Just wondering which of these islands would make a better day-trip(on a Friday)from San Juan. I'm looking for white sand, calm, clear water, and some good snorkeling...

Weekday ferry schedule <BR>Farjardo to Vieques - 9:30, 1, 4:30*<BR>Vieques to Farjardo - 7, 11, 3 pm<BR>*must remain overnight<BR>Farjardo to Culebra - 9:30 and 3pm<BR>Culebra to Farjardo - 11 and 4:30 <BR>Culebra is less crowded but you are restricted to where you can go - Navy still owns a good part of the island

I know that the Navy owns a portion of Vieques, but not Culebra...apparently a couple of the best beaches are on off-limits Naval property...just wondering if it detracts from the islands' appeal.

Definetly, I would go to Culebra over Vieques.<BR><BR>I had the same choice, and picked Culebra, however the Culebra ferry sold out (while I was next in line). So I jump on the Vieques ferry instead. I did my reseach on both islands, so no big deal, right. Wrong!<BR><BR>1. The most special part of Vieques, is the Glowing Mosquitoe Bay, at dusk, however since I wasn't prepared to overnight, forget it.<BR><BR>2. The more private beaches are on Navy property (Green & Red), which was closed.<BR><BR>3. Sun Bay is pretty but not as calm as I'd hoped. I'ts NOT swimmable for small kids!!! The beach is propably a mile long semi-circle and has picknic table and cocconut trees. It's much prettier than say Luquillo, Condado or Isle Verde. Snorkeling, was not too good.<BR><BR>Overall, Vieques was very nice. However all the while, I was thinking about Culebra and Playa Flemeco. Next time.

I have been to both islands. I would absolutely choose Culebra over Vieques. Most of the best beaches in Vieques are closed, ie Blue, Orchid and Chiva. Just returned from Culebra yesterday. Plays Flamenco is wonderful, but the best beaches for snorkling are on Culebrita, Luis Pena and Carlos Rosario. On Culebrita make sure you to to Playa Tortuga also. You will need to take a water taxi to them from the island of Culebra. If you can try to spend a 2-3 days on Culebra. If you love snorkling I don't think one will be enough to get the real flavor. If you need a water taxi look up Rico at the Villa Flameco Guest House. He is very reliable. $20 to Luis Pena PP and $40 PP to Culebrita.

correction:<BR>Rico is located at the Villa Boheme Guest House.

This is a little off topic, but is anyone familiar with kayaking the Espiritu Santo? Is this possible for an athletic but inexperienced kayaker? Can kids go? I think what I read said the trip ends at a beach, but I'm not even sure where the Espiritu Santo is.

Regarding kayaking in the Espiritu Santo River...<BR><BR>The river is located in the town of Rio Grande. There is a fishing area along the river with a place where you can unload your kayak. To get to this place, you need to take the old road to the town of Loiza from Rio Grande.<BR><BR>Yes, the river ends at the beach. I've taken boat dozens of tours along this river because my uncle used to own this business years ago.<BR><BR>Enjoy.<BR><BR>------------------------------<BR>Message: This is a little off topic, but is anyone familiar with kayaking the Espiritu Santo? Is this possible for an athletic but inexperienced kayaker? Can kids go? I think what I read said the trip ends at a beach, but I'm not even sure where the Espiritu Santo is.

We went to culebra and we loved it I would go for more than just a day we were planning to go for one day and changed it to 3 days I wsh we would have spent our whole vacation ther it is beautiful and the snorkeling is awesome you can snorkle right from the beaches type in culebra on your home page and go to culebra online and go to their forum youll find tons of info enjoy

I know this is an old thread, but thought I'd add my $.02 to anyone still looking. Culebra is gorgeous and "untouched" as compared to Vieques. It seemed more like the old world Caribbean. Culebra is clean and everyone was very friendly. Vieques was more like the rest of PR--somewhat dirty and the "locals" can be unfriendly. That said, we had some great meals in Vieques.<BR><BR>As for the beaches themselves, I've seen them all. My husband is active duty military and stationed in PR, so we've been to Blue, Green and Red Beaches. I'll tell you--Flamenco Beach beats them all hands down. The Travel Channel isn't kidding when they say that Flamenco Beach is one of the best in the country!