Making the most of Esperanza
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
This port is reached by tender.
Vieques is a small, rural Caribbean island belonging to Puerto Rico, also called Isla Nena or Little Girl Island. It lies about 8 miles east of Puerto Rico and measures about 22 miles long by 4 miles wide.
Tourist-oriented Esperanza sits on the island's southern coast facing the Caribbean Sea. Its waterfront 'Malecon' looks onto a usually peaceful turquoise sea where swimming is possible. Across the street is the 'tourist strip', with numerous restaurants and guest houses.
Getting around
Evening tours, around $40 pp, use an old school bus—the island's only bus—to visit the distinctive Bio Bay and receive excellent reviews. You can also walk around the small town or ride a bike to one of the magnificent beaches.
Hiring a car is the easiest way to travel around the island. The publico (taxi) system is another option, though taxis serve only easily accessible beaches. Bicycle rentals are also available on the island.
Money
The currency is USD.