Mosquito Bay
An electric kayak or boat tour on the world-famous glowing bay. Book for a moonless night. Swimming isn't allowed.
Vieques
A sleepy island of wild horses and empty beaches, home to one of the world's brightest bioluminescent bays.
The US Navy used much of Vieques as a bombing range until 2003. The land is now a wildlife refuge, which has kept the island remarkably unbuilt. Horses wander the roads of Esperanza and Isabel Segunda.
Its great sight is Mosquito Bay, which glows blue-green at every movement of the water. Guinness has named it the brightest in the world.
- Best Time
- December–May
- Time Needed
- 2–3 days
- Cost Level
- $$$$
- Open
- Year-round; some places close in the fall
- Getting There
- A ferry from Ceiba, about an hour's drive from San Juan, or a small plane from San Juan.
What to See
2 of 4 are freeVieques Refuge Beaches
Caracas and La Chiva, on the former Navy lands: clear water and few people. Check hours and any closed areas.
Sun Bay
A long crescent of palms near Esperanza, with a small fee for facilities.
Esperanza
A one-street malecón of open-air bars and restaurants by the water.
Know Before You Go
- Ferries leave from Ceiba, on the main island. They can sell out, and fares for visitors have changed, so check the operator's site. Short flights run from San Juan and Ceiba.
- Stay on marked paths in the refuge: unexploded munitions remain in parts of the old range.
- You need a rented jeep or scooter; reserve it ahead.
Where to Stay
Stay in Esperanza for bars, or Isabel Segunda for ferries.
Where to Eat
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Last checked 2026-11-01. Part of the US Territories list.