A Magical 2-Day Stay in Vieques, Puerto Rico

You can either arrive by air or sea, but I took the ferry from Ceiba. It's preferred to purchase tickets in advance to ensure your spot, otherwise you might have to wait a couple of hours until the next ferry arrives (like I did). The entire ride, including the boarding/off boarding process, took about an hour or so.

Upon arriving, look into renting a car. You can also use a taxi, but they are not the most reliable, and Uber and Lyft don’t exist on the island. By having your own car, you can be on your own schedule. Vieques has many wonders to explore, but everything is a bit of a distance from each other.

Once that is settled, grab a bite and chat with the locals. Get to know their favorite spots and learn about the history of the island. We went to Cafe del Mar as it was right next to our stay. It had great food, great people and great views!

After you settle in your space, hit the pool or closest beach to relax and soak up the vibes. You may even find a coconut to crack open and eat.

For nighttime activities, the infamous bioluminescent tour at Mosquito Bay is an absolute must! This majestic kayak experience takes place after nightfall. Kayakers witness these incredible plankton that produce a glow with motion. This phenomenon lights up the bay with a white-blue light that makes you feel like you're in Avatar. Stargazing is also wonderful here.

I booked my tour with Black Beard Sports, and I highly recommend them. The whole staff was entertaining, knowledgable and hospitable, and they really elevated our experience.

Start the day off early by heading to Mosquito Pier around 6 am. The animals are awakening from their slumber and are ready to eat. Keep an eye out for sea turtles, as they swim up to the pier during this time. It's truly an honor to see one!

Next up is morning horseback riding before it gets too hot. Sailh's Paradise Horse Riding takes you through Black Sand Beach, a scenic trail where waves roll onto shore and the breeze blows through your hair. It's a meditative experience, and the kind staff is eager to take pictures for you.

Adventuring onward, exploring the Ceiba tree is a sight to see. This incredible tree is over 350 years old. It's a perfect spot to meditate, take a nap and enjoy the company of the wild horses that graze next to it.

As the day gets hotter, it's time to explore the many beaches! There are pockets of little beaches throughout, but the main beaches are Caracas, Pata Prieta, La Chiva, Escondida and Playa la Plata. They are all located in one area, so you're able to drive up and down and visit each one. These beaches are some of the most beautiful beaches, and they will surely take your breath away. The vibrant shades of teals, blues and greens, against the contrast of the sky and sand provides a sense of tranquility, whether you want to splash around and play mermaids or relax under the palm trees.

For the ultimate sunset experience, head to a nearby store or restaurant to create your ideal picnic to bring to the beach. There's no better way to end the day than by watching the sun melt into the horizon.