Spanish Virgin Islands, Island group off eastern Puerto Rico, United States.
The Spanish Virgin Islands consist of Vieques and Culebra, two main islands located on the Puerto Rico Bank in the Caribbean. They sit between the Greater and Lesser Antilles and are separated from Puerto Rico by water.
Following the Spanish-American War in 1898, the islands shifted from Spanish to United States control as part of Puerto Rico territory. Former military installations were later repurposed as protected natural areas.
Spanish is the primary language spoken by residents, and local food and customs mirror those of Puerto Rico. Colorful houses and family-run eateries throughout the islands reflect everyday Caribbean life and traditions.
Ferries departing from Fajardo, Puerto Rico, and small aircraft services at local airports are the main ways to reach the islands. It is advisable to arrange transportation in advance, as connections may be limited.
The islands contain extensive wildlife refuges protecting rare species and habitats found nowhere else in the region. These reserves are actively managed today and serve as crucial areas for preserving Caribbean biodiversity.
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