Spanish Virgin Islands Sailing Itinerary

Our suggested yacht charter itinerary assumes 7 days on the water beginning in Puerto del Rey. I take you clockwise beginning with Culebra and then continuing on south to Vieques.

This can easily, however, be adapted if you are starting or visiting from the US Virgin Islands. I did this on a recent November charter trip. Head east from St. Thomas, check in at Dewey, and then continue you on clockwise, first visiting Vieques.

The prevailing trade winds in the Spanish Virgin Islands are typically from the east. A current also runs from the east.

Sailing clockwise will afford you some protection from the lee of Culebra as you head east. Once you get down to Vieques, in normal conditions you’ll be sailing west, downwind under more comfortable conditions.

Arrive, get settled in, and stow away your provisions. Familiarize yourself with the boat's systems if you'd like. Crack a beer - you've made it! This is one of the nicest marinas in all of the Caribbean.

Motoring to Culebra into the wind is probably easiest with the trades. Get settled in at Carlos Rosario where you can experience some of the best snorkeling in the Caribbean, right under your yacht mooring. Relax, pour yourself a sundowner, and enjoy the sunset show over the cayos to the west.

Go ashore for a hike to world famous Flamenco Beach. Bring some shoes you don't mind getting dirty! It will take you about 30 minutes.
In settled conditions you can also anchor in front of the beach.

Make a day of it. Food, drinks, restrooms, and beach chair rentals are available. Enjoy the gorgeous setting and check out the target practice tanks.

Sail around the northern shore of Culebra past to Culebrita. This is my favorite beach in all of the Spanish Virgin Islands. Crescent moon shaped, white sand, coconut palm lined, and few other visitors.

If you are up for another hike, the abandoned lighthouse hike offers commanding panoramic views of the surrounding islands. Back at your yacht, relax and watch for turtles as you lime away the afternoon.

On your way south to Vieques, stop in Dewey for a provisioning run, if needed. This is a great day to get the fishing lines out as you head south on the shelf, and if you so desire, on the south drop.

Make your way for peaceful Ensenada Honda which offers great protection in nearly all conditions. The bay is mangrove-lined, and its fun to dinghy around the area and explore.

On your way west towards, stop at Isla Chiva for some lunch snorkeling. It's a perfect spot. Once you arrive at the Sun Bay anchorage, enjoy the beach or go ashore to check out the town of Esperanza where there are some restaurants and shopping.

The main attraction in the area is Mosquito Bay where you can arrange a night-time kayak tour to see the bioluminescence phenomenon. They can pick you up right from the beach.

On the west coast of Vieques, Green Beach awaits. Aside from the solitude, you come to Green Beach for the sunsets - they are epic with the main island of Puerto Rico and the El Yunque rain forest in the backdrop.

Arrive early enough to also jump in the water for some snorkeling. You can expect to swim with sea turtles, rays, and lots of colorful fish.

Isla Palominos is a great last night anchorage. It's close enough to motor back the next morning before you debark and head home. You can also choose to dock at Puerto del Rey for some long, hot showers.

Isla Palomino is a very popular local destination, so don't expect any peace and quiet! You have been warned.

Leave early enough to motor back to the base to comply with checkout procedures. Radio your charter company on your way back in if you'd like help docking the boat.