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Although generally assumed to be only one large island, there are several smaller islands nearby that are actually considered part of Puerto Rico. Government-run ferries and boats available for charter enable visitors to experience the islands of Culebra and Vieques as well as the Puerto Rican mainland. Smaller ferries also shuttle travelers across the Bay of San Juan to the Cataño area, world-famous for its Bacardi Rum distillery.
Vacationers staying in the San Juan area may be interested in the ferries that traverse the picturesque Bay of San Juan. For $0.50(USD) per person, the ferry travels from Old San Juan to Cataño. This region is known for its careful preservation of the local traditions and customs. It is also home to the Bacardi Rum plant, which offers free guided tours of its facilities, providing information on the history and influences of rum on the island. The length of time between trips varies during the day, but the following chart outlines the standard schedule Monday through Sunday and holidays.
| Departure Time |
Frequency |
| 6:00 a.m. - 8:45 a.m. | every 15 minutes |
| 8:45 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. | every 30 minutes |
| 3:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. | every 15 minutes |
| 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. | every 30 minutes |
On the eastern end of Puerto Rico, the town of Fajardo runs ferries to both Culebra and Vieques. These small, outlying islands make great excursions for travelers who like to explore less touristy areas of Puerto Rico. Arrival time should be one hour prior to departure, with outbound ferries leaving several times a day. The fare to Vieques is $2(USD) per person, while the fare to Culebra is $2.25(USD) per person, and both trips take about an hour and a half.
| From - To |
Days |
Times |
| Fajardo - Vieques |
Monday - Friday |
9:30 a.m. 1:00 p.m. 4:30 p.m. |
| Fajardo - Vieques |
Weekends and Holidays |
9:00 a.m. 3:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. |
| Vieques - Fajardo |
Monday - Friday |
6:30 a.m. 11:00 a.m. 3:00 p.m. |
| Vieques - Fajardo |
Weekends and Holidays |
7:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m. 4:30 p.m. |
The price to bring a vehicle varies by type, but the prices for the Fajardo-Vieques ferry are as follows:
| Vehicle Type | Price |
| Small cars | $26(USD) |
| Pickups (150) | $59(USD) |
| Pickups (250) | $69(USD) |
| Pickups (350) - measuring 22 feet - measuring 25 feet - measuring 30 feet |
$79(USD) $94(USD) $154(USD) |
| Others | $36(USD) |
| From - To |
Days |
Times |
| Fajardo - Culebra |
Monday - Friday |
9:30 a.m. 1:00 p.m. 4:30 p.m. |
| Fajardo - Culebra |
Weekends and Holidays |
9:00 a.m. 2:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. |
| Culebra - Fajardo |
Monday - Friday |
6:30 a.m. 11:00 a.m. 3:00 p.m. |
| Culebra - Fajardo |
Weekends and Holidays |
6:30 a.m. 11:00 a.m. 4:30 p.m. |
Again, the cost of bringing a vehicle varies by type, but rates on the Fajardo-Culebra ferry are as follows:
| Vehicle Type | Price |
| Small car | $26.50(USD) |
| Pickups (150) | $59.50(USD) |
| Pickups(250) | $69.50(USD) |
| Pickups(350) - measuring 22 feet - measuring 25 feet - measuring 30 feet |
$79.50(USD) $94(USD) $154(USD) |
| Others | $36.50(USD) |
Vacationers who are staying in Old San Juan may want to look into the new high-speed ferry service available for exploring the islands just east of Puerto Rico. Because they travel faster and depart locally, high-speed ferries are an extremely convenient option for travelers who no longer have to cross the Puerto Rican interior in order to set sail for Culebra and Vieques from the eastern port of Fajardo. For more information about schedules and rates, visit http://www.islandhispeedferry.com/puertorico/.
Ferries often make an enjoyable option for travelers hoping to explore the surrounding islands. The time spent with the sun and sea is a pleasant alternative to bustling metropolitan streets, and the towns and islands that yield themselves exclusively to water travel are some of the loveliest in the Caribbean. No vacation to Puerto Rico should be considered complete without at least one trip aboard a local ferry.
