'''Vieques''' is a Caribbean island belonging to Puerto Rico, also known as ''Isla Nena'' or ''Little Girl Island''. It is a relatively small, rural island about 18 miles east of Puerto Rico. It is about 22 miles long and 4 miles wide.
Vieques maintains a rural character, despite increasing tourist interest. Horses and chickens run wild in the streets. Expect to hear roosters and dogs during the night and morning while you're trying to sleep.
Cities
Vieques is an island municipality of Puerto Rico with two main towns.
'''Isabel Segunda''' or ''Isabel II'' is where most of the island's population lives. Isabel II is on the northern side of Vieques.
'''Esperanza''' is a smaller town which caters more to tourists. It is on the southern side of the island facing the Caribbean Sea.
Other destinations
What makes the Island of Vieques unique is its recent history. For many years, the island was home to a major U.S. naval base, which used it for training, storage of munitions, and even target practice. During the early years of this century, there was a major dispute about the continued operation of the facility. As a result, most of the area formally controlled by the military was turned over to the US Park Service. While there are still many restricted areas, a large part of the former military base is now open to the public.
Because of this past, the island was by-passed for major development. Instead of lots of chain hotels and condos, one discovers an undeveloped Caribbean island. This is what makes the bioluminiscent bay (discussed below) one of the most vivid in the world. It also means that it is possible to find a remote beach where few will disturb you during an entire day. (The beaches are named for colors--presumably given by the military.) These beaches are accessed by dirt and gravel roads off the main roadways. Rent a small truck, tracker, or 4X4 to get to the best beaches.
Understand
Talk
Spanish is the working language of locals. However, with a population of U.S. mainlanders English is known by most but not all residents.
Residents appreciate visitors that try to speak Spanish, knowing a few words will make a difference.
Get In
By ferry
Vieques has '''ferry service''' several times a day from Fajardo. Ferry service to the island of Culebra is available twice a day during week-days. The ferry from Fajardo will cost about $2 per person and takes 60-90 minutes. Tickets for the Passenger Ferry can be purchased ahead of time via the internet, and can include passage to Vieques and back to the main island. It is advised to be there early, especially on weekends, when it might be helpful to be at the dock at least an hour prior to departure. The ferry usually begins loading 30 minutes prior to departure. Pets are allowed on the passenger ferry, but, not under the air conditioned area, they need to be on a pets cage and ride on the non/air conditioned areas of the ferry. You are normally allowed to whatever you can carry (with the exception of any items containing gas) i.e. such as a lawn mower or grass trimmer that has been used. Passengers can ride inside the ferry where is nicely air conditioned or on the upper deck where you can enjoy one of the most beautiful scenery of the sorrounding big island of Puerto Rico, and other interesting places like the Conquistador Hotel, Palomino island, Culebra, and ofcourse, sailboats, etc. et. Bicycles must go on the Cargo Ferry. It is recommended that you rent an automobile in the island of Vieques versus trying to bring your own car. Space is not always available for cars on the Cargo Ferry, unless you have booked at least a month in advance, however, if you'd like to take a chance, you can get to the port 2 to 3 hours before departure and get yourself on stand-by.
By air
It is also serviced by an '''airport''' with service to Fajardo and the '''Isla Grande''' and '''LMM/SJU''' international airports in San Juan. Regional carriers include Cape Air, Sunshine Air, and Vieques Air Link.
Get around
The most convenient way to get around the island is by renting a car. You may also get around by using the publico (taxi) system, but the taxis will only take you to easily accessible beaches around the island. There are bicycle rentals on the island.
<listing name="Vieques Adventure Company" address="" phone="787-692-9162" email="" fax="" hours="" price="" url="http://www.viequesadventures.com">Mountain bike tours $75/day 3-4hrs & rentals $25/day, delivered to most hotels and guesthouses.</listing>
Car Rentals
- ABREEZE Car Rental (787) 741 1856 or (212) 784 6189
- Acevedo's Car Rentals (787) 741-4380
- Chepito's Car Rentals (787) 741-8691
- Island Car Rentals (787) 741-1666
- Marcos Car Rentals (787) 741-1388
- Maritza Car Rentals (787) 741-0078
- Martineau Car Rental (787) 741-0087, (787) 741-3948
- Vieques Car Rental (787) 741-1037
See
'''The Bioluminescent Bay''', or Mosquito Bay, is one of the most brilliant displays of the micro-organisms that light up in a blue-green glow whenever there is movement in the water. There are several boat tours out to the bay, including kayak trips (which are more ecologically sustainable). Any visitor to the island should arrange a trip. Those who wish to visit the Bio Bay should arrange their trip around the lunar calendar. The micro-organisms are not visible under a full moon. During the two or three days before and after a full moon there are usually no boat tours of the bay.
Isabel Segunda has the '''last Spanish fort built in the Caribbean''' (an interesting contrast to El Morro in San Juan).
'''A stonehenge built by the Taino indians''' is incredible--if you can find it.
Vieques Conservation and Historical Trust. speranza. 787) 741-8850. 787) 741-8850. cht@coqui.net. 787) 741-2844. ttp://www.vcht.org. ours: Tu-Sa: 10AM-3PM, Su: 11AM-3PM. ntrance is free. The VCHT is a small, but dedicated and fairly interesting museum, whose goal is to educate visitors about the cultural history of Vieques and Vieques' ecological system. Vieques Computer Systems provide internet access for visitors of Esperanza.
Do
Bio-Bay
The '''bioluminescent bay''' of Vieques, known as Mosquito Bay, is said to be one of the most spectacular bioluminiscent bays in Puerto Rico and the world. The bay has large numbers of dinoflagellates, who when stimulated glow to scare off predators.
Several businesses run tours to the bay for an average $30 per person. The best time to go on a night tour of the bay is when the sky is not very cloudy or if it is dark. If the moon is out then it will most likely be impossible to see the bay as it becomes illuminated. Even if the sky is cloudy and the moon is out your experience is very likely to be dull compared to moonless nights.
Also, do not use any chemicals such as lotions or bug spray (especially those containing DEET) because they harm the dinoflagellates. There are many kayaking tours to the bay so visitors will have to know how to paddle a kayak.
Blue Caribe Kayaks. 49 Callle Flamboyan. speranza. 787) 741-2522. 30 per person. Blue Caribe Kayaks' tours to the Bio-bay start at 6:45PM and last about two hours.
Aqua Frenzy Kayaks. 1 Rubi St.. speranza. 787) 741-0913, (787) 240-7985 (Cell). quafrenzy@hotmail.com. 30 per person, $10 Extra if pickup needed. Ask for Timothy Raymond. Kayak and nature tours to the bioluminescent bay and mangroves, providing snorkeling and BBQ.
Beaches
One of the greatest things about this island are its beaches. Since the island was once a military training area, large parts of the island are now part of the U.S. Park Service. You can drive down dirt roads to isolated beaches with crystal clear blue waters. Park your rental truck under a palm tree and you may not see another person for the remainder of the morning.
The cons to the remoteness of Vieques' beaches lie in petty theft occurring at some of the beaches. Thieves can either hide in bushes or ride up on horseback (Horses are not allowed on the beaches) and take a tourist's belongings. So when visiting a remote beach in Vieques leave your valuables at your lodging area; don't lock them them in your vehicles. ''For a discussion on this topic, see Talk:Vieques.''
Scuba
Nan-Sea Charters (http://www.nanseacharters.com/) do great scuba trips from town.
Buy
Black Beard Sports. 01 Munoz Rivera. 41-1892. ttp://www.blackbeardsports.com. An outdoors activity shop with scuba, snorkeling, beach, biking and camping equipment. They also have a couple of computers available for Internet access for the decent price of $3 for 30 minutes. If you're looking to only use some equipment for a couple of days they have fair prices for renting equipiment by the day.
Eat
Carambola. speranza. uesday thru Sunday for dinner. ttp://www.innonthebluehorizon.com/nbhrestaurant.htm. Fine dining ? renowned for serving the best food in Vieques created by Chef Xandra.
Chez Shack. Billed as a tree house located in the Pilon Jungle, this is truly a one-of-a-kind outdoor eating experience. While the surroundings are au naturale, the food is expertly prepared and exquisite. The place turns magic when the jungle turns pitch-black and the white Christmas lights brighten up the house in the jungle. Don't miss this experience.
Chicken King. This local eatery has some of the best fried chicken and fries you can get on the island.
El Quenepo. n the Malecon in Esperanza. he East end of the Malecon. 787) 741-1215. ues-Sun: 5:30PM-close. Fun funky island food on the Malecone in Esperanza. Classy casual dining with amazing food and fantastic service.
Shauna's. sabel II. If you want to dine with the locals come here. Brush up on your Spanish. They serve delicious, criollo Puerto Rican cuisine. Very reasonably priced, and some great flan.
Trade Winds. speranza. A beautiful ocean-front restaurant in Esperanza. Wonderful breakfasts, lunches, and dinners serving traditional American fare, fresh seafood and tasty cocktails. This restaurant also boasts some of the best commercial ocean-front views on the island.
Richard's Cafe. oad 200. sabel II. 787) 741-5242. Service seems attentive, however, the kitchen takes a painfully long time to cough up even the easiest food, like a fish sandwich. On the upside, the food was served piping hot.
Be Here Now: Vieques. ww.viequesguidebook.com. The most complete and continuously updated guide available to the island.
Drink
Chez Shack. ilon. 87-741-2175. ttp://enchanted-isle.com/chezshack/shack.htm. PM-1AM. 10 and up. It's the "In Spot" to rub elbows with the local ex-pats and party to the beat of a local Salsa band.
Duffy's. speranaza, adjacent to Banana's Guesthouse. 787) 741-7600. pens daily at noon, except Mondays when Duffy's is closed.
Blue Moon Bar & Grill. speranaza. pen 7 days a week, Tropical fares menu begins at 11am. ttp://www.innonthebluehorizon.com/nbhrestaurant.htm.
Sleep
A-16-Villa Gallega. -16-N florida Hill rt. 201. 50 yards From Crows Nest, left Hill. -212-784-6189 or from Europe call Milan Italy at +39 (02) 87 36 5220. ieques@icavs.com. lexible. lexible. 750/850-$2500+ per week, depending on number of guests and Season. ttp://www.vieques-villa.com. Villa and Studio have A/C, stereo surround sound and TV.
Amapola Inn. 44 Calle Flamboyan. speranza. 41-1382. mapolavieques@aol.com. 41-3704. ttp://www.enchanted-isle.com/amapola.
Banana's Guesthouse. speranza. 41-8700. ananasvieques@gmail.com. 41-0790. PM. 1AM. 65-90 per night. ttp://www.bananasguesthouse.com. A decent guesthouse located on the southern coastline.
Casa de Amistad. 27 Calle Benitez Castano. sabel Segunda, walking distance from the ferry terminal. 787) 741-3758. iequesamistad@aol.com. 70 for one queen bed room, $85 for two full beds room, $90 for two room suite, two full beds in the bedroom and a separate sitting room, private bath. ttp://www.casadeamistad.com/.
Crow's Nest Inn. 787) 741-0033. 787) 741-0993. -877-8163-169. henest@coqui.net. 787) 741-1294. 114 for double occupancy, $124 for a garden suite or $225 for a two bedroom, two bath with a deck suite. ttp://www.crowsnestvieques.com.
Inn on the Blue Horizon. rrt. 996 Km 4.3. speranza. -877-741-2583. eservations@innonthebluehorizon.com. PM. 1AM. ttp://www.innonthebluehorizon.com. The boutique hotel is set on the island's southern coastal road, less than a mile west of Esperanza. The Blue Horizon is situated on a bluff overlooking the waters of the Caribbean Sea.
Martineau-Belle Playa. artineau Bay, Vieques PR 00765" directions-"5 minutes drive from Vieques Airport. 717) 202-5591. artineaubelle@cupeles.com. 717) 202-5591. PM. 1AM. 750-1000 per night depending on Season. ttp://www.viequestravelguide.com/martineau-belle-playa-vieques-luxury-vacation-rental.html.
Ocean View Hotel. 71 Plinio Peterson Street" directions-"Isabel II, Located a short walk from the ferry in Isabel II. 787) 741-3696. nfo@hotelviequesoceanview.com. 787) 741-1793. ttp://www.hotelviequesoceanview.com.
Sea Gate Hotel. uthye and Penny Miller, Box 747, Vieques, PR 00765" directions-". 787) 741-4661, (787) 667 2805. 787) 741-2978. ttp://seagatehotel.com/index.shtml.
Tropical Guest House. -41 Apolonia Gittings, Mambiche. sabel Segunda. -787-741-2449. iequestgh@yahoo.com. PM. 2PM. 60-$105 per night. ttp://www.viequestropicalguesthouse.com. All rooms at the Tropical Guest House have A/C and TV. Studios with kitchenettes that sleep 4-6 people are also available. It is walking distance from the ferry and everything Isabel Segunda offers, from shops, bars/restaurants, museums, and more. All pristine beaches are only a 10-minute drive away.
Stay safe
Vieques is a pretty safe island, but use common sense when visiting the more remote beaches. Leave your valuables such as passports, credit cards, and any other important documents and electronics at your place of lodging. Take enough cash for you to buy drinks and lunch on a beach day.
If you have rented a vehicle to get around to the various beaches (this is a must actually) it is highly recommended to not leave any valuables in the vehicle and to leave the doors unlocked; the idea behind this is that if your doors are locked then there must be something of value inside and it is worth breaking the windows to check and see.
Cope
Familia Rios Laundromat. 787) 374-6823. ours: M: 10AM-7PM. Tu. Closed. Wed.:10AM-7PM. Th: Closed. F: 10AM-7PM. Sa: 10AM-7PM. Su: Closed. The business hours are apparently '''not''' set in stone, however it's rumored that should you call, you might be able to convince someone to open the door during what's supposed to be regular business hours.
Get out
The two most obvious options are the small island of Culebra to the north of Vieques, which might be accessable by boat charter (ferry service has been discontinued from Vieques) or Fajardo, which is connected to Vieques by regular ferry.