Life and work can often be stressful, and picking a quiet destination in the Caribbean can be hard.
However, for those seeking peace and quiet in the northeast Caribbean Sea, Vieques Island is the ideal choice.
Here, you can act like Tom Hanks in the movie Castaway, but without the downside.
Read on to find out more about this island off the coast of Puerto Rico, and what it has to offer wannabe castaways.
Peace and quiet in Vieques Island off Puerto Rico
The former US military base of Vieques nestles in the northeast Caribbean Sea, 40 miles from the shores of Puerto Rico.
Meanwhile, the island is around 1,000 miles southeast of Miami, Florida, between the Dominican Republic and the US.
The island is fairly small and is 22 miles long and 4 miles wide.
Meanwhile, the emergence of this destination on the travel scene has been slow and gentle and Vieques retains a rustic feel.
Let’s take a look at some of the best attractions of Vieques Island, including adventure activities, history and nature.
Mosquito Bay’s bioluminescent wonder
Located on the southern shore of Vieques, Puerto Mosquito, or Mosquito Bay, is often referred to as “magical.”
In fact, the bioluminescent bay was officially declared the brightest in the world by the Guinness Book of World Records in 2008.
This nighttime destination is best experienced during a “New Moon” phase and should definitely be visited at night.
Meanwhile, the waters of Mosquito Bay host organisms known as Pyrodinium Bahamense and Dinoflagellates (dinos).
The organisms are responsible for this impressive natural phenomenon, as when the dinos come into contact with other organisms in the water, they produce a bright burst of blue light.
History of the island
Fortin Conde de Mirasol Museum [Image @ismari_caraballo/Instagram]
While many people would head to the beach, Vieques has two small museums worthy of a visit.
These will help visitors connect and understand the local people and give the visit to the island a deeper meaning.
One is the Fortin Conde de Mirasol Museum, where visitors can learn the history of the island with its intriguing past.
A second museum is the Vieques Conservation & Historical Trust, which is packed with educational and interesting exhibits relating to the history and culture of the island and the beautiful and bioluminescent Mosquito Bay.
Water sports and adventure in Vieques
Vieques Island [Image by StockSnap from Pixabay]
A variety of water sports are available on the island, including scuba diving and snorkeling.
In fact, the island offers a number of perfect sites with its many rocky inlets and bays.
Meanwhile, a relaxing day of surfing or having fun with stand-up paddle boarding is perfect with the island’s crystal clear waters.
The sports also give the opportunity to admire the beauty of the island’s coastline.
Alternatively, relax on the board, catching some rays as you float along.
Meanwhile, the skies of Vieques Island are very dark once the sun goes down.
This makes two-thirds of the island a natural reserve, perfect for stargazing with its low light pollution.
Experience a quiet vacation in Vieques Island this year to refresh and revive from the stresses of everyday life.
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