Honeymoon on Vieques Island, Puerto Rico

Once mainly controlled by the US military, Vieques offers 40 palm-fringed white-sand beaches that are open to everyone, including the gorgeous Playa Sun Bay located on the east coast near the fishing village of Esperanza.

Things to do and see
Vieques is especially renowned for Bahía Mosquito (Mosquito Bay), where millions of bioluminescent organisms glow when disturbed, leaving eerie blue-white trails of phosphorescence. This natural phenomenon is best seen from a kayak or on a non-polluting electric boat on a cloudy moonless night. You can also go swimming among the glow.

Tour the Vieques Wildlife Refuge, which encompasses several ecologically distinct habitats, including the island's best white-sand beaches and woodland and mangrove wetlands. Along the way look out for wildlife including manatees, brown pelicans and nesting sea turtles.

Best beaches on Vieques Island
Playa Sun Bay – Unwind on the soft white sand of this 1.6km-long palm-fringed beach that edges a crescent-shaped bay with calm turquoise waters perfect for swimming. Facilities include changing rooms, toilets, showers, picnic tables and food kiosks.

Playa Sun Bay lies on the south coast of Vieques Island, just east of Esperanza. Visit on a day trip or stay longer at the highly rated Inn on the Blue Horizon, a stylish hotel located near Esperanza. Once used by the US military for target practice (until 2003), the island is fringed with gorgeous pristine beaches just waiting to be discovered on foot or by boat.

Playa Media Luna – Discover the soft white sands of this gorgeous 300m-long beach that lies just over the hill from Playa Sun Bay. Fringed by shady sea grape trees and edging a long inlet framed by bush-covered cliffs, Playa Media Luna faces calm and shallow protected waters that are perfect for small children. Rocks nearby offer good snorkelling. Take food and drinks, as there are no facilities.

Location – Vieques lies 11km east of Puerto Rico.

Getting there – By air, Vieques is just a short hop from San Juan; by ferry, the trip takes an hour. You can either use public transport to get around or explore the island by hire car or mountain bike.