When people think of a tropical vacation, they often imagine soft white sand, blue water, and a peaceful vibe. Puerto Rico has two small islands off its east coast that offer all of that and more. These islands are Vieques and Culebra. This blog will help you understand the differences between these islands and help you choose the one that fits your trip best.
Let’s explore the beauty of both islands and learn why the Vieques vs Culebra debate is so popular among travelers.
Why Go to Vieques or Culebra?
Escape the Busy City
If you have been to San Juan, you know it is a busy city. The traffic is loud and the beaches are crowded. But just a short trip away, Vieques and Culebra offer calm and quiet places where you can relax.
Better Beaches
The beaches near San Juan do not have the soft white sand and clear turquoise water many people dream of. But both Vieques and Culebra have these amazing beaches. Whether you want to swim, sunbathe, or just relax by the sea, these islands are the perfect place to do it.
Exploring Culebra
The Famous Flamenco Beach
Culebra is known all over the world for Flamenco Beach. This beach is often named one of the best beaches on Earth. The sand is soft like powder, and the water is so clear it does not even look real.
Even though it is popular, the beach is not crowded. You will not be bothered by vendors, and there is little trash. It is peaceful and clean. However, there are not many beach chairs or umbrellas, so you may want to bring your own if you plan to stay for the day.
Snorkeling in Culebra
One of the best places to snorkel on Culebra is Playa Tamarindo. Here, you might see sea turtles, fish, and even stingrays. The sand is a bit rough, and there are rocks in the water, but that is what attracts all the sea life. If you love snorkeling, this is a must-visit spot.
There is also Carlos Rosario Beach, which is about a 30-minute walk from Flamenco Beach. Many people say it has great snorkeling too.
How to Get to Culebra
Option 1: Ferry
You can take a ferry from Ceiba. It only costs about $2.50, but the trip can be long and slow. You have to drive from San Juan to Ceiba, then take the ferry. Some ferries leave too late in the day, and there are often delays.
Option 2: Fly
You can fly from San Juan or Ceiba to Culebra. The flight from Ceiba takes 10 minutes. The one from San Juan takes 20 minutes. The flights are faster but more expensive. Prices can be between $100 and $180 round trip.
Once you arrive in Culebra, you will need to rent a car or golf cart, take a taxi, or walk. It takes about 40 minutes to walk from the airport to Flamenco Beach.
Option 3: Tour
Some people choose to take a guided tour. These tours often include snorkeling, lunch, and drinks. A boat takes you from the mainland to Culebra, and you get a few hours to enjoy the beach. It is more expensive, but everything is included, and it is less stressful.
What It Is Like on Culebra
Culebra is small and very quiet. If you like peace and do not need a lot of activities, it is a great place to relax. Many people visit Culebra for just a day. If you love snorkeling and peaceful beaches, you will enjoy your time here.
But if you want to stay overnight, keep in mind that there are not many hotels or restaurants. This island is more for people who enjoy nature and calm surroundings.
Discovering Vieques
More Space to Explore
Vieques is much bigger than Culebra. It has two main towns—Isabel Segunda and Esperanza—and over 40 beaches. Wild horses walk freely around the island, even in the streets. The island feels natural and untouched.
The Bright Bioluminescent Bay
The most famous thing in Vieques is Mosquito Bay, the brightest bioluminescent bay in the world. At night, you can join a kayak tour. When you move through the water, it glows with light, thanks to tiny sea creatures called dinoflagellates.
If you have never seen a bioluminescent bay, this is an experience you will not forget. The water is so clear you can see fish swimming and glowing beneath you. It feels magical and is worth the trip alone.
Beautiful Beaches
Vieques also has amazing beaches. We visited three during our trip, and my favorite was Sun Bay. It is close to the town of Esperanza. Some parts of the beach have seaweed and rough sand, but the farther you walk, the better it gets.
The water is warm and calm. You can float easily and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Some parts of the beach even have tidepools, which are fun to explore if you come at the right time.
Vieques After Hurricane Maria
In 2017, Hurricane Maria damaged many parts of Vieques. Some hotels and buildings were destroyed. Even today, some places are still being rebuilt. This means the island is not crowded with tourists, and it feels like a secret place.
But it is not perfect. Sometimes, the power might go out, and not all restaurants have air conditioning. The food is simple, but you can still find craft beer and live music in town. If you want something fancy, this might not be the place. But if you want peace, nature, and something special, you will love it.
Visiting Vieques
What to Do
There is a lot to do on Vieques besides going to the beach. You can:
- Ride horses
- Go snorkeling
- Take a fishing tour
- Try water sports
- Visit a small fort
We chose to spend more time in San Juan, but we could have easily stayed longer in Vieques. It is cheaper and more relaxing than the city.
Where to Stay
If you are staying just one night, you do not need to rent a car. Stay in Esperanza, where you can walk to the beach, restaurants, and your kayak tour. But you must book your taxi in advance if you are arriving by ferry or plane. Taxis are not waiting like in big cities.
For longer visits, rent a car so you can see both towns and explore more beaches. We stayed at Casa de Tortuga. It has a pool, air conditioning, and a mini fridge. It is nice and comfortable. If you want something fancier, you can try El Blok or Malecon House.
How to Get to Vieques
Ferry
Like Culebra, you can take a ferry from Ceiba. It takes about 30 minutes. Because you will be staying overnight, it is okay if the schedule is not perfect. Just make sure to buy your ticket early if your plans are tight.
Flight
You can fly from Ceiba, Isla Grande, or even from the main airport in San Juan. Flying is faster but more expensive.
Vieques vs Culebra: Which Island Should You Pick?
This is the big question—Vieques vs Culebra. Which one is better?
Here is a quick guide to help you choose:
- Pick Culebra if you only have one day and want to relax on a perfect beach. A tour makes this easy
- Pick Vieques if you can spend the night and want to see the glowing waters of the bioluminescent bay
- Pick Culebra if you love snorkeling and do not need a lot of extras
- Pick Vieques if you want to explore more, see wild horses, and enjoy peace in nature
Honestly, both islands are amazing. You cannot really make a bad choice. Some people even visit both like I did. That way, you can decide for yourself who wins in the Vieques vs Culebra match-up.
Final Thoughts from Travel With Bony
In the end, Vieques vs Culebra is all about what kind of vacation you want. If you want adventure and glowing water at night, go to Vieques. If you want a perfect beach and clear water for one day, go to Culebra.
Both are beautiful, quiet, and special places to enjoy the natural beauty of Puerto Rico. If you ever get the chance, visit both and see why people fall in love with these islands.
This travel guide was brought to you by Travel With Bony, your friend in simple, fun, and easy travel around the world.
