2 nights in Vieques?
 

We are traveling to PR in October and we will be splitting our time between San Juan and the Northeast coast. We also want to see the biobay in Vieques by kayak. We are a family with 2 adults and 2 children (ages 11 and 13), looking for moderately priced accommodations (not to exceed $200/night). Our plan would be to take the ferry to Vieques, do the biobay tour, beach & snorkeling, and return by ferry after two nights. Most of the villas rent by the week. Two questions --

Do we need a car for two nights on Vieques? We will have a rental car for the week, but does it make sense to bring it with us?
Any recommendations on where to stay (want something on the beach)?

Any help would be appreciated! Thanks!

well, be aware that accommodations on the beach in Vieques are limited mostly to the Martineau Bay resort on the north coast. There is the Bravo Beach Hotel, but the name is a bit of a misnomer, as it is waterfront without really being beachfront.

Maybe consider the excellent Hacienda Tamarindo, which has lovely sea views and is convenient to Esperanza. You can get a two bedroom suite and rates include a full breakfast. You can also order sack lunches the night before in an insulated back pack to take with you to beaches. Hacienda Tamarindo has an honor bar and a lovely swimming pool, which are both great with kids.

Even though it's just for two nights, I'd recommend renting a car on Vieques. Not sure if you can take a rental car on the ferry from Fajardo, but perhaps there are rental companies on both Vieques and the mainland tha have rental agreements.

Yes, you'll want a car as the best beaches are on the former Navy property and are all a drive away - although it's more than worth it! Re where to stay, given that there are four of you, I would recommend renting a house. Since it will be off season you should be able to get a pretty good deal. You will love Vieques!

You will definately want to rent a car(on VQS) in addition to the beaches on the old base, you will want to explore the west end with the old Navy bunkers, herds of horses, Green Beach, Mosquito Pier...
But you need to make reservations weeks ahead of time to take a car on the ferry and you can still get bumped if something more important comes along at boarding time.
Martineau Bay has just closed for renovations.
You could look into the guest rooms above Bananas and Tradewinds...they are almost beachfront, the kids could walk across the street and be there, it is on the malecon (sidewalk). Not a perfect beach for hanging out as there is boat traffic, but you can walk over to Sun Bay.

Thanks for all the information!