Vieques Sailing Charters
Vieques Sailing Charters
5
Scuba & Snorkelling • Boat Tours • Water Sports • Eco Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours
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8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Full view
About
Escape with us. Set sail and explore the pristine turquoise waters and offshore reefs of Vieques Island. Your adventure awaits!
Isla de Vieques, Puerto Rico
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Awards
Travelers' Choice
2023
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Vieques Sailing Charters
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(134 reviews)
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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5.0
501 reviews
Excellent
496
Very good
5
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District-Dawg
Washington DC, DC42 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
We sailed on the Avalon and definitely enjoyed our time! The boat takes a maximum of six people, so you can expect a relaxed atmosphere.
During the sail, Captain John is a fountain of knowledge, sharing thought provoking points on the history of the island, while first mate Ron kept the delicious rum punches flowing at a rate limited only by our desires.
The snorkeling was a great experience as well, with a vibrant, healthy reef on display, and not another tour in sight.
We highly recommend sailing with Captain John on the Avalon - it's a rare and exceedingly enjoyable experience to sail with someone who knows the area as well as he does, on a beautiful and well maintained boat.
During the sail, Captain John is a fountain of knowledge, sharing thought provoking points on the history of the island, while first mate Ron kept the delicious rum punches flowing at a rate limited only by our desires.
The snorkeling was a great experience as well, with a vibrant, healthy reef on display, and not another tour in sight.
We highly recommend sailing with Captain John on the Avalon - it's a rare and exceedingly enjoyable experience to sail with someone who knows the area as well as he does, on a beautiful and well maintained boat.
Written March 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nicole K
1 contribution
Feb 2020
My husband and I booked a private 1/2 day private snorkel + sail with Nate and Ron, and it was hands down our favorite part of our trip to Vieques! Neither of us had ever been snorkeling before, but Nate and Ron were awesome and made us feel comfortable and prepared for our excursion. We spent about an hour exploring the reef in the crystal clear water and saw so many different types of aquatic life. If it weren't for Ron's keen eye and his expertise we would've missed out on a lot! Afterwards we enjoyed learning more about life on Vieques from Nate and Ron, ate some light bites, and had the most deliciously refreshing rum punches (which we have tried rather unsuccessfully to replicate at home). When our trip was over, they gave us a couple Medallas and sent us on our way. Book an excursion with these guys - you won't regret it!
Written March 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anthony L.
1 contribution
Mar 2022
Our trip with Vieques Sailing Charters was a wonderful experience! Our group did a full-day snorkeling tour on Avalon and wouldn't want to have done it any other way. Captain John and Sara the 1st mate are incredible; their knowledge and compassion for sailing is very apparent and helped made everyone in the group feel safe. We sailed with just the wind through the sails the entire time, hearing the sounds of the wind and their communication while navigating was truly impressive. They took us to the best reef I could have asked for, we saw so much aquatic life from sting rays to squid to angel fish to endangered coral. Sara was very helpful in pointing out different aspects of the reef and its residents we would have otherwise not known. Captain John took us out on the dinghy to and from the boat; as well as mid-day for a tour through a winding mangrove forest telling us some great stories along the way. The day was truly the highlight of our trip, I would highly recommend Vieques Sailing Charters for anyone who wants to spend a day creating a lifetime worth of memories!
Written March 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Forrest P
Sacramento, CA3 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
Best day of vacation by far… again! We do a full day tour with Vieques Sailing Charters every year, and it’s always our favorite day. The snorkeling, food, and drinks were incredible, and Captain John is a true sailor and entertainer. The experience of sailing on a classic sailboat gets better every time, and we can’t recommend this tour enough. Our trip would be incomplete without it! We did the half day our first time and have done the full day ever since to maximize our time aboard Avalon!
Written March 14, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jill S. S
3 contributions
Dec 2021 • Couples
We have done lots of snorkeling in the Caribbean. Sara reassured us from the get-go that we would find the reef extraordinary. We sure did!
The boat is gorgeous. Sarah and John take pride in the boat and in the educational experience they offer.
I am a relatively experienced sailor and Captain John allowed me to take the helm and tack a few times. He was very calm about the whole thing. He was very generous.
Sara is incredibly knowledgeable about the reef organisms and takes pleasure in educating those who go with her on a snorkel tour. By the way, they didn’t simply put us in the water and say snorkel around. They actually took us on a tour of the reef to make sure that we would see a diversity of organisms that live there. We saw a school of squid, an octopus, an eel, multiple stingrays, anemones, a barracuda, and the very rare and endangered Elkhorn coral among some of the usual suspects like brain coral, cup coral, and gorgonians. Sarah knew the reef like a person knows her backyard!
One thing we really loved about the excursion was how knowledgeable and thorough both Sara and John were with instructions about how to use the excellent equipment they provided and how to exit and climb on board the boat. Even though we felt we didn’t need the instructions, after we had them we were so glad that we heeded their advice. We learned from both of them.
The drinks were plentiful (though they were very careful about serving them only after the snorkeling for safety’s sake). We were very glad of all the precautions they took to keep everyone safe (they wore masks the whole time as a Covid precaution) and to protect the reef as well. The snacks were terrific too and were clearly made with care. These are two people who really want their guests to learn and enjoy at the same time. They are great teachers and great hosts. As an aside, we are a two mom family who brought our young adult child with us. John and Sara didn’t bat an eye and we felt completely embraced.
The boat is gorgeous. Sarah and John take pride in the boat and in the educational experience they offer.
I am a relatively experienced sailor and Captain John allowed me to take the helm and tack a few times. He was very calm about the whole thing. He was very generous.
Sara is incredibly knowledgeable about the reef organisms and takes pleasure in educating those who go with her on a snorkel tour. By the way, they didn’t simply put us in the water and say snorkel around. They actually took us on a tour of the reef to make sure that we would see a diversity of organisms that live there. We saw a school of squid, an octopus, an eel, multiple stingrays, anemones, a barracuda, and the very rare and endangered Elkhorn coral among some of the usual suspects like brain coral, cup coral, and gorgonians. Sarah knew the reef like a person knows her backyard!
One thing we really loved about the excursion was how knowledgeable and thorough both Sara and John were with instructions about how to use the excellent equipment they provided and how to exit and climb on board the boat. Even though we felt we didn’t need the instructions, after we had them we were so glad that we heeded their advice. We learned from both of them.
The drinks were plentiful (though they were very careful about serving them only after the snorkeling for safety’s sake). We were very glad of all the precautions they took to keep everyone safe (they wore masks the whole time as a Covid precaution) and to protect the reef as well. The snacks were terrific too and were clearly made with care. These are two people who really want their guests to learn and enjoy at the same time. They are great teachers and great hosts. As an aside, we are a two mom family who brought our young adult child with us. John and Sara didn’t bat an eye and we felt completely embraced.
Written December 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much, Jill! Your family of adventurers was so much fun to have aboard... AND in the water! We love what we do, and we're so glad that this can be felt throughout our tour.
We absolutely love taking avid snorkelers out, as we know that this reef has some of the biggest variety of corals and sea life in Vieques! And it never hurts that we're always the only ones here, so the animals haven't been scared off by other groups before you can see them. Galafatos really is our backyard!
Your trio was absolutely wonderful to have aboard. Captain John loves when another sailor takes the helm!
And we will forever embrace our LGBTQ+ guests as family. We're extremely passionate about human rights, diversity, eco conservation... This world needs a lot more love!
We can't wait to set sail with you again when you next visit Vieques. The squids say "Come back soon!!" 🦑
Written December 30, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
makua
Cincinnati, OH459 contributions
Jan 2020 • Solo
Another stellar day with Vieques Sailing Charters. From the planning and the awesome customer service from Sara, to the experience with Captain John and Captain Ryan. This is a must do while in Vieques.
Those who snorkeled reported that they saw more than any other snorkel they have done in different parts of the world. No crowds, just John's boat. The customer service continued with amazing hummas, cheese and fruit. Also who can forget the choices of beer, rum punch and for the birthday celebration (mine) they provided champagne
A large thanks to the entire team for a great day, the tradition is in place. Once you go once you will return
Those who snorkeled reported that they saw more than any other snorkel they have done in different parts of the world. No crowds, just John's boat. The customer service continued with amazing hummas, cheese and fruit. Also who can forget the choices of beer, rum punch and for the birthday celebration (mine) they provided champagne
A large thanks to the entire team for a great day, the tradition is in place. Once you go once you will return
Written January 31, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
J L
Baltimore3 contributions
Jan 2022
Highlight of my Vieques stay! Booking, directions, logistics were all seamless. I got the trip insurance (because with covid, one never knows...) which was a wise decision. On board was a small friendly group.
The boat, a handsome ketch, was comfortable and sun protected. Captain John is informative and interesting. First mate Ron was an excellent reef guide and photographer. They patiently fitted us out with the right gear (I had my own but theirs was better) and then Ron, an expert diver, took us to a calm protected reef that had great light and sights (octopus in its den, barracuda, elk coral). Probably the best snorkeling I have ever done. They provided a field guide card so we could identify some of the things we had seen, and then Ron sent excellent photos. After, they provided pandemic friendly and delicious food on board, plus a rum punch with nutmeg and even a surprise bottle of bubbly for my birthday.
The boat, a handsome ketch, was comfortable and sun protected. Captain John is informative and interesting. First mate Ron was an excellent reef guide and photographer. They patiently fitted us out with the right gear (I had my own but theirs was better) and then Ron, an expert diver, took us to a calm protected reef that had great light and sights (octopus in its den, barracuda, elk coral). Probably the best snorkeling I have ever done. They provided a field guide card so we could identify some of the things we had seen, and then Ron sent excellent photos. After, they provided pandemic friendly and delicious food on board, plus a rum punch with nutmeg and even a surprise bottle of bubbly for my birthday.
Written January 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much! Those are always the words we hope so much to hear. Our goal is to be that experience that makes your trip to Vieques unforgettable, and to do so in a sustainable and eco friendly way. We are so glad you loved every moment, and loved the reef, the food, the company, the bubbly, and our beloved SV Avalon! We loved every moment too! Come back soon, amigo!!
Written January 27, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Meg S
New York275 contributions
Dec 2021 • Family
We booked with Vieques Sailing Charters ahead of our visit to this beautiful island. Everything was perfect. The directions to meet the boat, the explanations of what to expect, the cleanliness of their snorkel equipment, their lovely boat and their deep knowledge of the history of Vieques, all make this the go-to day-sail company.
The snorkeling was led by Sarah, who took our small group out to a beautiful reef with lots of variety of healthy corals. We saw grouper, squid, an octopus, several sting rays, a barracuda, and loads of those colorful reef fish. Sarah stopped at important spots to show us what to look for and explain what we were seeing. She’s super knowledgeable about the location.
Food was provided in the form of tapas that we ate after our snorkel. We also were treated to delicious rum punches.
Sorry about the tiny photo of the boat. It is a beauty.
The snorkeling was led by Sarah, who took our small group out to a beautiful reef with lots of variety of healthy corals. We saw grouper, squid, an octopus, several sting rays, a barracuda, and loads of those colorful reef fish. Sarah stopped at important spots to show us what to look for and explain what we were seeing. She’s super knowledgeable about the location.
Food was provided in the form of tapas that we ate after our snorkel. We also were treated to delicious rum punches.
Sorry about the tiny photo of the boat. It is a beauty.
Written December 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much, Meg!! Your trio was so much fun to have on the boat! I'm so glad you enjoyed the reef. It's by far our favorite reef in all of Vieques. Lively and full of critters!
We can't wait to have you back aboard when you visit next. Your family rocks! The reef and the rum will be ready for you!!
Written December 30, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Andrew Jones
1 contribution
Mar 2023
Do this..Really!
If ever there was a case for something being greater than the sum of its parts this is it. This is sooo much more than cruising around the island on a sailboat. Captain John, Sara and Mia are wonderful hosts, but more than that they have passion for what they do, which is a rare thing these days. Aside from the pure delight of sailing aboard such a beautiful craft there is the knowledge and enthusiasm they bring to the whole experience. They are all very knowledgeable about the wildlife and the ocean environment that surrounds the island. None of my little family of three had ever snorkeled in open water before and we were thoroughly briefed on what to do, how to do it and more importantly how to do it safely. The coral reef was of course mesmerizing in its diversity, but having a certified diver (Mia) as our guide made it especially rewarding, she is incredibly knowledgeable and very competent. Captain John was a gracious and entertaining host, more than happy to share his nautical knowledge and some of the island history. The food was excellent, thank you Sara, and the pace was perfect. I would highly recommend to anyone that you purchase the whole day excursion (6 hours) if available as it allows you to absorb the experience so much more thoroughly. The highlite for me was not the reef, as gorgeous as it was, but the snorkeling in the Mangroves. It was without a doubt one of the most meaningful experiences I have ever had. It is mysterious, it is magical and so full of life I could have spent the entire day doing just that , thank you Mia for sharing something so impactful. This is now the only excursion of its type on the island and we cannot wait to do it again when we return. Thank you all of you and thank you "Avalon"
If ever there was a case for something being greater than the sum of its parts this is it. This is sooo much more than cruising around the island on a sailboat. Captain John, Sara and Mia are wonderful hosts, but more than that they have passion for what they do, which is a rare thing these days. Aside from the pure delight of sailing aboard such a beautiful craft there is the knowledge and enthusiasm they bring to the whole experience. They are all very knowledgeable about the wildlife and the ocean environment that surrounds the island. None of my little family of three had ever snorkeled in open water before and we were thoroughly briefed on what to do, how to do it and more importantly how to do it safely. The coral reef was of course mesmerizing in its diversity, but having a certified diver (Mia) as our guide made it especially rewarding, she is incredibly knowledgeable and very competent. Captain John was a gracious and entertaining host, more than happy to share his nautical knowledge and some of the island history. The food was excellent, thank you Sara, and the pace was perfect. I would highly recommend to anyone that you purchase the whole day excursion (6 hours) if available as it allows you to absorb the experience so much more thoroughly. The highlite for me was not the reef, as gorgeous as it was, but the snorkeling in the Mangroves. It was without a doubt one of the most meaningful experiences I have ever had. It is mysterious, it is magical and so full of life I could have spent the entire day doing just that , thank you Mia for sharing something so impactful. This is now the only excursion of its type on the island and we cannot wait to do it again when we return. Thank you all of you and thank you "Avalon"
Written March 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Martha111512
Norfolk, MA8 contributions
Apr 2022
My family had a wonderful snorkeling and sailing adventure with Capt John and Oliver. From the beginning of our booking and until we arrived on the Avalon, Sara was great with her communication about both weather and timing. We learned so much from Capt John about Vieques and Oliver was an excellent snorkeling guide. Oliver was a great communicator, focused on safety, and made sure we knew what signs to look for to see tons of ocean life -- octopus, squid, Elkhorn coral, sting rays, and more. As we were getting back on the sailboat, we saw a huge spotted Eagle Ray. This was by far the best snorkeling that any of our family had done. The drinks and snacks, especially Sara's homemade hummus, were a perfect treat after snorkeling. It was a relaxing time had by all.
Written April 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Vieques Sailing Charters - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Vieques Sailing Charters Information
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