Three new species of Vriesea (Bromeliaceae) are described and illustrated: V. lucifera , V. luziae and V. ophiophora . All are restricted to islands of the southeastern coast of Brazil, two of them in the Rio de Janeiro state (Ilha do Cabo Frio and Ilha Grande) and one in the São Paulo state (Ilha de Alcatrazes). All were found at or near the highest points of their respective islands. The taxa were discovered as part of a taxonomic revision of V. platynema and related species. The new species are herbs with simple inflorescences, patent flowers, ‘campanulate' corolla and nocturnal anthesis. Illustrations and pictures of living plants are provided.