Home Page - Vieques, Puerto Rico

Tips on Planning a SAFE
Vacation to Vieques

Vieques is a very safe haven. The only crime that I was warned about by police officers and locals are petty theft crimes on the beach. Do not bring valuables to the beach, neither leave them on your vehicle. I was told that young kids have broken into vehicles to steal the goodies. It does not happen often, but unfortunately it does at times. The only things you really need for the beach are your towel, a drink, and plenty of sun block.

SOME TIPS TO KEEP YOUR VALUABLES SAFE:

• Leave valuables locked in your hotel room if possible.
• Keep your car parked in a visible spot so you and others can see it.
• Never carry your passport, visas, driver's license or other important documents with you to the beach, take photocopies with you instead.
• Unless you are like me who loves to take photos, don't bring fancy cameras to the beaches, get a disposable one instead, so you don't have to worry about it when you are in the water (so you can really enjoy the great beaches in Vieques, Puerto Rico).
• Only bring enough money for snacks on the way to the beach or back, there are no cafeterias or any type of stores at the beaches, so you truly don't need to bring any money to the beaches.

The less you bring, the less you will have to worry about, and the more you can concentrate on appreciating the beauty of these beaches.

In the unfortunate event of theft or any other emergency, please see below inder EMERGENCY SERVICES for reporting procedures and numbers to call.

Women Traveling Alone

Tips: Make some friends during your stay, maybe you can get a ride to the more secluded beaches. I would hate for you to miss out on them.

Visit the tourism office for help in planning your stay if you are travelling alone, their staff was very helpful during my stay.

If you are daring, and insist on going alone to the secluded beaches, make sure you rent the best jeep available and you know how to change a tire in the unfortunate event you get a flat. Rent a car from a reputable company and ask about their emergency services.

The island of Culebra is practically crime free. Puerto Rico is generally considered to be a safe place. The city of Puerto Rico, San Juan, has its share of crime as any other large city. The tourist areas are very safe. Exercise more caution if you happen to visit any metropolitan area in Puerto Rico. Most crimes do not take place on tourist areas, and there is no history of tourists being targeted for crimes. By practicing common sense safety, you will have a very enjoyable and safe trip.

Emergency Services

- The town of Isabel Segunda is the only town in Vieques that has a police station (see practical information on this page). Please be aware that the police does not have jurisdiction of the area currently owned by U.S. Fish and Wildlife, if you call for help most likely they will come to help however you may not get the results that you expect.

- If you are in area of U.S. Fish & Wildlife, call (787) 741-2138 Mon - Fri 8:00am - 4:00pm AFTER HOURS, WEEKENDS, HOLIDAYS call Duty Officer's beeper at (787) 440-0500. As a backup call the Police Department in Vieques at (787) 741 -2020. Report the incidence and ask them to report it to the federal officer on duty. Vieques, Puerto Rico police has no jurisdiction over the areas of U.S. Fish and Wildlife so if you have an issue while at these areas call the number above for U.S. Fish & Wildlife first.

Feel free to speak to police officers in Vieques, ask questions you may have about the island, they are super friendly, and a great source of information.

We hope you have a safe vacation in Vieques, Puerto Rico.

Please come back and visit us and tell us about your vacation. Other travellers will love to hear of your experiences during your vacation in Vieques.

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