The Ferry

Visiting Vieques for a day, a week, or even longer? The ferry is an affordable option, but it takes a bit of planning and often a lot of patience.

The link below is your starting point, and if you do it right, it can be a lot of fun, not to mention the least expensive way of getting to Vieques from Puerto Rico.

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Purchase your ferry tickets in advance!

Arrive at least 45 minutes early with your printed tickets!

Arrive an hour or more early if you have not purchased your tickets and hope for the best!

Please note that with Covid-19 restrictions, everything you do regarding transportation must be checked, checked again, and double-checked!

https://www.puertoricoferry.com/

The ferry ride generally takes about 30 to 35 minutes on the “fast ferry” and is a bit slower on the cargo ferry. The time may vary based upon the boat you board, the weather, and how long it takes to load and unload. The “fast ferry” may or may not run to Vieques, however, so it can be a crapshoot. Boats may not run in high winds, high seas, or during times of exceptionally low tides.

The trip over and back is pretty stable, but depending on the weather, the boat may get a little rocky. If you suffer from seasickness, sit in the middle seats where you’ll feel less motion. Speak to your doctor (in advance) about a prescription or over-the-counter medication before your trip to prevent seasickness (read the directions in advance, too!).

The boats are air-conditioned (and usually freezing) and you may be able to ride outside on some of the ferries. You can not ride or walk on the car deck when the cargo ferry is in motion. There are restrooms on the ferry but no food or other beverages. Water may be for sale.

Facilities at the Terminal

You will find port-a-potties and an ATM in Ceiba. Don’t expect to find alcohol, much of any sit-down dining, or even an assortment of food, although there is an expensive snack bar. It is a good idea to get your tickets at least an hour in advance and then look for something to eat and drink if you are hungry. If you arrive in Vieques after 9:00 pm you will find almost all establishments that sell food, including grocery stores and restaurants, closed. The sooner you get your tickets the better off you will be, so purchase as far in advance as you can! If you can’t purchase them on-line (best option) then you will have to purchase “day-of” tickets.

If you have a handicap or (dis)ability, there is usually special seating so you don’t have to wait in line, just ask a security person or staff member.

The ticket booth in Ceiba is in the first building you come to. The ticket booth in Vieques is at the ferry terminal. Be a crowd watcher. If there are a lot of people waiting to ride the ferry, it is wise to get in line and/or get a seat. Residents almost always have priority on the ferry, so it is possible to get bumped if the ferry is full, but this doesn’t happen very often.

Pros of Traveling to Vieques by Ferry

Great way to travel with a group.
Inexpensive – $2 or less depending on your age
Fun to ride and very scenic, especially at sunrise and sunset.
If you love the water, this ride is for you!

Cons of Traveling to Vieques by Ferry

Traveling by ferry requires more planning and, at times, patience. If the weather is right and all the ferry boats are in good working condition, you should not have any problems.
The ferry system is not perfect. There have been many issues over the years and the Internet is full of stories (mostly bad), complaints, and suggestions.
If you are a tourist, please be advised that residents of Vieques almost always get preference on the ferry.
On holidays and weekends, including Holy Week and Patronales (December 8) be prepared for long lines and wait times. Purchase your tickets in advance or find another time to travel.
Rental cars are typically NOT ALLOWED on the ferry. Please don’t rent a car with the idea that you can take your rental car to Vieques. If you want to try, please check with your rental car company in advance. If you make it and get bumped off the ferry on the way back, it will cost you at least another day (or two or three or four) in rental fees.

Tips for Taking the Ferry to Vieques

To be safe, allow at least two to three hours from the time your plane arrives in San Juan to get to Ceiba. Allow another hour before your ferry’s departure.
The morning ferry sells out the quickest. Arrive early if you can. If you are driving a personal vehicle and plan to take it across you may be able to reserve a ticket in advance. Odds are not good, however, unless you have a friend on the inside, speak amazing Spanish, have a resident card and are Puerto Rican (you get the idea).
The high season is from December to April and during the summer when Puerto Ricans from the mainland head to the offshore islands. Holiday weekends, including Holy Week and Patronales (December 8 ish) are REALLY busy. Arrive early!
If you can’t get on the ferry or don’t wish to wait, you can get a ride to the nearby Ceiba Airport and catch a flight to Vieques. Be sure to call for availability, schedules, and prices before you leave. Sometimes airline flights are hard to get.

Ferry Schedules

The cargo ferry is used for both passengers and cargo. The “fast ferries” are people-only boats. Operating schedules and departure times are subject to change. Always check the website in advance of your trip.

Arriving at the Ferry Dock with Vehicle Reservations

If you already have an auto reservation you don’t have to stand in line. Present your ID at the ticket office and they will give you a ticket
If you are taking a vehicle on the ferry, passengers will need to walk on while the driver drives on. The driver will need to join the passengers after he or she parks the car.

Offices in Vieques and Ceiba

Ceiba – At the ferry terminal in Ceiba.
Vieques – At the ferry terminal in Isabel Segunda.

Fees

Dogs – $2 one way (call us if you are bringing a dog for the rules of the ever-changing game)
Residents and visitors – $2.00 one way (ages 3 – 11 and 60 – 74 – $1.00 one way)
Ages 75 and older – Free
One way car or medium size truck – $29 or more (driver’s fee included)
One way cargo truck – $51 or more (driver’s fee included)
Various fees for carts, surfboards, and other stuff may apply – the most expensive fee is $6
Prices change often, so the above prices are just a “best guess” as of this date, but you get the idea.

Documents Needed for Vehicles

Driver’s license
Vehicle registration

Vehicle Reservations

Paying by phone – Visa or MasterCard
Paying at the terminal – Cash, Debit Card, Visa, and MasterCard

Vehicle reservations are based upon availability. Be advised that cargo and residents receive preference on space. Although rare, be prepared to have a backup plan (especially on holidays) for getting to and from Vieques.

Apps and Webcams

If you want to watch the ferries arrive and depart (or not, as often happens) in real-time, download Ship Finder or Marine Traffic. This is a great way to get to know the ferries, as well as some of the cargo ships and pleasure craft that pass our way.

One Last Reminder

You may purchase tickets ahead of time at the Ceiba and Vieques ticket booths or using the app. Be sure to arrive at the ferry dock at least one hour before departure time in Ceiba. Thirty minutes is usually enough time in Vieques if you have pre-purchased your ticket, but 45 may be better. We want you to have a good experience getting to and from Vieques, so do yourself a favor and try to avoid taking the ferry on July weekends and holiday weekends/weeks. July is the high season for mainland residents and they love heading to Vieques and Culebra; they typically get to the terminal early, even the day night before. Some people have waited up to 15 hours to get a ticket to the offshore islands, so you may want to consider flying instead.

For additional information, check out this link:

https://www.puertoricotravelguide.com/ceiba-puerto-rico-ferry/

Revision Date 022322