The ferry crossing

The ferry is the cheapest way to Vieques and the most stressful part of most trips.

The basics

• Route: Ceiba (mainland, near the old Roosevelt Roads base) to Isabel II, Vieques. Puerto Rico Ferry tells travelers to allow about one hour for the crossing.
• Fare: Puerto Rico Ferry says its nonresident increase took effect May 5, 2026. Metro Puerto Rico reported the nonresident fare at $11.25 each way, while the operator’s public rate table still shows $2. Check the live ticket checkout for the payable total. Verified Vieques residents receive a discount, and extra items can add fees.
• Operator: Puerto Rico Ferry (Hornblower). Official schedule and tickets at puertoricoferry.com.

Sold out online does not settle it

Puerto Rico Ferry may retain inventory for the terminal window after online sales close. That does not mean walk-up tickets are guaranteed. The window can sell out on busy sailings too.

If the website is sold out, arrive early and ask at the window while keeping a flight or later sailing as your backup. An online ticket does not excuse you from arriving early: the operator requires arrival one hour before departure, and check-in closes 10 minutes before departure.

The rules that bite people

• All sales are final. No refunds.
• You can transfer a ticket twice.
• The published schedule is a PDF, and weather or maintenance changes it. Re-check the day before your crossing and again that morning.

Timing your trip around it

• Match a bio bay tour’s end time to the official schedule for your exact date. Do not assume a late ferry runs every night. Staying on Vieques removes that gamble and gives you a better chance to see the bay near the darkest moon.
• Cargo and vehicle ferries run on a separate, residents-first system. Rent your car on the island rather than bringing one across.

When the crossing is cancelled

Your fallback is the 10-minute flight from Ceiba, or from San Juan. Vieques Air Link and Cape Air fly small planes all day, and one-way fares from Ceiba beat San Juan. Build in a buffer day when you have a wedding or an international connection to catch, or book the flight from the start.