Has anyone been to Vieques?

--How would you rate the beaches (sand, water, snorkeling) to other islands in the Caribbean ( like st martin)?

--Are there a variety of conviences? I know that it is not be grand cayman, but are there restaurants, grocery stores, shops, hospital??

-- I hate to ask this question, but is there any negative sentiment toward people from the mainland United States in Vieques due to the activity of the us military prior to 2005? Any lingering contamination or anything from the military exercises?

Thanks!

Vieques is a wonderful destination, but couldn't be any less like St. Martin.

The beaches are beautiful -- white sand, crystal clear water, swaying palms -- the whole Caribbean thing, but far less crowded (in general) than St. Martin. I say "in general" because on weekends Vieques is a favorite destination of "mainland" Puerto Ricans, many of whom come by boat, and they add a very festive vibe to the beaches.

There are some modest conveniences. There are restaurants, particularly in the towns of Esperanza and Isabel Segunda. Also grocery stores (small, as far as I could tell) and souvenir shops. I don't know that there is a hospital; you might have to go to PR for that.

Yes, there is still lingering contamination on this island from the military exercises. Some former military facilities are visible, and there may still be buried munitions (I recall seeing warning signs in Culebra, but not sure about Vieques). And some Viequense (sp?) are not particularly welcoming to visitors, but this is based on anecdotal evidence and not my own personal experience.

Vieques is a beautiful, un-commercialized island. A lot more laid back and slower paced than many other islands. This website has lots of useful info about Vieques: http://www.viequestravelguide.com/ There are also many vacation rentals to choose from such as http://www.casadoschivos.com

Callaloo and Viequesguy ...thanks so much for your input. I have to admit... I don't think I have ever read such mixed reviews about any destination (here in Fodors and other locations). Some say that beaches are beautiful. Others have told me that things like snorkeling are not very good on the island. Some say that it is great for getting out in nature ... but I need to watch out for lost grenades! Crazy , huh? Either way, it is still top on my list. Flying out in 3 days. So guess I better decide and start making some plans.

You won't need to watch out for grenades at any of the beaches that are currently open to the public. But the one thing you absolutely need is a car. The hotels in Vieques are generally not on the beach (though they are often on the waterfront). If you are staying at the W, it doesn't have the best beach on the island, and most of them have absolutely no development of any kind. If you want to do snorkeling, take a boat.

We "dropped out" to totally relax on Vieques for 3 days last November (2011). Loved the totally laid back vibe. We went to see the BioBay and did on a fantastic cloudless night!!! The Hacienda Tamarindo that we stayed in was so lovely and casual but classy. View of the ocean and breakfast served on the tiled veranda. The W is the only big hotel here. Everything is small,and great for getting away from the bustle of SJU.
Horses roam wild and munitions sites are off limits, so no worries. Just enjoy the laid back island for what it is. Beautiful beaches in several locations and the Fun Brothers will rent you snorkeling equipment/boat/ksyak, whatever, man...