Warnings about Petty Theft

Concerned? Just go to 'Red' Beach ( and Sun Bay) then. It is the prettiest, the most popular and has the least theft, but my advice is simply to leave your valuables in the hotel!

VIEQUES, Puerto Rico— A rash of crime in Vieques makes it very risky to take your valuables to the beaches... leave them at the hotel!

--------------------------------------------------------------

Parques Nationales " Sun Bay Beach is a 'Balneario' (public beach with very limited facilities ) and is called 'Balneario Sombe' in Spanish. First in a series of beaches going along the dirt road into the Balneario. You need to pay $2. to go through the in-gate, when it is open, otherwise you just enter through the, always open, 'out- gate' and don't pay. Bathroom facilities, park offices and a cafeteria.

Dept. of Natural Resources " Media Luna Beach is the next beach. The most protected beach and therefore the calmest beach. Ideal for small children. Crystal clear calm water on a coconut fringed beach...... what more could anyone ask for?

Dept. of Natural Resources " Navio Beach can only be reached after reaching Media Luna Beach. Navio is the most Turquoise, the widest white sand and often the most deserted. Locals sometimes play volleyball here on Sundays. The waves on Navio vary from very rough to gentle, but they do not break well for body surfing.

Novillo Beach can be seen from Navio Beach but cannot be reached except by kayak. Golden Heron Kayak Trips go to this beach.

Dept. of Natural Resources " Cayo Afuera ( the outer little island seen from Esperanza. You can swim or rent kayaks to go there.

One the westernmost tip of Vieques is (US F & W ) Green Beach. Great snorkeling here, especially for beginners as the snorkeling starts just off the southern end of the beach. It is very pretty too. Be sure and plan to leave before 4 PM as the tiny sand fleas come out in droves and bite like crazy.'

* Skin So Soft' (an Avon product) works well with sand fleas ( 'mimis') but nothing can protect you here after 4 pm.

All the Beaches on Vieques are dependent on the wind direction on any particular day. If the winds are from the Southeast then the North Coast Beaches will be nicer. If the wind is blowing from the Northeast then head for the South Coast Beaches!

Vieques is lined by beaches so beach walking is a favorite thing to do here. Check out the newly opened beaches on the south west coast on the land.

The Leatherback Turtle is an endangered species that nests in Vieques and Culebra. We also have nesting hawksbill's and green turtles. For more information click on this link:

Endangered Species Government Info

Navio is spectacular, the color shocks you .... so turquoise and other days so green.. Navio probably has the most perfect color scheme of all...

Media Luna is beautiful for the utter calmness of it.... (when the waves actually do come into Media Luna then it is not so nice to be there).

Red Beach is a favorite with locals. crowded on weekends.

Blue Beach is not the most spectacular beach, but is a favorite beach because of a variety of reasons: the snorkeling, the peninsula is interesting to explore and it is always very calm at the eastern end.

There are still 3 more beaches that I haven't even mentioned and miles of beach on the south west side. and beaches I have not been able to see yet as they are not open yet.

You will not be able to understand the incredible beauty of Vieques without at least a week to explore by jeep ....... and mask and snorkel...... and kayak...... that's the truth! Or you can come back, year after year and see a little more each visit. Without a vehicle you are basically stuck in Esperanza but can get to Sunbay and walk farther. Taxis will take you to Red Beach for approximately $10. per person, well worth the visit. Make sure you arrange to be picked up later!

ELENAS VIEQUES ECOLOGY WEBSITE