Escape the real world in Vieques

Location:
Ecuador, The Southern Coast, Puerto Rico

Vieques, beaches, Bio Bay

By Stephanie Kanowitz

If you're in need of an escape from reality, Esperanza Beach on the tiny island of Vieques, a 90-minute ferry ride from the main island of Puerto Rico, is your place.

The beachfront tourist area is just a few blocks long. You won't find any tall condos or hotels, just a handful of bed and breakfasts, outdoor restaurants and bars, and a few shops. The landscape is also dotted with vendors in trucks selling grilled fresh fish and more traditional fare such as fried chicken with rice and beans.

The waters of Esperanza Beach are crystal clear and the most inviting shade of aquamarine, the sand is soft, and much of the area deserted, making it ideal for a romantic interlude or some alone time.

A short walk from Esperanza Beach is Sun Bay, a public beach with broader beach space and deeper waters.

Nightlife in Esperanza is simple. The biggest tourist attraction is Mosquito Bay, the bioluminescent bay, which visitors boat and swim in after dark to appreciate its natural wonder. The bay is full of Pyrodinium bahamense, Dinoflagellates (dinos), which produce a glowing light in the water when agitated.

The various bars and restaurants take turns courting customers. For instance, a reggae band sometimes plays at Duffy's, while Al's Mar Azul in Isabel Segundo, a town on the other side of the island, offers karaoke on Saturday nights.

No matter whether you choose to dine at one of the outside grills or in a restaurant, don't fret about hair, makeup and proper attire. Patrons stumble in from the beach wearing nothing bathing suits, towels and sea salt.

Many of the bed and breakfast spots do not provide telephones (although most cell phones get reception) or televisions, adding to the feeling of utter escape.

Further Information

Other helpful information: Relax. The only decisions you need to make are:

1. Which night should I take a bio bay tour?

2. Plantains or tostones?

3. Pina colada or Medalla?

Must see/do at this place: Definitely visit Mosquito Bay, the bioluminescent bay.

You should avoid here: Sunburn