Puerto Rico is actually an archipelago with dozens of cays & islets, and Culebra & Vieques are two of its most popular islands, and described as “Puerto Rico’s best kept secret”. Located just 20 miles and 6 miles off the east coast of the Puerto Rican mainland respectively, Culebra & Vieques make the perfect day trip destination. Reaching the islands can be done by air or sea.

The fastest way to get to both islands is to catch a small plane departing from either San Juan or Isla Grande airports, or you could catch a ferry that departs from the town of Ceiba (about 40 minutes drive from SJU airport), with tickets from just $3.

With world-renowned white sand beaches, an active reef and amazing wildlife, Culebra is one of Puerto Rico’s most idyllic destinations.

More than 20% of Culebra has been preserved as a National Wildlife Refuge – a habitat for endangered sea turtles and seabirds, among other creatures. Moreover, there are more than 20 cays bustling with marine life, making Culebra a haven for underwater adventurers and casual beachgoers. Culebra Divers offers guided snorkel, certified and non-certified dive excursions, and over 50 dive sites to choose from.

Vieques is the biggest of Puerto Rico’s islands, and sometimes referred to as the Spanish Virgin Islands. With a perfectly tropical marine climate thanks to the trade winds that blow directly over the island, breathtaking scenery and laid-back vibes, it’s not hard to see why travellers love visiting. More than 60% of Vieques is covered by the Vieques National Wildlife Refuge,

considered one of the most ecologically diverse refuges in the Caribbean.

Vieques is home to Mosquito Bay, the brightest bioluminescent bay in the world, and named one of the Seven Wonders of the World by Condé Nast Traveller. The lack of light pollution in the area means that a ride in a kayak at night is an unforgettable natural spectacle.

Top Attractions

● Mosquito Bay - the brightest bio bay in the world!

● Flamenco Beach, Culebra - A picture-perfect stretch of white sand and turquoise waters, this beach has been ranked as one of the top beaches in the world! And don’t miss Flamenco’s most iconic attraction The Tank, which is a reminder of the US Navy’s occupancy of Culebra

● Playa Negra, Vieques - a rare and mesmerising black sand beach, a definitive can't miss spot

● Cayo Luis Peña/Luis Peña Canal Nature Reserve, Culebra - this is one of Puerto Rico’s most visited nature reserves, with coral reefs and mangroves, protecting the islands biodiversity

● Isla Culebrita - a beautiful uninhabited island off Culebra’s coast with six small beaches, and a lighthouse (one of the oldest in the Caribbean and the island’s only man made structure)

● For a real island adventure, rent a jeep and drive around the island, to explore and spot some of Vieques’ wild horses

● Accommodation - luxury rental villas

Dining

From gourmet seafood restaurants to come-as-you-are roadside kiosks and beach bars with a dizzying array of Caribbean cocktails, there’s something for every taste and budget on Culebra and Vieques.

Dining recommendations:

● El Quenepo, Vieques - fine dining experience with a refined menu and beautiful décor, located on the waterfront

● Bananas, Vieques - watch the chefs prepare mouthwatering dishes at the Beach Bar & Grill or Rooftop Terrace

● Dinghy Dock, Culebra – enjoy a cold beer accompanied by some tasty Caribbean criollo cuisine, with amazing view of the dock