For decades, a trip to Culebra or Vieques started at the ferry terminal in Fajardo. That changed in 2018, when the government moved the passenger ferries a few miles south to a terminal in Ceiba, on the waterfront of the former Roosevelt Roads Naval Station. Many travelers, and plenty of older guidebooks, still say "the Fajardo ferry," but if you drive to the old Fajardo terminal you will miss your boat. This guide covers how the public ferry works today, what it costs, and how to make the crossing go smoothly.
Who runs the ferries
The service is publicly owned and overseen by Puerto Rico's Integrated Transportation Authority (ATI). Since 2020 day-to-day operations have been run by a private contractor under a public-private partnership; the service now operates as Puerto Rico Ferry, "anchored by Hornblower." It runs three routes: Ceiba to Culebra, Ceiba to Vieques, and the short San Juan to Cataño crossing across San Juan Bay. In 2023 the government contracted new vessels for the island routes, and the ATI is building a new, larger terminal in Ceiba with expanded parking.
The ferry is a lifeline for the residents of both islands, who rely on it for work, school, medical care and supplies. Visitors are welcome, but on busy days residents and cargo come first. Plan around that.
Tickets and fares
Buy tickets in advance on the official Puerto Rico Ferry website or in its City Experiences app, which also shows schedules, service alerts and live vessel tracking. Tickets arrive by email; show them when you board. Online sales typically open a month or two ahead, and popular departures, especially Friday and Sunday sailings, holiday weekends, Holy Week and summer, sell out. Some tickets may still be sold at the terminal window, but do not count on it.
Passenger fares have been very low for decades: as of this update, a one-way adult ticket costs a couple of dollars, with discounts for children and seniors 60 to 74, and free travel for babies and seniors 75 and over. That is set to change. A new fare regulation (Regulation 9682) raises the one-way fare for non-residents to $11.25. After protests and requests from the mayors of Vieques and Culebra, the ATI postponed the increase until December 31, 2026, and is revising the rule. Residents and registered local businesses are exempt. Check the official fares page before you travel.
Luggage, coolers and cars
- Bags. Each ticket includes one small carry-on. Extra items, such as large suitcases, coolers, bicycles and beach gear, are charged separately at modest rates. Crew will tell you where to stow them, usually away from the seating area, and you collect them when you get off.
- Pack light. A wheeled cart or one bag per person makes boarding and the walk into town much easier.
- Vehicles. Only vehicles owned by residents of Vieques or Culebra can travel on the ferry. Visitors cannot bring a rental car. Rent a golf cart, jeep or car on the island instead, and reserve it before you go.
- Prohibited items. Propane tanks and other fuel are not allowed on the ferries. Campers should buy fuel on the island.
Getting to the Ceiba terminal
The terminal is on the old Roosevelt Roads waterfront in Ceiba, about 75 to 90 minutes' drive from San Juan's airport via PR-66 and PR-3, longer at rush hour. Set your GPS for the Ceiba ferry terminal, not Fajardo. Parking near the terminal is limited; private lots in the area charge by the day, and some run shuttle vans to the dock. Do not park on the roadside, where you risk a ticket or a tow. Taxis and transfer companies also run from San Juan, which is often simpler than leaving a rental car for several days.
Arrive early. Lines for boarding and luggage can be long, and boats leave on time even when the line is not finished.
On board
The crossing to Culebra takes about an hour on the passenger ferry, and to Vieques a little less; the slower cargo ferries take longer. The cabins are air-conditioned and can be cold, so bring a layer, especially for the trip home in wet swimwear. When outside seating is open, it has the best views and the fresh air helps if you get seasick. The channel can be rough when the trade winds are strong. If you are prone to motion sickness, take precautions before boarding.
Alternatives to the ferry
Small commuter airlines fly to both islands from San Juan's Luis Muñoz Marín airport, from Isla Grande airport in San Juan, and from the José Aponte de la Torre airport in Ceiba. Carriers have included Cape Air, Vieques Air Link and Air Flamenco. Flights are short, cost more than the ferry, and have strict baggage-weight limits, but they are a reliable backup when ferries sell out or are cancelled. Private water taxis and catamaran day trips also operate from the Fajardo and Ceiba area.
Where to go next
For trip planning on the islands, see our guides to Culebra, Flamenco Beach, Zoni Beach and Mosquito Bay on Vieques. If you are flying in, see our San Juan airport guide.
Good to know
- Ferries to Culebra and Vieques leave from Ceiba, not Fajardo, and have since 2018.
- Buy tickets online or in the app as early as you can; weekend and holiday boats sell out.
- A higher non-resident fare has been postponed until at least December 31, 2026; check current rates before you go.
- Rental cars cannot go on the ferry.
- Have a backup plan (a flight or a later boat) for weather cancellations.
