Taking the Ferry to Culebra or Vieques
Taking the ferry from Ceiba is a great way to access the beautiful islands of Culebra or Vieques. We’ve put together a collection of info that will help make getting out to these great destinations as easy as could be.
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Getting to the Ceiba Ferry Terminal
The Ceiba Ferry Terminal is located at the former Roosevelt Roads Naval Base in Ceiba, on the eastern coast of Puerto Rico. It’s the departure point for ferries heading to Culebra and Vieques. Here are some recommended ways to get to the terminal:
By Car
Driving to the Ceiba Ferry Terminal is the most convenient option, especially if you have luggage. The terminal is about a 1.5-hour drive from San Juan. Take Route 66 to Route 3 east, and then follow the signs for Ceiba and Roosevelt Roads. There’s ample parking available at the terminal for a nominal fee, which makes it easy if you’re planning to return to the mainland the same day or after a few days.
By Taxi or Rideshare
Taxis and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in San Juan and can take you directly to the ferry terminal. This is a hassle-free option if you prefer not to drive. The ride from San Juan to Ceiba typically costs between $80 to $100. This option is definitely convenient if you’re traveling with a group, albeit a bit more expensive.
Ferry Services and Schedules
The ferry services to Culebra and Vieques operate from the Ceiba ferry terminal. This terminal has replaced the old Fajardo terminal, offering faster and more efficient routes. One important note is that tickets tend to sell out fairly quickly, so we recommend buying your tickets well in advance to avoid the headache of having to get to the box office early and buy them in person.
Ceiba to Culebra:
Schedule: Ferries run daily with several departures times throughout the day. Departure times vary depending on the day of the week so check out to Puerto Rico Ferry see the latest schedule, and to buy tickets online.
When to arrive: We recommend arriving at least 1 hour ahead of your scheduled departure. The boarding process ends 10 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time, so no need to stress if you’re cutting it a little close.
Duration: Approximately 55 minutes.
Ceiba to Vieques:
Schedule: Similar to the schedule for the ferry to Culebra, departure times vary depending on the day of the week. We recommend checking out Puerto Rico Ferry to see the most up to date schedule, and to buy your tickets online.
Duration: Approximately 35 to 45 minutes.
Ticket Information
Pricing:
Ceiba to Culebra: $2.50 one way.
Ceiba to Vieques: $2.00 one way.
Children aged 3-11 and seniors aged 60-74: $1.00.
Seniors over 74 travel for free
Purchasing Tickets: It’s highly recommended to buy your tickets online in advance to avoid any last-minute issues, as schedules can change, and tickets might sell out. You can purchase tickets through the Puerto Rico Ferry website (Puerto Rico Ferry anclado por Hornblower) (Discover Puerto Rico).
Travel Tips
Arrive Early: Be at the terminal at least one hour before departure. Boarding closes 10 minutes before the ferry departs and they are fairly strict about this. We don’t recommend cutting it close.
Seasickness: If you're prone to seasickness, consider taking medication like Dramamine. The ride can be choppy depending on the weather, so it never hurts to come prepared. There are plenty of shops around Ceiba to pick some up before you head out.
Packing: This one really depends on how long you plan to stay on the island. If you’re staying for multiple nights, you should bring all you luggage (obviously). If you’re just doing a day trip, we recommend that you pack lightly and bring essentials like sunscreen and beachwear. We highly recommend bringing some comfortable walking shoes in addition to sandals. While transportation is fairly accessible, don’t be too surprised if you find yourself walking from the terminal.
From the ferry terminal: Taxis are generally available upon arriving on either island. Culebra is accessible on foot, with fairly easy access to car and golf cart rentals.
For rentals on Culebra you can check out Carlos Jeep Rental where you can rent a Jeep, or our favorite, a golf cart.
For rentals on Vieques, which is a bit more built up, we recommend either Maritza’s Car Rental or Avis Rent-a-Car. Both are a bit further from the terminal, we recommend taking a taxi unless you feel like getting your steps in.
Order your tickets online: We can’t recommend this enough! The limited tickets that are made available online can sell out well in advance, especially during the high season. To avoid any unnecessary stress, we suggest buying your tickets online to avoid the headache of having to buy in person at the box office. Check out www.puertoricoferry.com to buy tickets.
Boat charters or tours from Fajardo
If you want a more stress-free, and private way of getting to Culebra or Vieques, consider taking a boat charter from one of the local tour operators in Fajardo. This is a great way to minimize the stress of buying tickets and catching the ferry out of Ceiba.
This is a great option when traveling with large group of friends or your family. No need to worry about the logistics of transportation, buying ferry tickets, delays, etc. The cost of your trip to the island is covered in the tour cost, and you’ll have added bonus of a fun day already planned for you.
With this tour, you transportation, food, and activity plans are all accounted for. Offered by the always excellent Pure Adventures PR, this is a great way to get you and your family or friends out to Vieques for a day of snorkeling, sun, and fun.
Final Thoughts
Taking the ferry from Ceiba to either Culebra or Vieques offers an easy and affordable way to reach these beautiful islands. With proper planning and the tips above, you'll be prepared for an incredible island adventure. Whether it’s spending the day at the beach, checking out Mosquito Bay for a bio bay kayak trip, or enjoy the local culture, you’re sure to have a great time on either island.
