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If you are planning a beach day off Puerto Rico's east coast, sooner or later you hit the same fork: take the public ferry to Vieques or Culebra, or take a tour boat from Fajardo to an uninhabited cay like Icacos. A new ferry terminal in Ceiba has been in the news, so it is a good moment to look at both.
Below: what the new building is, what we could and could not confirm about its opening, how long the crossings take, and why you cannot catch a ferry to Icacos at all.
The quick answer
The new Ceiba terminal was presented in November 2025 with an opening expected in summer 2026, and the transport authority said in spring 2026 that it was in its final stages. We could not find a published opening date, so confirm the departure point before you travel. There is no ferry to Icacos: you reach it by water taxi or tour boat from Fajardo.
What is the new Ceiba ferry terminal?
A three-level passenger terminal in Ceiba for the public ferries to Vieques and Culebra, with covered waiting areas and a large parking garage.
Governor Jenniffer González Colón presented the project in November 2025, Metro Puerto Rico reported. The building has three levels with covered waiting areas, restrooms, commercial space and covered access to the boats, and it is designed to withstand storm surge. A four-level garage plus extra spaces gives room for about 500 vehicles.
The same report covers the boats. The government-owned Borinqueña carries 393 passengers plus cargo, and the Cucubano is a supply barge. Both are run by the private operator HMS Global Maritime under a public-private partnership.
Is the new Ceiba terminal open yet?
We could not confirm it. The last official word we found, from spring 2026, said construction was in its final stages.
Construction began in April 2024. When it was presented in November 2025 the terminal was about 72% complete, with opening expected the following summer once the garage was finished. On 1 April 2026, Metro Puerto Rico quoted the Autoridad de Transporte Integrado (ATI) saying the new terminal was in "las etapas finales de la construcción", without a date.
We searched for an opening announcement and did not find one. The current ferries leave from the existing Terminal de Lanchas de Ceiba at the former Roosevelt Roads naval base, according to Discover Puerto Rico. Whichever building is in use when you travel, it is in Ceiba, so plan the drive there and check the ferry operator's notices the week before.
| When | Status | Source |
|---|---|---|
| April 2024 | Construction begins | Metro Puerto Rico |
| November 2025 | Presented at about 72% complete, opening expected summer 2026 | Metro Puerto Rico |
| March to April 2026 | ATI: final stages of construction | Metro Puerto Rico |
| October 2026 | No opening announcement found in our searches | Our research |
How long is the ferry to Vieques or Culebra?
About 30 minutes to Vieques and about 45 minutes to Culebra, per Discover Puerto Rico. Weather can delay or cancel sailings.
Discover Puerto Rico says to buy tickets on the ferry authority's website, book ahead for weekends and holidays, arrive at least an hour early and bring ID. Each island has its own ferry, and there is no public ferry between Vieques and Culebra. Culebra visitors also pay a fee, collected with the ticket.
Two more things to know. In March 2026 the ATI postponed a planned fare change for non-resident passengers, Metro reported, so check the current fare when you book. And the open-water crossing is weather-dependent: sailings to Vieques were suspended in February 2026 when the sea turned rough.
Why is there no ferry to Icacos?
Because nobody lives there. Icacos is an uninhabited cay in a nature reserve, with no dock for tour boats and no facilities.
Cayo Icacos is an uninhabited cay off Fajardo, part of the La Cordillera Reef Nature Reserve. The public ferries serve Vieques and Culebra because those are island municipalities with residents. Icacos has no town, no pier for the tour boats, no bathrooms and no food.
You get there by private boat. Discover Puerto Rico puts Icacos about 1.5 miles off Fajardo's east coast and 15 to 20 minutes by boat. Water taxis leave from Las Croabas and carry small groups; the last return is usually around 4:00 p.m. Catamarans leave from the bigger marinas. Our water taxi guide covers the Las Croabas option.
Want most of the day on the sand? The water taxi beach day sets up umbrellas and a cooler for you.
Book thisIcacos, Vieques or Culebra: which day trip suits you?
Icacos for an easy half or full day on a boat with no logistics. Vieques or Culebra if you want a town, a car and a night away.
The ferry islands are real places with roads, restaurants and places to stay. That is their appeal, and their catch: you juggle a ferry ticket, an early arrival and ground transport on the other side. An Icacos tour is a package. You turn up at the marina and the boat handles the rest, including lunch on the catamarans.
If Culebra is the dream but the ferry sounds like hassle, East Island Excursions, which runs the full-day Icacos catamaran, also lists a Culebra trip on its Discover Puerto Rico profile. Our Icacos, Vieques, Culebra and Palomino guide goes island by island.
| Icacos | Vieques or Culebra | |
|---|---|---|
| How you go | Tour boat or water taxi from Fajardo | Public ferry from Ceiba, or a small plane |
| Crossing | 15 to 20 minutes by boat | About 30 min (Vieques), 45 min (Culebra) |
| On the island | Sand and reef, no facilities | Towns, roads, places to eat and stay |
| Overnight | Day visits only | Yes |
| Planning load | Low: one booking | Higher: ferry, timing, ground transport |
A full day under sail from Puerto del Rey: beach stop, reef swim and barbecue lunch, no ferry queue.
Book this Tour detailsFrequently asked questions
Is there a ferry to Icacos Island?
No. Icacos is uninhabited and has no public ferry. You go by water taxi from Las Croabas or on a tour boat from a Fajardo marina, about 15 to 20 minutes each way.
Where does the ferry to Vieques and Culebra leave from?
From Ceiba, at the former Roosevelt Roads naval base. A new passenger terminal is being finished there; confirm which building is in use before you travel.
Is the new Ceiba ferry terminal open?
We could not confirm an opening. In November 2025 it was expected to open in summer 2026, and in spring 2026 the transport authority said it was in its final stages.
Can I take a ferry from Vieques to Culebra?
There is no public ferry between the two islands, according to Discover Puerto Rico. The options are a charter flight or a private boat.
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Icacos Full-Day Catamaran Trip
- About 45 minutes of sailing each way
- BBQ buffet lunch on board
- Sodas, local beer, water and rum drinks
Water Taxi & Beach Day Package
- Round-trip water taxi, about 15 minutes each way
- Beach umbrellas and a cooler with drinks
- Mask and snorkel, optional guided snorkel
Double Dip Power Catamaran
- Buffet lunch, fruit and soft drinks
- Beer and gratuities listed as included
- Snorkel gear and floats
