This June was my first trip but I'm definitely going back. It's one of those places that you find yourself thinking of and talking about long after you've returned. I really miss the drives and the beaches and the peace and quiet.

Good question Mrs. I'll look forward to following the posts here. My take is that Vieques is a place that travelers either really like, or really don't.

For those that Vieques "speaks to" they will return. Some just once in a while, others on a regular basis.

When you visit Vieques you could consider it a 2 for 1 deal. The small island gives you the intimate feeling of being immersed in an atmosphere where you have to take things as they come, be an independent traveler, fit in with the locals (the roosters were there before you). After a couple days it felt as if my entire attitude about things was changing, slowing down, adjusting to a different rhythm. Give yourself more than 2 or 3 days on Vieques.

The big island, mainland Puerto Rico, where we all have to travel through affords you the opportunity to see many different things. We spent a couple of days in San Juan (very cosmopolitan) after Vieques. Many people at least see El Yunque, the rain forest, which is very convenient to the east side of the island.

Another thing is price. We spent much less in PR than a recent trip we took to the Florida Keys which only pretends to be the Caribbean.

Before we visit Vieques again we will be taking a trip to Hawaii but Puerto Rico is definitely in our plans to repeat. Just too many things way in it's favor.

Good travels.

Dear Mrs Smith;

Between my wife and I, we have visited about thirty islands, even living working and going to school for awhile on some islands. My wife has been a regular visitor and former part time resident of Vieques, going back to the mid 1970's. I have been going down regularly since the early 1990's. We love it, as do our kids.

Vieques is not perfect; there are problems there like everywhere else. I've said before, Vieques is not for everyone. It is not the kind of place where you will get five star accomodations in a hotel with 4/1 staff guest ratio. No one is going to care if someone is wearing this years fashions, or ten years ago.

However, if you are a self sufficient kind of person, you will find it is close to paradise on earth. There are excellent dining options, recreational opportunities(world class bonefishing)great snorkeling, scuba, and sailing. Thanks to the US Navy, there is the largest wildlife preserve in the Caribbean. Depending on the time of year, parts of the island are lush jungle and others can be arid. This site will give you volumes of knowledge from folks with real experience.

My experience is Vieques is perfect for my family and me. I have compared other islands, and Vieques wins for its beaches and its people.

I respect that others may have different needs and experiences; thats fine.

just my opinion, though...

regards,

Jack

I'm more of a lurker here these days - we made our trip with our kids in November 2007. We loved Vieques for it's wild and rustic nature - it was a perfect base to explore nature and sea with our kids. And we'll definitely be back (though not this year - the kids voted for St. Kitts and Nevis this year).

Great question!

My husband and I started going to Vieques in February of 2000, to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary. We stayed at La Casa del Frances, which has since burned down. We fell in love with the island, even with the Navy still there, and those beaches closed. (Protests and such)

To make a long story short, I am in the process of planning our 5th trip to Vieques. 3 of those are within the last 4 years. We have always stayed between 10 and 14 days per visit in a rental home.

We travel a lot (averaging 6 weeks/year) and like visiting different locations, but when we want a relaxing, warm beach vacation, Vieques is our choice time and again.

Thanks for all the replies, I thought the island sounded like a love it or hate it type of place. There will be at least 6 of us going but maybe 10 or 12 people from 21-55 years old, so we're bringing the entertainment with us. We're all been to Hawaii and Aruba, loved Hawaii but thought Aruba was to Americanized and touristy. We've also learned that where you stay can greatly effect your experience. Any villas you would reccomend?

We stayed here last time www.islandcharm.net

I really liked it. Cacimar House has a nice pool, good view, clean, satellite tv, wi-fi, dishwasher, cooler, beach towels. Everything you could possibly need. We were very comfortable. It is a 3 bedroom/3bath. The owners were easy to deal with and prompt with e-mail responses and on the phone when we had a slight issue at the rental. We had never been to Vieques with amenities (like tv or a dishwasher), so this was a treat!

Lzy

There are some truly wonderful large homes or even comp0lexes you can rent. Go to www.enchanted-isle.com and go to the villa rental section. Villa Vista Linda is spectacular with three comfortable units with a total5-or6 bedoom ,pool etc. If oceanfront suits your fancy go for the Dacha, 5 spacious bedrooms, the villas at Martineau though pricy are gorgeous.

You can also rent all the units at The Waves (in Bravos)or at Cane Garden. You can always find another unit or two nearby to rent for the others in your party. Once you decide on a primary rental you can post here or PM Jim or myself and we can tell you what other villas or rooms are nearby.