2021 Vieques Passenger Ferry Guide

Ferry schedule, trips, & travel information to make getting to Vieques by ferry a breeze!

**3/14/2021 – Updated COVID-19 Procedures: Starting March 14th, tourists and visitors will be allowed on the passenger ferry to/from Vieques with a negative PCR COVID-19 test (taken no less than 72 hours prior to departure). There are still capacity restrictions, so therefore there are only a very limited number of tickets for tourists and visitors. All tickets must be pre-purchased at www.porferry.com, there will not be any tickets available for purchase in person at the terminal. Vieques residents still have priority over tourists and visitors and you may get bumped off onto the next ferry if it is full. Only dedicated passenger ferries will allow tourists, cargo and other ferries will be for local Vieques residents only. Please contact Maritime Transportation Authority or Porferry.com for the most updates rules & schedules**

Whether you’re visiting the island of Vieques for a day trip or a full week, the ferry is an affordable option. While it is not as reliable as flying, with some planning it can be done smoothly. We have included all the tips and information on this page to make your experience traveling to Vieques by ferry as seamless as possible! We are excited to inform you that service to the offshore islands of Vieques just got a little easier with two new passenger fast ferries added to the fleet. For years the Fajardo ferry was a poor experience for both tourists and residents of the island. Finally, in October 2018, the long awaited “short route” from Ceiba to Vieques began. The government is working on improving all aspects of ferry transportation, facilities at the terminal are a work in progress but fully functional. Passenger and Cargo ferry is available from the municipality of Ceiba to the offshore islands of Vieques & Culebra. On this page you will find information on ferry rates and schedules, travel tips, how to make reservations, contact information, and more FAQ’s.

Ceiba / Vieques Ferry Schedule

The ferry schedule changes often (due to weather, holidays, maintenance, break downs etc). Please check the official ferry page for the daily itinerary.

We do our best to keep this guide up to date, but please always check the official ferry page for the most up to date schedule. Use this as a general guide, get there early or by mid-day to secure a ticket to the islands to avoid frustrations. You can purchase tickets online or in-person at the ferry terminal ticket window. The ticket window opens 1 hr before each scheduled trip, so we suggest getting there on time to secure your reservation!

You can always try to call 787-497-7740 directly for the latest ferry schedule & ticket information.

Booking Tip: You can now reserve tickets online at www.porferry.com. Only 20% of the tickets are made available to book online, so even if the dates look like they are sold out, there is still a chance for you to purchase a ticket at the ferry terminal.

Residents & Visitors – $2.00 one way
Ages: 3 – 11 and 60 – 74 – $1.00 one way
Infants ages 0-2 & Adults ages 75+ – Free
Cargo ferry fee: $28 one way.

Tips for Using the Ferry to Vieques, Puerto Rico

Give yourself at least 2 hours to get to Ceiba if you’re driving from San Juan to be safe especially if you’re driving during high traffic times.
High Season is from December to April and summers when Puerto Ricans from the mainland head to the offshore islands for day trips. Holiday weekends are really busy, get here early just in case you have to wait for the next departure time. Have the airlines phone numbers / smartphone ready just in case you need to reserve a flight from Ceiba Airport.
If you can’t get on the ferry or don’t wish to wait you can drive to nearby Ceiba Airport and catch a flight to Vieques. Be sure to call for availability of flights and schedules. Be sure to read the Vieques Flights Guide.

Pros of Traveling by Ferry to Vieques

For those that wish to travel to Vieques but don’t want the expense of flights to the Vieques Airport, the ferry is a great option to save on your vacation expenses.
Ride is short and scenic.
Great way to travel with a group.
You can now reserve your ticket online at www.porferry.com

Cons of Traveling by Ferry to Vieques

Traveling by ferry requires more planning and at times patience, however if weather is right and all ferry boats are in good working condition, you should not have any problems.
If you’re a tourist, residents of Vieques get preference on tickets to Vieques. Please understand that many residents work on the main island, many patients travel for treatment and must return to Vieques because they don’t have a place to stay, funds or transportation to stay in Ceiba.
On holidays and weekends be prepared to wait inline for a looooong time. Pack a snack & some patience! Reservations are typically not given for weekends and holidays. Ask the hotel or vacation rental manager where you’re staying in Vieques, most offer the service of getting tickets for you ahead of time and they will mail them to you.

The Ferry Ride

Ride Length – The ride on the new Puerto Rico Fast Ferry (passenger only) generally takes about 30 minutes. The time may vary upon the boat you board and weather conditions. The ATM cargo ferries will take a little longer – about 45 minutes. For now, the Vieques route will be to Isabel Segunda/Town pier (some time in the future, they will be using the Mosquito Pier).
Sea sickness – The ride is pretty stable, average person feels pretty comfortable. If you suffer from sea sickness, sit on the middle seats where you’ll feel less motion. Speak to your doctor about a prescription or over the counter medication before your trip to prevent motion sickness.

Frequently asked questions about the ferry service

Can we make reservations for the Vieques ferry?

Currently the only way to make reservations for a future date is to physically go to the terminal and purchase it. Another option is to ask the hotel manager / vacation rental where you’re staying in Vieques to purchase the tickets for you and mail them to you. Be sure to arrive at least one hour before departure time, 1.5 hour on weekends and holidays.

May I take my car to Vieques?

If you are taking a vehicle, reservations are required for the Cargo Ferry. Call as soon as you know your dates by phone to make a reservation. They take Visa / MasterCard for reservations. You will need your car registration number and driver’s license. Cargo ferry is really intended for use by residents of Vieques / Culebra and businesses transporting goods. It is best to rent a car in Vieques for a day.

Is there parking at the dock?

Yes, you may park your car at the public parking lot for $5 per day plus tax.

Can we rent a car in Puerto Rico and bring it to Vieques on the ferry?

Most car rental agencies will not allow you to take the car off the main island of Puerto Rico, even if you could we do not recommend it. Is best to simply rent a car in Vieques.

2021 Vieques Passenger Ferry Guide