Skip the Vieques Ferry From Hell, Book a Flight

The ATM otherwise known as the ferry to Vieques and Culebra is a complete and utter failure of epic porportions. Travelers and Island residents are left stranded ofte in Ceiba that are trying to get to their destination. Some book a room for the night hoping to get on the ferry the next day others wind up taking a plane over and some sleep at the terminal. The ATM has had issues for years but post Maria has made matters much worse. I see several tweets a week over ferry issues from tourists to vacation rental owners losing bookings and money from incompetence of the powers to be. We have been traveling to Vieques since 2008 and we have never taken the ferry because we have never heard anything other than nightmare stories. We know it’s cheaper for people to take the ferry. If ferry is not reliable then you wind up spending more money and losing valuable time on your vacation. If you take a plane flight from San Juan International or Isla Grande airport you will save time and STRESS. You will get to Vieques or Culebra much sooner and you miss the nightmare hell of the ferry. Cape Air  has held two flights for us from San Juan International  over to the island because we were running late and they knew we were running late. They told us we know you were running late because you flew in to San Juan and we always hold planes for people that are late or get them on the next flight. This way you still make it to the Vieques with no worries. I have included several tweets from people stuck in Ceiba and being treated poorly by the ATM workers. 

Vieques Puerto Rico Needs Help Now!

The once beautiful idellic island of Vieques is in major peril as I write this post. As we all know Puerto Rico was hit by a major hurricane and sustained unbelievable damage all across the island. I beg of you if you've ever been to the island or have been to the Caribbean to please donate some money to the islands of need. These islands have brought you joy and pleasure the least you can do is kick a few dollars their way. There is a GoFundMe page for the island of Vieques which is called ViequesLove. You can always donate to the Red Cross or any other charity you choose. Our fellow Americans need all the help that we can get them because President Trump is really dropping the ball. These islands will not have the money coming in as they would during the high season of tourism. It is time for these islands to be rebuilding that instead of worrying about tourism. First we need to get them some food, water and some money to help them rebuild. That way in the future tourists can come back and enjoy paradise once again as it should be enjoyed. So in closing please take a moment to donate a few dollars to help the people that help us enjoy our vacations. 

Please Help the Animals of Puerto Rico

I'm not much of a soapbox person so I will only stand for a short moment. We have traveled to the Island of Puerto Rico for many years and it is always hard to see the stray dogs and cats. We are animal lovers and it breaks our hearts to see you hungry lonely dogs and cats that need food and love. Every living thing on this planet deserves love and food. If you're an animal lover please take five minutes of your time and donate what you feel is appropriate to Island Dog These are people that are doing wonderful work with very little funding. There is no government funding for the spaying and neutering him of animals on the Island including Vieques and Culebra. I will now step off my soapbox's and say thank you for those that do this hard work and for those who donate to them. 

Ten Things to do on Vieques Island

This is so easy to write it will take a few minutes to bust this post off about "Ten Things to do on Vieques" Okay are you ready? I am! Well sort of, I gotta make a painkiller (that is a Caribbean drink) real quick so I have something refreshing to drink....

Number Ten: Yes this is backwards and I am writing this not you. Go to the bar and I mean Al's Mar Azul, Banana's, Lazy Jacks, Trade Winds or Duffy's and get a Painkiller and thank God you survived the puddle jumper or get two if you took the DAMN ferry!

Number Nine: This should be number ten so you can do Number Ten which should be Number Nine but then again I am in charge here! Rent a Jeep! Get a good well used Jeep of some kind so if you scratch it no one will ever care. Don't be the fancy pants on vacation and get a new super clean Jeep and not be able to take it off the pavement... Here is a hint (Abreeze) The good beaches are going to scratch your ride!



Numero Ocho: Did that just for the translate button! Visit the Fort in Isabel II that sits on top of the hill over looking town and the bay. It is a wealth of information on the beautiful Island of Vieques and the history every visitor of the Island should take the time to know. Go get your picture with a cannon and get a taste of what it was like hundreds of years ago to watch over the Island of Vieques. So Cool!

Number Seven: Go for a horse ride on the beach and feel like a movie star or just enjoy nature.

Number Six: Make a reservation to get some great food at Coqui Fire. Jimmy and the Gang get super busy during season and most of the time you will need to reserve a table. This is the haunt of the locals for one reason and that is great food!  Call and reserve your table for taste bud pleasures (787) 741-0401 or "Like" 'em on Facebook for updates to their menu and specials. Now I will stop to make some Coqui Fire inspired dinner, yum yum...

Number Five: Two words Bio Bay. It is a natural treasure of the Island and is a must do and see!

Number Four: Go for a half day or full day sail with one of the many charter boats. We booked our half day trip with Sea Vieques featuring Captain Judi at the helm of her beautiful catamaran. What a wonderful snorkeling experience at Cayo Blanco and sailing the Caribbean Sea is Awesome! Of course there is a post about our time spent with Captain Judi just look around the blog it is easy to find. There are sail and powered catamarans from big to small and mono hull sail boats. They offer all kinds of packages with great fun to be had by all. Who couldn't use a day on the high seas feeling like the king of the world or Jack Sparrow searching for lost treasure?

Number Three: Explore all of the beaches on the Island from top to bottom and left to right. That is the reason for the Jeep! Really? Did I even have to throw that in? Yes, I did! We have met many a visitor that stayed at their rental house and did not go exploring during their whole time on Vieques. Are you kidding me you ask? No! I say! You are in the Caribbean go see what Mother Nature has made and be blown away at every turn!

Number Two: Go snorkeling and see what is under the blue and green waters that surround the Island. We have seen rays, turtles, sharks, all kinds of fish, dolphins, lobster, crabs and even sea monsters. Yes, there is a post about sea monsters on our blog! It is amazing to float and watch all of the happenings under the sea.

Number One: The easiest one on the list by far to do on Vieques. Smile from ear to ear! You will not be able to keep the smiles off of your face while you are on Vieques! Enjoy your Trip!