double yay!

Vieques is a beautiful island full of adventure, majestic landscapes, amazing beaches, hiking trails, wonderful historic sights to visit, and so many places to find the personal space and peace that are part of making your vacation what you dream it to be.

Vieques is also known as Isla Nena, which means, “Little Girl Island.” This alludes to Vieques being the little sister of mainland Puerto Rico. Vieques is off the coast of Puerto Rico, it is located about 8 miles from mainland Puerto Rico. It is approximately 20miles long and 4.5 miles wide. But don’t let her size fool you! Vieques is a treasure and here are just a few of the many amazing things to do during your stay!

The Best Way to See the Island

In our humble opinion, the best way to see Vieques is in a Jeep. We have some bumpy & dirt roads on this island and it’s always best (and more fun) in a Jeep. We do have taxis & publicos here but it’s not always easy to get one. If you like your freedom and ability to explore as much as possible, we recommend renting a Jeep or a similar 4 wheel drive vehicle, we just happen to like Jeeps cause they are fun ;-).

You probably don’t want to rent a new Jeep either. A good portion of these trees have spikes on them. On a lot of the roads, you will hear the trees scratching the side of your car (think nails on a chalkboard, eek). The noise is not the greatest, but worse is when you return that brand new Jeep with scratches on the side and the rental car company charges you for that.

We recommend two local companies that carry both Jeeps & Minivans
(just in case you have more than 5 people)

Coqui Car Rental

Island Jeep Rental

Offerings at the Blue Horizon

Thursday night is Ladies Night!
Of course, if you brought a special someone they can come to the festivities with you. The Ladies receive a complimentary Spike Pink Lemonade. DJ Paul is in the house to bring us some dance music and liven up the environment. Every Thursday from 6 PM- 10 PM.

When you arrive check any special offerings, such as special dinner menus, yoga classes, and much more!

Beach Hopping!

Ready to explore the beaches? Here’s a quick guide to some of our favorites and most enchanting.

Let’s start with the South Side of the Island!

Coconut Beach

Coconut beach is a wild beach just west of Esperanza. The Blue Horizon has easy access to this beach, where you can stroll and explore! If you are looking for something intimate and on the wilder side this beach is for you. Often, there is nothing but you, the waters and coconut trees as far as you can see.

At the west end there is a small cliff and large boulders that have fallen into the water. It makes for beautiful views as the waves break on the rocks. As you go toward the east, there is a line of coconut trees along the beach, in varied conditions based on what Mother Nature has done to them in the past. It’s a wonderful vision of the tropics

Black Sand Beach

Black Sand Beach or locally known as La Playa Negra. The nature trail leading to this beach is a great shaded hike taking about 15 minutes to arrive at the beach. On your hike keep your eyes open to see lots of hermit crabs, small lizards, and possibly a few horses.

You will want to bring a magnet because the black sand is magnetic and magical! This beach is the only one with black sand. Swim in the waters and feel the magnetism of this beach. You may want to bring drinks and snacks, there are no stores nearby.

Sun Bay

Sun Bay is a dream, the waters are sparkly for great swimming and sunbathing. This beach also offers spaces with picnic tables and outdoor showers. Swimming is easy to get to and plenty of places have coconut trees to hang a hammock or just spend the day. Bring a cooler, sunscreen, hat, and glasses! You may not want to leave.

From here you can also reach several other beaches, including Navio, which has a small cave to explore and take pictures, or Media Luna Beach for shallow waters, perfect for small children.

National Wildlife Refuge

Playa Caracas, previously known as “Red Beach” is a local favorite for its family-friendly facilities. Playa Caracas offers easy access to beautiful turquoise waters and sand of soft, light white coral. Surrounded by dramatic cliffs and breathtaking nature. Admittedly one of the best beaches on the island!

Playa La Chiva, previously known as “Blue Beach.” To reach these numbered beach areas is a short hike to the crystal clear waters with private gazebos, Don’t forget your snorkeling gear! If you are looking for some more intimacy and solitude, La Chiva may be your perfect destination.

Beaches on the North Side of the Island!

Sea Glass Beach

Sea Glass Beach is located in Isabela on the north side. This beach is perfect for crafters and collectors. A great place to find a natural souvenir. The beach’s sand has plenty of sea glass, shells, and crystals to collect. You can also see the rusted old ship that sunk! Parking is limited but it is easy to access from downtown Isabel II.

Bastimento Beach

Bastimento Beach is located on the north side of the Island. This is a sweet, little hidden beach. The water is shallow and easy to manage, so it is a great place for kids as well as beginning swimmers. This beach has a very shallow protected area right at the edge of the sand which is shielded by a line of reefs and rocks. There is good snorkeling as well, depending on wind and waves

It has a nice long strip of sand for walking, beachcombing, etc. Watch your step! Foot protection is recommended though because most of the “sea glass” here, and there is plenty, hasn’t been tumbled smooth.

Bring a picnic. There are plenty of shaded areas under the coconut trees!

El Galito Beach

El Gallito is also known as “the little rooster” beach. This Northside beach is between two rocky points and you are directly in the Atlantic Ocean here! It is a quaint beach with a spectacular view, especially if you can make it at Sunset! You may just find sea glass here!

Locals and tourists alike use this beach for fishing, surfing, or swimming. On a calm day with light winds try snorkeling or paddleboarding. Snorkeling is on the point to the right (east side of the beach) where you can see a reef and possibly a sea turtle making their way through.

And here is a map to help you visualize all these beautiful beaches!

Last but not least! YOU MUST kayak at the Bioluminescent Bay!
#1 in the world

Our bio-bay is the brightest in the world!

The waters glow with life and taking a night adventure is one of the dream vacations. You will want to book a tour with one of the companies. Most of them have clear bottom kayaks to see the glowing waters and wildlife.

You’ll have a better experience if there is no moon. So check out your dates and choose one closest to the new moon. Dress comfortably and wear water shoes. This is a 2-hour excursion so be ready for a one-of-a-kind night!

There are more beaches but we wanted to share with you some of our favorites. In the next blog of the series, we will share with you more information about excursions and the historic sights to see.

Safe travels and we will see you on the Island!

Food in Vieques

Let’s talk about food!

We know you want to eat well when you are here right? Food is an important part of the travel experience and we want to help you have the best experience possible here in Vieques.

In Vieques, you are immersed in a Puerto Rican culture rich with amazing foods such as things like mofongo, tostones, pasteles, arroz con gandules, tembleque, and coquito. If your taste buds are asking what these foods are, then you are in for a treat! Food is a great way to connect with the culture and people of Vieques.

Whatever your taste buds are there are sensational restaurants for sit-down events, relaxed restaurants where you can grab a bite to eat and enjoy the view, or locally-owned food trucks that are affordable and easy to find!

“Food is not just eating energy. It’s an experience” – Guy Fieri

Explore the local cuisine

As a Visitor to Vieques exploring the local cuisine choices can connect you with not only the fulfillment of a great meal but a connection to the local vibe and local culture. Food tells a lot about where you are what kind of experience each place is attempting to provide.

Restaurants, cafes and bars are meeting points for all members of a community and places where everyone is welcome. And by entering one of these places, we too are participating in an important cultural tradition.

While you are here at the Blue Horizon we are unique in that we have a 5 star restaurant on property! You don’t have to look for great food. Just wake up and stroll down the lane to the restaurant for brunch, lunch and dinner!

One really amazing thing about Vieques is there are no chain restaurants. You won’t find a fast food location. Here’s another local hint, take your time and enjoy. You are on island time and good food takes time to prepare!

Below are some of our local favorites, but first let me introduce you to our spectacular restaurant

Carambola Restaurant

If you have ever enjoyed the rich variety of Caribbean flavors you will surely find yourself in culinary heaven. Exquisite dining in tropical tranquility in front of the ocean.

The Executive Chef Jorge Mercado delights himself in providing you with a colorful and flavorful palate of exquisite dishes infused with that wonderful tropical flair that will challenge you to stay away from the kitchen. We have an amazing brunch, Americano-style lunch, and one of kind Dinner experience!

Carambola, also known as Star Fruit, was created to provide exceptional cuisine to both guests and patrons alike while getting to take in the spectacular Blue Horizon view of the Caribbean Sea.

We are open daily and you can reserve online or call 787-741-3318.

View Our Menu

Restaurant Open Hours:

Brunch:

7am-12pm: Monday-Friday
7am-2pm: Saturday and Sunday

Lunch:

12pm-3pm: Monday-Friday

Dinner:

5pm-10pm Everyday!

Local favorites

Puerto Rico Ferry

Cape Air

Vieques Air Link

Island Jeep Rental

Coqui Car Rental

Shared Publicos

Taxis

Banana’s

Duffy’s

Casa Nativo

Buga’s Mexican Restaurant

Restaurante Bili

Coquí Fire

Biekes Bistro

El Block

El Local

El Quenepo

Gonzo’s Garden

Lazy Jacks

Rincon del Cafe

Rising Roost

Tin Box

Trade Winds

Dexter’s BBQ

Manny’s Sushi

Mama Mia

Panaderia La Viequense

Rincon del Sabor

Shauna's Restaurant

Jeep Rental on Vieques

Stay in Paradise!

Dining with a View