This is Sun Bay in Esperanza, for starters. It is over a mile of calm waters and white sand beaches, lined with coconut palm and sea grape trees. During most of the year it is virtually empty. Only for a few weeks of the year, are there ever more than a hundred people at any given time at the beach. If that's too crowded, you can follow the road through Sun Bay to Media Luna and further on to Navio. Media Luna is a great beach for children , as the water is very shallow and there is copious amounts of shade. Navio is well known for its bodysurfing, but there are areas to escape the sun.

There are beaches in La Hueca in the southwest (hard to get to-no beach roads, and no parking roadside), east of the airport is Gringo Beach (good snorkeling-next to Martineau Bay Resort), and there are beaches in Bravos de Boston (very little parking) and east of there (towards the dump) with good snorkeling, but a difficult water entry in some areas (coral and sea urchins). 

The best beaches, of course, are on the bases. They are all accessible now on the eastern end. There are beaches on the western end, Green beach, has remained open and has some of the best snorkeling at its southern end and with the full opening of that end, there are paved roads which allow you full exploration of the southwest coast of the island with many new and previously inaccessible beaches. The view of the main island of Puerto Rico is also spectacular from Green Beach.

Generally, the visitors to Vieques want to find the most remote uninhabited beaches for whatever reason, and, in the process, don't even give Sun Bay a second thought. This is unfortunate, because it is one of the most beautiful, picturesque beaches on the island. While the snorkeling is rather boring, for relaxing, swimming, reading, walking, and picnicking, it is ideal. And, during most of the year, it is also virtually deserted.

For up to date info on the beaches of Vieques, check out Enchanted-Isle.Com for more info at www.enchanted-isle.com/beaches.

One caveat: Whatever you may envision for paradise, don't be complacent with its beauty and feel you can leave valuable on your blanket or in your unlocked car and go for a walk. You wouldn't do it in the states, and you shouldn't do it here. People have left jewelry (expensive), cameras, boom boxes, and their wallets on the beach, only to find them gone on returning from their swim or walk. If you don't need it, don't take it.