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Vieques

The small island, who maintains its strong foundation of their 400 years of Spanish rule, is well known for its series of protests. Isla Nena was occupied by the United States Navy for nearly sixty years, which was mostly closed off and utilized as a bombing range and testing ground. Protests soared in 1999 when Vieques-born David Sanes, who worked as a security guard, was killed by a jet bomb the Navy said misfired. Under extreme scrutiny, the Navy were forced to withdraw from Vieques in May of 2003.

Places to Sleep
​
  • Sun Bay Beach Camping: This was the first time I ever went camping, but I have to say waking up and walking less than 2 minutes to the beach in the morning, made me feel like I wanted to live on the camping grounds. The beauty of Sun Bay Beach and the warm water is the reason why you let mosquitoes eat you alive all night. There are showers and bathrooms, as well as BBQ areas. Bring your own camping gear. Only $10 camping fee

 

Located on the south shore of the island on Route 997, minutes away from Esperanza

 

  • Tropical Guesthouse: Located on the outskirts of Isabel Segunda, this guesthouse is surrounded by great restaurants and much cultural experience. Starting at only $75/night for two people

 

E-41 Apolonia Gittings, Isabel II

Email: viequestgh@yahoo.com

Tel: 787-741-2449

Website

 

  • Bananas Guesthouse: Conveniently located on El Malecon in Esperanza, Bananas is one of the more popular places in Vieques. Eat their delicious burgers and drink their piña coladas at Bananas Bar & Grill. Rooms starting at $80/night for two people

 

142 Calle Flamboyán, Esperanza

Email: BananasVieques@gmail.com

Tel: 787-741-8700

Website

 

  • Casa de Amistad Guesthouse: This small, snug seven room guesthouse is located in the heart of Isabel II, two blocks away from the ferry. It has a swimming pool, a computer with internet, a tv room with cable, and a kitchen to prepare light meals and free WIFI. Rooms range starting at $90/night.

 

27 Benitez Castaño, Isabel II

Email: viequesamistad@aol.com

Tel: 787-741-3758

Website

 

  • Hix Island House: An innovative 19-loft apartment house offers a romantic, secluded escape within the Caribbean surrounded by nature's beauty. Offering yoga retreats, Hix is the ideal place for relaxation. Starting at $135​

 

Carr 995, KM 1.5 - HC-02
Email: info@hixislandhouse.com

Tel: 787-741-2302
Website​​
(website link not working thru here)

 

  • The Crow's Nest: A spacious 17-unit inn located on a hillside overlooking one of the best views on the island. Each unit has a private bath, TV, air-conditioner, and kitchenette, as well as, WIFI and reading and lounging area. You can choose from a studio, garden suite or penthouse apartment, prices starting at $140/night for one, two to four people.



Route 201, Bo. Florida, outskirts of Isabel II

Email: crowsnestvqs@gmail.com

Tel: 787-741-0033

Website

 

 

Things to do
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  • Snorkeling: Vieques is surrounded by bewitching, glaring green waters. The island equally has beautiful coral reefs one can snorkel through and see life down under. For a budget friendly experience, you can rent snorkeling gear (unless you have your own) usually for $10/day from your hotel and explore Patti's ReefAngel Reef, Mosquito Pier and/or Anchor Reef.

 

  • Visit the inactive bombs: Vieques has had a long-standing battle with the United States since the 1940s when the U.S. Navy began testing bombs. The small island is now fighting for a clean-up which they feel the U.S. government is responsible for. A recent article from the Huff Post LatinoVoices states that the reason for the hesitation is that it will cost the U.S. government $350 million to fully clean Vieques. The area is now declared a National Wildlife Refuge. With the right locals, they can take you to the intriguing history and the sad present. You may also visit Camp Garcia, formerly the largest section of land held by the U.S. Navy in the 1960s, that now holds the most beautiful and deserted beaches on the island.

 

  • Visit the underground bunkers of the U.S. Navy:​ Located about 4 miles past Mosquito Pier along Route 200, there are abandoned military concrete bunkers covered by grass, where the Navy used to store ammunition during the Cold War. They are located on a paved, unmarked road.

 

  • ​Hacienda Playa Grande: Heading east towards Esperanza from the bunkers and Mosquito Pier, there is a​ hidden old sugarcane plantation building​ abandoned after the Navy seized the island. The place is in ruins, so be careful where you walk, wear closed shoes and bring bug spray and water. 

 

  • Visit Black Sand Beach:​ There are few beaches in this world, most located in Hawaii, that have black sand due to volcanic residue washing down. Nevertheless, this is truly a unique experience no one should pass up!

 

  • Take a dip in the many beaches:

- Blue Beach

- Secret Beach

- Playa Caracas/Red Beach

- Navio Beach

- Media Luna Beach

- Green Beach

- Playa Monte Santo



  • ​History at Fortín Conde de Mirasol in Isabel II: A fort built by the Spanish in the mid-19th century is now a museum and the only historical structure here.

 

Experience the festivals:

- Epiphany Festival, January 6

- Passion Play, Holy Week

- Vieques Cultural Festival, March/April

- Traditional Town Festivities, July

- Annual International Film Festival, June

- Christmas Troubador Night, December

- Christmas Festival, December-January

Nightlife
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  • Kayak the Bioluminescent Bay: Due to the disturbance of microscopic organisms called dinoflagellates the water lights up like diamonds in the sky. â€‹



When the bio bay was first discovered by the Spanish, they initially thought it was the work of 'El Diablo' (the devil). Therefore, they decided to plant huge boulders in the water, which in contrary, augmented the effect of the tiny creatures. 

 

Today, Vieques' bio bay is known to be the brightest in the world. Tour guides such as Fun Brothers make it possible for you to experience one of nature's wonders. Prices Varies

 

Other tours:

- Abe's Snorkeling & Bio-Bay Tours, $45

- Black Beard Sports, $65

 

  • Duffy's Esperanza: Located on El Malecon is k​nown to be the most popular night spot to be at because of its live music and daily specials. â€‹Calle Flamboyán

 

  • Al's Mar Azul: An off-the-beaten path dive bar that serves great food, a wide selection of hot sauce, strong piña coladas and a worthwhile view to sit outside and chill. They have karaoke a few nights a week. Close to the ferry terminal. Calle Plinio Peterson in Isabela Segunda

 

  • Blue Moon Bar & Grill: A circular bar located within the Inn on the Blue Horizon where you can have a relaxing evening and order from their specialty cocktail menu. â€‹West on 996 past Esperanza, just down the road

 

  • Lazy Jack's Bar and Pizza: Known for their amazing drinks but not so amazing food is the perfect place to drink and talk with friends all night. There is karoke on Tuesdays and Fridays. Wednesdays and Saturdays DJ Andy spins his groovy tunes. â€‹61A Calle Orquideas, On the Malecon of Esperanza

 

  • La Nasa: A waterfront wooden shack bar perfect to mingle with the locals. Order 'La Nasa' drink; it is blue and delicious. On the weekends, the bar attracts salsa, merengue and pachanga lovers to dance and party out on the street. Calle Flamboyán, Esperanza​

 

  • Club Tumby: A reformed old ammo bunker is now a 10,000 square foot disco located off-the-beaten-path. Note: I'm not sure if this club is still open. You may have to ask the locals. Barrio Mosquito​​

 

  • Next Course: A romantic and classy ambiance, this fine dining restaurant is ideal for couples, lovers, mistresses and future ex-spouses! Route 201

 

  • Bili Restaurant in Amapola Inn:​ An oceanfront restaurant serving Puerto Rican style food with a flair, known for their well prepared seafood and piña coladas. The decor is very colorful and lively. 144 Calle Flamboyán​



Next stop: Culebra

Backpacking the Caribbean

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Hi Everyone! 

 

​I decided to create this website when I was researching how to backpack the 'authentic' Caribbean on a budget but instead I found scattered information on various websites. I wanted to concentrate all of my knowledge I gathered throughout my experiences on one website. I hope you enjoy it and it helps in your travels! 

 

Damaly Gonzalez, Founder of Backpacking the Caribbean 

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