Vieques is pronounced Vee-AY-kezz.
Many Americans still confuse Vieques with Vegas.
But this island is far from neon lights and slot machines.
When you’re looking for a winter getaway that’s total relaxation without leaving the US?
Say hello to Vieques – secluded island off Puerto Rico.
It’s perfect for a post-holiday decompressing.
Here’s a segment we did during a New Year’s get-away.
It’s a tranquil paradise with wild horses, bioluminescent bays, and beaches that rival any in the Caribbean.
Get travel deals to Vieques on Expedia.
Reasons to Choose Vieques This Winter
Unspoiled Beaches: From the turquoise waters of Playa Caracas to the soft sands of Sun Bay and the secluded Red Beach, Vieques offers some of the most pristine beaches in the Caribbean. Pack reef-safe sunscreen and a picnic—many beaches are blissfully undeveloped.
Mosquito Bay: The Brightest Bioluminescent Bay in the World
Winter’s cooler nights make the glow even more vivid.
Book a night kayak tour with Black Beard Sports or Aqua Sunset Tours for a surreal experience.
Jetsetter Tip: visiting during or near a full moon can dull the experience significantly. If that’s your main draw, check moon phases before booking.
Wild Horses and Natural Beauty
Vieques is rustic and undeveloped in many areas. Horses roam freely across the island, adding to its rustic charm. We actually captured some horses ‘horsing around.’
Now for some, roaming wild horses might be annoying since infrastructure is limited. That charm might feel inconvenient to some — especially if you’re expecting resort-style amenities.
Our suggestion: Explore lush trails by foot, bike, or horseback. For guided eco-tours, check out Vieques Outdoor Adventures.
Cultural Depth and History
Vieques blends Spanish and African influences in its cuisine, architecture, and music.
Visit the Vieques Historical Archives & Museum or dine at El Quenepo for a taste of local flavor.
Relaxation and Seclusion
With limited development and no big resorts, Vieques is ideal for unplugging. Your U.S. cell phone works here, and no passport is needed. It’s the Caribbean without the hassle.
Legacy of U.S. Military History
Vieques played a key role in Cold War defense. While parts of the island remain off-limits due to unexploded ordnance, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service ensures safety. Avoid restricted areas and enjoy the preserved nature reserves.
Where to Stay
For winter travel, consider booking a villa or boutique hotel on Expedia to get deals at:
Group travel? Rent a house with a private chef for New Year’s Eve. Raleigh Rick Meadows-style planning makes it unforgettable.
Here’s our video of Vieques House Paraiso
Dining Highlights
Don’t miss:
Southpaw Vieques: Craft cocktails and elevated island fare. Instagram: @southpawvieques
Bili Restaurant: Caribbean fusion with local ingredients.
Getting There: Ferry or Charter Flight from San Juan.
To reach Vieques, fly into San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU). From there, you have two options:
Ferry from Ceiba: Budget-friendly but time-consuming. However, the ferry from mainland Puerto Rico to Vieques is notoriously unreliable. Travelers have reported frequent delays, overbookings, and chaotic boarding procedures.
If you’re planning a winter trip, especially during peak season (December–April), it’s wise to book flights instead of relying on the ferry, even though they’re pricier.
Instead, Charter flight: Fast and scenic. Charter flights offer stunning aerial views and save hours compared to the ferry. There are lots of options when you book on Expedia. We recommend Vieques Air Link or Cape Air.
For winter travel, book early—especially around New Year’s.
This destination is perfect for Undercover Jetsetter’s travel, food, wine, and mixology segments. All content can be shot and edited on your iPhone—just like we teach in our book The TV Studio In Your Hand.
Enjoy. Let us know how it was.
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John Daly and Susan Anzalone are the Co-Creators and Co-Hosts of Undercover Jetsetter, a show on travel, food, and booze. They show you how to jet set the world and at home. They also co-authored the book, The TV Studio In Your Hand: How to Shoot, Edit & Deliver the Easy Way on Your iPhone. Join them for tips and hacks on the road, at home, or in the kitchen, and all over the world. And yes, as you will see, all on the iPhone. Susan is an expert in food and wine since her childhood days in Australia and then the United States, being the daughter of two lifelong employees of Pan Am Airlines. John is also a world traveler starting when he studied in Italy through his alma mater Providence College. John is also a Nevada Hall of Fame Broadcaster during his years as a Las Vegas news anchor at KTNV. He gained international fame as the host of the first all-video news magazine show, Real TV while also securing his bartending and mixology credentials from the Harvard Bartending School. You can follow them here on the free Wingding app on the Food and Travel Channels, on YouTube, Facebook, X, and Instagram.