Hiking and Biking
Hiking Vieques National Wildlife Refuge
VIEQUES NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE 18,000 ACRES Approximately 54% of the island is managed by the USFWS – Vieques National Wildlife Refuge. It is the second largest natural protection and conservation area in all of Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands following El Yunque (the rainforest).
This is very important in terms of conservation, since only 8% of land in the entire archipelago of Puerto Rico is legally set aside as protected lands for conservation purposes.
Landmarks
Playa Grande Sugar Mill Ruins
The Playa Grande Sugar Mill Tour is an amazing journey into the past, beautifully staged by the remnants and ruins of a working mill and presented by some extremely knowledgeable and equally enthusiastic guides. This is no stay in line, don’t touch anything museum tour. This is a real, vines-in-your face, don’t lose your guide immersion into a once vibrant world.
The history offered on the tour is eye-opening and the physical ruins are stunning. The historical context stretches from the 16th century to the 20th , and along the way you’ll hear about Queen Isabella of Spain, Emperor Napoleon of France, several Kings and Ministers of England, the first Viequense Governor – Don Teofilo Le Guillou – and some island sugar Dons (Gustavo and Benitez).
In this graveyard of a bygone enterprise the jungle dominates. But in, below and around it are constant glimpses of what once was. Clues to the past push up through the earth like spectral visions; a dirt-filled reservoir; a dry stone sluice; the ghost of a grinding wheel; soundless brick-arched tunnels and the vanquished, rusting skeletons of iron boilers and engines.
Also, a big part of the fun of this tour is what it causes you to imagine. Your guide will fill you in on all that used to be on the land around you, like wealthy owners’ mansions, workers accommodations, and the smell of sweet cane juice cooking.
Whether you’re a history buff or a wanna-be Indiana Jones, you’ll find yourself happily tripping through times and spaces that will stay in your memory. Your guides are knowledgeable and extremely familiar with the area and are as important to your experience as the ruins.
Tours are sponsored by the Vieques Conservation and Historical Trust. You can contact them for upcoming tours at (EMAIL ADDRESS) or 787-741-8850, or stop by their museum in Esperanza on the Malecon.
Fort Conde Mirasol
Fort Conde Mirasol overlooking Isabel Segunda is a museum and gallery for families searching for cultural activities. It is open to the public Wed.-Sun. 10am-4pm
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Mosquito Pier
This is an old navel pier on the North side of Vieques and is a great spot to take an afternoon evening drive and watch the sunset. You can also view fish from the pier.
The US Navy built Mosquito Pier in 1941 to connect Vieques to Puerto Rico, but construction was abandoned in 1943. The road that goes out to the pier is about a mile long. The pier structure that extends from the end of the road out into the ocean is about 700 feet long. The water depth at the end of the pier is about 40 feet.
Today, the former navy land is a national wildlife refuge.
Mosquito Pier is a popular spot for both scuba diving and snorkeling. Swim alongside sea turtles, stingrays, and vibrant sea life. It is best to enter the water from the small beach that is located to the left of the road that heads out to the pier.
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