Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Hwy 200 originates in Isabel Segunda and heads west past the airport as far as Green
Beach on the island's western tip. To get to Esperanza, take either of two routes south over
the mountains: Hwys 201/996 or Hwy 997. If you take the latter route, you will pass along
the navy fence as you descend from the summits. The Garcia Gate is clearly visible on your
left. Head through the gate and follow the signs to pristine beaches in the former military
zone (now a national wildlife refuge).
VIEQUES NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
This 18,000-acre refuge ( www.fws.gov/caribbean/refuges/vieques ) occupies the land
formerly administered by the US military. The 3100-acre western segment - used mainly
as a storage area during the military occupation - was instituted in 2001. The 14,700-acre
eastern segment, which includes a former live firing range (still off-limits), was inaugurated
two years later in 2003.
The refuge protects vast tracts of largely pristine land containing four different ecolo-
gical habitats: beaches, coastal lagoons, mangrove wetlands and forested uplands. It also
includes an important marine environment of sea grasses and coral reefs. Many colorful
species survive in these areas, including the endangered brown pelican and the Antillean
manatee. Vieques' dwarfish thicket-strewn forest, which includes some indigenous cacti,
provides one of the best examples of dry subtropical forest in the Caribbean.
Existing as a military site until May 2003, much of the refuge's land is still officially
off-limits to visitors. A potentially dangerous no-go zone is Punta Este in the far east of the
island, where live ordnance is still being removed. Other restricted areas in the east include
most of the north coast east of Isabel Segunda, along with the south coast east of Playa
La Plata (Orchid Beach). The most easily accessible area is the narrow ribbon of land that
abuts the road leading from the Garcia Gate to La Plata.
 
 
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