SUMMER/SPRING 2022
On Vieques, there are three officially designated camping areas and all are located within the SunBay Balnearia (Beach Park) managed by the PR Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Camping is not permitted anywhere in the Vieques National Wildlife Refuge or at the Nature Reserve that surrounds the biobay.
Paid Camping
• SunBay -Camp sites at SunBay National Park include a view of the ocean and a mile stretch of sandy beach and turquois water. The unfenced field to the right of the SunBay administrative building (as you face the shore) is the designated area to pitch tents. Camping is $10.00 per night and check-in/out is coordinated through the Reserve Manager Mr. Irraraza or other staff. There are open (no enclosure) outdoor showers and a public bathroom, but bring your own supplies and paper products. Currently, the fencing for the camping area is partially down, so horses roam in. Be careful where you pitch your tent! Do not feed or pet the horses, as some can get aggressive when food runs out.
The SunBay main gate off Rt 997 is open 24/7 and the entrance fee is $4.00 per vehicle, per day from 9am to 5pm. Walking in is free. If you arrive after administrative hours, you can set up in the designated area and pay the next day.
Located next to the administrative offices is Arenamar Café which is open Friday to Sunday for lunch, including vegetarian options.
Primitive Camping. No Cost.
No facilities: Be prepared to leave the beach without a trace.
• Media Luna -Media Luna has shaded camping areas along with a shelter or two up from the sandy beach. Look for entrances in the vegetation area or parking spots. They are first come first serve and may require a permit from the DNER Camp Manager, but enforcement is not consistent, and neither is security. Reach Media Luna through the SunBay gate
• El Cayo -The land at the western end of SunBay is open for camping and is reached by car or on foot on an unmarked sandy road past the SunBay entrance as you head to Esperanza. The area connects to a sand bridge that comes and goes with the tide and leads to a loop hiking trail on Cayo Tierra. The spacious sites are well spaced out. You can also reach the designated camping area by walking east from the longer pier on Esperanza Bay.
All camping areas require you to check in with the administrative offices of SunBay for a permit. They are open Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5 pm. Go straight in to SunBay (off Rt. 997). Instead of taking the first left to beaches on the often-bumpy sandy-gravel road, go straight to the walled parking area. The SunBay administrative offices are located on the left under the roofed plaza.
GOOD TO KNOW
• Bon fires are NOT allowed on any of the beaches on Vieques but cooking on an open flame grill is allowed at the three camping areas.
• Do not leave valuables in your tent.
• Camping is NOT permitted on any of the beaches and areas of the Vieques National Wildlife Refuge.
• Many beaches are nesting grounds for protected and endangered sea turtles, so harassment or disturbance of these animals is prohibited. Dogs must be leashed at all times. Additional rules and regulations for the PR-DNER areas are posted.
• No-see-ums or flying gnats come out at dusk. Be ready with bug spray or long sleeves and pants!
• Food trucks are located across from and south of the gate to Sunbay and have delicious, authentic local food. Going a little farther, the Green Store/Tienda Verde is a local market that is well stocked with a variety of items, including food and beverages. It marks the edge of the Esperanza neighborhood with many restaurants along the Malecon.
Easter: A local community tradition ties up camping areas by historic arrangement during the two to four weeks around Easter and non-residents should not expect to camp at that time.