The Caribbean - San Juan, PR to Vieques, PR transportation question

I've booked a trip to Puerto Rico in a few weeks for my wife's birthday. My initial plan was to spend all my time in San Juan at whatever hotel Priceline deemed worthy. But then I found this biobay thingee mentioned in several threads on FT and fell hook, line, and sinker. So now I'm booked for the entire stay in Vieques.

Now to the logistics. I've found numerous options for getting from A to B; fly from San Juan airport, the other one close by (whose name escapes me), or Fajardo airport. Or, if I go to the trouble to get down to Fajardo, I can just as well take the ferry. Info on the flights is a bit scarce, and I hesitate to call those airlines until I narrow down my options.

So, right now I'm thinking the cab to Fajardo and ferry routine seems to be winning on price and flexibility. Any thoughts on which would work best? My wife is low maintenance and doesn't mind small aircraft, but would prefer not to lose a half a day getting from SJU to the hotel in Vieques. (That's where the ferry starts looking less appetizing)

Oh - one last bit of detail. We arrive at SJU at 4PM on a Friday and depart around the same time on a Tuesday.

As always, much thanks.

-Internyet

I've done both the Vieques Air Link and the ferry. The flight is much more convenient, but could be a little freaky for people who don't like little (old) planes. The Isla Verde airport in San Juan is super easy to use, and the flight's really quick. The Fajardo - San Juan drive isn't that bad, but the whole ferry process feels like wasted time.

I guess the thing to keep in mind is that the flights *can* sell out, so if you're looking to go that route, always good to have a reservation.

By the way - I couldn't have been happier with stays at the Innon the Blue Horizon and at the Hix Island House. Hope you get to stay there.^ ^

I've done both the Vieques Air Link and the ferry. The flight is much more convenient, but could be a little freaky for people who don't like little (old) planes. The Isla Verde airport in San Juan is super easy to use, and the flight's really quick. The Fajardo - San Juan drive isn't that bad, but the whole ferry process feels like wasted time.

I guess the thing to keep in mind is that the flights *can* sell out, so if you're looking to go that route, always good to have a reservation.

By the way - I couldn't have been happier with stays at the Innon the Blue Horizon and at the Hix Island House. Hope you get to stay there.^ ^

Thanks for the tip. That pushed me off the fence and I've booked the flights from SJU with Vieques Air Link. A wee bit on the pricey side (and no AA miles), but convenience wins.

Hotelwise, we're booked at Casa Alta Vista. It reviews well and the price was right.

I've booked a trip to Puerto Rico in a few weeks for my wife's birthday. My initial plan was to spend all my time in San Juan at whatever hotel Priceline deemed worthy. But then I found this biobay thingee mentioned in several threads on FT and fell hook, line, and sinker. So now I'm booked for the entire stay in Vieques.

Now to the logistics. I've found numerous options for getting from A to B; fly from San Juan airport, the other one close by (whose name escapes me), or Fajardo airport. Or, if I go to the trouble to get down to Fajardo, I can just as well take the ferry. Info on the flights is a bit scarce, and I hesitate to call those airlines until I narrow down my options.

So, right now I'm thinking the cab to Fajardo and ferry routine seems to be winning on price and flexibility. Any thoughts on which would work best? My wife is low maintenance and doesn't mind small aircraft, but would prefer not to lose a half a day getting from SJU to the hotel in Vieques. (That's where the ferry starts looking less appetizing)

Oh - one last bit of detail. We arrive at SJU at 4PM on a Friday and depart around the same time on a Tuesday.

As always, much thanks.

-Internyet

Going to be in Vieques myself w/wife, 2 children and sister(jumped on last night, after I told her about that Bio Bay!). :D So 5 all day.
We are renting from L&M car rental which has a pick up near Hilton Caribe, where we will be staying for a few days prior to our departure to Vieques.
L&M has a drop in Fajardo and shuttle buses to/from the ferry.
I have heard that they charge a $25 drop fee, but if your coming back and getting a car(eg: returning from Vieques) pick up in Fajardo and drop back at SJU or Caribe location, there is not an additional drop fee. Computer recognizes that you paid drop fee once already and doesn't charge again.
Our itin is: 3 days resort caribe / 5 days Vieques / 2 days Ol San Juan.
So on the retun from Vieques we plan to pick up the car and check out the rainforest(same general area).
Anyways, thought I'd share this info. I know you booked your flights already - but might be useful for someone else.
If u happen to be on the Island around 5/12 on -drop me a PM.
Hate to be sitting next to a fellow Ft'er at the bar having a drink and not know it!;)
Anyone else going to Vieques 5/12 drop me a line, I'll beef up the rental to a Mini Van and we make a ride outta it! As long as you don't mind a 5 year old crawling over you to pick up his Nintendo DS!:D

Have fun in Vieques!

MC

Thanks for the tip. That pushed me off the fence and I've booked the flights from SJU with Vieques Air Link. A wee bit on the pricey side (and no AA miles), but convenience wins.

Hotelwise, we're booked at Casa Alta Vista. It reviews well and the price was right.Don't know Alta Vista, but I'm sure you'll have a great time.

The other nice thing about the flights is that you fly over (at a fairly low altitude) some unexpectedly pretty terrain as you cut across PR.

Don't know Alta Vista, but I'm sure you'll have a great time.

The other nice thing about the flights is that you fly over (at a fairly low altitude) some unexpectedly pretty terrain as you cut across PR.

Ohhh, BTW- I'm Alta Vista too!^

As a resident of the island, I wouldn't recommend the Fajardo ferry. Tickets are sold on a first-come, first-serve basis and residents of Vieques are given priority. Thus, you might have to wait for 2-3 ferries before you can get on. If you don't mind spending the day at the Ferry dock, go that route. Otherwise, I recommend forking over the $$$ and going by plane. Cape Air, Vieques Air Link, or Isla Grande Flying School (chartered) will take you there.

First of all, I am grateful for the advice to take the flight instead of the ferry. The flights were quick and easy, and the price difference was definitely worth it in time savings. The views are great (although partly cloudy for our trip).

And, just a few trip notes for others searching for Vieques travel info in the future:

* Car rental is a little expensive, but given the lack of other infrastructure, the independence it gives you is worth it. The publicos are handy when needed, but I'd hate to rely on that my whole trip. The driving looks a little crazy, but you get used to it. Just drive safely.
* The people are friendly. Some of our best advice was gathered in a bar or at a road-side stand. There is visible anti-Americanism from political stuff I can follow (Navy bombing), but not fully understand. It was never a problem talking with locals.
* Bio-bay is a MUST DO! There's a few tour groups taking people out there. Ask around and get opinions and book it. Oh, and do watch the lunar calendar. We were within a few days of a new moon and I can understand how a full(er) moon would diminish the view a bit.
* Casa Alta Vista was nice. Good location just outside Esperanza, very friendly staff, and inexpensive. But do keep in mind it is not a five star luxury resort. Expect the rough-around-the-edges island charm and enjoy your stay.

Motor City - I missed your reply. Enjoy your stay there. I'm no Vieques expert, but I've got recent experience. So, if I can answer a question or two, post 'em here (or PM me).

First of all, I am grateful for the advice to take the flight instead of the ferry. The flights were quick and easy, and the price difference was definitely worth it in time savings. The views are great (although partly cloudy for our trip).

And, just a few trip notes for others searching for Vieques travel info in the future:

* Car rental is a little expensive, but given the lack of other infrastructure, the independence it gives you is worth it. The publicos are handy when needed, but I'd hate to rely on that my whole trip. The driving looks a little crazy, but you get used to it. Just drive safely.
* The people are friendly. Some of our best advice was gathered in a bar or at a road-side stand. There is visible anti-Americanism from political stuff I can follow (Navy bombing), but not fully understand. It was never a problem talking with locals.
* Bio-bay is a MUST DO! There's a few tour groups taking people out there. Ask around and get opinions and book it. Oh, and do watch the lunar calendar. We were within a few days of a new moon and I can understand how a full(er) moon would diminish the view a bit.
* Casa Alta Vista was nice. Good location just outside Esperanza, very friendly staff, and inexpensive. But do keep in mind it is not a five star luxury resort. Expect the rough-around-the-edges island charm and enjoy your stay.

Motor City - I missed your reply. Enjoy your stay there. I'm no Vieques expert, but I've got recent experience. So, if I can answer a question or two, post 'em here (or PM me).


I'd loved to hear if you did any snorkeling/where, food you ate, cost saving tips, did you have to rent beach chairs, Who you did Bio Bay with, favorite beach..etc-etc.
This is my first visit to Vieques as well and I will be with the bride & 2 little ones. Any tips for us would be much appreciated.^
Hope you had a wonderful time!

I'd loved to hear if you did any snorkeling/where, food you ate, cost saving tips, did you have to rent beach chairs, Who you did Bio Bay with, favorite beach..etc-etc.
This is my first visit to Vieques as well and I will be with the bride & 2 little ones. Any tips for us would be much appreciated.^
Hope you had a wonderful time!

* Snorkeling: We didn't do as much as we intended. We brought our snorkel gear with us, but it went largely unused. We did snorkel at Blue beach, and that was pretty cool. Others we spoke with seemed to select it as their favorite spot too.
* Dining: Our favorite meal was at El Quenepo in Esparanza. That got pricey, but I can still taste the meal. :) Topacio (sp?) in Isabel II was recommended as well, but we never made it there. Most of our eating was light... just those pastry things with chicken or conch or grocery items. We'd pick up some food at the Green Store or whatever road-side stand/store we accidentally found, and pack it up for beach consumption.
* Cost Saving: It was just my wife and I, so I can't factor in kids. Vieques can be as pricey as it is remote. So, outside our eating habits, I can't think of any good money-saving opportunities. Oh, we did have some roll-up straw mats that we bought in Hawaii. Those were nice for laying on the beach and keeping the towels relatively clean. That saved us from renting beach chairs.
* Favorite beach: That's pretty much personal taste. We found the perfect spot about 1/3 the way down Green beach. But then again, we found excellent spots at Red beach and by Media Luna. What made each of them special was finding a shady place to set up shop and the absolute sense of privacy.
* Bio Bay: Daniel at Casa Alta Vista made the reservations for us, and it was with Blue Caribe Kayak. With no disrespect for them (it was an incredible tour), it's hard to mess up that tour. You just need someone to point you in the right direction. The guide spoke about some of the history and chemistry, but I was too busy splashing the wife with glowing water. ;)
* One final note: Our visit at Green beach was cut short because I failed to adequately plan. Every beach we visited was remote... with no food or drink stands nearby. So we ran out of drinking water and had to leave our spot to find hydration. Whenever you're planning an outing, pack plenty of water and snacks.

So yeah, it was a wonderful trip.

* Snorkeling: We didn't do as much as we intended. We brought our snorkel gear with us, but it went largely unused. We did snorkel at Blue beach, and that was pretty cool. Others we spoke with seemed to select it as their favorite spot too.
* Dining: Our favorite meal was at El Quenepo in Esparanza. That got pricey, but I can still taste the meal. :) Topacio (sp?) in Isabel II was recommended as well, but we never made it there. Most of our eating was light... just those pastry things with chicken or conch or grocery items. We'd pick up some food at the Green Store or whatever road-side stand/store we accidentally found, and pack it up for beach consumption.
* Cost Saving: It was just my wife and I, so I can't factor in kids. Vieques can be as pricey as it is remote. So, outside our eating habits, I can't think of any good money-saving opportunities. Oh, we did have some roll-up straw mats that we bought in Hawaii. Those were nice for laying on the beach and keeping the towels relatively clean. That saved us from renting beach chairs.
* Favorite beach: That's pretty much personal taste. We found the perfect spot about 1/3 the way down Green beach. But then again, we found excellent spots at Red beach and by Media Luna. What made each of them special was finding a shady place to set up shop and the absolute sense of privacy.
* Bio Bay: Daniel at Casa Alta Vista made the reservations for us, and it was with Blue Caribe Kayak. With no disrespect for them (it was an incredible tour), it's hard to mess up that tour. You just need someone to point you in the right direction. The guide spoke about some of the history and chemistry, but I was too busy splashing the wife with glowing water. ;)
* One final note: Our visit at Green beach was cut short because I failed to adequately plan. Every beach we visited was remote... with no food or drink stands nearby. So we ran out of drinking water and had to leave our spot to find hydration. Whenever you're planning an outing, pack plenty of water and snacks.

So yeah, it was a wonderful trip.

Thanks for responding and Thank You for the GREAT advise!^