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 arrive in San Juan, however, there are several ways to reach Vieques. We have listed the most common options below.
The Ferry
A new ferry management company has assumed management of island ferries, and we continue 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 call 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 a long time.
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 high 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 destroyed by Hurricane Maria, and the new “terminal” in Ceiba, with mostly tents and a few porta-potties, is a significant improvement.
There is virtually nothing to do at the ferry terminal in Ceiba, and there 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 must add the publico (taxi) fee (usually about $20) and allow plenty of extra time to reach Isla Grande Airport.
Upon leaving the international airport, look for the people in bright-colored T-shirts in the departure area; they will arrange a ride for you. The cost is about $20 per trip, regardless of the number of riders (limit of about eight). 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
You can rent a car at the airport, drive to Ceiba, and then 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 typically $100 per trip, regardless of the number of riders (the limit is about eight). 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 you can find one at the airport. Some folks have also taken a local bus off the airport property, then called Uber. If you are visiting San Juan and not departing from the airport, this may be an option. If you are an Uber user, you know how to figure out the fare! It typically costs around $80 and is a fast (and potentially 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 without issue. This is a turnkey service; you pay for extras, but the service is great and 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 you can, then fly out of the old Roosevelt Roads Naval Station, now called Ceiba Airport (RVR). The flight is enjoyable and lasts about 10 minutes. 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 fares vary by 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 on Vieques from the airport, you may hire a taxi (Publico) to 511 Calle Baldorioty de Castro, in the town of Isabel Segunda, or just walk from the Ferry. We are about seven to ten minutes away on foot!