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VIEQUES FERRY SERVICES AND SCHEDULE

Note: Since July 2012, the Vieques/Culebra ferry system has been reinforced with three private vessels. These vessels, although, smaller, are faster and the service provided by the employees have been considered of excellence by many. In addition on Nov 1, 2012 a new ferry, Isla Bonita, was added to the ATM fleet. This ferry has capacity for 351 passengers and 16 standard vehicles. It seems that the system is improving: faster ferries, better service, more cargo ferries routes, better organization for the cargo ferries in Fajardo. But, at the present time, Nov 28, 2012, there are around 7 vessels out of service for repairs. There is currently only one passenger boat in operation for Vieques and one for Culebra. All the vessels in operation have a reduced passenger capacity. Therefore, in times of high passenger traffic, expect delays.

Also, if you are taking the ferry back to the International Airport in San Juan, allow yourself a minimum of 6 hours from the scheduled ferry departure time in Vieques to your flight departure time in San Juan. You need to get to the International Airport at least 2 hours ahead. Ferry time: on water, unloading, loading to taxi: 1 hr 30 min. Travel time from Fajardo to San Juan: 1 hr 15 min in good traffic. Allow time for contingencies.

Maritime transportation to Vieques is provided by an agency of the Puerto Rico government called "Autoridad de Transporte Marítimo" or ATM, a branch of the DTOP Department. The ATM uses two types of boats to provide transportation to and from Vieques. One type is the cargo boat which locals call "ferry", the second type is the passenger boat which locals call "lancha". When speaking to a local about passenger transportation make sure he/she understands you are not referring to cargo transportation when you use the word "ferry".

The difference between a "ferry" and a "lancha" is that the "ferry" can take vehicles along with passengers. "Lanchas" can only take passengers. Because most of the "ferry" space is for vehicles, they can take fewer passengers than the "lanchas". Another difference is that "ferries" usually take longer than "lanchas" to traverse the same distance because of the weight they carry, which also usually makes them more stable and causes them to bounce around less with big waves.

The fist segment below is about "lanchas" or passenger ferries. The second segment is about cargo ferries.

VIEQUES "LANCHAS" PASSENGER FERRY TRANSPORTATION GUIDE
Important Tips about planning your great vacation to Vieques.

The Isla de Vieques ferry does not take reservations for passengers but you may purchase your tickets ahead of time at the Fajardo or Vieques harbors. Passenger fee is $2.00/person one way.
NOTE: Even with a ticket on hand you need to get to the port at least 30 minutes early. If you are planning on traveling on the first ferry on Saturday mornings towards Vieques or Culebra or the Sunday mid-day ferry back from Vieques or Culebra to Fajardo, either get to the harbor several hours ahead or buy your tickets before hand and get to harbor at least 1 hour ahead.
VIEQUES "LANCHAS" PASSENGER FERRY SCHEDULE FAJARDO-VIEQUES
Daily Schedule

Departs Vieques Departs Fajardo

6:30 AM 9:30 AM

11:00 AM 1:00 PM

3:00 PM 4:30 PM

6:30 PM 8:00 PM
VIEQUES FERRY CARS/CARGO TRANSPORTATION
A great vacation in Vieques requires planning ahead if you intend on bringing a car from Puerto Rico. Vieques ferry system requires a reservation be made ahead of time for vehicles. Note that no car rental company from Puerto Rico will allow for their car to be taken to Vieques. This information is only for Puerto Rico residents that would like to bring their personal car to Vieques.
One way car transportation fee on the Vieques ferry for a medium size car or truck is $26 (this fee includes the drivers ticket). Passengers pay the $2/person fee in addition to the car fee. For Cargo reservations call at least two weeks in advance from 8 AM to 11 AM and from 1 PM to 3PM:
- Toll free 1-800 981-2005, press 9, then 1 for the English main menu
- Fajardo (787) 863-0705/0852/3360
  NOTE: the people working at the port, in the Vieques ferry and at the Fajardo port, will rarely answer the phone to take your reservation. You are better off doing the reservation in person at the Fajardo Harbor for a Fajardo to Vieques reservation, or in Vieques for a Vieques to Fajardo reservation.
VIEQUES ISLAND FERRY CARGO SCHEDULE FAJARDO-VIEQUES

Note: beginning in July, 2012, there is now a Vieques cargo ferry on weekends and on Holidays. The Isla de Vieques ferry might leave earlier if all reservations are in and the boat is full.
CARGO SCHEDULE MON TO FRIDAY
Departs Vieques Departs Fajardo

6:00 AM 4:00 AM

8:30 AM 6:30 AM

12:30 PM 10:30 AM

(4:30 PM not on Fridays) 2:30 PM

6:00 PM 4:30 PM

CARGO SCHEDULE ON SATURDAYS
Departs Vieques Departs Fajardo

7:30 AM 9:30 AM

11:30 AM 1:30 PM

3:30 PM 5:30 PM

CARGO SCHEDULE ON SUNDAYS
Departs Vieques Departs Fajardo

9:00 AM 11:00 AM

1:00 PM 5:00 PM

7:00 PM
Updated Nov 28, 2012

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