Things to Do in Vieques

Bioluminescent Bay (aka Mosquito Bay or Puerto Mosquito) is one of Puerto Rico’s three bioluminescent bays, located on the island of Vieques. A popular destination for nighttime boat tours, this bay is by far the brightest. The water is illuminated by dinoflagellates called Pyrodinium bahamense, tiny microorganisms that glow when touched.

Half-moon-shaped Sun Bay Beach has it all: palm-lined sand, clear turquoise waters, sparse crowds and pretty much all the facilities a beach-goer could want. As one of the most accessible beaches on Vieques — as well as the only beach offering public facilities — it’s a popular option for day-trippers to the island. The water is calm, with only a few gentle waves, so it’s an ideal beach for swimming, particularly at the far eastern end.

Sun Bay is about 2 miles (3 kilometers) long and rarely crowded, yet it has public bathrooms, showers, a campground, lifeguards and kiosks for purchasing food. The town of Esperanza — with its own collection of bars and restaurants — is within walking distance.