What to do leaving Vieques?
 

Hi, I was wondering if anyone can help. We are going to Vieques in April. At the end of the week, couldn't get an early enough flight out of VQS to catch our morning flight out of San Juan, so we'll have to leave Vieques a day earlier. Any advice what to do with one day? Ferry and rent a car and see El Yunque on way to San Juan? Where to stay? Is this difficult logistically? Or fly into San Juan and spend a day around there? We are 2 adults with 2 kids (10 and 8), and prefer nature and outdoor fun (esp. beaches) to city touring.

Hello. We just did Vieques and San Juan at Thanksgivng (and we have two kids, four and eight). I think the logistics to ferry, rent and get to El Yunque is pretty challenging. I'd say catch the flight to San Juan and head to Old San Juan. I know you say you don't prefer city touring, but El Morro isn't to be missed. The history is great and the kids can get their energy out running on the green. My seven year old son loved OSJ and the two forts.

Best of luck!

That sounds like great advice. I was leaning that way. The ferry sounds like it would use up a day by itself. Our kids definitely love forts, so we'll check out El Morro. Thanks for the input!

If they enjoy forts and history, then you should definitely hit Old San Juan. Here's the link to the San Juan National Historic Site info:

http://www.nps.gov/saju

You can take a kid-friendly tour of both forts San Cristóbal and San Felipe del Morro. Walk down the little hill to the statue of Christopher Columbus - my son (7) thought that was cool.

For what it's worth - we loved Vieques! We stayed in Isabel but rented a jeep and drove around each day. We did the Bio Bay thru Island Adventures (it was incredible - even our 4 yr old did it). Our favorite beaches were Red and Media Luna, and we had both to ourselves. If you have a free hour in Esperanza, visit the little museum/marine exhibit. They have very friendly staff members who will chat with your kids and there are touch tanks.

Have fun!

Good advice. Check out our trip report.