Vieques

Before Entering

• Confirm exact entry, site access and permits with the operator and USFWS. Do not enter closed refuge land or water; never touch suspected ordnance.
• Check marine forecasts, thunderstorms, surge and vessel activity at piers. Reassess visibility and conditions on arrival, and cancel or move sites if appropriate.
• For scuba, confirm active certification, recent dives, buddy, gas, dive computer, no-decompression limits, emergency oxygen, surface support and rescue plan. Black Beard requires a refresher when over two years since the last dive.
• For freediving, never train alone or assume scuba guides supervise depth sessions. There is no independently confirmed dedicated local deep-freedive program.
• Stay clear of lagoon rules and no-swim areas. Never substitute a snorkeling tour for lawful Puerto Mosquito access.
• Review DNER beach-water advisories before shore entry. Vieques Sun Bay is sampled through a separate laboratory rather than the standard DNER beach monitoring program; do not infer a clean beach from a missing marker. Avoid bathing for at least 24 hours after sustained rain under DNER guidance.

On-island and Transfer Care

The Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration announced inauguration of the new Susana Centeno Vieques Health Center on September 27, 2026, describing emergency care, diagnostics and mainland-transfer capability including a helipad. The announcement does not prove 24-hour operational coverage for every specialty, an island hyperbaric chamber, or a fixed evacuation time. No on-island recompression capability was verified.

For suspected decompression illness, arterial gas embolism, drowning or major injury, stop diving, activate 911 and your operator emergency response plan immediately. Give emergency oxygen where trained, seek medical assessment and contact Divers Alert Network for specialist coordination. Severe weather and transport disruption can complicate mainland referral. Arrange travel insurance covering water activities, medical evacuation and the actual diving depth/type, and verify the operator's oxygen/communications plan before going.

Marine and Refuge Stewardship

• Treat sea turtles, manatees, birds, reef organisms and all other wildlife as protected observation subjects; no touching, chasing, feeding, collection, flash harassment or promised encounters. Follow USFWS activity restrictions and seasonal turtle project advice from refuge biologists.
• Stay on signed routes, respect closed cleanup areas and never remove objects from former military areas or archaeological sites. EPA cleanup details explain continuing risk.
• Leave corals and seabed undisturbed, manage fins and anchors, and pack out litter. Drone, camping, fishing and commercial activity have site-specific federal rules.
• Puerto Mosquito is separate from the USFWS refuge visitor-permission system. Check DNER concession rules and no-swim and light/chemical conservation guidance; use a properly authorized tour and avoid bright lights or products that could enter sensitive water.
• Review USFWS visitor regulations for prohibited off-road access, drones and commercial permit requirements.