Are you looking for a picturesque, powder-white sand beach with warm turquoise waters so clear that you can see the bottom?
With the views at Esperanza Beach and all the water sports you can think of, it’s easy to see why tourists and locals love to visit Playa Esperanza.
I have been visiting Vieques and taking tourists there for over twenty years. Playa Esperanza is one of my favorite beaches in Vieques Island and Puerto Rico’s archipelago.
In this article, I will cover everything you need to know about Esperanza Beach and answer the following questions:
– What is Esperanza Beach?
– Where is Esperanza Beach located?
– Is there parking at Esperanza Beach?
– Is Esperanza Beach safe for tourists?
– What is Esperanza Beach known for?
– Frequently Asked Questions
Esperanza (Esperanza means hope) is a beach with white sands, crystal clear turquoise water, a healthy colony of coral, hawksbill turtles, a nearby small islet you can visit (Cayo Afuer), and a pier where you will see local kids and adults jumping in the water.
Playa Esperanza also has facilities nearby.
You can rent chairs, umbrellas, and snorkeling gear and eat excellent seafood in nearby restaurants and food stands.
You can practice almost any water sport imaginable at Esperanza Beach.
Snorkeling, kayaking, swimming, stand up paddle boarding, walking, or sunbathing are some activities you will enjoy at Esperanza Beach.
If you plan to beach-hop during your vacation in Puerto Rico, include Esperanza Beach in the list of beaches you will visit.
For more information about the beaches Vieques and Puerto Rico offer, please check our article 30 Best Beaches in Puerto Rico – All You Need To Know, by Miguel Concepcion.
First, let me explain a little about Puerto Rico.
Most people refer to Puerto Rico as the Island of Puerto Rico.
That is true but not one hundred percent accurate.
Yes, Puerto Rico is an island but also a group of islands.
Puerto Rico is not just an island; it is an archipelago comprised of one big island (roughly the size of Rhode Island), Puerto Rico’s main island that the Taino Indian named Boriken, the Spaniard named San Juan and later changed its name to Puerto Rico, two smaller islands (Vieques and Culebra), a small island that is a natural reserve (Isla de Mona) and over one hundred islets and keys.
Vieques is 21 miles off the east coast of Puerto Rico’s main island.
Playa Esperanza is in the southwest of Vieques.
For more information, please check out The Ultimate Guide To Puerto Rico’s Islands by Carlos Cubero.
One of the advantages of Esperanza Beach is its location.
It is on Barrio Esperanza, the second settlement in Vieques.
Many people like to stay at short-term rentals in Barrio Esperanza while visiting Vieques.
If you stay in Barrio Esperanza, you can walk from your lodging place to the beach, but parking will be fine if you come from somewhere else in Vieques.
You will find a large lot on the beach side at the east end of the Malecon (boardwalk) close to the boat launch.
The entrance to the beach is free, but they will charge you a small amount for parking.
Some people park on the side streets in Esperanza and walk back to the strip.
The large area between the two piers at the end always has a lot of parking.
Local tip: Use common sense; don’t let anything valuable be visible in your car.
If you plan to visit Vieques, check our article Where To Stay In Vieques – Best Places and Areas by Brittany Ashford.
Esperanza Beach is safe for tourists and locals alike in many ways.
Allow me to elaborate.
All you need to do is take some reasonable precautions.
So Vieques, in general, and Esperanza Beach are safe regarding crime.
Esperanza is also a safe beach; you will not encounter rip currents, there is no dangerous marine life, and you can even get up close and personal with a sea turtle.
Remember that there are no lifeguards on duty at Playa Esperanza.
As Jenny Diaz writes in her article Is Vieques Safe for Tourists? – All You Need To Know, Vieques is exceptionally safe for tourists.
Esperanza Beach is famous for many things; we will mention eight.
1. Beauty
Playa Esperanza’s clear water, white sand, and scenery make this beach a tropical paradise.
Once you arrive there, the beauty of Esperanza Beach will captivate you.
2. The pier
You will see people jumping from the pier to the water any day, screaming joyfully.
I have jumped into the water from the pier many times; trust me, it is an adrenaline rush.
You can also try jumping from the pier, but exercise caution.
3. The small key – Cayo Afuera
Cayo Afuera is very close to Playa Esperanza, and it adds to the beauty of the scenery.
Cayo Afuera is a small islet close to Esperanza Beach.
The tiny islet is so close to Playa Esperanza that it tempts you to go there.
Some tours will take you to Cayo Afuera on small boats.
4. Water sports
From kayaking to swimming, paddle boarding and motorized watercraft, to snorkeling and scuba diving; if you are a water sports enthusiast, Playa Esperanza is the beach to visit.
Playa Esperanza’s calm waters are great for all watersports.
5. Fishing
The fishing boats are one of Puerto Rico’s iconic views.
At Playa Esperanza, you can meet and greet some fishermen and buy freshly caught seafood.
The fishermen’s boats are also great for social media photos.
6. Restaurants
There are some great restaurants and food stands near Playa Esperanza.
You will find some of the best seafood in Vieques on Esperanza Beach.
Be on the lookout for fish tacos.
7. Sunsets
Playa Esperanza has the most beautiful sunsets in all of Vieques.
You will see many shades of amber and have the opportunity to see your significant other in a different light.
8. El Malecón
Esperanza’s most famous area is the Malecón.
This oceanfront walkway has shops, hotels, and restaurants.
Many bio bay tours gather in the Malecón.
The Malecón is a safe place to hang out at night.
Yes, Esperanza Beach is worth visiting. Esperanza Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Vieques and Puerto Rico. You can practice many watersports, eat excellent seafood, watch the sunset, and have a memorable time.
Yes, you can see the sunset at Esperanza Beach. If you ask locals and tourists alike, they will tell you that Esperanza Beach is the best place to watch the sunset in Vieques.
Esperanza Beach is one of the most famous and best beaches in Vieques.
You can practice many water sports, enjoy the view and even jump from a pier to the water.
If you visit Vieques, visit Mosquito Bay, one of the world’s brightest, if not the most brilliant bioluminescent bays.
For more, please check our article Mosquito Bioluminescent Bay in Vieques, Puerto Rico – All You Need to Know.
Writer at PuertoRico.com. I was born in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. I’m passionate about Puerto Rican history and culture. I live on the west coast of Puerto Rico, and host an Airbnb for tourists. I also coordinate tours and concierge services for tourists. I authored “Eat Like A Local, Puerto Rico”, and have contributed to blogs and magazines with articles about discovering and enjoying what Puerto Rico has to offer.
About the author
