If you are planning on taking the ferry to Vieques or Culebra, then you need to head to Ceiba (not Fajardo) to catch the new fast ferries.
Beginning last October the Vieques and Culebra ferry system was moved to a new ferry terminal in Ceiba, with boats operated by Puerto Rico Fast Ferries. Using the new terminal and faster boats the crossing time from Ceiba to Vieques and Culebra has been reduced.
Now, having said that, just like the old ferry service there are still issues with the new service from Ceiba, so you should check for the latest information from Puerto Rico Fast Ferries
The Ferries
Currently Puerto Rico Fast Ferries is running 2 passenger boats: Big Cat (capacity of 370 passengers), Schoodic Explorer (Capacity 149 passengers).
Currently the Autoridad de Transporte Marítimo cargo ferries are still being used.
Passenger Ferry Time Table
The newer Puerto Rico Fast Ferries should be able to make the crossing to Vieques in about 30 mins and to Culebra in around 45 minutes.
The schedules below are the current published times, but it is advisable to check ahead as problems have been known to occur with the ferries that have meant that the times change or are even cancelled.
Ceiba to Vieques
(Daily) 6:30am / 9:30am / 2:15pm / 4:30pm
Vieques to Ceiba
(Daily) 7:45am / 10:45am / 3:30pm / 5:30pm
Ceiba to Culebra
(Daily) 6am / 10:30am / 3pm
Culebra to Ceiba
(Daily) 7:15am / Noon / 4:45 pm
Cargo Ferry Time Table
The crossing time for the cargos ferries are around 60 minutes for Vieques and 90 minutes for Culebra.
Ceiba to Vieques
(Daily) 4am / 9am / 1pm / 4:45pm / 8:15pm
Vieques to Ceiba
(Daily) 6am / 11am / 3pm / 6:30pm / 9:30pm
Ceiba to Culebra
(Daily) 4am / 9am / 3pm / 7pm
Culebra to Ceiba
(Daily) 6:30am / 1pm / 5pm / 8:30pm
Ticket Prices
Currently you have to buy your tickets in person at the Ticket Window at the Ceiba Ferry Terminal, which opens 1 hour before the ferry is scheduled to sail. The Puerto Rico government have mentioned that they hope to have online ticket sales available some time in 2019
Prices for a one way trip are::
- Ceiba to Culebra (one way) $2.50
- Ceiba to Vieques one way) $2
- Children aged 3-11 and seniors aged 60-74, $1
- Seniors over 74 travel for free
General Information
Passengers can take; coolers, beach chairs, beach gear on the boat, though you may find that some items will have to be stored during the crossing, so make sure your items are identifiable.
Once you arrive on Vieques or Culebra you can use the local publicos (ride sharing cars / vans) to get to the beaches and around the islands; if you have not arranged for a rental car.
Photos: Puerto Rico Fast Ferries
