Off the Beaten Path in Puerto Rico: Culebra & Vieques Islands

Outdoor adventure meets laid-back vibes on the sunny archipelago that’s situated just east of mainland Puerto Rico. Here, freewheeling travelers are rewarded for the extra plane or ferry ride required to reach their sandy, untrammeled beaches.

Let creole cuisine and fresh seafood flavor your day after adventures on volcanic beaches and secluded cays. These two dynamic islands are also a haven for wildlife of all sorts, from humble manatees floating among the mangroves to handsome wild horses that canter across sandy shorelines.

Below, we’ll detail the top sights, sounds, and savory bites to enjoy in Puerto Rico’s outlying islands.

Culebra

A postcard-perfect shoreline mingles with pristine white sand on the island of Culebra, just 17 miles east of Puerto Rico. This off-the-beaten-path gem will take some extra effort to get to, making it all the more worthy of a side quest for intrepid spirits. Catch a quick, rowdy propeller plane from Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) or head to the village of Ceiba and hop aboard a 45-minute ferry to this secluded islet.

Feel the quiet rush of satisfaction when your toes touch down on unspoiled, diamond dust sand with few other tourists in sight. Say hello to the area’s local marine life on a guided kayaking trip to Cayo Luis Peña, situated within the majestic Culebra National Wildlife Refuge.

Certified scuba divers can don their astronaut-like suits and head into the ocean’s sapphire depths with Culebra Divers, where they’ll likely encounter endangered Caribbean corals, leatherback and green sea turtles, and manta rays that seem to soar underwater. Snorkelers can relish the salty ocean waves and catch glimpses of similar wildlife from the Luis Peña Nature Reserve, one of the top U.S. destinations for snorkelers.

An eclectic, no-frills culinary scene is yours for the taking after a day of adventure in Culebra. Hop off the ferry and head directly to Zaco’s Tacos if you need a post-boat bocadillo (that’s Spanish for snack). Savory umami flavors abound in their salty pork belly tacos, and travelers can indulge in freshly caught seafood, as well.

For a laid-back date night experience, make your way to Susie’s Restaurant. Allow the soft pink hues of sunset to envelop you as you dine al fresco on their homey patio and feast on garam masala–encrusted grouper with a tarragon, lime, and coconut aioli, all with an ice-cold cocktail in hand.

Wind down at Club Seabourne after wringing every drop from the day. This hillside mini-resort offers spectacular ocean vistas, watersports equipment rentals, and a private pool.

Vieques

The largest of the “Spanish Virgin Islands,” Vieques lures adventurers with wild, untamed nature across an island where over half the landmass is protected as a national wildlife refuge. Though just 6 miles from mainland Puerto Rico, this island rewards those who make the journey with experiences found nowhere else.

Catch a short puddle jumper flight from San Juan’s Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) or Isla Grande Airport, or board a scenic 35-minute ferry from the port in Ceiba. Once you arrive, the adventure kicks into gear.

Plunge into waters teeming with sea turtles and manatees, or saddle up for horseback riding tours led by experienced guides who navigate breathtaking trails. Keep your camera ready as you move between the island’s municipalities — wild horses roam freely across nearly all the landmass.

You don’t have to travel to Iceland to experience the wonder of a black sand beach — there’s one just outside of Esperanza. Allow yourself an afternoon at Playa Negra, where the striking black sands and rhythmic waves create the perfect setting.

And no trip to Vieques is complete without a nighttime trip to Mosquito Bay. Celebrated as the brightest bioluminescent bay on planet earth, this magical spot enchants travelers from around the globe with its brilliant blue organisms that glow when the water moves. When the moon is at its darkest, book a guided clear-bottom kayak tour with Black Beard Sports or JAK Water Sports.

Rustic wood planks pair with breezy outdoor dining at Bananas Beach Bar & Grill, where travelers can fill up on jerk chicken sliders and churrasco steak while sipping a frozen banana margarita. If you’re more into a barefoot luxury vibe, saunter over to El Quenepo in the evening for some of the finest dining in the region. Listen to ocean waves crashing as you and your crew enjoy the tang of a ginger-lime spritz, with perfectly charred swordfish on a pineapple-coconut curry.

Japanese Wabi Sabi design meets Caribbean island aesthetics at Hix Island House, a minimalist, open-air hotel where guests are enveloped in the tranquility of indoor-outdoor living. Fancy a funkier stay? Casa de Amistad, with its canary yellow façade, has been named the number one guesthouse on Vieques by TripAdvisor. Mismatched local artworks adorn the walls, giving off a homey atmosphere where visitors can splash in the pool, read in the shade of mature trees, or stroll to the vibrant local bars and shops of Isabel II with ease.

This post is sponsored by Discover Puerto Rico.