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The current weather in Culebra
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Culebra OR Vieques
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Anna (---.si.res.rr.com)
Date:   02-20-12 11:07

Hello all,
I was hoping all you experts could provide some advice as to which locale we should settle on.

Some friends and I are planning our first group holiday; two of us have been to Culebra, none of us have been to Vieques. It'll be about a 4-5 day vacation in either April/early June, we want to be careful with money, and we're all in our mid-late twenties. I have camped on Flamenco before, but this time we're looking to rent a (clean, pretty) villa on either Culebra or Vieques.

I know the atmosphere on Culebra is laid-back with the beautiful beaches, snorkeling, and a smattering of restaurants. This is all great! But is there a reason we should choose Vieques over Culebra? Obviously there's the biobay and more restaurants, but I don't know much about the atmosphere and 'look' of Vieques itself (apart from photos of the beaches).

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Anna
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Re: Culebra OR Vieques
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: John Robandt (---.ip.mcleodusa.net)
Date:   02-20-12 18:38

Hi Anna,
I have been to both islands several times, and have always enjoyed my visits. As you say, Culebra is laid back with beautiful beaches, but small. Vieques is a slightly bigger island with more and larger beaches, and more restaraunts. The bio bay is an unforgettable experience. Both islands are bilingual, Culebra more so.
Vieques has more people and division between visitors and the native Viequenses, some of whom see tourists as just one more invasion. There is more petty theft on Vieques, but not threats to personal safety. Vieques has two towns, Isabel II is more Puerto Rican and Esperanza is more tourist oriented. There is much more night life on Vieques. It is more difficult to get around Vieques if you don't have a 4WD. You don't need a 4WD on Culebra, there is nowhere to take it off road.
Since some of you haven't been before, I would opt for Culebra. You couldn't wear out everything Culebra has to offer in a week. Next time you can visit Vieques and the bio bay, and make your own comparisons.
With 4 people you can share a ride from SJU to the ferry. You can arrange to stop at Costco or a grocery store on the way. You will still spend money on the island, where everything is more expensive with fewer choices.
Have a great time! I wish I were going back........ John R
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Re: Culebra OR Vieques
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Anna (199.19.138.---)
Date:   02-21-12 16:23

Hi John,

That's really helpful, thank you. I suppose my main worry is that people will get bored on Culebra after a few days. While I love reading on the beach, hiking, snorkeling, and going to a delicious quiet restaurant, a couple others in the group appreciate nightlife. But perhaps there's enough to do that I could fill the days/evenings on Culebra in ~5 days?

Out of interest, what is the bug - particularly mosquito - situation in early June?

Thanks again!

Anna
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Re: Culebra OR Vieques
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Vicki moore (---.dhcp.jcsn.tn.charter.com)
Date:   02-21-12 23:05

I have been to both islands several times. This past year we chose to stay on Culebra our entire two weeks. Crime is increasing on Vieques. There have been some shootings recently. None of these involved tourists, I don't think. There was also a recent attempted home invasion at one of the villas on the grounds of the W. It was in the wee hours of the morning and the guests were present. The owner and the W put a security guard on duty from 9P to 6A the remainder of their stay. On our last trip to Vieques in 2010, we noticed many more vacant and obviously abandoned homes and many groups of young men on street corners giving us the "stink eye". Mamacitas and Dingy Dock can be quite lively watering holes. Also Bahia Marina has a nice bar area. You might check out Casa del Sol, which is a nice rental and where we stay. The views are to die for. I can not imagine anyone getting bored on Culebra for only 4-5 days. We stay 2 weeks and never get bored. If any of your group like to dive or snorkel, contact Taz with Aquatic Adventures. Have a great time.

Vicki in Tennessee
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Re: Culebra OR Vieques
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: jcapestany (---.187-72.tampabay.res.rr.com)
Date:   02-22-12 06:25

Culebra is the way to go no Boring time just be creative, me personally dont feel the need for Vieques specially since the Marines moved out. Im planning a trip on April and cant wait to get there.
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Re: Culebra OR Vieques
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Geronimo (---.customer.broadstripe.net)
Date:   02-22-12 09:51

If your friends are Vegas types/lovers then neither island will be for them. I just spent 3 weeks there and thouroghly enjoyed it. And I've never been to Vegas. You may want to plan some hikes like to Resaca or Brava. Hike to the West end of Brava and then you can swim out to the little island and observe a rookery. take a boat ride to Culebrita and hike to the lighthouse. the mosquito situation depends on rain and wind. Lots of rain and no breeze may yeild lots of mosquitoes. but then the breeze will pick up eventually. You can get bug spray there.

Enjoy.
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Re: Culebra OR Vieques
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: John Robandt (---.ip.mcleodusa.net)
Date:   02-22-12 18:59

Hi Anna,
Vieques has more nightlife than Culebra, but that's not saying much, as Culebra has virtually none. If your friends want nightlife, they are better off spending more time in San Juan.
I have been to Culebra several times and still don't feel like I've seen it all. There are remote beaches to hike to, isletas to visit, snorkeling, kayaking, sailing, and simply relaxing. If flying is within your budget, the airport approach is an experience in itself.
I love Vieques too. If you get there, Island Adventures does a great bio-bay tour and is doing it's best to preserve the island's resources not exploit them. There are wonderful and remote beaches. When the US Navy occupied Vieques many people living there were forcibly removed from their homes and properties. Since few people had land titles, they had no legal recourse. Although the Navy has pulled out, much of the island is still off limits or has been converted to nature preserve. Now Vieques is gentrifying, but too few of the native Viequenses are benefitting from the expansion of tourism and vacation homes, and that breeds some resentment. Having said this, you will also meet some wonderful and welcoming people there. You will find that a little Spanish goes a long way.
Have fun, whatever you decide! John R
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Re: Culebra OR Vieques
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Anna (---.si.res.rr.com)
Date:   02-22-12 20:49

Thank you all so much, this has been really helpful! I will try to convince them Culebra is the way to go! I'd much rather explore new beaches and hikes than go to Vieques thinking about Flamenco Beach. I've only ever done 3 of the beaches and 2 hikes, so definitely need to ask around about exact routes for other beaches and walks. Let's hope the mosquito situation won't be bothersome.

Casa del Sol sounds lovely! I've heard of one villa company not keeping the rooms clean and having mouse & roach problems. Being near Flamenco would be ideal, but I know how easy the publicos are to use, and I expect we'd bike occasionally too.
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Re: Culebra OR Vieques
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Anna (199.19.138.---)
Date:   02-23-12 16:12

Ok, another question all!

What can people tell me about the weather in June, either early, mid or late June? Buggy, hurricane-y, humid as hell or pleasantly hot...?

Thanks again!
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Re: Culebra OR Vieques
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Herb (---.dsl.stlsmo.swbell.net)
Date:   02-23-12 22:46

The weather is the same on Culebra as it is on Vieques ;)-

Peace out
Herb
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Re: Culebra OR Vieques
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Geronimo (---.customer.broadstripe.net)
Date:   02-24-12 08:43

Good one Herb.

I think June is very nice. the winds will be down. try to get there before PR schools are out. Culebra is their summer get away and it will be packed when school is out.
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Re: Culebra OR Vieques
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Frank S. (---.nyc.res.rr.com)
Date:   02-27-12 20:43

Anna,
do you think posting this question only on the Culebra board is going to give you a fair impression? Obviously the people that read this board are going to be pro Culebra. An understandably.
I think you should go to the puerto rico forum at the Trip Advisor website.

the incidents of violence cited here was comited by the same three people. two have been apprehended and the third is dead.
John Robandt's description is more accurate in my opinion. and overall fair. but I think you should hear from some pro Vieques people before you decide for sure.
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Re: Culebra OR Vieques
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Geronimo (---.customer.broadstripe.net)
Date:   02-28-12 08:10

You can not make a bad choice here. Both will be fun and both have excellent beaches.
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Re: Culebra OR Vieques
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Anna (199.19.138.---)
Date:   02-29-12 09:52

Oh, I am probably very biased! Vieques sounds busier and more tourist-y than I would like; I'd prefer to stay in a quiet villa near a beautiful, deserted beach. Somehow Vieques sounds like a large town in my head.
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Re: Culebra OR Vieques
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Frank S. (---.nyc.res.rr.com)
Date:   03-01-12 01:51

thats funny
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