Vieques - Restrictions

Description:

The island of Vieques (part of the Spanish Virgin Islands) is still relatively undeveloped and many think it represents the Caribbean of 30 years ago. For 50 years it was under the control of the US Navy and so was not developed as were the other islands.

There are two small towns; The main town of Isabel Segunda is on the north coast and is more commercialized. It is the site of the inter-island ferry terminal. Esperanza on the south coast is an attractive beachfront village.

There are many beautiful anchorages and dive spots, with crystal clear water and pristine white sand beaches. Sun Bay (Esperanza) has good walking trails.

Pilotage Notes and Cautions:

• The eastern end of the island is "off-limits", due to its past use for target practice by the US Navy and thousands of unexploded pieces of ordnance lying around.
• Depths are shallow off the town of Esperanza and often less than charted. 
• Dinghy and outboard theft is a problem here. See information below under docking.
• Avoid eating any fish caught off Vieques as local opinion is that most fish have Ciguatera (January 2014).

Position:  

18° 09.17'N, 65° 30.81'W (Mosquito Pier)