Islands you can Visit in Puerto Rico by Boat

Are you looking for a Caribbean adventure that offers something different from other islands? Do you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the mainland and explore some lesser-known destinations? 

If so, then you should consider visiting islands in Puerto Rico by boat. Puerto Rico has many hidden gems that are only accessible by boat, from fabulous beaches to historical monuments. You can spend your days swimming and exploring coves or take nature hikes into the rainforest hills; it has almost everything the intrepid explorer or chilled beach bum could ever desire!

Vieques

One of the most popular islands to visit in Puerto Rico is Vieques. Located off the east coast of the main island, Vieques is a Caribbean paradise. It’s known for its stunning white sandy beaches, lush tropical rainforests, and walls of coral reefs surrounding the island, making it the perfect destination for snorkeling and diving. 

If you want to visit this island paradise, there are plenty of options, but you will still need to check the boat transportation costs to ensure you get the best deal possible. Nonetheless, if you do choose to visit (you should), you can explore its famous nearby Bioluminescent Bay – one of the few bioluminescent bays in the world! It’s full of tiny organisms that glow underwater when stirred up. It’s almost Avatar-esque in its beauty, and a night kayak tour could be a great option if you want to see it in all its glory. Along with gorgeous beaches and coastal views, Vieques also offers a wide variety of activities like hiking trails and horseback riding tours. As if that wasn’t enough, there are plenty of delicious restaurants scattered around Vieques, too — so there’s something for everyone!

Culebra

Culebra is a breathtakingly beautiful island that you really should add to your itinerary when in this part of the world. The island is home to pristine white sandy beaches (you should expect no less from this destination!), spectacular coral reefs, and abundant wildlife. There are many excellent spots for watersports of all flavors, also making Culebra one of the Caribbean’s premier scuba diving destinations. Along with the stunning underwater world, Culebra provides visitors with plenty of opportunities for relaxation and adventure. The idyllic village of Flamenco is home to picturesque beaches, a lighthouse, and even a national park. 

Moreover, you can explore Culebra entirely by boat instead of simply using one as your means of transportation to the island, which is an incredible experience in and of itself. You can spend hours sailing around its unique cays, spotting whales, turtles, and dolphins in their natural habitat, or just marveling at its beauty from the comfort of your vessel. With year-round sunshine and crystal-clear waters, it’s easy to see why Culebra has become such a popular destination for travelers worldwide.

Cayo Icacos

Cayo Icacos is an island located off the northeast coast of Puerto Rico and can be easily reached by boat. It’s a popular destination for local and international travelers, offering an idyllic island experience where visitors can soak up the sun and take advantage of all sorts of fun beach activities. It is an exciting option because of its uninhabited nature. It actually forms part of a nature reserve, meaning that it’s well-protected from undue damage..also means that you will be able to see one of the few places on earth undamaged by recent human activity (there was a limestone quarry in the south which has since been discontinued). However, this doesn’t mean you can’t access the place. Only a 15-minute ride across the water departing from Fajardo will see you ferried away into a forgotten world perfect for escaping the daily grind.

Isla Palomino

Isla Palomino is actually a private island owned by the descendants of the Bachman and the Fuertes Bachman Families but is rented to a resort for use by those willing to pay for the privilege. The incredible seascape of Isla Palomino yields gorgeous waters teeming with bright tropical fish. The island offers sandbars during low tide, and guests can walk to several small islands with a short paddle or swim. Hiking trails offer options for exploring and discovering unique flora and fauna, while sightings of migrating humpback whales are common in winter months. You can also rent out scuba gear and take lessons from PADI-certified instructors to explore the world beneath the waves.

Caja De Muertos

If you really want to get into the whole Pirates of the Caribbean thing, Caja De Muertos literally translates into ‘Dead Man’s Chest’! Moreover, it has some historical significance as it contains some rudimentary stone art that is believed to be around 4,000 years old, which is pretty amazing when you think about it! It’s the perfect destination for nature enthusiasts who are looking to explore. The island is home to a wide range of stunning wildlife (including a sanctuary) and thousands of acres of lush palm trees, cactus forests, deserted beaches, lagoons, and coral reefs…everything the average traveler could ever wish for.

Conclusion

Puerto Rico is a fascinating place by itself, but when you factor in the numerous island that blesses its shores, you are greeted with something utterly spectacular. Aside from the usual laying on the beach routine, there are plenty of things to do, with the majority revolving around watersports and natural attractions.