Ah, the "don't be a tourist" tips!
Bug spray on your legs and ankles is often all it takes to keep the mosquitoes away. Take some to the beach and use it on the back deck early in the morning or in the evening.
Plastic “grocery” bags are not encouraged on Vieques. Take a non-disposable or fabric shopping bag with you when you go shopping. You will find non-disposable bags in the apartment, or you can purchase them at some stores and at the grocery store.
Make dinner reservations early, if possible, and show up on time. Many restruants donn't take reservations, so don't be surprised.
Leave your valuables at home so you will not be tempted to leave them in your car or at the beach.
At the beach, leave your car unlocked with the windows open. In town, lock your car and roll up the windows.
Horses and cows (as well as cats, dogs, iguanas, and people) roam the streets day and night. Always be on the lookout for them. It is proper to wait for cows and horses to cross the road.
Driving in Vieques can be tough. Be prepared to stop at a moment’s notice and wait while people chat.
Don't honk the horn or be impatient; just sit back and relax. Not all intersections have signage, so slow down when approaching every intersection. There are many missing STOP and ONE-WAY signs on Vieques. Every intersection in Vieques should be considered a “Danger Zone”.
There are many businesses along the curves, and cars frequently park on the street and on the sidewalk. Folks also park in the wrong direction most of the time. You will get a ticket if you do, especially if you are in a rental car.
If you rent a car or gas-powered vehicle, fill it up and keep it filled up. There are two (sometimes three) gas stations on the island, and sometimes they run out of gas. If you are here for an extended stay, invest in a can of Fix-a-Flat.
It is almost impossible to find food after 9:00 p.m., especially at the better restaurants. You can often find “bar food” after 9:00 p.m. but it is best to eat before 9:00 p.m.
Avoid discussing “What Vieques Needs” if you are a visitor. What it needs is often what makes it special!
The following is a short list of things that are illegal in Puerto Rico…
Nude sunbathing
Marijuana (felony)
Guns and other defensive weapons
Most places take ATM and credit cards. Many of them have a minimum charge limit that ranges from $5 to $15 dollars. Some places only accept cash.
If you need cash, ATM machines can be found in the grocery stores and colmado’s (i.e., little grocery stores), as well as at the bank, the gas stations, and many other places. Fees range from $4 to $6 per withdrawal.
Things here have their own pace and rhythm. Nothing really moves fast, so slow down and enjoy the island. Don’t have your heart set on a baked potato with sour cream and chives unless you have the potatoes, the sour cream, and the chives in the refrigerator long before you think of starting dinner!
Most of all, enjoy Vieques… the people, the history, the culture, and the beauty.