TravelinVic

Would like to go over to either island for a day, and will be leaving my rental car on the mainland of Puerto Rico. Is there enough to see and do right where the ferry drops you off? Is one island better than the other without a car? Thanks for any feeback.

travelhappyfamily

Hi. It really depends on what you want to see/do. IMO, speaking only for Vieques, the area where the ferry comes into Isabel is worn - I can't recall anything of major interest to right in the area (other than the lighthouse, but that's fairly unremarkable and was closed when we were there). That said, you can get over to Esperanza and enjoy the sights/beaches/have lunch. Or you can rent a jeep and beach-hop. Either way, to really *see* Vieques, you're going to have to travel away from the ferry drop point.

We haven't gone to Culebra (yet).

Also, if you're going for just the day, you're going to burn up a lot of your time on the ferry. Flying from Fajardo is a time-saver that would give you more daylight on Vieques.

Best of luck.

doug_stallings

You really need a car to see Vieques. All the best beaches are spread out. You might be able to rent a bike, but there are hills and it's tough going (though I suppose possible if you are in top shape). Culebra is smaller but still requires a car. There are taxis, but you'll be limited in what you can see. But just to be clear, aside from the spectacular bioluminescent bay on Vieques, there aren't many "sights" on either island; the reason you go is to get away from it all and enjoy the fabulous beaches.

mahobaygirl

I would suggest the ferry to Culebra, take the early morning one, arrive around 10 am, get a taxi to Flamenco Beach and stay for the day. There are little vans that go back and forth all day for $6 per person. There are grills selling all kinds of food at that beach and it is one of the most beautiful beaches. The last ferry leaves at 5 pm, in the town where the ferry is there are a few neat restaurants, mamacita's was our favorite.
I think VQS would definately require a car or a lot of $$$ to have the publicos drive you arund.

EJC

I've never been to Vieques. But I've been to Culebra. I'm in total agreement w/ Mahobaygirl. Flamenco Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches i've ever seen.
FYI... Take plenty of sunscreen.

caribtraveler

I've only been to Vieques. You'll need a car.

puravitarita

Very important to note about Culebra: Allow enough time between leaving Flamingo Beach to get to the ferry! The ferry men will tell you that you must arrive at the ferry port an hour before the ferry leaves. I'd allow at least 1/2 hour. We were in Culebra last April and almost missed the last ferry of the day back to Fajardo. Would have been stuck for the night with nothing but the clothes on our backs and limited money. Not many places to stay the night in Culebra. Most of the vans to take you back to the ferry port start leaving Flamingo Beach around 4:00. Have a great time!

mahobaygirl

puravitiara(sp) is right. We had round trip tickets, but missed the ferry and had to spend the night. Luckily right in town there is a rental company and they got us a room a mile up the hill overlooking Melones, so we walked back and forth to town. It did give us a chance to meet the folks in town. The other problem is that they made us wait til last to board the ferry the next day(we still had tix from the day before) because if the boat was full, they would not have let us on!!
Culebra is a weekend destination for many people from the main island. I would visit mid week to avoid any mishaps!

TravelinVic

I sure appreciate everyone's input. Thanks again.