fajardo ferry

There's an array of reviews about the ferry experience but I can't see it as anything but average. It's the cheapest way to get to Vieques or Culebra, and it's a ferry ride in the Caribbean. The water is rough so if you don't like boats, bring Gravol. Get there at least an hour early because they sell out. The tickets are sold across the street from the terminal. There's not much to do around the ferry terminal but there's food available in the terminal and a bar just down the street. Once you have your tickets, be at the ferry 20/25 minutes before departure because they load before departure time. Easy peasy.

At the beginning our experience was not as good, we went on wed to the terminal and just four people in front of me and they announced there were no more ticket. We heard the ferry had broken down and usually would take 600 passengers, but this ferry they had would only take 200. So we went back Th earlier and we got our tickents no hassle and the ride was awesome, super clean vessel and very well kept. Be careful though, some people couldn't handle the ride and got sea sick.

So we went to buy tickets to the ferry well just the people that worked there made us turn around and spend the extra cash on a airplane ticket. They are rude and hateful and yes I understand that the locals, senior citizens, pregnant women, and small children get to go first. But its all about the face you put on when you tell customers they will be waiting over a hour because you can look at them and tell them they are tourists. NEVER again will we attempt to use the ferry

Despite all the negative information online about taking the ferry from Fajardo to Culebra, we had an excellent, easy trip. We showed up at the terminal 90 minutes early, found a parking spot, bought ferry tickets, and lined up to get on the boat. The employees were very professional and the process was smooth. We were boarded and ready to go early even!The crossing was rather rough, and we were glad we had taken Bonine to avoid motion sickness. We sat on the 1st floor in the center-back of the boat, which reportedly moves around less than other areas. The seats were comfortable, and we arrived early at Culebra.The return trip was just as pleasant, and I won't hesitate to take the ferry to the islands again. And WOW, it was so inexpensive!

Keep an eye on the water - for the sake of your stomach (rough waters on the way TO Culebra), but also we saw a whale! Also - definitely arrive 30 mins - 1 hour early. Cash only. Everyone seems to bring a lot of stuff on this boat to the island - tourists with camping gear, locals with kitchen sinks, fishermen with coolers, etc... We traveled after a ton of rain so the mosquitos were really bad! Bring bug spray!

went last March from Fajardo to Culebra....the man at the ticket counter obviously knew we were tourists, and made us wait an extra amount of time in line for tickets....I mistakenly thought he called me up, and while I went up was very rude. Made us wait even longer....the guy didn't deserve to have the job, and its a shame....they sat there and talked among themselves and did absolutely nothing but wait for more locals to come to get tickets. It was definitely done on purpose....If the ferry is a "government run" transportation....these guys should lose their jobs.

The best part of going. To Palomino Island is the ferry ride. It was so fun. There is a ferry scheduled every 15 min to 1/2 hour so there is little wait time. There are also little stores, coffee shop, ice cream, etc to look in while waiting.

great way to see Vieques. great views. it seems like an efficient service for all involved. People use this to commute to the island for work too. Be aware that puerto ricans have first preference if it's crowded, so you may not always get on. We were lucky and didn't have to wait.

We did not know that over 60 seniors get priority. There is a line on the far right, for seniors to get tickets...don't have to wait in the long lines. There is also a discount and priority boarding! Never thought I would enjoy being old!

My first suggestion to everyone traveling to Cuelbra, PR is make sure you arrive to the port of Fajardo a few hours in advance. The ferry leaves on time, and the line to purchase tickets is long. Other than the struggle to obtain tickets for the ferry, the ferry ride to Culebra is beautiful, roughly 1 hour to arrive. Once you arrive to Culebra you have to take a taxi to arrive to the beaches. Then you are able to soak in the beautiful carribean atmosphere.Enjoy!

We planned to stay on Vieques Island for a few days, so we took the ferry there. We had a rental car on Puerto Rico. There were a number of 24/7 parking lots near the ferry terminal in Fajardo with low rates for parking ($5/day), so we left the rental there. The ferry is a very inexpensive way to travel, especially as compared to flying. It cost us $8 round trip. There were 4 ferries a day. We arrived about an hour before our ferry which allowed us time to park, buy tickets, buy a bite to eat at the snack bar in the ferry terminal, and board the boat. The trip on the ferry was uneventful - aside from being a little rocky on the way back. The one way trip took just over an hour. There were plenty of taxis waiting at the ferry terminal when we arrived in Vieques. Our car rental plan, Maritza's, picked us up from there free of charge. There is also a great smoothie bar across the street from the terminal - yum!

if there is a convention running at the hotel, then the wait time for the ferry can be long> this also means a long wait for the Fanicular. Very inconvenient. We just stopped going to the beach…too much work, waiting for transportation

You do have to get in line early to get a ticket. We arrived at 6:30 am for the 9:00am ferry and people were already lined up and this was a week day(Tuesday). It costs $9.00 Round trip for 2 people to go to Culbrea, and it will take 1 hour each way.

I had bought my tickets on culebraferry.com. It is a simple pay pal sight which I didn't know if I should trust but heard of all the horror stories of long lines & missing the boat. There is a $10 for the 1st ticket & $5 for each additional ticket. You must order at least 10 days in advance & will get emailed a confirmation #. I'm glad I did buy in advance because that day we were running late and I got there at 8:45 am but was able to walk right up to the window & showed my confirmation # & was issued my tickets. I don't recommend coming late as they usually only hold tickets till 8:30. As far as parking, I recommend parking where the locals charge only $5 but you don't have to deal with the long parking meter line & can just drive off while everyone is still waiting. Overall was a great trip, beautiful island! I do recommend taking dramamine as many people got sick. I think the primary job of the deck hands were to pass out barf bags. The ride back is significantly better as very few people get sick. I recommend sitting in the middle rows because they blast the a/c on the sides & even on a hot day, with wet bathing suits can get very chilly.

Since I read several reviews on a variety of websites,blogs and talked with the locals I took every precaution. While reading this keep in mind it's mid February (2/17/15) I left San Juan 5:15am arrived at Fajardo dock at 6:15am (No traffic however there is a toll not sure how much because we missed the coin only booth and I'm sure I'll be getting billed later) Arrived at the ticket both with 8 people ahead of me. Ticket office opened around 7:15am and I had my tound trip tix by 7:30am. The female cashier at the booth was extremely nice and refused the tip I offered. Before going to the gate lobby make sure you're entire party is with you or you will have to wait outside. You're allowed one free bag and will be charged for the second not sure how much because I saw the female security tell few people go back and pay. They boarding process was smooth and there were plenty of seats to choose from. The boat ride over was extremely choppy about 20min into the trip. It's worth noting to bring some type of ipod/MP3 player to block the sound of multiple people puking. Once on Culebra there's several vans are waiting to take you to Flameco beach (ranging from $3-5/person) which is about 7-8min away. Most van taxis will be waiting at flameco beach for return trips to the ferry but to be safe get the card of the driver. We took the 1pm ferry back to Culebra to avoid any beach traffic or hassel at the ferry gate. Once back in Culebra I was the only one running to pay my parking ticket. Bottom line IT'S NOT THAT BAD