1

Hate to tell you this, but you should consider other destinations or just stay home. The Anti-American self-hatred and loathing of the local people is just not worth the risk nor waste of $ paying to be on edge. Such a shame; total ignorance to blame for this all!

2

I don't know if JoseKevo has even been on either of these islands because all the crap he just spewed out is far from the truth! I live on the main island of Puerto Rico and I have visited both Culebra and Vieques and I can tell you by my experience that there is no more racism there than in the US or any other part of the world. I have high school friends that I graduated with when I lived in Louisiana that have visited both islands and they loved their stay. If it were like he says then why are there so many retired Americans living and looking to purchase properties there? Violence... Culebra is a quiet little island with hardly any crime. Vieques, according to my best friend who was born there and her father still lives there, has had an increase in the crime rate. Now, I would stay away from the main island, Puerto Rico, which has had a huge increase in crime. Totally not safe living here anymore. That's my two cents on the truth about both Culebra and Vieques.

3

Been awhile since on Vieques, but I was just in Culebra again this last January. Please, do tell: retired Puerto Ricans living and purchasing property on their off-shore islands? LoL - who knew??? Like previously stated, TOTAL ignorance is to blame for this all. #2 - you've almost exposed yours as much as the OP - not mine.

Puerto Ricans ARE citizens of the United States. Therefore, anything "Anti-American" would be "self-hatred" and "self-loathing." Do these lifetime residents resent gringos coming in with their $$, buying up everything, and looking-down upon them like second-class or third-world citizens? For most, absolutely!

It's bad enough airline desk clerks, travel industry employees, and even customs and immigration employees still haven't figured this out...some even still thinking that a passport is needed to come here from the United States. Couple that ignorance with the hysteria and hearsay rumors like from the OP, and it's intolerable and unfortunate.

Some people really should just stay home - just like many Puerto Ricans believe and do, NEVER wanting to come to the U.S. mainland because of the "huge increase in crime."

4

Sarcasm is wasted on the credulous.

5

Please ignore the political rants and rest assured mainlanders are not targeted in the violent turf war between drug gangs. Vieques is a peaceful place, but exercise caution and avoid desolate beaches because a tourist did get raped there a few months ago.

6

this is good info. thank you all. seems like maybe I should give it a shot.

7

Wow, I just read the original post and replies...allow me to interject - I bought a home on Vieques last year after one visit, it is a beautiful island with beautiful people. I have been back/forth numerous times and am currently prepping to make my permanent move this October. I have NEVER felt uncomfortable or fearful there, I have been welcomed by my new neighbors and community alike. There is no where in this world that crime doesn't exist, I currently live in Omaha, Ne and the gang violence here is off the charts, but I do not fear being here. If you travel often then you must know that being aware of your surroundings is a must, but to be fearful is another thing.
Vieques' beaches are incredibly beautiful, rent a jeep and explore; but do so using common sense, as you would wherever you travel. I have stayed in various locations/barrios around the island and have never felt unwelcome, just the opposite. Petty theft does occur on some of the isolated beaches, but again - I have never experienced this...my experience has been nothing but good. The worst that has happened to me on one of the most isolated beaches is being handed a burger fresh off the grill by a local family that I had never met before...I am more afraid of walking around Omaha at night than I have ever been in Vieques.
Come visit one of the most beautiful islands I have ever seen...and please, enjoy yourself.

8

thank you for the reply. we're going. I guess I should have mentioned that I am from New Orleans, LA - a leader in murder and incarceration. but most of the crime is not directed at tourists and this is what concerned me when I posted originally.

9

Waxbean when are you looking to go? I have been going for years without even a sideeye. Me and a few girlfriends are going in two weeks, we are staying on Vieques with a day trip to Culebra/culebrita just hanging on the beach and doing some snorkeling. Let me know if you want to join us.

10

been to PR and Culebra, never been to Vieques.
1) prior to the trip, my research show safety is a concern, drug war, killing, rude drive, camping alone is not wise...
2) on the main island, I feel the concern is valid, even though Ｉdidn't encounter any issue
if you feel comfortable travelling alone in US, it might not be the same story in PR.
3) on Culebra, the feeling is much better/safer. however, the gatekeep of Flamenco becach remind me multiple times that choose campsite closer to other camper. And the next morning, I met a local resident, I chat with him for a while, at end, I asked him how is the safety/security issue. he said main island is worse, culebra is better, and he miss the peachful time in the past.
4) I drive the Ruta Panoramica, the road is truely narrow. I can't imagine it can handle two way traffic. and unfortunately my gps doesn't work well, and I get lost a little bit, and end up drive at night. man, at that day, drug war is none issue, and killing on the road become so real and I am glad I am still live.

overall, puerto rico has beach, history, food, salsa, mountains, very pretty. But by comparison, Mexico is more appealing to me, even though media paint a much unsafe place....

11

Is everyone anti British as well?

12

There is no anti English sentiment at all, not even Europeans... In general US Mainlanders are the only ones eyed with with a wrinkled nose....

13

Good morning,
We are from the states, however have lived (& traveled) around the globe for the last 18 years or so & Culebra is one of the safest spots that I know of.

As with anywhere it is always advisable to use common sense. However, Culebra has about 2000 year-round residents & everyone knows each other (& their business). We own a tourism business here & have always stated to our guests that it is safe to walk around even in the evenings.

It's a very "small town" atmosphere here in Culebra with friendly folks.

Finally, Culebra is like apples & oranges compared to the big island. San Juan is the same as any large, metropolitan city with it's share of crime. I have traveled around the big island & not felt unsafe, however, again common sense & awareness of one's surroundings are key.

Best,
Terrie
Palmetto GH, Culebra