Changing Perspectives With Tradewinds Travel Club Tucson – A Look At Vieques Island

Until 2003, the island of Vieques was still being used by the U.S. Navy for military operations. Since then, the island of Vieques has seen a boom in restaurants, galleries and resort accommodations, a testament to the altered perspectives of this beautiful little island. Tradewinds Travel Club Tucson invites you to explore Vieques Island and its amazing transformation from war to relaxation.

The History of Vieques Island

Featured in both the New York Times and Audubon Magazine, Vieques Island is a real life success story. At less than 10,000 inhabitants and even fewer visitors, this 55 square mile island is becoming more and more well known as the years progress. Its stunning natural beauty, convenient location off the mainland of Puerto Rico and growing, yet still little known tourism industry, offers a unique location for vacation.

Voted the number one Caribbean destination in 2008 as well as the best for quiet in 2007, this island once part of the U.S. Military now offers a perfect location to get away from the crowds of the mainland and enjoy the natural beauty of both land and sea.  Tradewinds Travel Club Tucson invites you to explore the intense and amazing history of this growing vacation destination.

The history of this stunning little island dates back to the Pre-Columbian period. Excavations on the island suggest a stone age culture that survived as fisherman and hunter-gatherers.  Later in the Colonial Period, the illustrious Christopher Columbus is credited with discovering the island for European settlement.  As was common during this period of history, the native populations were decimated and battles ensued between the two groups.

In 1898, Vieques Island, like Puerto Rico was ceded to the United States. During the Second World War, the military purchased most of the island as a base, but it never became one. It remained a testing ground for the U.S. Navy until 2003 at which point Vieques Island began morphing into the island resort paradise it is known as today.

Relatively warm and dry with a stunning terrain of rolling hills, vast wilderness areas and sandy coastlines, Vieques Island is an ideal location for enjoying the Caribbean.  Much of the island is controlled by the U.S. National Fish and Wildlife Service offering much to see and explore on the island including some of the best snorkeling in the Caribbean.

Visitors to the island have several unique and exciting destinations aside from the expected resort activities. One of the most spectacular features is the island bioluminescent bays. Caused by micro organisims, the bay glows a neon blue. Kayaking is allowed in the bays on guided tours.

Festivals, historic sites of interest, great beaches and wonderful small restaurants are found throughout the island and offer a wonderful location for a unique and special vacation experience. Tradewinds Travel Club Tucson invites you to experience the history and beauty of Vieques Island, an up and coming destination for travel. Enjoy all this wonderful island has to offer and escape from the bustle of the larger islands. Take advantage of all that nature has to offer you with Tradewinds Travel Club Tucson on your next vacation.