Vieques: See
1 Isabel Segunda (Pueblo) (downtown Vieques). See the historic Roman Catholic church, Spanish-style recreational plaza, and the municipal buildings surrounded by streets and shops. You can drive around the pueblo or park your car and walk around the square and into the plaza. The Spanish law, which regulated life in Puerto Rico in the early 19th century, stated the plaza's purpose was for celebrations and festivities. (updated Apr 2022)
The Bioluminescent Bay, or Mosquito Bay, is one of the most brilliant displays of the micro-organisms that light up in a blue-green glow whenever there is movement in the water. There are several boat tours out to the bay, including kayak trips (which are more ecologically sustainable). Any visitor to the island should arrange a trip. Those who wish to visit the Bio Bay should arrange their trip around the lunar calendar. The micro-organisms are not visible under a full moon. During the two or three days before and after a full moon there are usually no boat tours of the bay.
Isabel Segunda has the last Spanish fort built in the Caribbean (an interesting contrast to El Morro in San Juan).
A stonehenge built by the Taino Indians is incredible--if you can find it.
The "Mosquito Pier" or Rompeolas is mile-long seawall extending from the north side of Vieques, west of Isabella, towards main island of Puerto Rico. It was built during WWII, as the beginning of a breakwater intended to shelter the British fleet if the British Isles had been conquered.
Vieques Conservation and Historical Trust (Esperanza), ☏ +1 787 741-8850, fax: +1 787 741-2844, vcht@coqui.net. Hours: Tue-Sat: 10AM-3PM, Sun: 11AM-3PM. The VCHT is a small, but dedicated and fairly interesting museum, whose goal is to educate visitors about the cultural history of Vieques and Vieques' ecological system. Vieques Computer Systems provide internet access for visitors of Esperanza. Entrance is free.
2 El Fortin Conde de Mirasol, Isabel II, ☏ +1 787-741-1717. Hours: Wed-Sun: 10AM-4PM. Constructed between 1845 and 1855 on a hill overlooking Isabel II, this fort was built with the intention to protect the port. It originally housed the Spanish militia, who would guard the island of Vieques against invading countries and pirates. However, it was never used in defense of Vieques. Today, the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture manages the fort and has completed a restoration of the building and the surrounding grounds.
The Navy bunkers at the west end of Vieques provide a glimpse into that era. Beware: the roads are unmarked, single lane dirt roads that wind around. It is easy to get lost but also relatively easy to eventually find your way out, since it is an island. It is unlikely that you will meet another person so make sure you have enough gas and the number for a local service station in the event you break down. Do not go on a time-table!