Best Beaches in Vieques

Media Luna Beach, located on the northeastern coast of Vieques, Puerto Rico, is a serene and picturesque spot known for its crescent-shaped shoreline, soft white sand, and crystal-clear turquoise waters. This secluded beach offers a peaceful retreat away from the more crowded tourist areas, making it ideal for families with children due to its shallow waters. The beach is managed by the Puerto Rico National Park Department and provides a tranquil bay where the water remains gentle and clear, perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Visitors can enjoy activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, and windsurfing in the calm waters. The beach is accessible via a dirt road from Sun Bay Spa, requiring a 4×4 vehicle for ease of access.

The serene atmosphere and natural beauty of Media Luna Beach make it a favorite among those seeking relaxation and water activities. The beach's proximity to other natural attractions in Vieques adds to its appeal as an essential stop for any visitor. With its peaceful environment and opportunities for outdoor activities, Media Luna Beach is a gem on the island.

The beach is surrounded by lush greenery, creating a scenic backdrop for picnics or simply relaxing under the shade of gazebos. Camping is allowed in the surrounding areas, and visitors can use the sanitary facilities at Sun Bay Spa, ensuring a comfortable experience.

Sun Bay Beach, locally known as Sombe, is a stunning crescent-shaped beach located on the southern coast of Vieques, Puerto Rico. It is renowned for its soft, golden sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters, making it a perfect spot for relaxation and swimming. The beach is surrounded by lush greenery and offers a picturesque backdrop that feels like stepping into a postcard. Sun Bay is the only beach on Vieques with facilities, including a designated swimming area with lifeguards, working bathrooms, showers, and a snack bar for food and drinks. It is easily accessible by car or public transportation, making it a popular choice for families and day-trippers alike.

The beach offers ample parking and is lined with palm trees that provide shade, creating a serene atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy watching the sunset, which transforms the sky into a breathtaking canvas of oranges, pinks, and purples. Additionally, the beach is occasionally visited by wild horses, adding to its charm.

Despite its popularity, Sun Bay remains spacious, allowing visitors to find their own quiet spot even on busier days. It's a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Vieques, offering a blend of natural beauty and accessible amenities.

Punta Arenas Beach, also known as Green Beach, is a tranquil and picturesque destination on the island of Vieques, Puerto Rico. Located in the northwest corner of the island, it is part of the Vieques National Wildlife Refuge, offering a serene escape with stunning views of the mainland and El Yunque National Forest. The beach is characterized by its greenish-hued waters and lush vegetation, making it ideal for families, snorkelers, and those seeking a peaceful day by the sea. Its clear, shallow waters and soft golden sand provide a perfect setting for swimming and snorkeling, with opportunities to spot marine life and birds. The surrounding area offers hiking trails and elevated viewpoints, though camping is informal and requires preparation. The beach's rustic nature means visitors should plan ahead for amenities.

Green Beach is relatively isolated compared to other beaches on Vieques, contributing to its quiet and uncrowded atmosphere. This seclusion, combined with its natural beauty, makes it a hidden gem for those willing to navigate the unpaved roads leading to it. A 4×4 vehicle is recommended to access the beach, and while there are no formal amenities like restrooms or restaurants, food kiosks along the way offer some convenience.

The lack of developed facilities adds to the natural appeal of Green Beach, keeping it pristine and untouched. This makes it an essential stop for anyone looking to experience the unspoiled beauty of Vieques.

Black Sand Beach, also known as Playa Negra, is a stunning natural wonder located on the south side of Vieques, Puerto Rico. This beach is renowned for its unique black sand, which is a result of volcanic material washed down from nearby areas. The beach offers a serene and tranquil atmosphere, surrounded by lush greenery and dramatic cliffs. It's a perfect spot for relaxation and contemplation, with opportunities for swimming and exploring the nearby trails. The beach is not ADA accessible and requires a 15-20 minute walk from the parking area, making it a more secluded and peaceful destination.
The black sand is not only visually striking but also magnetic, adding to the beach's allure. Visitors are advised not to remove any sand to preserve this natural treasure. The beach's dramatic landscape, featuring driftwood and rock cliffs against turquoise waters, makes it a photographer's paradise.
Despite its lack of amenities, the beach's untouched beauty is part of its charm, offering a true escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

La Chata Beach is a serene and picturesque destination located on the north side of Vieques Island, Puerto Rico. It offers breathtaking views of the mainland to the left and Culebra to the right, making it a unique spot for beachcombing, fishing, snorkeling, and surfing. The beach features soft, light tan sand and clear, clean Atlantic Ocean water, providing an ideal setting for relaxation and water activities. Despite its tranquil atmosphere, La Chata is not equipped with amenities like restrooms or showers, but its natural beauty and shade from overhanging trees make it a perfect spot for those seeking a peaceful beach experience.

La Chata Beach is nestled in a quiet neighborhood, which adds to its charm. The absence of crowds and noise makes it an excellent choice for those looking to unwind and connect with nature. The beach's proximity to the island's scenic views and its accessibility for activities like snorkeling and surfing make it a must-visit for any traveler to Vieques.

Overall, La Chata Beach is a hidden gem on Vieques Island, offering a blend of natural beauty, tranquility, and adventure, making it a standout destination for beach lovers and nature enthusiasts alike.

Playa Caracas, also known as Red Beach, is a pristine stretch of white sand and turquoise waters on Vieques Island, Puerto Rico. Located within the Vieques National Wildlife Refuge, this beach offers a serene escape with its clear Caribbean waters and scenic rock formations that include small caves perfect for photography[3][4]. The vibe here is relaxed and family-friendly, with picnic shelters and composting toilets available for convenience[3]. Visitors highlight its uncrowded atmosphere, especially in the mornings, and its appeal for both swimming and snorkeling along the left side of the cove[3][4].

The beach’s accessibility improved after road paving by the US Fish & Wildlife Service, though midday crowds can form on weekends and during peak seasons[3]. With minimal shade beyond a few palm trees, bringing an umbrella is advisable, though a shaded area exists in the back right corner of the cove[3].