Vieques Escape - Puerto Rico

This morning we head to the north of the island for a couple of cracking swims. The first one is a unique swim along the full length of Mosquito Pier, originally constructed by the US Navy with the purpose of creating a sea wall between Vieques to the main island of Puerto Rico. The project was never completed and all that is left is this pier that juts out into the Caribbean Sea. The Navy’s loss is our gain as the sea life that congregates underneath the pier can be like a real-life aquarium with a variety of corals and fish species. Turtles are frequently spotted here too. It’s an ideal first swim as there are numerous ‘get out points’ along the way, should we wish to get out and rest.

After lunch, we head to the remote north-west coast and to Punta Arenas, with its shelving reef which extends with coral outcrops in all directions. The peak of Mount Britton in the El Yunque National Forest on the nearby island of Puerto Rico is clearly visible as we swim towards the headland at Punta Boca Quebrada. The coastline here is generally sheltered and offers an idyllic reef swim. Once the swim finishes, we head back to our base at Esperanza, where you have a chance to rest and relax and maybe explore the village some more. We meet for sunset drinks on our hotel’s rooftop bar and discuss the plan for tomorrow in more detail.

Today, we base ourselves on the stunning South Coast of Vieques. We carry out two swims within the Vieques National Wildlife Refuge which contains some of the best examples of sub-tropical forest in the Caribbean.

Our morning swim takes us from the white sanded Navio Beach and across the entrance to Bioluminescent Bay. Once across the channel, we swim along the craggy coast, which features a number of inlets and occasional islets. A steep coastline means ‘get out points’ are limited. Our target is the abandoned Puerto Ferro Lighthouse which was first lit back in 1896. After being picked up by boat we head back to Esperanza for lunch and a chance to relax.

The afternoon’s swim takes us further east as we go swim from the island of Chiva and towards Punta Conejo. Once we round the headland, we aim towards Punta Carenero. There are numerous fan and brain corals to swim over as well as schools of parrot fish, butterfly fish, eagle rays and hawksbill turtles which call the seagrass forests here home. This is remote swimming as several of the places that we pass are inaccessible from land.

The evening is spent together with a final dinner somewhere in Esperanza, where we can reminisce about the previous swims and look forward to the final swim to come.

After a relaxed breakfast overlooking the sea, there is time for one final swim, and this is a fun crossing as we swim out to the island of Cayo Real which lies out directly in front of Esperanza village. Antler coral, nurse sharks and manatees have been spotted previously on this short crossing. The coastline around Cayo Real is rocky and is a haven for a variety of sea life. After time to rest and relax, it is time to say our goodbyes when the tour comes to an end.

Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is a US commonwealth, rich in cultural and geographical diversity. The island is surrounded by aquamarine waters, golden beaches, and multicolored fringing coral all of which is home to abundant marine life. Add to that the mountainous interior, featuring lush green jungles, and Puerto Rico is well worth a visit.

Vieques Island

This island is a much more chilled-out version of the pacier lifestyle you find on the main island of Puerto Rico. As the biggest of the islands sometimes referred to as the Spanish Virgin Islands, Vieques lies six miles southeast of the Puerto Rico mainland. The Puerto Rican poet Luis Llorens Torres dubbed it la Isla Nena (“Little Girl Island”), alluding to its perception as Puerto Rico’s little sister.

Esperanza Puerto Real

Our base for the week is the coastal village of Esperanza known locally as El Malecon. It is a favorite hangout for locals and visitors alike. El Malecon is a picturesque location with views of Monte Pirata (the highest peak on the island), a gorgeous beach, offshore cays, colorful fisherman boats on the water and warm amber sunsets.

Bioluminescent Bay

This bay is located just a few miles from our base at Esperanza on the southern shore of Vieques. In the waters of Mosquito Bay, there are organisms named Pyrodinium bahamense, Dinoflagellates (dinos). These “dinos” are responsible for this amazing natural phenomenon. When the “dinos” come into contact with another organism, or are disturbed, they produce a bright burst of blue light.

Equipment Checklist

In addition to your daily non-swimming clothes, we also recommend that you bring the following items:

*Try to bring one clear lens and one tinted lens for different light conditions.

SwimTrek will supply swim hats, water and electrolyte drinks. The guides will no longer distribute shared drinks bottles, but rather will fill up each individual guest’s personal drink bottle. Please ensure these are clearly marked to help our guides identify yours. If you would like to use a wetsuit, rash vest, snorkel or fins during your swims, please ensure that you bring these with you. For more on our Updated Packing List check out our: Covid-19 guidance.

Trip Grading

We have given this trip a ‘Leisurely’ grading designed for people who want to swim at a more relaxed pace and enjoy the scenery.

*Please note that these swims are an example of what may take place during the course of your trip and should be used as a guide only. Actual swim locations and distances will vary according to local weather and sea conditions.

Swimming Conditions

Swimming in the sea is a fantastic experience but you need to be aware that marine life is abundant in Puerto Rico. Stonefish, scorpionfish, lionfish, jellyfish, sea urchins, coral and some shark species could be present during the swims. In all cases we will work on reducing your contact with these creatures, however if you suffer from anaphylaxis please consult the office prior to booking.

Walking Distances

While walking is not a focus of this trip, there are some optional walks, for which we recommend that you wear comfortable walking shoes or sandals.

Walking Conditions

The walks are short and flat and take place on established footpaths and trails.

Temperatures

*Please note that these temperatures are indicative and should be used as a guide only.

Weather Caveat

For safety reasons, we rely on decent weather conditions when carrying out our swims. As a consequence, open water swimming holidays require a certain degree of on-trip flexibility which can result in changes to the planned itinerary. These changes often add a touch of uniqueness to your trip and will be communicated to you by your SwimTrek guides as quickly as possible.

Group Size and Boat Support

This trip has a maximum group size of 12 swimmers and will be accompanied by two SwimTrek guides and local boat crew. The group will be split into a maximum of two groups based on speed, each of which is accompanied by their own safety vessel/escort.

We have given this trip a ‘Leisurely’ grading designed for people who want to swim at a more relaxed pace and enjoy the scenery.

There are no non-stop flights directly to Vieques Island from outside of Puerto Rico. So you should fly to Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport, also known as San Juan Airport (SJU) on the main island and then make your way from there.

As SwimTrekkers come from all over the world, and join our swimming holidays in numerous destinations, we don't currently offer flights as part of our SwimTrek packages. We do however want to do as much as we can to ensure that our guests get the best deals when travelling to one of our trips so check out SwimTrek's tips to help you get the best deals for your flights.

Travel from San Juan Airport to Vieques Island Esperanza

The most convenient way to get to Vieques is to book flights directly from San Juan International Airport (SJU) to Antonio Rivera Rodríguez Airport (VQS) a 30-minute flights. Airlines flying this route include Vieques Air Link and Cape Air.

If you are staying on Puerto Rico prior to your SwimTrek trip you may want to make your way to Ceiba’s Jose Aponte de la Torre Airport (RVR). Flights from Ceiba to Vieques are 7 minutes each way. Services are light aircraft that might hold up to 14 passengers. Also leaving from Ceiba is the ferry which takes a between 1 and 2 hours. The ferry is cheap but normally crowded and cannot be pre-booked.

Travel from Vieques Airport and Ferry Terminal to Esperanza

Getting from the airport or ferry terminals, on the north of the island, to Esperanza and the El Blok Hotel is a short 15-minute drive across the island. You can take a publico (a communal taxi) and they are typically plentiful at both arrival points. Alternatively, organise a private taxi before leaving Puerto Rico so it is waiting when you arrive on Vieques by calling (787) 741-8294 (TAXI).

Accommodation

Our home for the trip is the El Blok Hotel in the idyllic seafront hamlet of Esperanza. The hotel is inspired by the coral reefs and is an alluring arthouse-inspired hotel. It benefits from an excellent restaurant and rooftop bar. El Blok does not accept guests under 18 years of age.

The rooms feel natural, modern and minimalist. All rooms feature balconies and rain showers.

Pre/Post Trip Accommodation and Trip Extension Options

If you require any additional nights’ accommodation on Vieques Island before or after the SwimTrek tour, this can be arranged directly through the El Blok Hotel via email at reserve@elblok.com. When contacting El Blok please ensure that you inform them that you are part of the SwimTrek group.

For guests looking to extend their stay in Puerto Rico there is a wide range of hotels on the main island as well as charter boats if you’d be interested to explore by sea.

Food and Drink

All breakfasts are included on the trip. Two lunches are also included on each of the full days. Dinners are at your own expense, which gives you a fantastic opportunity to explore and experience the local cafes and restaurants of your choice over the course of your trip.

Extra Activities

Bioluminescent Bay is just a short hop from Esperanza and is well worth a visit at night time during your time there. It is simple to organise a trip to see the bay when you are on the trip. Other activities available on the island include sailing or horseback riding tours and explorative hikes. Besides taxis there are also ‘golf cart’ hire available for a fun way to explore.

Money, Extra Expenses and Tipping

You should bring extra money with you to cover such items as dinners, entertainment, souvenirs and drinks. The local currency is US dollars (US$).

In some countries tipping, gratuities, is not part of the culture in others it has become an expected norm. We believe that tipping is entirely at your discretion. If you have been provided with excellent it may be something you wish to do. Your SwimTrek guides can advise on local norms for service providers like boat crew, waiters, or taxis. Nothing is expected for your SwimTrek guides, but many groups like to present something to the guides at the end of the trip.

Passports and Visas

Since Puerto Rico is a territory of the United States, US citizens do not require a passport to enter the Island. However, you must always travel with a valid photo ID.

Non-residents of the United States require a full passport to enter Puerto Rico, which should be valid for six months beyond the expected length of stay. The majority of visitors to the US require a visa to enter the country. Many nationalities can apply online for the ESTA Visa Waiver Program. For further information, please visit: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/. For further information about US visas, please visit www.travel.state.gov/content/visas/en.html.

Please note that all visa regulations are subject to change and we advise that you check your own visa requirements prior to travel.

Travel Insurance

We consider comprehensive travel insurance to be essential, and we strongly recommend that you purchase insurance which includes, but is not limited to, cover for illness, accident, emergency repatriation, ambulance, air ambulance, helicopter rescue services, cancellation, lost luggage, and delays. Your travel insurance should also cover you for open water swimming and any other activity listed in your trip itinerary (including races and competitions, where applicable). Please read your policy details carefully and remember to take them with you on your trip for your own reference. For further information about travel insurance, please visit: www.swimtrek.com/travel-insurance.

Health Information and Recommended Vaccinations

For comprehensive health information for people travelling to Puerto Rico, including all recommended and required vaccinations, please visit: Travel Health Pro. Please note that this information is subject to change and you should re-check this site regularly prior to your trip.

Internet Access, Electricity and Travel Plugs

On Vieques Island internet access can b sporadic. At El Blok Hotel internet access (high speed and wireless) is available in the common areas while wifi is also available in guest rooms.

For a useful source of information on the different electrical outlets, electrical plugs, and electric sockets, please visit: worldstandards.eu.