Things to Know Before Booking Your Vieques Tour

Vieques is a small island about seven miles off the Puerto Rico mainland. It’s renowned for having the grandest underwater light show due to the millions of bioluminescent dinoflagellates.

The island, along with the Rio Grande and Dorado, is one of the primary drivers of tourism in Puerto Rico. You will see plenty of Vieques tours that promote the island as a destination by itself, separate from the mainland. The country’s capital was only made as a transfer point for the tourists’ ultimate destination — the Mosquito Bay. According to the report, Vieques recorded a 400% rise in Airbnb bookings in 2019 compared to last year.

1. Peak and Off-peak Seasons

Visiting the island during the off-peak season will save you a lot of money in accommodation, amenities, and even some of the tour packages. It’s typically considered a low season for tourists during the middle of April through May, as well as in the middle of August through November. You can see the numbers pick up in June and July. The peak season typically lasts from mid-November through mid-April. In the same vein, when it’s winter season in the United States, some people book Vieques tours to escape the cold. Also, the hotels are fully booked during the Christmas season.

2. You cannot simply drop in unannounced at Mosquito Bay

Tourist visits to the Mosquito Bay, home of the largest light show, are controlled. There is a specific number of visits per night allowed. The Ministry of Tourism has imposed this rule to preserve the fragile ecosystem of the area. Puerto Rico is blessed to have three of the total bioluminescent bays in the world. The two others are in Laguna Grande in Fajardo and La Parguera in Lajas. However, those two areas are no longer as bright because of human activity. That is why swimming is not allowed in Mosquito Bay, as well as motorized outriggers and boats. A full moon is not advisable when you go out to visit. Fortunately, operators of Vieques tours know the best time when it’s fully dark so you can thoroughly soak in the experience.

3. Not just the light show

What most people do not know is that Vieques used to be a US naval outpost during World War II. You will find plenty of bunkers that stand as a grim reminder of the Second Great War. History buffs would have a grand time visiting these bunkers, most of which have already been swallowed by the forest. The island has such a rich history— from Spanish and British colonizers, sugar plantation slave labor, and its role in the war. You can see remnants of those parts of history on the island.

4. Not many people speak English

Tourists are somewhat surprised to learn about the language barrier, considering that Puerto Rico is an unincorporated territory of the United States. But only about 20% here speak English. However, if you book any of the Vieques tours, an English guide will show you around.

Ever since Hurricane Maria ravaged the island in 2017, the people have dusted themselves off from the significant tragedy. It might have taken them six months to welcome tourists again, but Vieques is quickly bouncing back. Credit that to Puerto Rican resilience, as well as the pride of place.