Spanish Virgin Islands

Getting Around the Spanish Virgin Islands

Transportation makes or breaks trips here. This page explains ferries, flights, car rentals, golf carts, taxis, and realistic timing so you don’t spend half your vacation waiting or stuck.

⛴️ Ferries: Ceiba ↔ Vieques & Culebra

Basic Rules

  • Ferries depart from the Ceiba ferry terminal on the east coast of Puerto Rico.
  • Arrive at least 60 minutes before departure.
  • Have your tickets (or QR codes) ready before you get to the boarding gate.
  • Boarding usually closes 10 minutes before departure.

Travel Times (Approximate)

  • Ceiba ↔ Vieques: ~35–40 minutes.
  • Ceiba ↔ Culebra: ~45–55 minutes.

Tips:

  • Book in advance for weekends and holidays.
  • Allow buffer time in your itinerary in case of delays or weather changes.
  • Double–check schedules — they can change.

🛩️ Flights

If your time is limited or you hate boats, consider small regional flights.

  • Typical routes: San Juan or Isla Grande ↔ Vieques, San Juan or Isla Grande ↔ Culebra.
  • More expensive than ferries but faster and often less stressful.
  • Weight limits apply; pack accordingly.

🚗 Car Rentals & Golf Carts

Mainland (East Coast)

  • Renting a car on the mainland is ideal if you plan to explore El Yunque, Luquillo, Fajardo, and Ceiba.
  • Most people keep one rental on the mainland and use separate rentals (jeep/golf cart) on the islands.

Vieques

  • Jeep/SUV: Best for reaching remote beaches; handles rougher roads.
  • Golf carts: Great for Esperanza + nearby areas, short–range exploring.
  • Taxis: Available but limited; not ideal as your only plan.

Culebra

  • Golf carts: Very popular and practical.
  • Jeep/compact SUV: Great for flexibility and reaching more remote spots.
  • Taxis: Limited; plan ahead for late arrivals.

🚕 Taxis, Públicos & Rideshares

  • Uber/Lyft: Mostly around San Juan and some East Coast areas — not on the islands.
  • Taxis: Call ahead, especially early morning or late night.
  • Guaguas/Públicos: Shared vans and local transport; useful but not always predictable for precise schedules.

🚶🏽 Walking & Biking

  • Short distances in town (Esperanza, Isabel II, Dewey) are walkable.
  • Roads lack sidewalks in many areas; carry a flashlight or use phone light at night.
  • Biking is possible but roads are narrow and can be busy or dark.

🕒 Realistic Time Planning

  • Don’t stack a tight chain like: flight → Uber → ferry → island taxi → sunset tour with no buffer.
  • Give yourself at least 1–2 hours of cushion when ferries or flights are involved.
  • Assume schedules can shift due to weather or operational changes.

📲 Related Pages

Next Page: Travel Planning – Spanish Virgin Islands