Encantada Vieques Island Guide 2024

House Handbook & Island Guide

DEAR VALUED GUEST, Welcome to Encantada Vieques! “Encantada” means enchanted or delighted, and we are thrilled to share our property with you and your family.

We have included items here to help answer questions and provide information that we hope will make your stay more enjoyable.

We are in the tropics and things frequently do not happen as we would expect so a go with the flow, island time attitude will go miles during your stay on Vieques.

Our on-island house manager, Karen Murphy, is here to assist you. Feel free to call upon her.

We hope that you enjoy yourself and want to tell your friends quietly of the secrets and magic of Vieques.

¡Bienvenidos!

ISLAND GUIDE Encantada is a 5 acre property just west of Esperanza in Vieques, Puerto Rico. It borders the Caribbean sea, with direct access to Coconut Beach, one of the most beautiful, secluded beaches on the island. You are staying in the 5 bedroom eco-luxury villa designed by architect John Hix. At the entrance of the property to the right is a modern 2 bedroom/2.5 bath renovated Casita. While the villa is designed to blend with the outdoors and maximize the natural surroundings, the Casita is a more traditional house yet still makes use of the island vibes with plenty of porch space and a gorgeous outdoor shower!

Vieques Vieques is a Caribbean island 8 miles east off the coast of mainland Puerto Rico. It is most famous for its Bioluminescent Bay (Mosquito Bay) which glows at night due to microorganisms that give off a light. It also has some of the most pristine beaches in the Caribbean, which are frequently listed among the top beaches in the world. Over 70% of the island is a designated Wildlife Refuge, and some of the best beaches on the island are in the refuge. Vieques is also known for its population of beautiful, wild horses which roam freely throughout the entire island, including on Coconut Beach.

The town of Esperanza is on the southern coast of Vieques, and is a charming neighborhood with lots of restaurants, hotels, and shops. There are rental companies providing bikes, kayaks, jet skis, snorkeling equipment, mopeds, etc. The Malecón or boardwalk looks out at the two small barrier islands, past small fishing boats moored in the harbor. Most of the Bioluminescent Bay tours leave from Esperanza. Visiting the bio bay is the #1 activity in Vieques - it is a must-see!

RESTAURANTS The food on Vieques is absolutely incredible & there are plenty of restaurants to try.

Many of them get their seafood right from the docks! We’ve included some of our favorites below: BREAKFAST 1. Rising Roost - Our favorite spot in Isabel II! Delicious açai bowls, fresh juices & smoothies, huevos rancheros, & fresh ingredient omelettes. 716-535-0062 2. El Blok Placita - This lively hotel restaurant on the Malecón offers contemporary Puerto Rican cuisine & weekend brunch with mimosa flights! 787-741-6030 3. Hacienda Tamarindo - This hotel just 5 minutes west of Esperanza offers their famous breakfast to non-guests as well. Menu typically includes coffee, fruit of the day, oatmeal, eggs any style & a daily chef’s special. 787-362-3324 4. Tradewinds Hotel & Restaurant - classic brunch staples such as eggs benedict & pancakes as well as mimosas & Bloody Mary’s! 787-672-9927 5. Blue Horizon Boutique Resort - On the southern side of the island, this resort offers breakfast all week to guests and non-guests. Fabulous views while you dine! 787-741-3318 6. Finca Victoria - this eco hotel offers vegan breakfast every morning 787-741-0495 LUNCH 1. Banana’s - On the Malecón, this open air restaurant serves wraps, seafood, & burgers. Great for lunch or dinner with views of the harbor. 787-718-6349 2. Duffy's - Bar & restaurant on the Malecón serving casual American food & known for their extensive beer selection. They also serve dinner. 787-435-6585 3. Buen Provecho - Savor their fresh squeezed juices & smoothies, refreshing iced coffee, & made to order sandwiches. 787-529-7316 4. Arenamar Sun Bay’s Cafe - Delicious beachside smoothies, drinks, & snacks right at Sun Bay. They also provide delivery to the beach! 787-239-7771 DINNER 1. El Quenepo - Romantic dining on the Malecón in Esperanza. Eclectic, local cuisine featured in Travel & Leisure & New York Times. 787-741-1215 2. Tin Box - Casual Sushi + BBQ combo in a treehouse setting with killer watermelon margaritas. Live music some nights. 787-741-7700

3. Coquí Fire - In Isabel II. Gourmet Mexican food & they make their own delicious hot sauce & unbelievable homemade cheesecakes. 787-741-0401 4. Bili - Mahi bites, empanadas, & the churrasco steak are some of our favorites for lunch here. Right on the Malecón in Esperanza. 787-741-1382 5. El Blok Placita - This lively hotel restaurant on the Malecón offers contemporary Puerto Rican cuisine. The arepas & the churros are our favorites! 787-741-6030 6. Lazy Jack’s Bar - a Malecón staple, serves casual bar fare like pizza & sandwiches in a relaxed, chill setting overlooking the harbor. Their late night bar is popular for locals! *Takeout available. 787-741-1447 7. Mamma Mia’s - Pizzas, calzones, & italian specialties in Isabel II and they have a delivery & takeout service too! 787-692-0742 8. El Local 00765 - in the heart of Isabel II, El Local offers contemporary Caribbean & Puerto Rican cuisine with craft cocktails. 787-398-2039 9. Biekes Bistro - Seafood bar & grill in Isabel II offering delicious Local latin cuisine.

Chef Sonia Romero also offers catering. 787-741-6391 FOOD TRUCKS & SNACKS 1. Gracias, De Nada - Parked right in front of the entrance to the Wildlife Nature Reserve beaches. They serve amazing sandwiches & burgers that can be taken to go as a beach snack! 540-229-6544 2. Rincon del Sabor - Parked at the Vieques Food Park on the North side during the week, & in front of the Green Store in Esperanza on Sat & Sun. Delicious local Viequense food, including PUerto Rican specialties like mofongo & other snacks.

939-358-1783 3. Rancho Choli - Serving traditional & home cooked Puerto Rican food right in Esperanza. They also cater events. 787-698-4464 4. Lizzy’s Lunchbox - Friday to Sunday parked in front of El Blok in the Esperanza parking lot. Awesome tacos with fresh ingredients.

5. Robin’s Bar - This is sort of an island secret we’ll let you in on. Robin’s Bar started in the back of a “colmado” or convenience store & has grown into its own bar next door to Colmado Robin, just west of Encantada Vieques before you reach Black Sand Beach. Grab an oversized fruit mojito & an empanada snack after a day at the beach! The passion fruit mojito is our favorite. 787-427-4574

BEACHES There are so many beaches in Vieques. It's hard to choose a favorite but here are some of our top choices.

Once you drive East past the Malecón in Esperanza you'll hit Sun Bay Beach first and then enter the Wildlife Refuge where the other beaches are (Eastern side of the Island).

1. Sun Bay - Sun Bay, Media Luna, & Navio are just outside the Wildlife Reserve so they have more facilities (bathrooms, tables, etc.). Sun Bay is a gorgeous, sprawling stretch of sand overlooking the barrier islands.

2. Media Luna Beach - Also known as ‘half moon bay' this long beach extends around the bay with calm, shallow waters perfect for swimming. Picnic tables and pavilions make this a great beach to spend the entire day.

3. Navio Beach - This south-side beach has strong surf and has some neat caves you can explore and swim through.

4. Playa Caracas (Red Beach) - It is the 1st beach once you enter the Wildlife Refuge and one of the most popular beaches on the islands.

5. Playa La Chiva (Blue Beach) - #1 on our list. The water is stunning and it’s in the Refuge just past Playa Caracas. Despite being many people's favorites it still feels so secluded and pristine. Great snorkeling spot!

6. Playa Plata - Really beautiful lagoon-like, calm waters.

7. Black Sand Beach - This beach is WEST of Esperanza. You park off the main road and then walk down this path through the jungle (it's clearly marked!) that then opens up to the beach. The sand is black from volcanic sediments - very fun for pictures! You can also hike to this beach from the property! Head to the right (West) down Coconut Beach and you’ll get to some rocks/boulders that you need to lightly climb over. Best to do this art low tide 8. Punta Arenas Beach (Green Beach) - Located on the far west end of the island within the Fish & Wildlife preserve. Known for its clear, calm waters - it’s a snorkeler’s paradise!

ACTIVITIES & EXPERIENCES 1. Bioluminescent Bay This is an absolute must-see while on Vieques. Try to book your tour for a night when the moon is closest to a new moon!

Abe’s Snorkeling 939-224-2095 Taíno Aqua Adventures 787-349-6964

Fun Brothers 787-435-9372

JAK Water Sports 787-644-7112

Blackbeard Sports 787-308-4478

2. Fishing & Boat Charters Nauti Mermaid Charters - Offers full & half day cruises on a 41’ cruising yacht.

Drinks, snacks, & water toys included. 754-216-8168 | nautimermaidcharters.com Salty Spirit – Boating, fishing, & snorkeling charters. Awesome way to see some of the beaches not accessible by car. 787-477-8664 | info@salty-spirit.com Vieques Sailing Charters – Daytime & sunset sailing charters out of Esperanza 939-332-5778 or 787-435-4858 | info@viequessailingcharters.com El Viequense Sea Tours – Snorkeling, scuba, day trips to Culebra & more!

787-435-3661 | elviequenseseatours@gmail.com 3. Horseback Riding - Esperanza Riding Company is run by an awesome group and they actually take horseback riding tours that go right down the side of our property and onto Coconut Beach!

Phone: 787-435-0073

info@naturalvieques.com

4. Island Tours & Excursions - From beach hopping to sightseeing, Kiani offers a variety of tours around Vieques. Kiani Tours - 787-741-8687 5. Water Sports - Snorkeling, paddle boarding, kayaking, jet-skiing, etc. - there are plenty of rentals available right in Esperanza on the Malecón.

Fun Brothers 787-435-9372

Meleya’s Tours 787-222-7055

6. Scuba & Snorkeling - Vieques has amazing snorkeling & scuba tours. Or you can rent your own equipment & head to Mosquito Pier and snorkel around there.

Black Beard Sports Isla Nena Scuba Crystal Clear

blackbeardsports.com islanenascuba.com crystalclearvieques.com

787-741-1892 787-718-7605 787-242-1071

7. Yoga - Hix Island House & Finca Victoria both offer drop in classes for non-hotel guests. Vieques Yoga offers yoga on the beach in Sun Bay. Serenity Point offers several classes on the North side of the island. Call for schedules.

Hix House 787-435-4590

Finca Victoria 787-741-0495

Vieques Yoga 508-945-7643

Serenity Point Yoga serenitypointyoga.com

OTHER ISLAND SIGHTS ● Mosquito Pier - When the Navy occupied Vieques they began building this to connect Vieques to the main island. They never finished it but the mile long pier is now a prime snorkeling spot. The beach to the west is also a popular place to see starfish. ● Ceiba Tree - Massive 300 year old tree with huge, magnificent roots! West of the airport on the road to Punta Arenas and Green Beach. The Ceiba is the national tree of Puerto Rico. ● Abandoned Bunkers - You can drive through the old navy bunkers on the West side of the island. It's a bit eerie but definitely an interesting drive. You can go into some of them if you dare... ● Sugar Mill Ruins - The mill was abandoned in 1942 but the ruins are still there.

Even though it is located right off the road look carefully or you will miss the crumbling walls covered with vegetation. It’s incredible how nature has absolutely taken over what used to be sugarcane plantations! Hike around the Playa Grande Sugar Mill on your own or take one of the tours given by the Vieques Conservation and Historical Trust or as part of a biking excursion with Vieques Adventure Club. ●

Faro Punta Mulas - Beautifully restored historic lighthouse in Isabel II.

● Faro Puerto Ferro (Lighthouse) - Constructed in 1896, it was one of the last lighthouses constructed by the Spanish government in Puerto Rico. The lighthouse was functional until 1926, when an earthquake caused structural damage, after which it was abandoned.

Turn right directly after the entrance to the Wildlife Preserve. Follow the signs to parking lot 1, drive down the long gravel road all the way down to parking area 2.

From there it is a short walk to the lighthouse. Don't Miss! To the left of the informational signage is a small trail that leads to the beach nestled between the nearby cliffs. ●

Fortin Conde Mirasol - Now a history and art museum where you can learn all about Vieques history, the historic fort is open Wed - Sun from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm.

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Hombre de Puerto Ferro - Marked by a sign off 997, east of Esperanza, is the burial site of the Indian known as "Hombre de Puerto Ferro". The 4000 year old skeleton was found buried in the center of the large boulders, similar to boulder in front of the Encantada Casita. Legend has it that when you are ready to make a great change, touch the rocks & the "Hombre" will guide you in the new direction.