Unless you have all the time in the world, you will most likely fly to San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU) for the first leg of your trip. Once you get to San Juan, however, there are a number of ways that you can get to Vieques. We have listed the most common options below.
The Ferry
A new ferry management company has started managing island ferries and in the months ahead we hope to see positive changes in the Vieques ferry service. It is already much, much better!
Yes, you may have read some horror stories about the ferry system. And yes, some of them are true. It is not a first-class system, but it is cheap and if you like adventure, it can be fun. Don’t try to call them, or email them. It probably won’t work. Try to take the earliest ferry in the morning if you can, in case there are delays. Be prepared to stand in line, sometimes for what seems like forever.
And yes, if you are not Puerto Rican, don’t look Puerto Rican, or speak fluent Spanish, you may be placed at the back of the line. Sometimes the ferries don’t run due to bad weather, including high winds, big waves, and low tides. And don’t even think about the ferry the week before or after Easter or at Christmas and after. Whew… If you have time, however, or can get your tickets in advance at the window or, even better, via the app or the web page, it can be a lovely ride, especially at sunrise and sunset. It’s cheap, too!
The good news is that the ferry system is continuing to show signs of improvement, with the addition of several new (and fast) ferries, as well as departure from Ceiba. The old Fajardo terminal was wiped out during Hurricane Maria, and the new “terminal” in Ceiba, with mostly tents and a few porta-potties, is a dramatic improvement.
There is virtually nothing to do at the ferry terminal, and may not be anything to eat, so plan accordingly. The ferry terminal is located on the former Roosevelt Roads Naval Station property.
San Juan (SJU) to Vieques (VQS) by Air
The fastest and therefore the most expensive way to get to Vieques is to fly… again. You can fly out of Luis Munoz Marin International Airport (SJU) on a variety of commuter airlines directly to Vieques (VQS). The trip to Vieques is about 35 minutes long and quite beautiful.
Isla Grande (SIG) to Vieques (VQS) by Air
You can also fly from the Fernando Luis Ribas Dominicci Airport (more commonly known as Isla Grande Airport, or SIG). Isla Grande is about a 20-minute taxi ride from San Juan International Airport. Plane tickets to Vieques may be less expensive than from San Juan, but you have to add the publico (taxi) fee (usually about $20) and allow plenty of extra time to get to Isla Grande Airport.
Upon leaving the international airport, just look for the folks in the fancy colored T-shirts in the departure area and they will arrange a ride for you. The cost is about $20 per trip, regardless of the number of people riding (limit of eight or so). There may be extra charges for your bags, but they will be nominal. You pay the driver upon arrival. The plane trip to Vieques is only about 30 minutes and, again, quite beautiful.
San Juan (SJU) to Ceiba by Rent-a-Car to Vieques by Ferry
We like to rent a car at the airport and drive to Ceiba, where we take the ferry to Vieques. We typically use Avis for this leg of the trip. If you call ahead, someone can usually drive you to the ferry (or airport) from the Avis rental office in Ceiba. Sometimes you can leave the car there and they will also pick it up. Plan on two hours for travel time from San Juan, but it takes much less if there is no traffic and you don’t get lost. The added benefit of renting a car is that you can stop in the rainforest on the way there or back, as well as take in some of the local flavors of Puerto Rico en route. We especially like to stop in Luquillo for lunch and a walk on the beach.
San Juan (SJU) to Ceiba by Publico to Vieques by Ferry
Large groups (or those unable or unwilling to rent a car) may wish to take a Publico to Ceiba. The cost is usually about $100 per trip, regardless of the number of people who are riding (again, that limit of eight or so). There may be extra charges for your bags, but they will be nominal. You pay the driver upon arrival. Plan on two hours for travel time and a nice tip.
Uber from San Juan to Ceiba
You can take an Uber from San Juan to Ceiba and can find one at the airport. Some folks have also taken a local bus off of the airport property, then called Uber. If you are visiting San Juan, and not departing from the airport, this may be an option for you. If you are an Uber user, you know how to figure out the fare! It is usually in the $60 range and is a fast (and can be a wild) trip.
Taxi
If you just don’t want to be bothered with the details, call A1 East Coast Taxi and Tours (also known as Luquillo Taxi). They can be reached at (787) 513-7685 or via their website at http://www.luquillotaxi.com. Shawn Herrera and his wife Rita are the owners and they (or a member of their family or staff) will pick you up and drop you off with no worries. This is pretty much a turn-key service, so you pay for the extras, but the service is great and it is effortless.
Taxi John also comes highly recommended. He can be reached at (787) 354-5851.
San Juan (SJU) to Ceiba (RVR) by Rent-a-Car or Publico to Vieques by Air
Basically, you get to Ceiba any way that you can, and then fly out of the old Roosevelt Roads Naval Station, now called the Ceiba Airport (RVR). The flight is fun and lasts a total of ten minutes or so. You will fly about 500 feet above the water so look fast, as what you will see is incredibly beautiful and blue! Plan on three-plus hours for travel time. It may be less expensive, but the fares vary from season to season.
Air Charter
Yes, you can even get a charter plane to take you to Vieques! We have used Taxi Aereo in the past and were very pleased. For a four-passenger airplane, Ceiba to Vieques, the fare is about $385 each way. Yes, it is a bit spendy, but if you have the means and the desire, go for it! Omar, the pilot, will also allow your dog to sit on the seat! Check the website for the most recent prices.
https://taxiaereopr.travel/prices-from-ceiba.html
Upon Your Arrival in Vieques
Upon your arrival in Vieques, you may hire a taxi (Publico) to 511 Calle Baldorioty de Castro, in the town of Isabel Segunda. During non-covid times, we also like to pick folks up at the airport or walk them to the house from the ferry terminal. Depending on vaccination status, this may still be an option. Please inquire.
For more information, check out the link below and click HERE to print a PDF copy of some of the Big Picture Transportation options that you might take to get to Vieques!
http://vieques.com/getting-here/
Revision Date 022322