Pura Vida. Vieques

Updated March 18, 2015
PURA Vida. Vieques
Thank you for deciding to stay with us. We’ve provided some information to help you get to Pura Vida
in Esperanza, Vieques. We have attached a copy of the airline and ferry schedules to this document,
but for the most up to date schedules and contact information, refer to www.viequesinsider.com
Care Taker Contact Information (Call Mimi First, Joe sometimes forgets phone. Leave message if no answer)
Mimi: 443-310-6768 (Texting OK)
Joe: 443-310-5745 (Joe does not text)
We are on call during your stay, but please try to call between 8AM and 5PM unless an emergency.
Please contact our care takers if your flight or ferry is delayed so they are not left waiting.
Once in San Juan International Airport:
Commuter
Airlines to
VQS
Once you arrive in San Juan airport, you will
head downstairs to pick up your baggage at
the carousels. Make sure you keep your
baggage receipt tags the counter agent
staples to your boarding pass upon check in
at your home airport. After you pick up your
bags and head outside, a person at the door
may check the tag affixed to the bag to the
receipts on your boarding pass. Be careful,
once you go outside baggage claim, you
cannot re-enter baggage claim.
After exiting baggage claim, you need to go
upstairs again to check into the commuting
air section. The graphic to the left is where
the commuter air counters are located. The
agent will ask your weight, and weigh your
bags. After checking in with your charter
airline, you will go through security again
and head downstairs within the terminal and
wait for your flight to board.
If you are flying to Vieques from Isla Grande airport, exit SJU as stated above with baggage. Find the
orange taxi stands in the parking loop. The attendant will ask for your destination, simply say Isla
Grande airport. The fare is regulated and approximately $20, the transit time is about 15 to 20 minutes
away. There is no TSA security at Isla Grande airport, when the plane is ready they essentially just call
your name and you go and board the plane.
If you are flying to Vieques from SJU via Cape Air, there are a handful of airlines which you can check
your bags straight through from your commercial mainland airline. They are: United, Delta, American
and Jet Blue (Southwest and Spirit do not have interline baggage agreements). When you begin your
trip at your home airport, show the agent your itinerary to Vieques and ask them to check the bags
through to Vieques (VQS). Once in San Juan, simply go to the Cape Air gate and do not exit security.
All other airlines to Vieques (Vieques Air Link) you will need to exit security, manually retrieve checked
luggage and recheck in at commuter airlines counter prior to Security.
www.PuraVidaVieques.com
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Flying to Vieques from Isla Grande or SJU:
• The following chart lists the weight allowances and overage (check with carrier for most recent
information). You are generally allowed one very small carryon (purse, backpack) and one
checked bag up to the weight limit indicated. Any overweight bags are charged per pound over.
Carrier
Weight allowance
Overage
Cape Air
Vieques Air Link
Air Flamenco
Seabourne Air
We accept 1 piece of checked baggage per
ticketed passenger with a maximum weight of
50 lbs. and size of 62 linear inches (157 cm)
(total length + width + height) plus 1 gate
checked bag sized to pass through TSA
screening and which would fit into the
overhead bin of a connecting flight jet aircraft.
Each passenger can bring a maximum weight
of 25 pounds.
25 pounds per passenger
30 pounds per passenger
https://www.capeair.com/flying_with_us/baggage_info.html
$1 per pound over 25 pounds
http://viequesairlink.com/baggage.html
.70c / pound until 70 pounds
$1 per pound over 30 pounds
http://www.seaborneairlines.com/fly-with-us/fare-guide/
Driving to the passenger Ferry in Fajardo:
• The ferry is the least expensive option, especially if you have a party of more than 2 or 3
people. The passenger ferry is loacated in Fajardo, about 40 miles East of San Juan. Travel time
to Fajardo is about an hour to hour and a half depending on traffic. We have used Sra. Ilca
Rivera who runs a very prompt and easy to access van service. Ilca speaks perfect English and
promptly responds to email inquiries. Please check my FAQ page for updated rates:
www.puravidavieques.com/faq#travel
Please be aware although the ferry is the most inexpensive option to Vieques, be prepared for
delays. The ferry is chronically late and the posted schedule is more of a guide than the rule.
You will eventually get to Vieques, just don’t be upset if you are not on time and get to Vieques
tired and hungry.
•
Another option would be to rent a car with a one way drop off. Avis allows you to pickup a car
at either the International airport or at their location in the lobby of the Intercontinental Hotel in
Isla Verde. Their drop off location is in Ceiba (follow signs to Ceiba airport), note they close at
5pm (1pm Sundays) in Ceiba so the car will need to be dropped off by then. They will then take
you in a shuttle van to the ferry dock or Ceiba airport (which is right down the street).
Fajardo Ferry
Terminal
Ceiba Airport
www.PuraVidaVieques.com
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Zoom of Ceiba airport and Avis rental car location
Ceiba Avis Rental
Car location
Ceiba Airport
•
You can also drop off the car at the ferry in Fajardo for a $10 extra charge. The lot is indicated
by the map below, you leave the car with the attendant and pay him $10 in cash. You must call
the Avis office prior to dropping off car (they close at 4:30pm, earlier on Sunday) and inform
them you are leaving the car at the ferry lot. In my opinion, if you are running short on time this
is a great option with much less hassle than jockeying back and forth.
Car rental drop off
location at ferry
($10 additional)
Ticket counter
www.PuraVidaVieques.com
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•
The drive to Fajardo is easy, it's basically East on Route 3. It's nothing to worry about, the drive
isn't bad at all. There are a few malls, Wal-Marts, and many restaurants on the way from San
Juan to Fajardo. I’ve included a map at the end of this document.
Arriving in Vieques via Airport or Ferry:
• Once you touch down in Vieques, and receive your bags, you’ll exit the airport with a parking
loop straight ahead. Here publicos, or taxis, will most likely be waiting. If not, they arrive
throughout the day to pick up passengers. The publicos will be large vans vs. 4 door sedan type
cabs, and they may drop off other passengers on the way to Esperanza. The same is true for
the ferry, there most likely will be publicos waiting. All drivers will know where Esperanza is
located. If not, maps and directions to Esperanza are below. Fares are roughly $5 per person to
Esperanza, plus a small fee per piece of baggage. Most guests take a publico to Pura Vida,
where our care takers will meet you at the house after the Publico arrives. (Our care takers live
only two blocks away in the small village).
Check-In Instructions:
• The majority of our guests take a publico to Esperanza. Joe and Mimi will contact you via to
confirm your estimated arrival time on Vieques. They will either tell you to have the Publico
driver take them to their house (which is only a couple blocks away in Esperanza) or directly to
Pura Vida, where they will meet you and let you into the house, provide keys, explain the island,
restaurants, Bio Bay tours, and answer any questions.
Items that we Supply:
• All bed linens, bath towels, and beach towels. (We do ask you wash the beach towels prior to
departure for a courtesy to the next guest)
• Beach chairs, cooler, floatie noodle, toys (sand castle items, buckets, shovels, etc.)
(We do supply umbrellas, it doesn’t take much wind to destroy a beach umbrella and they do
not last long. Many beaches have pavilions for shade. If you require an umbrella you may buy
one at Black Beards in Isabel.)
• Iron, small ironing board (please don’t iron on bed), hair dryer
• We initially supply a couple rolls of toilet paper and paper towels. You will most likely have to
purchase a package of toilet paper depending on usage and length of stay. Do not knock on our
care taker’s door asking for toilet paper, yes – that has happened in the past. The Green Store
or Colmado Lydia are both a quick walk down the street and have all of these items.
• There may be shampoo leftover from a previous guest, or a small hotel size on hand. You may
want to bring your own if you prefer a specific type, or buy some at the Green Store.
• Electronics: the master bedroom has a TV and Sony Playstation2, Wii and a Blu Ray DVD player.
We have a wide variety (maybe 100 now) of movies to satisfy small children to adults. There are
also about a dozen PS2 and Wii games. We do not have Satellite TV reception.
Items you may want to pack from home, or you may need to buy at the Green Store:
• The one thing I think is critical to bring with you is a refillable water bottle. I usually fill them ½
way with water, place them in the freezer overnight, and fill with water prior to leave for the
beach. You’ll have nice cold water all day to keep hydrated in the sun.
• Beach Umbrella – We used to supply umbrellas, but the wind would destroy them, leaving it
broken for the next guest. If you would like an umbrella you will have to purchase one at Black
Beards, we just can’t keep them in stock at the house.
• Toilet Paper and Paper Towels – we supply a roughly one day supply of these items. You will
need to purchase additional toilet paper and paper towels depending on usage.
www.PuraVidaVieques.com
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•
•
•
•
•
•
Sun Screen, the sun is strong in Puerto Rico. I would recommend at least one bottle per person.
You can buy lotion at the convenience stores.
Bug spray – It is the Caribbean, depending on recent rains or lack of wind, mosquitoes do come
out. The higher the DEET the better! The green deep woods bottle works best!
Laundry detergent, we have a washer and dryer available for your use, but you will need to
purchase detergent.
Soap and Shampoo – We may have a small amount on hand, you may need more during your
stay.
We have a number of books at the house, but it’s never a bad idea to bring one for the trip
down. Island Time is much easier to pass with a book.
Please feel free to use any condiments left in the fridge. We keep a close eye on them and
throw out anything that is old (or looks as though someone stuck a finger in!).
Safety:
• Although Vieques is very safe for tourists, there is potential for petty theft while at the beaches
due to unlocked cars or unattended items left on beach. We have no reports of theft at Pura
Vida.
• We have a hotel safe at Pura Vida for small valuables, which can fit a laptop.
• Do not leave your wallet, keys, cell phones, cameras, laptops, etc. on the beach while you go off
snorkeling (or even for a walk). Yes, this is paradise but we do have a few bad apples. If you
are in a remote area please keep your belongings within sight.
• There are no concessions on the beaches. You don’t need more than a few bucks in your
pocket.
• If you experience any problems while on the Fish And Wildlife Preserve, call: 787-741-2138.
• Emergencies: Do not call the Vieques Police Department! Call 911. They will connect you to
our local police. Ask the 911 operator to stay on the line with you. They can, also, act as
translator for those who need it.
Driving on Vieques:
• Stick to the posted speed limit especially on Fish and Wildlife Preserve – the maximum speed
allowed is 35 mph
• Watch out for horses (very difficult to see at night), dogs, cats, chickens, goats, sheep, iguanas
(just kidding but you’ll probably see some of the poor things squished in the road), teenagers,
and drunks (sometimes driving and sometimes staggering along the road!)
• Do not park in front of a yellow or blue line. (Even if it looks as though it may have been yellow
or blue sometime in the distant past – don’t park there!
• Watch out for the tourists as they love to walk in the middle of the road along the Malecon. I
usually give the horn a little love tap and they move pretty quickly!
• ALWAYS wear your seatbelts for the obvious reason but the police will ticket you in a heartbeat
if the front seat passengers are not buckled up.
Drinking Water:
• The water in all of Puerto Rico must pass all U.S. Federal regulations for storage, transport and
cleanliness. You do not need to worry about the quality of the drinking water as in places like
Mexico or other South American countries. In fact, many people say the water taste and quality
is better on Vieques than their home in the U.S.
Energy Conservation:
www.PuraVidaVieques.com
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•
We do ask you please turn off the Air Conditioners, lights and ceiling fans when not in use, such
as when you leave for the beach. The majority of electricity in Puerto Rico is unfortunately
generated from fossil fuels, the main one importation of fuel oil. Therefore the kilowatt hour
rate varies each month to the price of oil. The average price is around .30 cents per kwh, which
is 50% to 100% higher than what you probably pay in the States. We just ask you please turn
off the AC units when not in use.
Internet Access:
•
We have an internet hotspot at Pura Vida. Download speeds are around 5mbps, and these
speeds can vary depending on conditions. It is perfectly fine for checking email, Facebook
accounts, web surfing, etc. Wifi is available as a courtesy and not a guarantee. You just never
know when Island Time strikes. The network name and password are as follows:
Network Name: PuraVidaWiFi
•
Password: medalla1
There are a few other places on the island where you can get online with wifi. The first is in the
town square of Isabel, there is free public wifi, just grab a bench in the square and hookup. The
second is the small café right outside the airport. In Esperanza, the Vieques Conservation
Historical Trust (right next to Duffy’s) has a few computers available for use, they ask for a $1
or so donation to help with their public benefit programs. Finally, Roys Coffee Shop in Isabel
(The bright pink building on the main street) has wifi. They do ask you help them and buy a
good coffee or sandwich while you surf.
Cell Phone Coverage:
• AT&T, T-Mobile and Sprint voice and data work well on Vieques. Some of the remote beaches
will not receive good coverage but in town and at Pura Vida they work well. Coverage is 4G with
AT&T and 2G with T-Mobile.
• Verizon Wireless' Nationwide calling plans also give you the ability to make calls to/from Puerto
Rico without roaming or long distance charges. To view the coverage in Puerto Rico, please visit
their website by clicking on the following link: www.verizonwireless.com/plans . The following is
from Verizon:
o Before leaving for your trip to Puerto Rico, it is important to update the software on your
phone in order for you to receive coverage. Please follow the instructions below while in
your home area and receiving a digital signal:
o 1. Dial *228 (Send).
o 2. When prompted, select option 2.
o Within two minutes, a voice recording will advise you that programming is complete.
Remain on the line, as the call will disconnect automatically. After performing this
software update, you will be able to determine what coverage will be available while you
are traveling. You will be charged 69 cents per minute for roaming if a Roam, R, or
triangle icon displays on your phone.
o If the roaming indicator is FLASHING:
o - You are traveling on the VZ Puerto Rico network
o - Home airtime rates and Night and Weekend Minutes apply
o - Enhanced digital services may not work
o - Dial your ten-digit wireless number to retrieve Voice Mail
o - Banner message (if applicable) will read "Extended Network"
o If the roaming indicator is ON (solid, not flashing):
o - You are traveling off network
www.PuraVidaVieques.com
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o - Service may be unavailable, Roaming rates apply; Night and Weekend Minutes do not
apply
o - Enhanced digital services will not work
o - Dial your ten-digit wireless number to retrieve Voice Mail
o - Banner message (if applicable) will read "Roaming."
On island grocery shopping:
• Morales
o Vieques main grocery store is Supermarket Morales, located on Route 200 on the north
side of the island. The towns two gas stations are next to the supermarket. One tip we
use, if two people are together, have one get gas (there may be a gas line) while the
other one starts the shopping. This saves some time. You can buy just about everything
you need food wise at Morales. Their selection of items has greatly improved over the
years.
• The Green Store
o Located right on the corner as you come into Esperanza, open 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM, every
day. You should find everything you need including dairy products, household products,
snacks, packaged cold cuts & cheese, fresh baked bread in the morning (get there
around 10:00 AM when it’s just coming out of the oven), beer, wine and spirits, etc.
They carry a very limited supply of produce and no fresh meat.
• There are many other Colmados (convenience stores) located all over the island and they all
have basic supplies.
• There is also a produce stand on Route 997 right before you get to Isabel Segunda (on the
right). The produce is stored in the refrigerated trailers and you never know what will be
available. They also sell tires and car batteries! No foolin’!
• Try The Esperanza Panaderia (Bakery) – traveling west on the Malecon, turn right on Hucar at
The Tradewinds, then left at the big painted rock. Wonderful pastries, fresh baked bread and
breakfast sandwiches! Go early in the day but, be advised – sometimes they’re open and
sometimes they’re not! Mimi’s favorite – guava cookies and Joe’s favorite – everything!
SUV Rental
• New law in effect JANUARY 1, 2013. Texting is illegal while driving and calling from a car
without a hands free device is also illegal. Both carry a $50 fine!!!!
•
•
•
Gas
The island’s two gas stations are on Route 200 as stated above, in-between the airport and the
town of Isabel. Gas is cash only, pre pay. So ensure you bring enough cash with you, there is an
ATM in the gas station if you need cash. Gas is sold in liters. If renting our SUV, we ask you
leave the tank with the same amount of gas as you found it. Generally, we have guests begin
their stay with ½ tank, and ask you leave it with ½ tank full.
Please do not leave money for our care takers to refill the gas tank. They do not have time to do
this. If the gas is not left at the agreed upon level we must withhold the price of the gas plus
our care taker’s time to refill the tank.
Never wait until your gauge reads “empty”. We highly recommend filling the gas tank whenever
you drive by the gas station and the queue is short. Guests don't realize that the stations here
are not open on a regular schedule, there may be extremely long lines or there may be no gas
at all.
www.PuraVidaVieques.com
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ATM
•
•
There are a couple ATMs on Vieques. The main ATM is in front of Banco Popular in Isabel, next
to the post office. Duffy’s restaurant, on the Malecon in Esperanza, also had an ATM. Both gas
stations also have an ATM.
Colmado Lydia in Esperanza next to the baseball fields also has an ATM. Last time I was there
the fee was $2.00 and a limit of $200.
Credit Cards
• Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted at most restaurants, markets, Green Store,
supermarket, etc. (Gas station is cash only!). American Express is not widely accepted on
Vieques.
Weather
• Common question: I just checked the weather report and it says rain all week, will it really rain
the entire time we are there? It's the tropics and it will probably rain somewhere on any given
island for some time every day. What the weather sites don't tell you is the rain usually comes
in the form of very brief and very localized showers lasting only minutes. It's not unusual for it
to be raining in one area and there be bright sun 1/4 mile away. The old saying goes, if you
don’t like the weather, wait 10 minutes and it will change.
On your way home:
Checking out of Pura Vida:
o Check out time is 10AM, this time may be modified with the approval of our care takers.
o If possible, it would be greatly appreciated to start a load or two of laundry to include
bed linens and towels.
o We rarely withhold funds from security deposits due to cleaning and turnover. We incur
more expense than the cleaning fee we charge, and often absorb that as a cost of doing
business. However, any excessive cleaning beyond a reasonable level required will be
charged at our care takers hourly rate and deducted from the security deposit. A sink full
of dirty dishes, overflowing garbage cans, every towel used in the house and other
general issues will be considered excessive cleaning.
US Dept. of Agriculture baggage screen:
o BEFORE you go to your airlines check in counter you must send your bags through the
US Dept. of Agriculture screening machine. This machine scans your luggage for any
invasive plants which could affect mainland crops. There is a list of prohibited items at
the screening station. If you forget to scan your bags you will have to get out of line.
Duty Free:
o Upon leaving Puerto Rico back to the US mainland, you are allowed to purchase duty free
items to take with you. Rum is a popular item to take back (Don Q – we like to call it
Vitamin Q - is our favorite). You can take as much home as you can carry. As of
November 2012 they had 2 1-liter bottles of Don Q rum for $24.
www.PuraVidaVieques.com
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Via Airport:
East on 200
Right onto Rt. 201
Straight onto 996
Right onto 996 towards
Esperanza
How to get to Esperanza.
There are two routes to Esperanza.
Via Ferry:
West on 200
Left onto 997
Follow this all the way into
Esperanza.
How to get to Pura Vida
184 Calle Liria, Esperanza
The first landmark you will see,
is the Green Store (1). Take a
left at the fork in road at Green
Store.
Continue for approximately ¼
mile or so. Do not take the first
right, continue on, and very
quickly you will need to take
the next right, after Rainbow
Realty. It almost does not look
like a street, it is very narrow
(2).
Follow this street, it will bend
around, and you will come to
our house, #184, on the right.
How to get to Pura Vida.
Green Store
Pura Vida
Bananas
If you miss the turn and end up
on the Malecon, you’ve gone
too far.
www.PuraVidaVieques.com
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Pura Vida as seen from Calle Liria
Our Care Takers:
Joe and Mimi Popp.
Mobile Phone: (443)-310-6768.
239 Calle Magnolia
Esperanza
Vieques, PR 00765
www.PuraVidaVieques.com
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AIR FLAMENCO
Reservations:
787.724.1105 • 787.742.1818
Vieques:
787.741.8811 • 787.741.4121
toll free: 877.535.2636
www.airflamenco.net
ISLA GRANDE (SIG) TO VIEQUES (VQS)
8:00AM 8:25AMDaily
1:00 PM
1:25PM
Daily
VIEQUES (VQS) TO ISLA GRAND (SIG)
Departure
ArrivalFrequency
11:45 AM
12:10 PM
Daily
5:30 PM
5:55 PM
Daily
VIEQUES TO CEIBA
Departure
ArrivalFrequency
8:00 AM
8:15AM
Daily
9:00AM
9:15 AM
Daily
11:50 AM 12:05 PM
Daily
2:30 PM
2:45 PM
Daily
3:30 PM
3:45 PM
Daily
5:30 PM
5:45 PM
Daily
CEIBA TO VIEQUES
Departure
ArrivalFrequency
7:30 AM 7:45 AM
Daily
8:30 AM
8:45 AM
Daily
11:00 AM
11:15 AM
Daily
3:00 PM
3:15 PM
Daily
4:00 PM 4:15 PM
Daily
5:00 PM 5:15 PM
Daily
CAPE AIR
800.227.3247 • 787.741.7734
www.capeair.com
SAN JUAN TO VIEQUES
Departure
ArrivalFrequency
9:20 AM 9:46AM
Daily
10:55 AM 11:21AM
Daily
1:00 PM 1:26PM
Daily
2:25 PM 2:51PM Daily
3:05 PM 3.31PM Daily
4:05 PM 4:31PM
Daily
5:50 PM 6:16PM Daily
7:34 PM
8:00PM
Daily
VIEQUES TO SAN JUAN
Departure
ArrivalFrequency
8:30AM 8:53AM
Daily
10:06AM 10:29AM
Daily
11:41AM 12:04PM
Daily
1:46PM 2:09PM Daily
3:11PM 3:33PM Daily
3:51PM 4:14PM Daily
4:46PM 5:09PM Daily
5:11PM 5:34PM
Daily
6:36PM 6:59PMDaily
.............................................
M & N AVIATION
787-791-7090
Charters to North, South and Central
America, Canada and the Continental
United States.
VIEQUES TO CULEBRA
Departure
ArrivalFrequency
9:00 AM 9:30 AM
Daily
4:30 AM
5 PM
Daily
.............................................
.............................................
AIR SUNSHINE
SAN JUAN TO VIEQUES
Departure
Arrival Thurs -Tues
1:30 PM 2:00 PM Thurs -Tues
VIEQUES TO SAN JUAN INTL
Departure
ArrivalFrequency
11:30 AM
11:55 AM
Daily
2:30 PM
2:55 PM
Daily
VIEQUES ST. THOMAS
10:00 AM
10:15 AM
Daily
5:15 PM 5:30 PM Daily
VIEQUES TO SAN JUAN
Departure
ArrivalFrequency
2:15PM
2:45PM
Daily flights except Wednesdays
787.741.7900 • 800.327.8900
888.879.8900 • www.airsunshine.com
SAN JUAN INTL VIEQUES
11:00 AM
11:255 AM
Daily
2 PM
2:25 PM
Daily
4:00 PM
4:25 PM O
n Demand
ST. CROIX / ST. THOMAS
VIEQUES
Private Charter
Vieques to: Tortola and Virgin Gorda
SEABORNE AIRLINES
866.359.8784
www.seaborneairlines.com
Ferry schedules change often.
Please call or visit the ticket
window during operating hours
to confirm departure and arrival
times. Do not rely on this schedule to make a connecting flight as
the ferry times can change daily
depending on boats or weather.
CARGO FERRY
PASSENGER FERRY
EVERYDAY
VIEQUES FERRY
TERMINAL
787.494.0934
ext. 2727, 2728, 2729
787.497.7740
ext. 0
Vieques to Fajardo:
6:30 AM
11:00 AM
3:00 PM
6:00 PM
Fajardo to Vieques:
9:30 AM
1:00PM
4:30 PM
8:00 PM
MONDAY-TUES-THURS
Vieques to Fajardo:
6:00 AM
1:00 PM
6:00 PM
Fajardo to Vieques:
4:00 AM
6:00 PM
WED.& FRI.
Vieques- Fajardo
6:00 am
11:00 am
4:00 pm
Fajardo-Vieques
4:00 am
9:30 pm
4:00 pm
VIEQUES AIR LINK
787.741.8331 • 888.901.9247
VIEQUES
Departure
9:30 AM
1:30 PM
4:40 PM
SAN JUAN
ArrivalFrequency
10:00AM
Daily
2:00PM
Daily
5:00PM
Daily
SAN JUANVIEQUES
Departure
ArrivalFrequency
12:45PM 1:15PMDaily
2:45PM 3:15PMDaily
5:30PM 6:00PMDaily
VIEQUES ISLA GRANDE
Departure
ArrivalFrequency
7:30AM
8:00AMMon-Fri
9:30AM 10:30AMDaily
12:00PM
12:30PMMon-Sat
2:00PM 2:30PMDaily
4:30PM 5:00PMDaily
5:45PM 6:15PMDaily
ISLA GRANDEVIEQUES
Departure
ArrivalFrequency
6:15AM
6:45AMMon-Fri
8:30AM 9:00AMDaily
11:15Am 11:45AMDaily
1:00PM
1:30PMMon-Sat
2:45PM 3:15PMDaily
5:15PM 5:45PMDaily
VIEQUES
Departure
7:00Am
8:15AM
9:15AM
12:00PM
2:30PM
3:30PM
5:00PM
6:00PM
CEIBA
ArrivalFrequency
7:10AMDaily
8:25AMDaily
9:25AMDaily
12:10PmDaily
2:40PmDaily
3:40PmDaily
5:10PMDaily
6:10PMDaily
CEIBA
Departure
6:15AM
7:30AM
9:00AM
9:45AM
11:30AM
1:00PM
3:00Pm
4:00PM
5:30PM
VIEQUES
ArrivalFrequency
6:25AMMon-Sat
7:40AMDaily
9:10AMMon-Sat
9:55AMDaily
11:40AMMon-Sat
1:10PMDaily
3:10PMDaily
4:10PMDaily
5:40PMDaily
Charters Available
St Thomas • St Croix • Tortola • Virgen
Gorda • St Marteen • St Kitts
Please visit www.viequesairlink.com
Toll free:Mon-Sat. Closed Sundays
1 888 901 9247
787 741-8331
Email: [email protected]
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ON THE
VIEQUES
BUSINESS DIRECTORY
WATER
..........................
BIO BAY / NIGHT TOURS
JAK Water Sports 787-644-7112
FISHING CHARTERS
Fin Time Adventures
787-981-4109
ACCOMODATIONS
Blue Horizon Boutique Resort
787-741-3318
Casa de Amistad 787-741-3758
Casa Colores
413-548-8053
Casa La Lanchita
787-741-8449
El Blok
787-741-6020
Flamboyan Guesthouse 340-642-5883 / 787-741-9090
Hacienda Tamarindo 787-362-3324 / 787-741-8525
Hectors by the Sea 787-741-1178
Hix Island House
787-741-2302
Malecon House
787-741-0663
Sea Gate Hotel 787-741-4661
Hilltop Retreat Apartment
917-553-6595
Trade Winds
787-741-8666
Villa Coral
787-741-1967
W Vieques
787-741-4100
AIRLINES
Air Flamenco
Air Sunshine
Cape Air
Isla Nena
M&N Aviation
Seaborne Airlines Vieques Air Link
787-741-8811
787-741-7900
800-352-0714
787-741-1577
787-791-7090
877-772-1005
787-741-8331
ART GALLERIES
Ellie Harold
231-352-6213
Fuerte Conde Mirasol
787-741-1717
Siddhia Hutchinson Gallery 787-741-1343
Vieques Historical & Conservation Trust 787-741-8850
CAR RENTAL
Avis
Ceiba 787-885-0505 / VQS 787-741-0284
Maritza’s
787-741-0078 / airport 0700
Vieques Car Rental
787-741-1037
CATERERS
Beverly Davenport-Chef
Coqui Fire
Green Man Baked Goods
Chef Eva Bolívar 215-313-1241
787-741-0401
787-435-6822
787-402-0357
CONSTRUCTION
Architecto, Stanley Hutchinson
EDK Design Services
M&M of Vieques
Navarro Construction
Paul Lutton, Arquitecto
Vieques Locksmith
787-556-5537
787-435-3548
787-741-2577
787-741-2577
787-477-7684
787-564-5120
FITNESS
Sweat Fitness W
787-741-4100
FLOWERS
Flores202-276-8601
HORSEBACK RIDING
Esperanza Riding
Sea Gate Hotel
Taxi Horses
787-435-0073
787-741-4661
787-206-0122
LIQUOR STORE
El Sombrero Viejo (Liquor)
787-741-2416
LAND MANAGEMENT
Ean Egas Tree Removal
518-506-1374
32
LOCKSMITHS
Marc Weems Locksmith 787-564-5120
MASSAGE
Away Spa (W)
Blue Hoku (Maureen)
Vieques Massage Ingrid Bergman
787-741-7021
787-556-5025
787-435-1313
MUSEUMS
Forte Conde Mirasol
787-741-1717
Vieques Historical & Conservation Trust 787-741-8850
PET CARE & SERVICES
Pampered Pets (grooming)
787-741-0639
Vieques Humane Society
787-741-0209
PHOTOGRAPHY
Jennifer Teeter
787-469-3337
PUBLICATIONS / MARKETING
Imprenta Adonai
787-741-2856
Vieques Insider Magazine
787.435.3172
Vieques.Travel212-462-2900
REAL ESTATE
Bravos Boyz
Island Real Estate
Rainbow Realty
Vieques Fine Properties
Vieques Realty & Rentals
787-741-1463
787-741-7001
787-741-4312
787-741-3298
787-741-0330
RESTAURANTS & BARS
Awesome Yogurt & Fruits
787-517-1061
Belly Buttons
787-741-3336
Biekes Bistro
787-741-6381
Bilí787-741-1382
Carambola787-741-3318
Conuco787-741-2500
Coquí Fire
787-741-0401
El Sombrero Viejo
787-741-2416
José Enrique @ El Blok
787-741-6020
La Zafra
787-644-9325
Mar Azul
787-741-3400
Next Course
787-741-1028
Pescaderia/Fish Market
787-349-8660
Roys Internet Café
787-741-0685
Sorcé W 787-741-7022
Trade Winds
787-741-8666
W Café
787-741-7056
SHOPPING / TIENDAS
Funky Beehive
787-741-3192
Malecon House Boutique
787-741-0663
Toda La Casa
787-236-7224
Trade Winds Gift Shop
787-741-8666
VCHT Gift Shop
787-741-8850
Vieques Flowers and Gifts
787-741-4197
SPA/SALON
W Retreat and Spa
787-741-7021
WEDDING PLANNERS
Bodas Weddings
202-276-8601
YOGA
Blu Hoku
787-556-5025
PADDLEBOARDING
JAK Water Sports 787-644-7112
Vieques Paddleboarding
787-366.5202
SAILING / CHARTERS
AHOY Vieques
939-332-5778
Caribbean Lady
787-930-5610 / 5611
Fin Time Adventures
787-981-4109
LittleBoat Sailing
787.366.5202
Vieques Classic Charter
787-467-3447
SCUBA
Isla Nena Scuba
787-718-7607
PUBLICOS/TAXIS
Alba Melendez
787-206-0456
Ana Robles
787-514-9597
Angie Chauffeur
787-455-4596
Carlos & Denisse
787-447-8697
Edna Robles
787-630-4673
Henry787-649-3838
Jose Morales
787-435-4277
Josue787-249-6165
Juanito787-645-2329
Julio787-579-1141
Luis Gonzalez
787-435-3805
Sharron787-944-4569
Tours & Transportation
787-397-2048
Vieques Taxi 787-741-TAXI 8294
MEDICAL SERVICES / PHARMACIES
ASSMCA787-741-4767
Behavioral Health Care
888-440-8787
Centro Quiropráctico
787-741-0414
Consejería Psicológica
787-547-9467
Dra- Daphne Torres (Dentista)
787-741-1916
Farmacia San Antonio
787-741-8397
Dr- Jose Figueroa
787-741-2222
Dra- Fanny Garraton (dentist)
787-741-8765
Dentist Juan R- Gonzalez
787-318-7376
Sheila Levin (Counseling)
787-741-3298
Dr- Luis Rivera
787-741-0738
SERVICES
Alcoholics Anon
Humane Society
Baby Item Rentals
787-741-0639
787-741-0209
787-435-2465
MISCELLANEOUS Alcoholics Anonymous
787-741-0639
Pescaderia Angelyz787-918-0559 / 787-428-5182
Vieques Gas
787-741-2551
EMERGENCY
Ambulance787-741-1616
City Hall/Alcaldía
787-741-5000
Emergency911
Fire Dept
787-741-2111
Police787-741-2020
Sun Bay
787-741-8198
US Fish and Wildlife Office
787-741-2138
Recycling Office
787.741.5000
To download a pdf of the island business phone directory please visit
http://viequesinsider.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/PHONE-DIRECTORY.pdf
PURA Vida. Vieques
Beach Guide
Eastern US Fish and Wildlife Refuge
Media luna
Pura Vida
Sun Bay
Out the door checklist
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Navio
Barracuda
bay
Bio bay
Suntan lotion, bug spray
Beach chairs
Beach towels
Cooler, Snacks, beer, (2 bags of ice per warm case is perfect)
Plenty of water per person
Take a #2, only Sun Bay has a bathroom
Lunch (at gate to east beaches is Sol Food, very good and offers box lunch)
red
secret
blue
orchid
garcia
US Fish and Wildlife beaches
are open 6AM to 6PM daily.
Sun Bay area beaches are
open 24 hours
Sun Bay
Sun Bay is one of three beaches not located on the US Fish and Wildlife refuge. The gate to enter these beaches is just east of
Esperanza and the Green Store. The admission is $2 per car, however if the gate is closed, just drive around it and consider
the day free of charge. Once inside, you will probably see plenty of wild horses on the grounds. Many of the horses are wild,
and we suggest not getting close to them, they are known to kick and could ruin your day. There are no pavilions but plenty of
palms for shade.
Tips and Hints
•
•
•
Do not park on the beach, you
will get a fine
As you drive to the ocean,
drive as far as the beach goes.
It is the calmest area, but
potentially more crowded
There are bathrooms and a
snack bar where the buildings
are located
Media luna
Media Luna, or half moon, is a coral sand beach about a quarter mile long. Continue on the road from Sun Bay and you will
see signs for Media Luna. The beach is a favorite of families and those with kids, as the water is bath tub warm (sometimes
too warm in the summer). The beach is still only waist deep 50 yards out. Media Luna is well protected against wind and
waves, and is usually very calm. That rock way out in the distance, it may look familiar, the original Lord of the Flies was
filmed on Media Luna and Sun Bay.
Tips and Hints
•
•
Do not park on the side of the road closest
to the pavilions, you will get a ticket without
warning by an officer if he patrols. On the
other side of the road is a sign with an ‘E’
which means Estacione or Parking.
If there is no wind, which can be often,
mosquitoes can be a problem where the
pavilions are. Pack some bug spray with
your suntan lotion.
navio
Navio is the final beach within the Puerto Rico public beach area. It is located on a road to the left as you reach Media Luna.
WE DO NOT ALLOW OUR VEHICLE TO GO TO NAVIO. The road to navio is extremely rugged and washed out. We are not
joking or exaggerating, there are massive potholes and you will damage the SUV and tires if you go down the road.
Navio is less protected than Media Luna and thus has much bigger waves and breezes. There are no pavilions on Navio.
Tips and Hints
•
You’re not missing much by not going to
Navio, as the road seriously sucks. It usually
has larger waves, windier and little shade.
Garcia (Playuela)
The lesser known neighbor to Red Beach. Garcia beach is somewhat exposed to the easterly trade winds, so when the breezes
are blowing it can offer some decent bodysurfing. There are plenty of shady palms, but no pavilions. There is a small island off
of Garcia which has decent snorkeling but it is a good swim.
Tips and Hints
•
•
Garcia is far less crowded than Red, it’s
neighbor.
If the wind is blowing, Garcia will be more
windy than Red.
Red (caracas)
Red beach could possibly by the most popular on Vieques. It is your picture perfect half moon crescent. There are a 9
pavilions, some of them have picnic tables in better shape than others. There is good snorkeling off to the left of Red Beach,
and very easy to swim out to. The roads to Red are in great shape, and easy to navigate.
Tips and Hints
•
•
•
Get to Red by 10AM on weekdays or 11AM
(or earlier) on weekends to ensure you get
a pavilion.
A crowded beach doesn’t really exist on
Vieques, but Red is one of the more popular
beaches and will have more people than
others.
There is good snorkeling off to the left of
the beach around the point. Very easy for
all skill levels.
secret (prieta)
Not so much a secret anymore, but used to be hidden by an overgrown road. A very calm beach, but no pavilions. Some good
snorkeling at the points. After turning for the sign to Prieta, when the road splits bear right. Leave the vehicle at the parking
area and walk down a short hill to find a spectacular beach. Not much shade. REMEMBER TO LEAVE NOTHING IN VEHICLE AS
YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO SEE IT FROM THE BEACH!
Tips and Hints
•
•
•
No pavilions on Secret beach, but plenty of
shade.
You must park at an area above Secret and
walk down a moderate grade path to Secret
beach. So, if you have a ton of stuff be
prepared to carry a lot.
Your car will be out of view, ENSURE you do
not leave ANYTHING of value within the car.
Roll up windows (rain happens
unexpectedly) but do not lock car.
Blue (Chiva)
Blue beach is a favorite due to it’s long stretch of sandy beach within a large protected bay. There are actually three separate
beaches inside the bay separated by small rocky points of land. The island off of Blue Beach has some of the best snorkeling of
the island. There are many pavilions leading off of small paths with enough spots for a couple vehicles. Most of the pavilions
do not have picnic tables or they are in rough shape.
Tips and Hints
•
•
•
•
Pavilions are numbered
Don’t be afraid to park where
more than one car is, no one
owns the beach and it’s a great
way to meet friends.
As you look out to the island
from the beach, the right hand
side of the island has excellent
snorkeling to include rays,
coral, fans, sometimes sea
turtles.
If you snorkel to the island, do
not walk on the sea grass on
the sandbar out to the island.
You will destroy developing reef
and habitat for wildlife.
Orchid (plata)
The last accessible beach is Orchid. At signpost #17 there is a dirt road that cuts left off the main road. Follow to Playa Plata.
Beyond Orchid is the cleanup operation for the US Navy. Orchid is the farthest beach and thus probably does not get as much
traffic as others. There are no pavilions on Orchid. It is a very picturesque beach with usually mild waves, breezes and
beautiful scenery.
Tips and Hints
•
•
There are no pavilions on
Orchid.
Due to the long distance to get
here, bring everything you
need for the day, including
plenty of water.
Green (Punta arenas)
Extreme Western end of the island. Great for snorkeling. Directly in front of the only shelter, wade in and go to the left. You
will want to be off this beach by 3PM as the sand fleas and ‘no-see-ums’ will attack.