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Overview: The Culebra and Vieques Ferry
The ferry is the most affordable and scenic way to reach Puerto Rico’s island municipalities of Culebra and Vieques. Both routes are run by a single operator, Puerto Rico Ferry (operated by HMS Ferries, anchored by Hornblower), and, this trips up a lot of visitors, they now depart from Ceiba, on Puerto Rico’s east coast, not from Fajardo, where they ran for decades. The crossing is short, the fares are low, and the boats are a genuine slice of island life. But the service prioritizes island residents, can sell out, and is weather-dependent, so a little planning goes a long way. This guide covers how it works, how to book, and what to expect, all from the official source.
This guide pairs with my island guides to Culebra and the wider Culebra & Vieques region, and with my east region guide.
Wait, the Ferry Leaves From Ceiba, Not Fajardo
If you’ve read older guides or talked to someone who visited years ago, you may be expecting to catch the ferry in Fajardo. That changed. In October 2018, the government of Puerto Rico relocated the Vieques and Culebra ferry terminal from Fajardo to Ceiba, to the site of the former Roosevelt Roads Naval Station on the east coast, as part of a regional development effort. The move also shortened the crossing: from Ceiba, the boats have a quicker run to the islands than the old Fajardo route.
So today, every passenger ferry to Culebra and Vieques departs from the Ceiba Ferry Terminal, located on the grounds of the old naval base (the same area as the small Ceiba airport). The former Fajardo terminal has since been handed back to the Municipality of Fajardo for redevelopment. Bottom line: head to Ceiba, not Fajardo. It’s roughly an hour to 90 minutes’ drive from the San Juan area.
The Routes
Puerto Rico Ferry currently operates the two island routes from Ceiba (plus a separate, unrelated San Juan-Cataño commuter route across San Juan Bay):
- Ceiba ↔ Vieques — the shorter of the two crossings.
- Ceiba ↔ Culebra — a slightly longer crossing.
Both run multiple times daily, every day, with the schedule published on the official site and app. There are passenger ferries (people only, faster) and cargo ferries (which carry vehicles and freight). For visitors, the passenger ferry is almost always the right choice; the cargo ferry’s limited vehicle space is reserved for residents (more on that below). From their website, I’ve extracted some sample departure times from Ceiba to both islands in the tables below.
Ferry to Vieques
Monday thru Friday
| Ceiba to Vieques | |
| Departure | Service |
| 04:30 | Passenger & Cargo |
| 04:45 | Cargo only |
| 08:30 | Passenger & Cargo |
| 13:00 | Passenger & Cargo |
| 15:00 | Passenger & Cargo |
| 16:45 | Cargo only |
| 18:30 | Passenger & Cargo |
| 20:00 | Passenger & Cargo |
Saturday and Sunday (Weekend service)
| Ceiba to Vieques | |
| Departure | Service |
| 04:30 | Passenger & Cargo |
| 08:30 | Passenger & Cargo |
| 10:00 | Passenger & Cargo |
| 13:30 | Cargo only |
| 16:00 | Passenger & Cargo |
| 20:00 | Passenger & Cargo |
Ferry to Culebra
Monday thru Friday
| Ceiba to Culebra | |
| Departure | Service |
| 03:30 | Passenger & Cargo |
| 06:00 | Passenger & Cargo |
| 09:00 | Passenger & Cargo |
| 12:30 | Passenger only |
| 15:30 | Passenger & Cargo |
| 17:30 | Passenger only |
| 19:30 | Passenger & Cargo |
Saturday and Sunday (Weekend service)
| Ceiba to Culebra | |
| Departure | Service |
| 03:30 | Passenger & Cargo |
| 06:00 | Passenger & Cargo |
| 08:00 | Passenger only |
| 09:00 | Passenger & Cargo |
| 14:00 | Passenger & Cargo |
| 18:00 | Passenger only |
| 19:00 | Passenger & Cargo |
Note: exact departure times and crossing durations change seasonally and with weather. Always confirm the current schedule on the official Puerto Rico Ferry site or app before you travel. This is important because the ferry schedule changes throughout the year.
How to Book Tickets
Booking is straightforward, and there are three official channels:
- Online at puertoricoferry.com
- Through the City Experiences mobile app (which also handles schedules, real-time service alerts, and ferry tracking)
- In person at the ferry terminal ticket windows
The official four-step online process: choose your passengers, date, and time; enter contact and payment details; confirm; and receive your e-tickets by email or text to show when boarding.
A few official booking rules worth knowing:
There’s a limit of five tickets per transaction. Advance purchase isn’t strictly required, but advance sales are limited, and for non-residents a limited number of tickets are reserved for advance online/app purchase ahead of each departure, with more released for same-day purchase at the ticket window. If online inventory shows sold out, you may still be able to get a same-day ticket at the counter, depending on capacity. The box office at each terminal opens one hour before the first departure and closes with the last sailing.
Fares and the Resident vs. Non-Resident System
Ferry fares are set by the Government of Puerto Rico (through its transportation authority, ATI), not by the ferry operator, and revenue goes back to the government to fund the maritime system. Fares are low by any standard, this is subsidized public transportation that doubles as a tourist link.
One important structural thing to understand: there’s a resident vs. non-resident distinction, especially on the Culebra route. Culebra residents can register in the Puerto Rico Ferry Resident Registry to buy discounted resident-fare tickets, a two-step process requiring pre-registration with the Municipality of Culebra first. Non-residents pay the standard fare plus, on the Culebra route, a municipal environmental tax (the “Culebra Environmental Tax”) that funds the municipality. This is why every visitor to Culebra pays a small additional fee; it’s built into the non-resident fare.
Note: I’m deliberately not printing exact fare amounts here, because they’re set by the government and can change. Check the current rates on the official site before you travel.
Boarding: What to Expect
The official guidance, and it’s worth following closely, because missing a ferry on a busy day can strand you:
Arrive at least one hour before your scheduled departure. Tickets for the immediate trip must be purchased at least 15 minutes before departure, and boarding closes 10 minutes before the scheduled time. Build in buffer.
There’s an official priority boarding order: first, pregnant women, senior citizens (60+), people with disabilities, and veterans; then bona fide island residents; then passengers with tickets bought online; then passengers with tickets bought at the counter. Valid ID is required to claim priority.
A few more official boarding facts: children under 18 cannot travel alone and must be accompanied by an adult. You can bring beach gear, coolers, and the like, though for the island service each carry-on item requires its own ticket (added during purchase), and bicycles can be brought with a bicycle ticket. Service animals are welcome with proper attire and documentation.
What if the Weather is Bad?
For extreme weather, it’s likely that there will be delays or even cancellations. However, during normal weather the boats will typically sail. When I crossed the last time, it happened to be rough seas although the weather was otherwise nice. The swells were making the boat move somewhat aggressively and some people did get sea sick.
Seasickness
If you are the type of person who has motion sickness or gets seasick, then definitely think twice about taking the boat. Overall, the boat is comfortable and sturdy but it is susceptible to waves. Your alternative option would be to fly. Flights are quick and there are options near the ferry terminal from the Ceiba airport.
We actually did this on our trip. One of the people in our group didn’t like boats, so they flew and met us on the other side. They arrived about 30 minutes earlier than us and were having a coffee while they waited for our arrival.
Can I Bring a Car?
Short answer for visitors: no. Vehicle space on the cargo ferry is limited and reserved for residents; you cannot buy a ferry ticket for a rental car, and purchasing a vehicle ticket requires showing a valid driver’s license and vehicle registration in person. The practical move for visitors is to leave your car on the mainland (there’s paid parking near the Ceiba terminal) and rent a golf cart or jeep once you’re on the island. For more on getting around once you arrive, see my Culebra guide.
Ferry vs. Flying to the Islands
The ferry is the budget option and an experience in itself, but it’s not the only way over. Small regional airlines fly to both islands from San Juan, faster and weather-resilient, but pricier. If you’re weighing your options or worried about ferry reliability, see my reviews of Cape Air, Vieques Air Link, and Air Flamenco. Many travelers ferry one way and fly the other.
Pet Travel Guidelines
Puerto Rico Ferry accommodates guide dogs and service animals throughout their facilities. They recommend that all service animals wear a vest or collar identifying them as such, and it would be a good idea to bring documentation confirming the animal’s service status (though it is not necessary). When booking, select the “additional” option to add a complimentary ticket for your service animal to your order.
Please note that all other pets must be transported in a crate.
How to get to the Ferry Terminal?
The ferry terminal is located on Roosevelt Roads in Ceiba. The Google Maps location is embeded here:
By car
The most efficient way to get to the terminal would be to drive and park your car in their protected lot. Alternatively, you could get dropped off.
By plane
In theory, you could fly to the Ceiba airport, then take a taxi to the terminal. That would save you the driving time from San Juan. However, if you are in a hurry to get to the islands, flying directly from San Juan to Culebra or Vieques would be the fastest route.
By public transit
Years ago, I wrote an article about taking the local public transit known as colectivos or guaguas from Río Piedras to Fajardo. That wrote is no longer relevant since the ferry has relocated. That being said, if you are adventurous, carless or want to try, then you could likely still find a colectivo to arrive at the ferry terminal from the greater San Juan metro area.
Tips for a Smooth Ferry Trip
Drawing on the official guidance and the realities of this route:
- Go to Ceiba, not Fajardo, and give yourself time to find the terminal on the former naval base.
- Book online or via the app in advance when you can, especially in summer and on holiday weekends, when sailings sell out.
- Arrive an hour early, and remember boarding closes 10 minutes before departure.
- Build in a buffer day or flexible plans. Sailings can be delayed or cancelled for weather, and residents get priority, so don’t book the ferry back for the same hours as a flight home.
- Travel light and label your gear; carry-ons need their own tickets on the island service.
- Download the City Experiences app for schedules, service alerts, and real-time tracking.
- Keep your confirmation number; it lets an agent reprint a lost ticket.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Culebra and Vieques Ferry
From the Ceiba Ferry Terminal on Puerto Rico’s east coast, on the grounds of the former Roosevelt Roads Naval Station. It’s about an hour to 90 minutes from San Juan. The ferry no longer departs from Fajardo, that changed in October 2018.
The Puerto Rico government relocated the terminal from Fajardo to Ceiba in October 2018 as part of a regional development effort tied to the former Roosevelt Roads naval base. The Ceiba location also shortened the crossing time to the islands.
Three official ways: online at puertoricoferry.com, through the City Experiences mobile app, or in person at the terminal ticket windows. There’s a five-ticket-per-transaction limit, and advance online inventory is limited, especially for non-residents.
It’s not strictly required, but it’s strongly recommended, particularly in summer and on holiday weekends, when sailings sell out. A limited number of advance tickets are sold online/app for non-residents, with more released for same-day counter purchase based on capacity.
No. You cannot buy a ferry ticket for a rental car. Vehicle space is limited and reserved for residents (who must show a license and registration). Visitors should leave the car on the mainland and rent a golf cart or jeep on the island.
At least one hour before departure. Tickets for the immediate trip must be bought at least 15 minutes ahead, and boarding closes 10 minutes before the scheduled departure.
The ferry is cheaper and scenic but can sell out and is weather-dependent, with residents getting boarding priority. Flying is faster and more reliable but costs more. Many travelers do one of each. See my reviews of the island airlines to compare.
The Culebra route includes a municipal environmental tax (the Culebra Environmental Tax) on non-resident fares, which funds the Municipality of Culebra. Registered Culebra residents pay a discounted resident fare instead.
The short answer is no. You do not need a passport to board the ferry. However, you will need a form of ID. You can use your passport, but that’s not a requirement. Any government issued ID, particularly one that you travel with, will work.
The ferries do have seating. Typically the number of seats corresponds roughly to the number of tickets sold. In theory, everyone should have a seat.
Yes, following the guidance of the company, all pets that are not service animals must be in a kennel or crate.
Share your Ferry Experience
Have you taken the Puerto Rican ferry recently? If so, please feel free to share your experience with us below. Would love to hear how your trip went!
Explore More
This ferry is your gateway to two of Puerto Rico’s most beautiful islands. Plan the rest of your trip with my guides to Culebra, the Culebra & Vieques region, and the full Puerto Rico travel guide.
This guide is based on documented Puerto Rico Ferry information and personal experience. It will be updated as schedules, fares, and policies change. Always confirm current details on the official site before traveling. Last updated June 2026.
