Isabel Segunda, Vieques, Puerto Rico Cruises

Isabel Segunda, Vieques, Puerto Rico Cruise Port

Isla de Vieques is an island municipality that lies about eight miles east of the Puerto Rican mainland. With a total population around 10,000, its most popular barrio by far is Isabel Segunda, sometimes called Isabel II, which is on the northern side of the island and is its administrative center. In the northeastern Caribbean Sea, islands like this 134-square-mile gorgon are unofficially known as the Spanish Virgin Islands. Many locals view Vieques as Puerto Rico’s little sister, and while its name already roughly translates to Small Island, they’ve also given her the nickname Isla Nena, or Little Girl Island. During World War II, the US Navy took control of most of the island and used it to house troops. After the conflict they gave up ownership but continued to use it as a test site for their munitions. After years of staunch protesting, the US withdrew their troops in 2003.

• Caracas Beach is a beautifully tropical beach featuring a narrow, sandy shoreline with interesting flora and forestation on one side and the calming, warm ocean to the other.
   
• Bioluminescent Mosquito Bay is a stunning bay that glows florescent in the nighttime so long as there isn’t much moonlight. Night kayaking to get a proper look at the bioluminescence is quite popular at this site.
   
• The Fortin Conde de Mirasol Museum is a small, yet informative and artsy museum that offers a panoramic view of the island from its observation deck.
   
• The Segunda Fish Market is a superb place to get fresh fish. They deal in some rare species along with the most popular, and the employees will clean and filet any fish that you choose to purchase.