Vieques is a small island located about 8 miles east of Puerto Rico.
This island is famous for beaches, wild horses, and the world’s brightest bioluminescent bay, Mosquito Bay.
After living in Vieques for several years, I can tell you the best places to stay.
Below are the 12 best areas and places to stay in Vieques, Puerto Rico:
Vibrant nightlife and beautiful beaches are what this small town on the southern coast of Vieques is known for.
Most bio bay tours meet up here, and Sun Bay is just a short walk away. Staying in this area is ideal for short visits to Vieques.
After landing at the ferry dock in Isabel II, take a public bus to access Esperanza.
Esperanza’s main area is the Malec贸n, which is an oceanfront walkway lined with shops, hotels, and restaurants.
The closest areas to buy groceries and supplies are Colmado Lydia and The Green Store.
Backpackers, be sure to check out camping at Sun Bay.
For a very small fee, you can camp directly on this beach, which I highly recommend.
Check out the video below of Esperanza:
You can check out Esperanza Inn or Trade Winds Guesthouse if you are looking to stay at a moderately priced hotel, El Quenepo, and El Blok for something more luxurious.
For more information about the bioluminescent bay on Vieques, which is the brightest in the world, read our article about Mosquito Bay.
This is the main town on Vieques, and it’s a good place to stay if you want to be close to the ferry dock, restaurants, shops, and other amenities.
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There are several small hotels and vacation rentals available in Isabel II, as well as bed and breakfasts and guesthouses.
The town plaza is a great place to walk around, grab a drink or go shopping.
There is a grocery store in town and a gas station within a few minutes drive.
Watch the video below for a walking tour of the Isabel Segunda:
Casa Cuatro is located right on Sea Glass Beach in Isabel II.
If you are looking for accommodations on a budget, I recommend Vieques Good Vibe House.
For more information about the ferry from Ceiba to Vieques, read our article How to Get to Vieques From San Juan.
Located on the central hills of the island, Monte Santo offers a peaceful atmosphere.
Monte Santo Playa is the beach located right in this neighborhood.
Although the water here is not as calm as other parts of the island, it’s still secluded and great for finding sea glass.
While sections of Monte Santo feel ultra-private, you will be in close proximity to Isabel II and the grocery stores and gas stations.
Check out Playa Monte Santo in the following video:
This Tiny House is situated on a hilltop overlooking the sea on about an acre of land, with a spectacular view and a small space, this place is great for singles and couples.
Villa Venti is an architecture lover’s dream. Sitting atop the hills overlooking the sea, you can enjoy a cup of coffee from your private terrace.
If you are on a budget and want to be situated on a beachfront, check out this Casita Montesanto Playa.
Read up on things to do while you visit Vieques in our 30 Best Things to Do in Vieques article.
This area is located on the north shore and offers access to several secluded beaches.
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If you are flying into Vieques instead of taking the ferry, you will be close to the airport if you stay here.
If you love snorkeling and are planning to stay in this neighborhood, you鈥檒l be near one of the best snorkeling spots on the island, Mosquito Pier.
Check out this video of snorkeling at Mosquito Pier:
Casa Baraka is a three-unit villa that has been featured on HGTV. They offer studios and 1 bedroom apartments in a jungle setting, within walking distance of the beach.
Casona Martineau sleeps 8 and has 4 bedrooms and 3 baths, making it the perfect place to stay with a large group.
Check out my other article with the Best Snorkel Spots in Vieques for more information.
Located on the south side of the island, La Hueca is famously known for its Black Sand Beach.
If you are willing to stay a bit off the beaten path, but still close enough to everything Vieques has to offer, this is the neighborhood for you.
Check out this video guide to Black Sand Beach:
Stay at Blue Horizon Beach Resort or the Orita Designer Suite, located inside an art gallery with views of the beach.
Casa Limones is an ultra-chic luxurious villa situated on top of one of Vieques tallest peaks. If you want to arrive in Vieques in total privacy, this stay has an equipped helicopter pad.
Learn more in our guide to Black Sand Beach.
This neighborhood is located near the Isabel II and is a great option for those looking for tranquility and lovely views.
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For those of you who love a good ghost story, staying in this area could be the closest you get to a sleepover in the famous Bermuda Triangle, which according to some sources has its southern tip on Puerto Diablo, Vieques.
This Loft Unit is perfect for someone on a budget and offers ocean views from its shared deck.
If you are looking for a place to host your family, check out Hilltop Hacienda. This two-floor villa comes equipped with a pool, panoramic ocean views, and a five-minute walk to the beach.
Pil贸n is a neighborhood just a few minutes north of Esperanza and the Malecon, but far enough away to feel like another world.
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The area is made up of stunning boutique guesthouses and secluded restaurants.
My personal favorite is Finca Victoria, which also is home to a vegan restaurant and ayurvedic center. They offer yoga classes and can host groups.
Check out Finca Victoria in the video below:
This Beach House with three bedrooms is close enough to Esperanza to be convenient for you to see all Vieques has to offer, enough space to split costs with your friends and feel like you are in your own tropical paradise.
A quiet neighborhood located in the heart of the island, the best part about staying at this location will be your close proximity to beaches like La Chiva and Caracas.
Destino’s charm and natural beauty lie in its relatively undeveloped state.
As you drive down from Isabella II, you’ll find Colmado Mambo, a small general store where you can pick up any last-minute supplies.
If you want to be situated between Isabel II and Esperanza, this is the perfect place to stay.
Check out the video below showing La Chiva and Caracas Beaches:
If you are on a budget, check out SoliMar Guest Studios, you can drive to the Vieques Wildlife Reserve and access the best beaches on the island within minutes.
For something a little more private with panoramic views of the area, check out Destino Dream.
This neighborhood is known for its beautiful views and luxurious properties and is located right next to Destino.
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You will be close to the main road that connects Isabel II to Esperanza and a stone’s throw away from the Vieques National Wildlife Refuge, where you can enjoy some of the beaches that make this island world-famous.
This one-bedroom Island House has a pool, grill, and fabulous views if you want to stay within a reasonable budget and enjoy some amenities that will make your stay memorable.
Casa Cumbre is a luxurious hilltop villa that your entire family or group of friends will love, with rare views of both sides of the island.
This mid-island neighborhood is named after Carmelo F茅lix Matta.
Carmelo played a pivotal role in the movement to liberate Vieques from the control of the United States military.
It was reported that officers serving him the eviction papers had an uncomfortable encounter with a large swarm of bees living on his property when they told him to evacuate his family’s home. The bees drove away the soldiers, making it impossible to remove the family from their land.
Visitors can now enjoy views of the Vieques Wildlife Refuge, which was formerly occupied by the US Navy, from this affordable Rustic Cottage, or bring the whole family for a stay at Casa Tolteca.
This neighborhood is located on the north shore and offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.
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You will be staying close to the town of Isabel II, which means easy access to the ferry and shops, but have some privacy as well.
Residents and visitors enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape from this neighborhood situated on a hillside.
The Bravo Beach Hotel is good for singles or couples. Stay at Vista Los Arcos for panoramic views of the ocean at an affordable price, or for something more luxurious check out this Oceanfront Artist’s Home with a garden.
This neighborhood is located mid-island and offers stunning views of the sea.
Furthermore, visitors to the Los Chivos neighborhood can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, as well as the natural beauty of Vieques.
The serene beaches of the Vieques Wildlife Refuge are all just a short drive away.
Las Terrazas Los Chivos is perfect for a family or group.
Rainbow Realty can offer you an adorable guest room if you are traveling on a budget and don鈥檛 mind sharing common spaces.
The best place to stay in Vieques for most people is the south side near Esperanza. Most bio bay tours start from here, and there is a beach within walking distance for things to do in case you didn鈥檛 rent a car. If you are staying longer than a few days and have transportation, I highly recommend checking out the vacation rentals listed above in Lujan, Pilon, or Monte Carmelo.
You want to stay in Vieques for at least 2 days, if not more. There is enough to see here to stay for at least a week's vacation.
Yes. Between its beautiful beaches, wild horses, and the world鈥檚 brightest bioluminescent bay, Vieques is the perfect place for a vacation.
No matter where you stay on Vieques, you’ll be able to enjoy the island’s stunning natural beauty and laid-back atmosphere.
It’s a great destination for a relaxing beach vacation with an adventurous twist.
If you need more inspiration for planning your trip, check out our 13 Best Tours & Excursions in Vieques article.
Writer at PuertoRico.com. After living in Puerto Rico for seven years, I opened a guesthouse in Rinc贸n and welcomed over 400 guests to the island from around the world. When I鈥檓 not writing about travel or spending time with my dog, I鈥檓 working towards becoming a pilot with dreams of flying around the islands.
