Getting to Vieques, Part 2

In Part 1 we dealt with taking the ferry to Vieques, the most economical way for a group of three or more people to get to the island from San Juan. For one or two travelers, flying is less of a hassle and will cost nearly the same depending on which airline you choose.

Vieques is serviced by several commuter airlines but my favorite is Vieques Air Link or VAL. You can download their schedule here: http://www.vieques-island.com/val/Schedule.htm. You’ll see that VAL flies out of three different airports but Isla Grande airport offers the most flights from San Juan to Vieques. Flying from Isla Grande is just over half the cost of the same flight from San Juan international. I just paid $92 for a round trip ticket.

If you choose Isla Grande you’ll want to pick a flight that departs for Vieques at least an hour after you arrival in San Juan from the States. Isla Grande is a $20 cab ride from the International airport. The cab stand is right out the door from International’s baggage claim. Depending on traffic the ride should take no more than twenty terrifying minutes.

Isla Grande has a very small terminal and the VAL counter is right inside the door. This is a very low key operation but be sure you have your ID and confirmation number with you. It’s always a good idea to call them a day or two beforehand to double check that they still have your reservation. I’m not sure they actually have a computer for their scheduling. I always see them rooting through a box of 3x5 cards to find my info each time I fly with them. You’ll need to check in thirty minutes before takeoff.

You’re allowed twenty five pounds of baggage and will be charged for anything over that. The VAL agent will also ask for your weight. Don’t lie about this. Smaller aircraft must be properly balanced. You’ll be seated according to where you fit best with the rest of the payload, so don’t magically shave off a few pounds when they ask.

The terminal has very greasy but inexpensive café that serves surprisingly good food and beer. VAL runs a fleet of three different aircraft; very old British Islanders and Trilanders, and new Cessna Caravans. If you’re flying on a Trilander, you’ll want a beer or two. These are not the most comfortable aircraft, they’re actually very loud, but their three engines make them exceptionally safe. The newer Caravans are much quieter and just as safe.

VAL rarely leaves on time but they’re usually in the air within thirty minutes of the scheduled departure. The trip from Isla Grande takes about twenty minutes depending on the headwinds. They fly at 1500 feet and it’s an absolutely beautiful flight along the northeast cost of Puerto Rico. You’ll pass the famous El Yunque rainforest flying just below it’s cloud covered peak.

The airport on Vieques is also small and located two miles from the town of Isabel Segunda. There are several publico vans parked right outside the terminal that will take you to your guesthouse or car rental locations for just a few dollars.

VAL is a great little airline and I’ve never been disappointed with them. For the extra effort of getting to Isla Grande in San Juan, this is my favorite and most cost effective way to travel back and forth from the island.