Bahia Tapon Beach
Resembling more a large sandbar than a beach, Bahia Tapon's sands protects a large cove that is full of rocky bottoms and diverse wildlife on one side, and takes the blunt force of the open sea on the other. This unfortunately does not make it good for water sports, though anyone who appreciated natural beauty is sure to enjoy the views.
Located near the middle of the island of Vieques, Bahia Tapon Beach is on the South edge of the island, You should think about stopping by whether or not you're staying in the vicinity. This beach is not just another pleasant piece of the coast, it also has a private beach feel——a unique quailty in a touristy place like Puerto Rico. While Bahia Tapon Beach might be a little more trouble to reach, it's the best place to take an undisturbed nap on the sand.
How to Access The Beach
You will have to travel within the national forest, heading down its airport road, and turning right (South) as if heading towards the more popular Garcia Beach. As you head south, the road splits. If you take the left road, you will end up at the beach.
Amenities and Ambiance
Unlike many cove beaches, the beach at Bahia Tapon is in the front of the cove, getting the full force of the waves, and in turn protecting the rest of the cove. This means the beach is often the resting place of driftwood and other debris caught in the ocean. Still, the surrounding forest and shallow cove give the beach a peaceful and natural appearance.
Unfortunately, you won't find any public restrooms along this coastline. You will find the water here is clear enough for snorkeling, so grab your equipment if you're looking to see what goes on beneath the surface.
What's Nearby
Attractions
Travelers will find Bahia Tapon Beach on the South coast of Vieques. Puerto Ferro Lighthouse is located one and a quarter miles to the south west, and it is among the favorite local destinations.
If you're interested in mixing a little culture with your trip to the beach, you might want to consider visiting Vieques Conservation and Historical Trust. This museum is located four and a half miles to the west, so it would be an easy side trip to take after some time in the sun.
Beaches are a great attraction to visit, but there will be more options available in Puerto Rico. The following chart includes some other attractions close-by.
| Attraction | Type | Distance | Direction | Island |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Puerto Ferro Lighthouse | Lighthouse | 1.3 | SW | Vieques |
| Fortín Conde De Mirasol | Historical Site | 3.4 | NW | Vieques |
| Siddhia Hutchinson Fine Art Gallery | Art Gallery | 3.7 | NW | Vieques |
| Punta Mulas Lighthouse | Lighthouse | 4.0 | NW | Vieques |
| Vieques Conservation and Historical Trust | Museum | 4.4 | W | Vieques |
Cities and Towns
Bahia Tapon Beach is near Isabel Segunda, so walking the city is a definite option. Isabel Segunda is the closest city and is not an overly urbanized area, but still has its fair share of things to do. From the shore, Isabel Segunda isn't far off, maybe three and a half miles (six kilometers).
Hotels
Whether this spot is full of bodies or practically empty will depend on if you visit during a popular season, which is often indicated by how busy the hotels are. There aren't many major hotels in the immediate vicinity, but it can appeal to visitors staying at smaller lodgings in the area.
Because this beach is situated in a fairly popular vacation destination, it usually isn't all that difficult to find the type of hotel you're looking for close-by. For those looking to book a place that's near the water, the following table shows the accommodation options closest to Bahia Tapon Beach.
| Hotel | Distance | Direction | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hector's by the Sea | -- | -- | B & B |
| Seagate Hotel | 3.2 mi. | NW | Hotel |
| Hix Island House | -- | -- | Lodge |
| Casa De Amistad | 3.6 mi. | NW | Hotel |
| Vieques Ocean View Hotel | 3.7 mi. | NW | Hotel |
| Ababor Suites | 3.9 mi. | NNW | Hotel |
| Casa La Lanchita | 4.0 mi. | NW | Hotel |
| Crow's Nest | 4.0 mi. | WNW | Hotel |
| Bravo Beach Hotel | 4.0 mi. | NW | Hotel |
| The Great Escape | 4.1 mi. | W | B & B |
Food
If someone in your group starts to get a little hungry at the beach, it's alright because you'll have your pick of different cuisines and dining styles nearby. One of the nearest restaurants is Sol Food. This restaurant serves both Creole and International dishes on the menu.
The table below lists restaurants closest to this beach.
| Restaurant Name | Phone | Cuisine | Style | Distance | Direction |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sol Food | -- | Creole, International | Very Casual | 2.2 mi. | WNW |
| Bieke's Bistro | (787) 741-6381 | Argentenian, Caribbean | -- | 3.5 mi. | NW |
| El Patio Restaurant | (787) 741-6381 | Creole | Very Casual | 3.5 mi. | NW |
| Deli La Viequense | (787) 741-8213 | International | Very Casual | 3.5 mi. | NW |
| Sabores Restaurant | (787) 741-7000 | Creole | Informal | 3.6 mi. | NW |
| Yerbabuena Y Mas Health Food Store | (787) 567-4158 | -- | -- | 3.6 mi. | NW |
| Arena Mar Sunbays Cafe | (787) 741-0200 | International | Very Casual | -- | -- |
| El Quenepo | (787) 741-1215 | Spanish | Fine Dining | -- | -- |
| Hacienda Tropico | (787) 741-4000 | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| La Central | (787) 741-1457 | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| Mucho Gusto Restaurant | (787) 741-3300 | Creole | Informal | -- | -- |
| Posada Vista Mar Restaurant | (787) 741-5052 | -- | -- | -- | -- |
Other Beaches
Bahia Tapon Beach isn't the only beach worth checking out on Vieques.
If you like the ambiance at this beach, you might also like Naguabo Beach, located 21 and a half miles to the west. But, if you're interested in a more active beach, you might find that Caracas Beach is just right. It's found a quarter mile to the west.
You might also want to visit Esperanza Beach, located reasonably close-by, which means a short cab ride can take you where you want to go.
Puerto Rico offers endless ways to discover its natural beauty, and Bahia Tapon Beach is just one of many incredible attractions you can choose from.
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