VIEQUES

• PRVQS
• Latitude: 18.1506
• Longitude: -65.4443
• Caribbean Sea
• Port in Puerto Rico

Location: Vieques PR 00765 Puerto Rico

Phone number: +1-787-000-0000

Web-site: http://www.viequesport.pr.gov

Marine Port Description and Specification: Vieques, Puerto Rico

Overview:

Vieques is an island municipality of Puerto Rico located approximately 8 miles east of the Puerto Rican mainland and is part of the Spanish Virgin Islands. The port facilities primarily cater to local ferry services, tourist activities, and some commercial operations.

Key Details:

• Location: Vieques Island, Puerto Rico
• Coordinates: Approximately 18.1263° N latitude, 65.4401° W longitude
• Time Zone: Atlantic Standard Time (AST); UTC -4

Port Facilities:

1. Ferry Terminal:

   • Primary Use: Passenger and vehicle ferry services between Vieques and the mainland (Ceiba).
   • Facilities:
     • Passenger waiting areas
     • Vehicle loading/unloading ramps
     • Ticketing and customer service offices

2. Commercial Docks:

   • Primary Use: Limited commercial and cargo operations, serving local businesses and essential goods transportation.
   • Facilities:
     • Small-scale cargo handling areas
     • Basic warehousing
     • Loading docks for local goods

3. Tourism and Recreational Facilities:

   • Primary Use: Anchoring and docking for yachts and recreational boats.
   • Facilities:
     • Marinas with docking slips
     • Fuel stations for boats
     • Tourism information centers
     • Restaurants and shops nearby

Navigational Details:

• Depth: Varies by dock; generally accommodating smaller to medium-sized vessels.
• Approach: Vessels must carefully navigate the surrounding reefs and shallow areas.
• Pilotage: Not mandatory for small vessels, but advised for larger or unfamiliar vessels.

Additional Services:

• Customs and Immigration: Not a primary port of entry; services may be limited.
• Transportation: Taxis, car rentals, and public transportation options available for passengers.
• Healthcare: Local clinics and minor medical facilities available on the island.

Economic and Environmental Considerations:

• Economic Impact:
  • Tourism is a significant contributor, with many visitors coming for the beaches, natural parks, and bio-luminescent bays.
  • Local businesses rely on the ferry system for supplies and the transport of goods and services.
• Environmental Protection:
  • Conservation efforts are in place to protect the natural environment, including the surrounding coral reefs and marine life.
  • Regulations may be in place to limit pollution and manage waste effectively.

Summary:

Vieques' marine port primarily supports ferry services, small-scale commercial activities, and a considerable amount of tourism-related marine traffic. The facilities are geared towards efficient handling of passenger vehicles and recreational boats, providing essential connectivity between the island and the Puerto Rican mainland. Due to the island's pristine environment, operations are expected to follow stringent environmental protocols to preserve the natural beauty and ecological health of the area.