Things to do and budget for....
 

Hi there,

Any suggestions on some things to do and perhaps cost??? I've been doing some research on Vieques and Culebra so I figured 2 days at each would be good. Perhaps $50-$60/night for a place to crash, snuba diving (Sunset Snuba - not sure if $80per hr is too pricy) in Vieques and Biobay tour. Not sure what to do in Culebra - any suggestions? Also, for those who have traveled to either island, is it absolutely necessary for me to rent a car? Can I get around walking or perhaps a scooter? Anyow, it'll be a total of 7days in PR so I'm hoping to find stuff to do in PR after Culebra and Vieques. (-any suggestions?)

Thanks a bunch!

Lucy

We've been to Culebra a few times, most recently with our 4 kids (check my two-part review from last month.) Never been to Vieques. From what I hear it is more developed than Culebra--which can either be a good thing or bad thing, depending on your perspective. We absolutely love the "laid backness" of Culebra so it works well for us, but be forwarned, there is no nightlife (but you could get enough of that in Old San Juan anyway). Culebra has great beaches, and some good snorkeling spots but you'll need transportation to get to them (if you stay in town.) There are also some neat nature trails if you like moderate bushwacking. We've noticed that in the last few years scooter rentals are becoming more common on the island. Also, there are taxis that go from town to Flamenco on a regular basis. You didn't say how you were traveling between Vieques and Culebra. From what I know, the ferry that traveled between them doesn't exist anymore, but I know you can still fly VAL or AF between them. Have fun!

I do consider a car rental a necessity for Vieques. The flamencos won't take you the best military beaches, and there is no cell phone signal on those beaches to call for a pick up! Have a great time.

We spent several days at Nelson's Country House near Naguabo- it's about 3/4 of the way up the mountain in the rainforest with a balcony all around. It was less than $70 per night, and had a full kitchen and two bedrooms, plus a futon. We loved it, but they had an inline hot water heater, so we didn't get a good shower the entire time we were there. If we go back, we'll probably take a camping shower (we may not go back just because we haven't been everywhere else yet).

And we loved Old San Juan. Just a cool vibe to the area, it reminded me of New Orleans.

Lucy, I'd seriously consider if you want to do both Vieques and Culebra. It's not that easy to move between the two islands. For the biobay, you should stick to Vieques, but if you just want beautiful beaches, then Culebra. But I honestly wouldn't recommend trying to do both. Rather, do at least 3 days on Vieques OR Culebra and then 4 on Puerto Rico itself.

You definitely need transport on either island since most hotels are not on the best beaches.