Culebra or Vieques
 

I am planning a trip for February and have traveled pretty extensively around the Caribbean. However, I have not visited these two islands and am considering renting a house on one or the other. Both sound unspoiled and beautiful, although Culebra has a reputation for being safer and friendlier and smaller. Any preferences from those who know both? Is it easy to take a day trip from one to the other? And finally, I am also thinking about the Southern Grenadines (Carriacou, Union, Mayreau, etc.) although this requires a lot more effort and cost. Does anyone feel strongly that it is worth going the extra distance?

Michael: I grew up in Puerto Rico and can tell you about the two islands you mentioned. They are small island- municipalities off the coast of Puerto Rico. Culebra is mostly a natural preserve protected by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife. I would strongly recommend staying at one of the Inns by the ocean. Vieques is also a good choice. By the way, the name comes from the Taino Indian word for small island (bieques). On Vieques, Arawak Indians once lived there and it was an infamous haven for pirates during 17th century, before, during and after which various European powers fought for control of Vieques. A century old lighthouse still protects the port. Snorkeling is excellent, especially at Blue Beach. The island is also the home of phosphorescent Mosquito Bay.
It also holds the distinction of having the last fort built by the Spaniards in the New World.

Vieques is separated from the southeast coast of Puerto Rico by approximately 8 miles of sea, although if you are taking a ferry from Fajardo the distance will be 18 miles. Take the ferry to Fajardo; go to the new Conquistador Resort. It has to be the most beautiful and lavish resort in the Caribbean. Last time I was there, I saw Daicy Fuentes (MTV hostess) having a real good time....
Clint Eastwood and Tom Selleck are two other people that have made of Vieques a must-stop during their sailing adventures in the caribbean.

To get to the island, you can either take a small plane from San Juan airport, or a ferry boat from Fajardo. Accommodations on Vieques are comfortable and readily available. Camping is permitted at Sun Bay with a free permit. Cars are available for rent through most hotels. Its reefs are popular with sport divers and several Puerto Rico dive operators schedule trips here. By all means go and have a very relaxing time. Just don't tell anybody....Keep it a secret between you, Clint and Tom.

Hi Clint and Tom:

Thank you for the info. I bought tickets to San Juan today, so now I have to decide which island to go to. Which do you think is better for a week vacation? I have seen some photos of spectacular beaches on Culebra. Does Vieques have equivalents? Is there more to do on Vieques? Correspondingly, I have heard that Culebra is competely crime-free and that Vieques is incrementally less safe (but still obviously not dangerous!). What are your thoughts?

Thanks again!

Michael- Stay in Vieques. There is more to see there. They have a resort (Parador) that is supposed to be very nice. Culebra had some hurricane damage less than a year ago, and I am not sure they are completely recovered yet. Take some good books with you, and don't forget to visit El Conquistador Resort. Say Hi to Grandma while you are there!

Culebra and Vieques are both MUST visit islands, but staying a full week on either Vieques or Culebra may prove a little boring after 2 days in each island. Suggest staying in the Big Island (Puerto Rico) and traveling to Vieques and Culebra ($2 ferry ride - one way) for daily or two day excursions. In Vieques we recommend renting a car, staying a a guest house, and visiting the southern beaches. Especially visit the southestern beaches of Green Beach and Red beach if you like clear placid waters and lots of snorkeling.

-- Lou Caraballo
http://prwest.com
[email protected]

Our family spent two Christmas holidays (two weeks
each time) on Culebra in 1995-96 and 1996-97 and missed it alot this year. We rented a villa and it was fabulous! The beaches are incredible!! And
usually there are never more than a half dozen others there except for Crescent beach. The people
are friendly, there really isn't any crime to speak
of, ample restaurants and food shops but no shopping
and so bring your books, medicine etc. For a real
treat take a day-sail to Culebrita....the beaches
that usually appear in magazine ads for Puerto Rico
are from Culebra and Culebrita. Have fun -- I envy
you, and hope 98-99 Christmas means our family will
be staying on Dulebra!!!!