Vieques is an island in Puerto Rico that is located less than ten miles from the main island.
Vieques, also known as “Isla de Vieques”, is home to Mosquito Bay, the brightest bioluminescent bay in the world, Mosquito Bay. It is also the largest offshore island of Puerto Rico.
I grew up in Puerto Rico, and have been to Vieques many times.
In this article, I’ll cover everything you need to know about how to get to Vieques from San Juan and the main island in Puerto Rico:
– How do you get from San Juan to Vieques PR?
– How much does it cost to get from San Juan to Vieques?
– Can you take a ferry from San Juan to Vieques?
– How long is the ferry ride from Ceiba to Vieques?
– Can you fly to Vieques?
– Other frequently asked questions
If you’re interested in visiting “La Isla Nena” (Baby Island) – as locals call it, you can book a short flight from San Juan or Ceiba.
Catamaran and private boat excursions are also available from Puerto Rico.
The most popular option is the public ferry from Ceiba that will take you to Vieques.
Check out the video below to learn how to get from San Juan to Vieques:
You have three options to get to Vieques from San Juan: a ferry, a short plane ride, or a private boat charter.
Depending on the airline and the season you travel, you can fly from San Juan to Vieques for around $100. The flight takes takes under 30 minutes from San Juan.
You can also book a flight to Vieques from Ceiba’s airport.
The most economical option to travel to Vieques from Puerto Rico is by ferry.
All ferries to Vieques depart from the Ceiba Ferry Terminal.
Tickets are under $5 per person with historically free options for seniors and young children.
The tickets are not sold as a roundtrip. You will need to buy tickets from Ceiba to Vieques and Vieques to Ceiba individually.
Book ferry tickets online or buy them at the station on a first-come, first-served basis. Get your tickets as early as possible.
Ceiba Ferry Terminal hours are from 4:30 AM to 7:00 PM
Prices of add-ons like backpacks, beach chairs, camping gear, surfboards, and even pets range from $1.00 to $6.00.
Watch this video that shows how to take the ferry to Vieques:
Check out our article 21 Things to Pack for Puerto Rico if you are not sure what to bring.
There is no direct ferry from San Juan to Vieques. The ferry terminal is located in Ceiba.
However, you can drive from San Juan to Ceiba to board a ferry.
Be sure to plan your transportation from San Juan to Ceiba ahead of time.
Here is the best driving route from San Juan Airport to Ceiba Ferry Terminal.
Remember that you will need to leave your car in a parking lot near the ferry terminal, which has a daily parking rate.
The crossing from Ceiba Ferry Terminal to Vieques is a 35 to 45 minute ferry ride, depending on the weather conditions.
When you arrive to Vieques, there are public vans waiting at the dock to take you to your destination. If you are staying for a few days and want to visit the island’s more secluded beaches, we recommend renting a jeep.
Below is the Google Map of the Ceiba Ferry Terminal:
Below is a Google Map for Vieques Ferry Terminal:
There are many flights available to Vieques Island.
You can book or take a flight from either Luis Muñoz Marin (SJU) in San Juan or from Jose Aponte International Airport of Ceiba.
If you have never traveled in a small aircraft, it could be the highlight of your trip.
Check out the video below for a preview of the flight:
You can book your flight ahead of time with Cape Air, Vieques Air Link, or Caribbean Flights.
The only airport located in Vieques is the Antonio Rivera Rodríguez Airport. Is located in the north of the island.
Only the cargo ferries can be used to transport vehicles, but because of limited room they are used exclusively for residents and approved supply vendors. In addition, the passage of rental cars is not allowed in the cargo ferry.
Traveling to Vieques from the main island in Puerto Rico is easy.
Even though a plane is the fastest way to get there, it is not the most budget-friendly. Taking the ferry to Vieques is cheaper and can make the trip more enjoyable.
Once you get to Vieques, I recommend that you visit the worlds brightest bioluminescent bay and Playa Negra (Black Sand Beach).
Writer at PuertoRico.com. I have lived in Puerto Rico my entire life. When I’m not writing, I work in the healthcare industry as a Quality Control Specialist. After Hurricane Maria, my teammates and I were responsible for ensuring that life support equipment reached patients in need around the island.
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