KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
YEP...IT HAS TO BE SAID.
Vieques is a separate island off the coast of Puerto Rico.
You cannot rent a car in Puerto Rico and drive to Vieques and rental cars are not permitted on the cargo ferry.
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Vieques is a municipality of Puerto Rico which is a commonwealth of the United States. For over 60 years the island was used as a live munitions target practice site until protesters forced the Navy out in May, 2003. Read more about Vieques history here.
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Vieques is known for its beautiful beaches, pristine water and the brightest bioluminescent bay in the world
- Plan ahead. The busiest season is from Thanksgiving until Easter. It is wise to book flights, cars and accommodation well in advance as the supply doesn't always meet the demand.
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The ferry boards Vieques residents first and at certain times of the year (holidays) it is difficult for a non-resident to get a seat.
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GETTING YOUR BEARINGS
There are two main "towns" on Vieques, Esperanza on the south side and Isabel II on the North.
Esperanza / South Side
Esperanza, on the southern coast, boasts the deep aqua and crystal clear waters of the Caribbean Sea, gently lapping along a picturesque walkway known as the Malecón. Esperanza offers a walkable array of restaurants, museums, stores, piers, boating and social interaction. Sundays are full of music, dominos, and libations. Extend your pleasure east or west along the Caribbean shore to discover art, black sand, roadside food experiences and an endless string of unique beaches so visually outrageous you’ll be at a loss for words and pictures.
Isabel II / North Side
Bordered by the wavy blue of the Atlantic, the north side offers a loosely organized configuration of main and side streets, churches, stores, bars, restaurants, shops and municipal offices, all loosely draped around the Plaza, a community square for great gatherings all year round. Charming and colorful, Isabel II ("town" or "el pueblo" to the residents) is named after the first reigning female monarch of Spain. Sitting like a decorated cake high above the town is the Fortin Conde de Mirasol, the last Spanish fort built in the Americas.
Vieques nickname “Isla Nena” (Little Girl Island)
Population: approx 9,000
Time Zone AST year round (PR does not observe daylight savings time)
Malecon - Esplanade or boardwalk (oceanfront Esperanza)
GOOD TO KNOW
