San Juan to Culebra Ferry: Tickets, Terminal, Timing & Tips (2026)
Quick Answer
There is no direct ferry from Old San Juan to Culebra. To reach Culebra by ferry, you’ll take the Ceiba ↔ Culebra route from the Ceiba Ferry Terminal (east coast of Puerto Rico). Tickets are sold on the official Puerto Rico Ferry site (and the City Experiences app), and they recommend arriving about 1 hour before departure; boarding closes 10 minutes before.
Step 1: Get to the correct terminal (Ceiba)
Ceiba Ferry Terminal is located in Roosevelt Roads, Ceiba (east coast).
If you’re starting in San Juan, you’ll typically:
- drive a rental car
- take a shuttle/private transfer
- or arrange a taxi/driver
Real-world tip: plan extra buffer time for traffic + parking + lines, especially weekends/holidays.
Step 2: Buy tickets the smart way
Use the official Puerto Rico Ferry website / app for the Ceiba ↔ Culebra route.
Can you buy tickets at the terminal?
Yes — the official site states tickets can be purchased online/app or directly at terminals.
But for peak dates, you don’t want to gamble. If it matters, buy ahead.
Step 3: Arrival time and boarding rules (don’t ignore this)
The Puerto Rico Ferry guidance is clear:
- arrive 1 hour before departure
- boarding closes 10 minutes before departure
This is the #1 reason people miss the ferry even when they “got there on time.”
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Step 4: How long is the ride?
The official ticket page lists the Ceiba ↔ Culebra trip as about 55 minutes.
(Sea conditions can change ride feel. If you get motion sickness, bring meds.)
Step 5: Where you arrive in Culebra
The route page includes terminal details and shows the Culebra Terminal location (Pedro Marquez Street, Culebra).
From there, most travelers use:
- taxis/“publicos”
- golf cart rentals
- short transfers to beaches (like Flamenco Beach)
Common mistakes to avoid
1) Going to the wrong “San Juan ferry”
San Juan has a San Juan ↔ Cataño ferry (commuter route). That is not the Culebra ferry.
2) Showing up late
Arrive early. Boarding closes 10 minutes before departure.
3) Not having a Plan B on peak days
If you’re traveling on a holiday weekend, build flexibility (earlier departures, extra buffer, backup lodging).
What to bring (ferry day checklist)
- Water + snacks (especially for lines)
- Sun protection (hat, sunscreen)
- Light jacket (wind on deck)
- Motion sickness meds (if needed)
- Cash for taxis/publicos (some drivers prefer it)
Quick Spanish Summary (Resumen en Español)
No hay ferry directo desde San Juan a Culebra.
Para ir en ferry, debes salir desde el Terminal de Lanchas de Ceiba hacia Culebra. Compra boletos en el sitio oficial y llega al menos 1 hora antes; el abordaje cierra 10 minutos antes de la salida.
FAQ
Is there a ferry from Old San Juan to Culebra?
No — the Culebra ferry route runs from Ceiba.
Where do I buy tickets?
Officially on puertoricoferry.com, the City Experiences app, or at the terminal.
How early should I arrive?
About 1 hour before departure; boarding closes 10 minutes before.
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