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, 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 inadequate shoulders, if any. 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 inadequate shoulders, if any. Exercising caution is critical!
Golf Carts and All-Terrain Vehicles
You can rent a golf cart or an all-terrain vehicle on Vieques. If you have never driven a golf cart before, please note that the ride will be bumpy and, at times, can be a bit scary (especially when 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 apply the brakes when descending 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! We don't recommend driving at night if you can avoid it!
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 that operate throughout the island. You can almost always find them at the Ferry Dock or on the Malecon in Esperanza. They typically cost $10-15 per person, and you simply pick up the phone and call (or flag 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/
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, 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 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, take a shuttle, taxi, or publico, you will need gas. There are two (and sometimes three) gas stations in Vieques. Both (or all, when all are open) are located on Route 200.
Gas is imported from the main island of Puerto Rico, and the island occasionally runs out of fuel for various reasons. Lines can get long at times, so when you drive by and don’t see one, fill up. Gas stations are also known to close for lunch, so lines often shift. 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 15 minutes to an hour (on a bad day) to refuel. Gas stations accept cash, credit, and debit cards when they are operational.
There are no card readers, so if you are using a credit or debit card, you will have to go in and let them know which pump you are using. It works the same way for cash. You will likely be asked to leave your credit card at the window.
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, pigs, goats, 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 sufficient (and likely 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 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 monitor 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/