Sun Bay Beach
Off Highway 997, Vieques, Puerto Rico
Half moon-shaped Sun Bay Beach on Vieques boasts palm-lined sands, clear turquoise waters, and plenty of room for relaxing. As one of the most accessible beaches on this Puerto Rican island—and the only one with public facilities—it’s a popular spot for day-trippers. Plus, its calm waters with gentle waves make it ideal for swimming, especially at its far eastern end.
Experience a day of fun at Sun Bay Beach from Puerto Rico by either ferry or plane. About 2 miles (3 kilometers) long, the beach has public bathrooms, showers, a campground, lifeguards, and food kiosks, making it a popular destination for families in particular. Plus, the town of Esperanza and its bars and restaurants are within walking distance of the beach. While Sun Bay is good for swimming, especially for young children, it’s not necessarily great for snorkeling as there’s not much marine life.
Camping on Sun Bay is possible, but a permit needs to be arranged in advance for a fee.
Sun Bay is known as Sombe by the locals.
Wild horses are known to visit Sun Bay, usually during the afternoon hours.
Take a ferry from Ceiba, a town on the northeast part of Puerto Rico, to reach Vieques, or book a commuter flight from one of four airports on the island. Once there, unless you rent a car, the easiest way to reach Sun Bay Beach is by grabbing a taxi upon arrival. Be sure to arrange a pick-up time with the driver ahead of time.
Even though the beach is popular, it doesn’t feel crowded given its size, no matter when you visit. But you can expect to encounter the most people on weekends. Hurricane season runs from June through November, with September being the peak month. Consider buying travel insurance if you’re planning a visit during that time.
Also found on Vieques, Mosquito Bay is considered a must-do experience in Puerto Rico. At night, its waters emit a glow created by organisms known as dinoflagellates, which light up when disturbed by boats, paddles, or hands in the water. Book a guided tour by boat or kayak to explore this natural phenomenon.
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