Things to see and do Esperanza

Commonly known as "Bio Bay", the bioluminescent bay of Vieques is the island's main environmental treasure. If there are five in the world, including three in Puerto Rico, this one is probably the most spectacular, by its size and brightness. They are micro-organisms, dinoflagellates, which are signaled by a small neon light as soon as the water gets agitated around them. A simple observation is therefore not enough. No agitation, no reaction. The micro-organisms at the origin of this phenomenon are however very fragile, which is why swimming, day and night, is forbidden. Indeed, many conditions are necessary to allow these micro-organisms to survive: the presence of mangroves, whose dead leaves enrich the plankton, a constant quality and temperature of the water. This requires the reduction of human pollution by artificial lights and products dejections. Human sweat, perfumes or mosquito repellents applied to the skin can considerably harm them. That's why it's better to just visit by canoe. The survival of this biological treasure depends on it. Unfortunately, at certain periods, several dozen kayaks, chartered by local agencies, are on the water at the same time and that makes a lot of people at the beginning. But it is difficult to be apart and the excursions are generally well organized and respectful of the environment.

This small, rare and fascinating beach is located on the south coast, west of Esperanza (at the intersection of Route 996 and PR-201 take a left). You can park along the road and must take a dirt road to get there. There is a sign indicating the trail. Count 10 minutes of walking at a good pace, through a beautiful coastal forest. At the arrival, you will discover a dreamy cove, at the foot of a cliff, and a beach of magnetic black sand. This one would even have virtues for the skin. Natural spa guaranteed.

Every day at 18 a. m., the group meets near Trade winds on Flamboyán street for a departure to Mosquito Beach and its famous Bioluminescent bay. 

Also called "Red Beach", it is one of the most beautiful beaches on the island (yet another one!), accessible from the interior. Since it is located 7 km east of Esperanza, you have to enter the National Wild Refuge to find the way. Relatively small compared to Esperanza Beach, it is lined with wooden cabins set up for easy picnicking. It remains very busy throughout the year, especially on weekends. On weekends, you can go to La Chiva beach (Blue Beach).

It is one of the most accessible beaches on the island, and also one of the most beautiful. In Vieques, the perfect rounding of this bay extends for almost 1 km. From Esperanza, you can reach it by going along the coast and cutting off a little. From Flamboyan Street, it takes about 10 minutes. Alternatively, you can reach it by car through the entrance along Highway 997. The beach is managed by the Puerto Rico Department of Natural Resources, so it has a few extras: bathrooms, showers, changing rooms, barbecues, kiosks, etc.

This is undoubtedly a splendid beach. The mixture of vegetation, fine sand, turquoise and transparent water is superb. Aesthetically, it is difficult to do better. And as the beach is less accessible than the magnificent "Red Beach", you will probably often find yourself alone or almost, in low season. Surrounded by small cliffs, the beach gives the impression of having arrived on a deserted island, so much the feeling of being cut off from the world seizes you. On the other hand, be careful, the waves are sometimes quite violent.

If you like long walks on the beach, snorkeling or hiking in crystal clear water, if you want to see a lot, you should visit the beautiful bay of La Chiva. Once called "Blue Beach" by the U.S. Navy, the name is no longer used and the locals prefer its official name of La Chiva. It is also in winter the best spot on the island for surfers. Some areas are closed to visitors and are marked with signs; for your safety, please respect them.

This beach will quickly become a paradise for those who want to be alone on a fine sandy beach, one of the most secluded on the island. The access by land is not the easiest, but your efforts will be rewarded. If you want to observe the corals and fish with a mask, snorkel and fins, this is one of the most extensive places on Vieques. The beach is also known as "Green Beach". It is part of the Vieques National Wildlife Refuge. It is best to go in the morning to avoid the sand flies that arrive in the afternoon.