That's an odd question. Vieques was until a few years ago a major US military base and in recent years since it became redundant where that's concerned, it's going through growing pains to re-invent itself with several self-professed off island entrepreneurs looking to cash in. The major beaches on Vieques, from my understanding, still have to be cleaned up to rid them of unexploded target bombs.

St John is such a different scenario.; Apples and oranges m'son!

I vacationed well on Vieques several years ago but it all depends on what you're looking for where a vacation is concerned and if it comes down to Vieques versus St John, St Thomas or St Croix it's a no contest! Cheers!

If you think you want STJ, I don't think you'll be satisfied with STT, STX or Vieques. Have you thought about Culebra(sp)? I haven't been, but friends say it's lovely.

Thanks - I asked because the two are geographically fairly close to each other, but the flight combo from my house is quite cheaper with better times to Vieques than St. John. Just wondering if Vieques was worth considering.

a few minutes is not a big thing. I think you will find many more options to do and to see on St. John. vieques is a little more backward when it comes to choices. It is a beautiful island, but ST. John has it all over any other location, and I live on STT.

billd

Jen

I have been to both islands and would not necessarily rule out Vieques as a vacation destination. Vieques like St John has beautiful unspoiled/undeveloped beaches. St John is mountainous and is much more spectacular visually. Vieques is better described as hilly. Both islands offer grocery stores and numerous restaurant choices. The population on both islands includes ex-patriots and locals. In my opinion, part of the Vieques experience includes interacting with the local population. A week on St John will probably cost more as restaurants and places to stay are more expensive. The quality of a vacation really depends on what you are looking for.

Keep in mind that your query was posted on the USVI forum and as such reflects the enthusiasm of experienced St John travelers. I include myself in this group. For more info on Vieques I would suggest you post the same question on the Vieques forum which is:
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowForum-g147326-i649-Isla_de_Vieques_Puerto_Rico.html

I'll respond to the St. John vs. Culebra question since I've been to both places.

If I go back, I'm going to St. John; but if somebody wants to give me a trip to Culebra, I'll be glad to take it.

Culebra has fewer beaches, but they're bigger. Flaminco is probably a mile long and 100 wide at places. It's amazingly beautiful. There's nothing like it on St. John.

The snorkling on Culebra is less protected on St. John, and the coral are just a liltte healthier than on St. John.

One thing I like better about Culebra is that you can stop by the Rainforest on the way to/from Culebra. Sorry, no rainforest in St. John. The ferry from Fajardo to Culebra is also better than the car ferry from Redhook to Cruz Bay. The Fajardo Ferry picks a path through some very pretty little islands on it's way to Culebra.

So Culebra is a great trip. Especially if you add a day or 2 in Old San Juan.

However, I LOVE St. John. St. John is beautiful. The drive on the North Shore is fantastic.

There are more beaches than you can visit in a liftetime and almost all of them are wonderful.

For beaches, I like Hawksnest the best. Followed by Trunk, Jumbie, Maho, Cinnamon, Waterlemon, Lameshur, Oppenheimer. The snorkling is usually interesting at all these places, but varies with year and season. Most of the time, the beaches will be almost empty.

I love Cruz Bay. Nighttime in Cruz Bay is wonderful. I love to walk the streets and smell the Rum.

The people of St. John are wonderful.

I love St. John, and if I had a choice that's where I'd go.

JFP