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BackWhat? Where? Why? When? How?I invite your questions about Vieques. I can't promise to answer all of your questions, but will attempt to answer as many as I can. Please email all questions to: askjudy@enchanted-isle.com |
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| Q: | I am looking to rent a house (I think) for my family. It would be at the end of April for perhaps 10 days. We will be attending a meeting in
Puerto Rico ( I don't know the exact dates yet). I am not sure of where I should look to rent. We would like to be on the ocean if possible and have a pool for our daughter she is 7. Should we stay in the Esperanza area? We like to go to restaurants and see the sites. |
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| A: | I do not know all the rental houses on the island and which have pools. One place that comes to mind is the
ˇBravos! Beach Resort in Bravos de Boston. It is on the north side and is quite nice. You will want to rent a car regardless so that you can get to the beaches and to the sites. To find out more about the rental houses you can check with the Realtors that deal with various
homes. Also go through the list of properties at
http://enchanted-isle.com/vieques/fyivieques.htm
you may find something that works for you there. It only takes about 14 minutes to get from one side of the island to the other so getting out to eat is not difficult! You should not have
too much trouble finding a nice house to rent in April as that is when our season starts to wind down a bit. Good luck. Judy updated 1-24-05 Back |
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| Q: | We are 2 families (total of 6 kids from 5 to 15) looking for a place to stay. We have looked at some websites of some villas, with pools. They seem lovely, but not on any beaches. Are there any "luxury" villas within short walk to beaches? The Villa at Waters Edge sounded great, but was unavailable the week we want (Feb 17) and is on the north side. What do you think of the north side vs the south side? Any other thoughts? Thanks. |
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| A: | I think at this
point you are better off talking with one of the Realtors or Property
Managers about a house. Mid February is a very busy time here and I don't
know of many houses that can accommodate the number of people you are
traveling with that have a pool and close to the ocean. Check with all the Realtors as to what is available at that time. Rainbow Realty as well as
Crows Nest Realty has a large selection of rental properties. As long as you have a car/cars it does not matter which side of the island you stay on. The really great beaches are not easy to walk to. Make your car reservations as soon as possible as many people book a year in advance for Feb. Another option that comes to mind is La Finca if you can get the whole main house that would be ideal except that it is out in the country but is a lovely spot. Check out the information page to get the phone numbers you need http://enchanted-isle.com/vieques/fyivieques.htm Good luck and enjoy Vieques updated 1-24-05 Back |
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| Q: | Casa Cielo? Is this a nice hotel. Does it represent good value. Also, what are the options for fishing? What would be the things you would do on the island if you had five days? |
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| A: | Casa Cielo is no
longer a guest house, it is a private residence. I suggest you read the "What's Happening" pages (archives) as all issues contain things to do. Absolute must do is the Bio Bay trip and Jim mentions that in his wonderful "travelogue" ( a must read) and the options for viewing the bay. Fishing would be with Capt. Franco, he is a delightful young man, very knowledgeable and has a comfortable 27' Bertram. I don't know when you are planning your trip but you may want to book with him early if you are coming in Jan.-March. Would hate for you to be disappointed if he is booked solid while you are here! I think he is listed under Caribbean Fly Fishing. Bring along some good reading material as you may just want to lounge by the pool or spend a few hours at Sun Bay. 5 days gives you plenty of time to explore. Enjoy! updated 1-24-05 Back |
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| Q: | Can you shed any light on how income is taxed for someone who retires or lives on Vieques? I have some limited info that you do not pay US income tax, but there may be equally high PR tax. We have been to Vieques a couple of times and am considering retirement/second career on the island. Thanks for any help or direction for info. | |
| A: | I am going to refer you right to the accountant on the island. Technically there is no Federal Income Tax and the PR tax is on the high side. I just sign the forms he gives me and send off the checks and should be more knowledgeable but......... You would be better off speaking directly with him! Victor Simmons 787-741-0189 in Vieques. He is not on the island every day as I believe he has an office on the main island as well. One of the women in his
office speaks perfect English and she too may be able to answer your questions. Hope they can help you!
updated 1-24-05 Back |
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| Q: | I would like to come to Vieques next March and bring my 18 year old son and his cousin. They are typical late teenagers: interested in girls, not interested in parents, like the sound of music more than waves etcetera. They think that Vieques sounds interesting for maybe two days and then they would be dead bored. Is this an accurate conclusion? What can I say to them? Will there be lots of other young adults? Where do they hang out to get away from parents? What can I suggest as adventures for them? Thank you. |
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| A: | The one thing that might entertain them is the fact that the drinking age is still 18 here! However you may not like that as a parent! As long as they have a valid photo ID they can be served at any bar. There are lots of local (native Viequense) girls that can be found walking the Malecon on weekend evenings. Also families come down from the Northeast depending on when the school break is. There is always college spring breaks! We don't get a lot of young adults on the island however the numbers increase each year. Early Sunday afternoons lots of the younger (and not so young) folks who work on the island get together to play volleyball, right now that is at Navio Beach. They could always rent bikes or kayaks to see the island as well. One 18 yr. old might be bored however when a buddy is along they usually manage to entertain themselves Good luck! Back |
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| Q: | I spent some time on Vieques last January, and I am currently looking for a way to go back for a more extended stay to do some writing and relaxing. But since that will mean being unemployed and leaving NY, I'd need to find a way to save money. Do you know of people who are looking for someone to house/pet sit for them for a few months, or even just one month? I met someone last year who took care of a house that people owned but rented out. She did their laundry, took care of the short term renters, and then had her own apt. for free. I'd appreciate any pointers you can give me. | |
| A: | As of right now I do not know of any situations like that. These situations do come up now and then but usually they involve paying a minimal rent and utilities. You might try posting a message
on the Crabby Isle
Classifieds. You could also try running an ad in The Vieques Times and seeing if you get a response. Many of the owners use their houses from Nov. through April or they get rentals those months, you might have better luck arranging something for the off season. Good luck. Back |
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| Q: | I am interested in traveling to Vieques with a colleague. What type of travel documents do we need? Is it like traveling to any other city in USA in the mainland? Are ID cards enough for travel from the mainland? I would appreciate a response. |
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| A: | All you need to travel to Puerto Rico is a drivers license (with photo) as long as you are a US citizen. I usually carry my passport and /or birth certificate with me anyway. Since the airlines sometimes ask for 2 valid forms of ID it just seemed easier to make sure that I had a back up! Also if you decide to do some island hoping you would need a passport to go to the British Virgin Islands I believe, not positive on that one. No visas or shots are needed ! Travel light, you don't need lots of fancy clothes here on Vieques, nice shorts and shirts are acceptable at all restaurants and the uniform is usually shorts and t-shirts during the day! The airlines (to Vieques) have the option of charging you extra for more than 25 pounds worth of luggage. Thanks for writing! (TOP) Back |
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| Q: | I am interested in renting a vacation home for my husband and I and another couple. We would love something on or near a beach. We also love sunsets. Is there a listing of villas for rent on Vieques? Is it too late for this February? Thank you for your assistance. |
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| A: | If you go to
http://enchanted-isle.com/vieques/fyivieques.htm
you will find the information page with a listing of all of the "rentals by Owner" with links to pages complete with pictures and contact info. Also there are real estate people all of whom can help you find a place to stay.
(Before November)It's probably not too late to find a rental, but the best ones do go quickly, so I would jump on it immediately. What goes faster than the house is the car rentals, so you should make and confirm those plans at the same time. Most of the car rental agencies are also available thru the
FYI page. Good luck and enjoy your stay. If you want an idea of what you'll see check out the site owner's recent travelogue at http://enchanted-isle.com/weblogue. Back |
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| Q: | I have been advised to read your web page, which I have, and find it very informative. I shall be coming from England to Vieques for Christmas with my wife and 2 friends. We are staying in the "Crow's Nest", but can you advise what is happening over Christmas and who will be open? Many thanks |
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| A: | Thanks for telling us that people are suggesting the
"what's happenin'" as a must read! You are a month ahead of me. The plans for the Dec. edition will deal with the Holidays in Vieques. I will try and find out who is doing what for Xmas and New Years. As of right now I doubt that anyone has a definite plan so you will just have to wait until next month. If after reading through the archives you have decided on a specific restaurant that you think you would want to have dinner at (Christmas Day) you can always call them directly and see what their plans are and make reservations. I do know that the Inn on the Blue Horizon gets booked early so waiting until you get here may be a problem. As to the others they may be easier to get a reservation upon your arrival. Look for the next edition the first week in Dec. Thanks for your letter. Back |
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| Q: | Our family is considering coming to Vieques for a week or 10 days late next fall...perhaps Thanksgiving 2001. We are looking for a vacation with easy access to beaches (so we can stroll without planning a trip), longish beaches to walk on, and snorkeling from shore (which is conducive to the shorter snorkeling trips the kids enjoy, but lets the parents snorkel on longer while we keep half an eye on the kids while they play on the beach). We loved camping at Cinnamon Bay at St. John's a couple years ago, but Mom would prefer a place with a warm water shower and not having to cook every meal. Does this sound like a good match with Vieques' resources? Can you make any housing recommendations? We are not in the luxury price range, but hope $100 a night might get us a room or apartment with some cooking facilities.! ! We would love to do without renting a car, but probably would need one as I guess we would find the snorkeling and beaches away from town? |
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| A: | Vieques is much different from St. John as far as access to long, sandy beaches for walking. I spent a day on St. John and although did not see much the feeling was very different. I think that you would be happiest in Esperanza as far as having easier access to Sun Bay which is great for walking. Many people enjoy snorkeling right there off the malecon ( sidewalk adjacent to beach) on the strip in Esperanza. The
beaches (Red, Blue, Orchid, etc.) located on the USFWS reserve (need a car to get to these)
are wonderful. Blue Beach is great for walking and snorkeling. I always will suggest renting a car to see and get around the island. By staying in Esperanza you may not need a car for the entire length of you stay but do rent one for at least 3 days. You can also take advantage of the Publicos (taxis) they make regular passes through Esperanza and Town and will drop you off at the beach however make sure they agree to come back and get you at a specific time. As far as rental houses you can check with the Realtors as to what they have available in your price range. Also go through the listing available on the Vieques information page. Ted's guest house may also work , I believe he has 2 two bedroom suites with kitchen for $100 a night, 741-2225. You could also check with Capt. Franco, Caribbean Fly Fishing, as they have a rental house available also right on the strip in Esperanza. If you stay on the north side of the island you would definitely want a car the entire trip. There is a nice guest house, Casa La Lanchita, located right on the water with a small beach. The snorkeling is great, however the ocean needs to be very calm for safe snorkeling with children. It is about a 10 minute walk into Isabel (town). Because of the age of the children I would suggest you find a place that does have a TV, not all do, and find out if they have a satellite. We only get 1 or 2 channels in English depending on where you stay! There is no cable yet available here! Some of the rentals do have a VCR and selection of videos available to! Many of us like not having TV however children may not find that quite as enchanting! While here take advantage of a snorkeling trip by boat with either Blue Caribe Dive shop. Hope this helps you out. Back |
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| Q: | What would you say are the best overall resources on the site? | |
| A: | The
FYI Page gives you links to all
the important information on the site. It includes lodging, restaurants,
shops, rentals, and this page. Also, read the Weblogue
and all the issues of What's Happenin'. Armed
with all of that, you'll have an "informed vacation". Back |
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| Q: | Is there any place in the way of a 'gym' on the island? | |
| A: | Yes there is a gym downtown on
the plaza. You must go in and get an application,
go to one of the local doctors and have them fill in the medical
part, usually about $10, then go to the Alcaldia (Mayor's Office), where
the Mayor's office is, and pay a small fee to use
the gym. Last I heard it was $2 per week to use
the gym. they can tell you at the gym when you pick up the application
which office you pay at. Back |
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| Q: | I was wondering, if we are traveling light, is it possible to take a publico from San Juan to Fajardo? How long would it take? What do you recommend? | |
| A: | That would
be a real adventure, but, if you've never traveled that way before, you
may be in for a suprise. The route is far from direct, stopping in many
places along the way. There are transfers in other towns, because there
is no direct publico to Fajardo. You have to know which corner to
transfer to when you get to the different towns to catch the publico for
the next leg. Here is an explanation of the system from another website. ================= If you get to San Juan before noon, you can make it to Fajardo by using the public car system ("carros publicos"). Give yourself at least 4 hours to make sure you get to Fajardo on time. First, take a taxi from the airport to the town of Rio Piedras (about $20), ask the driver to take you to the Rio Piedras central public car station and to leave you at the stop for the cars going to Fajardo "playa" (beach). These cars will take you directly to the Fajardo ferry boats or to the Fajardo airport. If the Fajardo playa cars are already gone, you can still take the cars on the regular Fajardo plaza route. Unless the driver agrees to take you all the way to the airport or port (they are not supposed to do it) you will end at the Fajardo plaza where you will take another public car to the airport or ferries. The whole trip in public car costs less than $10 per person ================= A taxi to Fajardo is about $65 for the ride and an hour to an hour and a half. The Publico can be a hassle if you don't speak some Spanish as PR is a Spanish speaking country, and not everyone speaks English. For peace of mind and a smooth start to your vacation, I recommend taxi. There is a service that will pick you up at the Int'l Airport and drop you at the ferry in Fajardo, even book you a room in Fajardo, if you get in late. Travel with Padin |
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| Q: | What are the expected costs for a Publico in Vieques? | |
| A: | PUBLICOS IN VIEQUES
- You can use the publicos in Vieques for very inexpensively.. There is no taxi service in Vieques. The
publico fares are regulated, and they are: $2/person one way trip to anywhere in the civilian area $5/person one way trip to anywhere in the military bases $5/person for a tour of Lighthouse, Fort, Sun Bay Beach in Esperanza You can make arrangements with any of the drivers to pick you up at specified times (TOP) Back |
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| Q: | Can you give any general info on the island? size, weather, etc? | |
| A: | Vieques Island is 55 square miles and has less than 10,000 inhabitants and not many visitors. The beaches are just gorgeous. The Island is about 21 miles long by 5 miles at its widest point and it is located between Puerto Rico and St. Thomas, just 6 miles from the south-east coast of Puerto Rico. The currency is the dollar, the postal service is U.S. Postal Service, English is spoken by most locals (Spanish is the official language), and no passport is required. The electrical current is the same as in the U.S., 110 AC. The temperature does not fluctuate outside the 60-90 degrees and is usually in the mid 80's. The island is rather dry with no clearly defined rain season. Back |
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| Q: | Many people have asked if there were boat trips to St. Thomas or St. Croix. | |
| A: | There have been
from time to time and now again someone is offering these trips from
Fajardo.. It's a company called Caribe Cay. They leave from Fajardo on
Saturday and Sunday mornings at 8AM. The adult fare is $70 r/t. There is
food, drink and entertainment on board, but, depending on the seas you
may not be able to keep anything down. The brochure doesn't have a phone
number, but if you do a search for "Blue Water Marine", it is
a company run by them in Fajardo. I'd rather take the plane for $20
more, and direct to St Croix from Vieques. The ferry ride is 4+ hours. Back |
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| Q: | Your question here. What would YOU like to know? | |
| A: | Email: askjudy@enchanted-isle.com | |
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