Snorkeling in Vieques is easily one of the most popular activities for locals and tourists alike. Spend your days exploring the colorful beauty underneath the water’s surface and discover an entirely new world. Discover when and where to snorkel in Vieques Puerto Rico with our guide below.
Where to snorkel in Vieques Puerto Rico
Blue Beach
Blue Beach is the perfect place for families to enjoy snorkeling due to its shallow waters. So shallow, in fact, you can sit in the water at the edge of the shore and watch schools of fish swim by. The best snorkeling spot is at the end of the road where you can easily access La Chiva, a small island full of life and a long reef that extends along the beach.
Esperanza Beach
Esperanza Beach is probably one of the most popular choices when deciding where to snorkel in Vieques Puerto Rico. Discover schools of fish along with manta rays, sea turtles, and more. Explore the waters under the concrete pier and the area right in front of Trade Winds Guesthouse.
Mosquito Pier
Mosquito Pier is a popular spot for both scuba diving and snorkeling. It’s a great place to swim alongside sea turtles, stingrays, and other vibrant sea life.
Playa Pata Prieta
A great beach for families as well, Playa Pata Prieta is a small protected cove that is not too deep with clear calm waters. Locals claim the best snorkeling areas are at the end of the beach near the rocks. Be sure to keep your eye out for the eagle spotted ray who loves to hang out here.
Cayo de Afuera
Cayo de Afuera is an uninhabited small parcel of land that lies a few hundred feet across from the bay at Esperanza Beach. The best way to access the area is by way of kayak, on your own, or on a guided tour. Snorkel under the ruined pier and on the ocean side near where a sunken sailboat is found just beneath the surface. See dramatic antler coral and the occasional nurse sharks and manatees.
What you will see
When exploring the waters of Vieques, you will come across a variety of marine life. Snorkel over reefs with delicate fans and gorgonian coral forests. Swim alongside schools of angelfish, parrotfish, and the endangered hawksbill turtles, and much more.
Snorkeling tours
You can either book a tour or explore on your own and rent your gear from a local outfitter on the island. For snorkeling gear, visit one of the local rental shops and start your snorkeling adventures in Puerto Rico.
Stay at Hacienda Tamarindo
When you stay at Hacienda Tamarindo, you overlook the beautiful azure waters of Esperanza Bay and are just minutes from Esperanza Beach and other snorkeling adventures.
Our small luxury hotel features 17 rooms, each creatively designed and decorated with imaginative details from a lifetime’s accumulation of art, antiques, and collectibles. Spacious rooms with plenty of windows let you take in all the island beauty.
With distinctive character and beautiful views, each of our rooms and suites offers just the right amount of comfort and island flare for your tropical vacation. Book your Vieques Island vacation with Hacienda Tamarindo and let us show you how to live the island life!
