From the free ferry to Catano to island connections to Culebra, Vieques, and beyond -- here's how to get around by water from San Juan.
Local Ferries
San Juan Water Routes
San Juan has several ferry options ranging from the iconic free harbor crossing to scheduled service to the Spanish Virgin Islands.
Old San Juan -- Catano (Free Ferry)
AMA Ferry · Free · 5 minutes
Fare
Free
Crossing Time
~5 minutes
Departs From
Pier 2, Old San Juan
Frequency
Every 30 minutes approx.
The free AMA ferry across San Juan Bay between Old San Juan's Pier 2 and Catano is one of the great small pleasures of visiting Puerto Rico. The 5-minute crossing gives you a beautiful view of the Old City, El Morro, and the harbor. Catano is home to the Bacardi rum factory -- many visitors take the ferry specifically to visit the distillery.
Ceiba -- Culebra (Spanish Virgin Islands)
Puerto Rico Ports Authority · ~1 hour
Fare
~$2.25 each way
Crossing Time
~1 hour
Departs From
Ceiba ferry terminal (~1 hr east of SJU)
Reservation
Required -- book in advance
The government ferry to Culebra departs from Ceiba, about an hour east of San Juan by car or publico. Culebra is home to Flamenco Beach -- consistently ranked among the best beaches in the world. The ferry is extremely affordable but books out fast, especially on weekends. Reserve online through the Puerto Rico Ports Authority well in advance. Agua Expreso also operates faster private ferry service from Ceiba.
Ceiba -- Vieques (Spanish Virgin Islands)
Puerto Rico Ports Authority · ~30 minutes
Fare
~$2.25 each way
Crossing Time
~30 minutes
Departs From
Ceiba ferry terminal
Reservation
Required -- book in advance
Vieques is famous for Mosquito Bay -- the world's brightest bioluminescent bay -- and pristine beaches on a former U.S. Navy base. The ferry from Ceiba is the cheapest way to get there. Same booking system as the Culebra ferry -- reserve well in advance, especially for Friday and Sunday crossings when demand peaks.
SJU to USVI & BVI -- Fly, Don't Ferry
Regional Airlines · 30-45 minutes
To STX (St. Croix)
~40 min flight
To STT (St. Thomas)
~30 min flight
To EIS (Tortola)
~45 min flight
Airlines
Cape Air · Silver Airways
There is no practical direct ferry service from San Juan to the USVI or BVI. The distances and open-water conditions make air travel the right choice. Cape Air and Silver Airways operate multiple daily flights to STX, STT, and EIS from SJU's regional terminal. Flights are 30-45 minutes and prices are reasonable for the region. See the full airline guide for booking details.
