Walking
In Isabel, only your feet are needed, as everything you might want is within walking distance of Sal del Mar. If you are going to Esperanza, or the white sand beaches on the other side of the island, or any point in between, you will need to find a better mode of transportation!
Bicycles
Bicycles are available for rent on the Island. Please note that island roads are often steep, with blind curves, potholes, and inferior shoulders, if they have shoulders at all. There are very few sidewalks. Exercising caution is critical!
Scooters
Scooters are available for rent on the Island. Again, please note that island roads are often steep, with blind curves, potholes, and inferior shoulders, if they have shoulders at all. Exercising caution is critical!
Golf Carts and All-Terrain Vehicles
Yes, you can rent a golf cart or an all-terrain vehicle on Vieques. If you have never driven a golf cart before, please know that the ride will be bumpy and at times can be a bit scary (especially coming from a complete stop going up a steep hill). The experience, however, while tooling around the island at 25 miles an hour in a vehicle with no walls, windows, or doors, can’t be beaten. Please note that you will need strong legs to put the brakes on if you are going down a steep hill! Island horses and island motorists will need to be watched very carefully – it can be a bit like the wild wild west at times!
Taxis or Publicos
For those who don’t want the hassle or cost of a rental, you can take a publico or taxi. Publicos are shared vans or cars, and they go most places on the island. You can almost always find them at the Ferry Dock or on the Malecon in Esperanza. They usually cost $10-15 dollars per person, on average, and you simply pick up the phone and call (or wave one down) when you need one. There are also taxi services on the island, and the rates for both have increased dramatically over the years.
For additional information, check out this link:
http://vieques.com/publicos-taxis/
The Beach Shuttle
We are clueless as of this date (February 1, 2024) about the shuttle, how it works, where it goes, and how much it costs. Stay tuned for more.
Rental Cars
Book your rental in advance. Months in advance. Don’t expect same-day service during the high season, or a festival week. Or same week service for that matter.
Unless you book online with Avis, the best way to make a car rental reservation is to do it the old-fashioned way – by phone. If the rental agency does not answer, call back again (and again and again and again if needed). If you can leave a voicemail or send an email please do so, but it’s best to call, especially during the high season.
We have had good luck with Maritza’s and Vieques Car Rental; we usually recommend Maritza’s on the island and Avis in Puerto Rico. Maritza’s will pick you up at the Vieques airport if you make arrangements in advance. For additional information, check out this link:
http://vieques.com/island-car-rentals/
Sailboats and Fishing Charters and Other Things to Do
While you can’t get across the island on a sailboat, you can get around the island on one. You can also go fishing, or horseback riding, or scuba diving. You get the idea.
For additional information, check out this link:
https://vieques.com/island-things-to-do-activities/
Gas Stations
If you don’t walk, bike, or take a shuttle, taxi, or publico, you are going to need gas. There are only two (and sometimes three) gas stations in Vieques. Both (or all, when all are open) are located on Route 200.
Gas is brought in from the main island of Puerto Rico and there are times that the island runs out of fuel for various reasons. Lines can get long at times, so when you drive by and you don’t see a line, fill it up. The gas stations have also been known to close for lunch, so the lines often move around. If you need gas, get gas when you can. If your rental car check-in is at 1:00 p.m., don’t wait until 12:30 as it could take as long as 15 minutes to an hour (on a bad day) to fuel up. Gas stations like cash and credit or debit cards are accepted when they work.
There are no card readers, so if you using a credit or debit card, you will have to go in and let them know what pump you are using. It works the same way for cash. You will probably be asked to leave your credit card at the window, too!
In General
Walking is your first option.
Your second option is to rent a bike, a scooter, a golf cart, an all-terrain vehicle, or a rental car. If you go the rental car route, you don’t need to rent a fancy jeep. Save some money and get a Kia Soul. You can’t drive on the beach anyway, and an inexpensive passenger car will do. Trust us on this one!
Your third option is to simply plan your trips around the shuttle schedule, or take a publico or taxi. At $10-15 a trip (per person) it will be less convenient, but a lot cheaper than renting a car.
A Word or Two About Safety
While driving, watch out for horses, cows, iguanas, and other critters on the roads. Hitting a horse at any speed can ruin your day, as well as that of the horse. Please drive 35 MPH on the island; it is plenty fast enough (and probably the speed limit, too).
Remember the blind corners, the potholes, the cars that park on the road so their occupants can visit, and the cars that park only halfway on the road (both with and without people). Be prepared for surprises!
Don’t take valuables to the beach. When parking your car at the beach, leave the windows rolled down and the doors unlocked. Leave nothing of value in the car. Take what you have to the beach and keep an eye on it. Petty theft is usually the result of an easy opportunity. Don’t leave your stuff unattended or within easy reach. Keep an eye on things and be aware of your surroundings!
Don’t wander around where the signs say things like “Unexploded Ordnance”. While it is not likely you will step on a 500-pound bomb, it is better to be safe than sorry.
Most of all, have a great time on Vieques!
For more (and perhaps more recent) information go to http://vieques.com/getting-around/
Revision Date 042424