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The current weather in Culebra

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San Juan Airport to Fajardo Ferry
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: kim green (---.c3-0.bkl-ubr2.sbo-bkl.ma.cable.rcn.)
Date:   05-06-08 21:58

Getting really excited for Culebra! June 1 can't come fast enough!

What is the best way to get from the San Juan airport to Fajardo for the ferry to Culebra? Our flight lands around 1030a and we would like to go directly to Fajardo. I heard that taxis at the airport would rip us off, but what are the alternatives? Also heard that public transport would take a long time, so I guess I'm asking for other car services we could hire. Any recommendations?

(since I'm asking...I guess we will need reverse transport as well: Fajardo to San Juan)

Thank you!

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Re: san juan airport to fajardo ferry
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Josh C (---.tx.res.rr.com)
Date:   05-06-08 22:46

I dont recommend a taxi. Try this link. Kind of expensive, but makes it alot easier on you.

http://www.americantoursofpr.com/transfer.htm

I always just rented a car. Hotwire sometimes has rentals for as low as $10.95/day.

There used to be a ferry that sailed from Old San Juan. I'll see if I can dig up some info on it! Good luck, and enjoy!!

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Re: san juan airport to fajardo ferry
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: kim green (---.c3-0.bkl-ubr2.sbo-bkl.ma.cable.rcn.)
Date:   05-06-08 22:51

definitely seems expensive. and we don't want to rent a car - rather pay for someone who knows the way around and local driving styles. one less worry!

thanks for the feedback!

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Re: san juan airport to fajardo ferry
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Josh C (---.tx.res.rr.com)
Date:   05-06-08 23:26

Just some more info. (info taken from, http://www.isla-vieques.com/puerto-rico/introduction.html)

Take a Taxi to Fajardo.

The P.R. Tourism office in San Juan 1-800-866-5829 told me (on 3/11/2003) that a taxi from the airport to Fajardo will charge you on the meter. They can not give me an exact dollar amount but estimate it will be about $65. The maximum # of people in a taxi is 5. When you get to the airport at San Juan, check with Ground Transportation Dispatchers (or you may call their office at (787) 253-5491).

I know you said you would rather not rent a car but I thought I'd throw in the info one the "ONE WAY RENTAL". It is very easy to get there by car. Check this link for a map and driving directions. (http://www.playaazulpr.com/ferry.htm)

Rent a one way car.

If your party is bigger than 2 people or you have a lot of luggage, you can save some money by renting a one way car at the international airport and driving to Fajardo. Leaseway (787) 791-5900 will rent you a one way car from $32 to $60 (minivan), plus insurance $10-$12, and a drop charge of $25, for a total of about $67-97. They can pick you up at the San Juan International Airport, you drive to their Fajardo branch (787) 806-5000, and they take you to the Fajardo Airport or port. Or you can do this in reverse. L&M Car rental (787) 860-6868 has similar service available. Some seasoned travelers recommend flying to Culebra and on the way back driving and stopping at El Yunque, the only tropical forest in the U.S. National Forest System.


Hope this info helps. Have you gone before??

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Re: san juan airport to fajardo ferry
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Josh C (---.tx.res.rr.com)
Date:   05-06-08 23:51

One more link for you, info of current taxi fares unfortunatly it doesn't include SJU to Fajardo. But, if you'll be in San Juan it could be of use.

http://escape.topuertorico.com/get/

Josh

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Re: san juan airport to fajardo ferry
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Debbie (---.sip.asm.bellsouth.net)
Date:   05-07-08 08:04

http://www.islaculebra.com/puerto-rico/fajardo.html

http://www.islaculebra.com/forvm/search.php?f=1&search=padin&globalsearch=0&match=1&date=0&fldsubject=1&fldbody=1

Happy Diving!
Debbie

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Re: san juan airport to fajardo ferry
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Frank (---.static.gwi.net)
Date:   05-07-08 08:56

If you want personal service with a smile, call Henry at 787-632-9600. When anybody needs a ride I send them to Henry and they are never, ever disappointed. He charges $80 one way, which is a little more than grabbing just anybody ... but if you have a problem (ferry sold out, lost luggage etc) Henry will do whatever it takes to take care of you. Between bags left behind, broken cell phones, finding a place to eat and cancelled flights ... Henry is as good as it gets. Trust me, I've experienced all that and more.

Tell him Frank sent you! That won't get you a discount, it won't get me a referral fee ... but it's always fun to let Henry know how much we think of him! :-)

Frank

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Re: san juan airport to fajardo ferry
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: kim green (---.c3-0.bkl-ubr2.sbo-bkl.ma.cable.rcn.)
Date:   05-07-08 17:07

@ Josh: thanks for the links. very helpful!

@ Debbie: thanks for the search - i couldn't figure out the term to get those results myself :)

Looks like taxi or travel with Padin is the way to go... Thanks everybody!

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Re: san juan airport to fajardo ferry
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: palmettoculebra (---.prtc.net)
Date:   05-07-08 20:00

The following link has info available as well: http://culebrablog.com/2007/10/09/san-juan-fajardo-culebra/

Terrie

http://www.palmettoculebra.com/

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Re: san juan airport to fajardo ferry
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Debbie (---.sip.asm.bellsouth.net)
Date:   05-07-08 20:00

Hey Frank,

Thanks for the Henry hook up. Sounds like a good one to know.

Happy Diving!
Debbie

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Re: san juan airport to fajardo ferry
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: kim green (---.c3-0.bkl-ubr2.sbo-bkl.ma.cable.rcn.)
Date:   05-07-08 21:01

Great link Terrie! Now even more fantasizing about my vaca on another Culebra site.... :)

John's publico emailed me back - seems like a good deal: $65 for the trip. Anyone used them?

thanks.

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Re: san juan airport to fajardo ferry
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Mort (---.tampabay.res.rr.com)
Date:   05-10-08 08:58

I second Frank's endorsement of Henry. I've used him several times and his service has always amazed me.

I've found that the easiest and cheapest way to get a large group to Fajardo is to book a "taxi van" such as Henry's. Recently he arranged for seven of us (and 20 pieces of luggage and carryons) to fit in one van for only $80 (we gave a $20 tip).

The taxis charge per trip, not per person.

I don't know if prices have since gone up along with rising gas prices.

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Re: san juan airport to fajardo ferry
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Jeannie G3 (---.aep.bellsouth.net)
Date:   05-10-08 13:41

Those of you who are going to take publicos to Fajardo might want to confirm the prices. Gas prices on the island are due to go up this weekend to $1 or more a liter. I don't know how these drivers are going to make ends meet with the soaring fuel prices. If you can (and if you want) please remember to tip for their good service and if you can't, at least give them a good reference. Publicity by word of mouth I'm sure brings them great business. Do what you can for the local Puertorrican economy. Happy travels! J

supergarcia3

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Re: san juan airport to fajardo ferry
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Patw (---.direcway.com)
Date:   05-06-09 13:28

Do you have contact info for Padin? Sounds like a good experience?
Thanks -

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Re: san juan airport to fajardo ferry
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Jermey (---.mpls.qwest.net)
Date:   05-06-09 14:08

I envy your position on your way to Culebra. We have been back about a month now and miss it everyday. We did use John and he was great met us at the airport on time is willing to do whatever you need to enjoy your trip. He was also there waiting for us on the ferry for our return trip back. He was the best priced and took very good care of us to make sure we got to where we were going. Have a great trip!

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Re: san juan airport to fajardo ferry
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Patw (144.3.105.---)
Date:   05-06-09 23:38

Thanks Jermey, I bet we'll be feeling your same pain when we leave as well }~:
so looking forward to our experience soon !

To All - Please forgive me, but I've gone over the posts, and I haven't found a phone number or contact info for John/Padin?
are they the same person??
I appreciate Frank's suggestion, and do have
Henry on my list to contact, but would also appreciate Padin
and/or John's phone numbers/contact info as well.

Thanks -
- Patw

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Re: san juan airport to fajardo ferry
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Frank S. (---.nyc.res.rr.com)
Date:   05-07-09 02:52

Hi
I have used John's Publico. A few times actually.
Ive never been disaponted.
If you have time, he can take you to a target or through pinones.

renting a car is a pretty good option too.
Its pretty simple too. its basically one road to the drop off by ceiba airport.
then you can fly from there or they will take you to the ferry. free.
but it is a drag, you have to get gas, drop the car off get a ride, etc.

taking a publico lets you relax and enjoy the sights.

have a great time

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Re: san juan airport to fajardo ferry
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Linda H (---.dhcp.mrqt.mi.charter.com)
Date:   05-07-09 08:02

We used John in March and he was great. Ask if he can pick up ferry tickets for you ahead of time -- sometimes he can. You can contact him by email through this site. Go to Transport, then Getting There, then To Get to Fajardo. There's an email link and his phone number.

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Re: san juan airport to fajardo ferry
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Debbie (199.89.103.---)
Date:   05-07-09 16:42

Padin is 787-644-3091

John is 787-354-5851

Happy Diving!
Debbie

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Re: san juan airport to fajardo ferry
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: John Robandt (---.customer.eschelon.com)
Date:   05-07-09 17:31

I can personally recommend Travel with Padin. They will pick you up at the airport and drop you at the ferry. They will even stop along the way for you to pick up groceries and sunscreen. It will cost a little more than a rental car, and is much less hassle than renting a car, fighting heavy traffic in SJ, finding your own way, turning the car in, and taking a shuttle to the ferry. Have fun!

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Re: san juan airport to fajardo ferry
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Patw (---.direcway.com)
Date:   06-11-09 15:38

To followup - we did go w/Henry (787-632-9600) - mostly based on Frank's post - and were more than satisfied. Frank's description is right on target.
Henry - even helped me with a surprise I was planning for my husband, and was delighted to be involved in the surprise. Super nice man, putting himself in his customer's place, going more than the extra mile, with a smile!

Thanks again, Henry!
Patw

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Re: san juan airport to fajardo ferry
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Debbie (---.sip.asm.bellsouth.net)
Date:   06-13-09 23:25

I forgot to tell everyone that we used Henry over Memorial Day weekend, and he is by far my favorite driver. He will get our business from now on.

Happy Diving!
Debbie

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Re: san juan airport to fajardo ferry
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Michael (---.dsl.telepac.pt)
Date:   06-14-09 06:35

I put Henry's number in http://www.islaculebra.com/puerto-rico/fajardo.html

Enjoy Culebra!

Michael

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Re: san juan airport to fajardo ferry
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Chelsey (---.thehighlandmint.com)
Date:   06-24-09 14:56

The airport taxi charged us 80$. But We got a ride from the owner of Eco Action Tours for 40$ on the way back, you might want to give him a call and see what you can work out. (787) 791-7509 and (787) 640-7385 He is really nice and is good to work with

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Re: san juan airport to fajardo ferry
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Brad Janey (---.onelinkpr.net)
Date:   06-25-09 00:04

Hey there!

My wife and I are in San Juan right now (6/24/09), and we'll be here until Monday (6/29). If anyone is planning a trip to Culebra via Fajardo ferry, and would like to share costs for a round trip with one of the drivers mention in this thread, do let me know!

I'll be checking in on this thread several times a day for the next few days before I strike out on my own.

Brad

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Re: san juan airport to fajardo ferry
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Michael (84.114.244.---)
Date:   06-25-09 05:25

Brad, it might be a good idea to start a separate thread with the dates in the subject line.

Enjoy Culebra!

Michael

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Re: san juan airport to fajardo ferry
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Daniel Colon (---.med.yale.edu)
Date:   08-23-09 17:17

I recently organized a trip to Culebra for 45 people (!!!) It was for a "group honeymoon" trip planned after a friend's wedding. I thought it was going to be an absolute logistical nightmare transporting all those people from San Juan to Fajardo in time for a 9:00 am ferry!

I found this webpage and contacted the person they call here Henry (his real name is Enrique, so his nickname is actually Enri, but it phonetically sounds like Henry in English). He was absolutely outstanding. Before calling Enri I had called at least 4 or 5 different car rental places. Enri gave me the lowest price per person (it came out to be around $12/person/way), and he was awesome. He showed up on time, with three vans that were in top condition and two other great drivers. He picked us up at the Old San Juan. He knew how busy the ferry schedule was, so he had called me before hand, walked me through the ferry situation, and volunteered to get tickets for us. He then traveled to Fajardo before our trip and got tickets for everybody. Once we made it to Fajardo, he helped us navigate the chaos in Fajardo, organizing everybody and making sure we all made it into the ferry. We had coolers we needed tickets for, so he talked to the people at the ferry terminal and paid them out of pocket so that we could make it in time to the ferry (I reimbursed him when I returned from Culebra, but still!) He called me while I was in Culebra to make sure all was well, and sent us tickets for the return ferry by plane, just to make sure we could all make it back on time. And I am glad he did because the ferry on the way out of Culebra was sold out, something we had not foreseen.

I wish we had a Enri like character in Culebra, because once in Culebra we got totally ripped-off in terms of local transport. Renting cars in Culebra is a pain in the butt. There are only a couple of companies, and they are highly overpriced. They rent a golf-cart for $50 a day (!). We had three babies in our group, so I walked from the ferry to the airport to rent a jeep. I ended up talking to an American guy who has a jeep rental place in front of the airport: I have never such an unpleasant experience in PR. The guy was a total idiot. He asked me how many people were in my group. I thought he was going to give us a discount for renting multiple jeeps, but when I told him we had 45 people he totally lost it. It was out of a cartoon: He started yelling at me to get lost, saying that I could not fit 45 people into a jeep (?). A retired American renting jeeps in Culebra and with a loose screw upstairs....

In any case, the "taxis" in Culebra were no better. They charge $2/person to drive you 1 mile, which meant that we ended up paying a guy $100 to drive us in his van for maybe 10 minutes. Unreal! I am not sure if there are any alternatives, but local transport in Culebra is abusive and might hurt tourism there in the long run.

Back to Enri though, he was professional and helped us well beyond the call of duty. All 45 people in the group kept commenting how awesome/helpful he was. I can say, without a doubt, that the trip would have been a disaster if he had not helped us with the ferry tickets. I highly recommend him for big or small groups anywhere in the main island of Puerto Rico, and plan to use him in my next trip. His number, as presented in this page, was (787) 632-9600. He speaks English well.

Daniel

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Re: san juan airport to fajardo ferry
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Jeannie G3 (---.asm.bellsouth.net)
Date:   08-23-09 23:41

Hola! Bravo to Enrique "Enri" (787) 632-9600. He is what we call in Puerto Rico, a true native host. I'm glad that he went above and beyond and he is probably an inspiration and an example for all to follow. Too bad for your experience in Culebra. Should have allowed or have asked Enri for further advice once on the island. Live and learn. Sometimes it pays to do research in advance. Although, sometimes we have vacationed "by the seat of our pants", we have not always been that lucky and have paid the price for poor planning. If anything, give thanks that you all returned from the vacation safe and in good health. You will have learned some things for your return trip, I hope, LOL!!! Happy travels! J

supergarcia3

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Re: san juan airport to fajardo ferry
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Michael (---.nyc.res.rr.com)
Date:   08-24-09 04:14

I can just imagine Jerry thinking someone wants to fit 45 people in a jeep ;)

Enjoy Culebra!

Michael

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Re: san juan airport to fajardo ferry
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Desiree Mwalimu (---.nycmny.fios.verizon.net)
Date:   01-11-12 14:09

I have to thoroughly agree with you, Frank. Enrique aka Henry is amazing.
Working under a tight budget and a very very thin layer of emotional resolve, I did not know how I was going to get myself from Fajardo to my hotel. It was a blessing and a miracle that my family was lead to this site. When I arrived in Fajardo, he talked with me via phone until I located him. He graciously took me to the Western Union on the way to my hotel in San Juan, where he helped me to retrieve the funds that I was to use for his payment. Throughout this experience, he was kind, gracious, patient, and incredibly generous with his time. I feel extremely grateful for having met this man, and encourage anyone who is traveling either to Fajardo or to San Juan to PLEASE give this person a call. His honesty and integrity in addition to his down-to-earth, flexible attitude, makes for an incredibly uplifting experience in what may (or hopefully may not be) a potentially stressful situation. Thank you , Enrique for all your energy, time, and wisdom*. DOESN'T GET ANY BETTER THAN ENRIQUE.

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Re: San Juan Airport to Fajardo Ferry
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: DrScooter (---.tic.va.gov)
Date:   01-12-12 05:03

I will just add this, as I have been to Vieques several times, not Culebra. We rented a car one way to Fajardo, it was an easy drive. However, after the first car, hotel then ferry which was nice we found it almost as cost effective and a much better use of our time to fly out of San Jaun in short order then vist the main Island of Peurto Rico on our return for a few days and then return to the main land. I know this thread is old, still after spending a night in Fajarto and I did enjoy the ferry ride too, I would still fly. Now to be fair there were only two of us and we did not have scuba gear so that could alter things. We even had "Steve" leave us a rental car at the airport on our third trip back. I really enjoyed flying the little local plane and while my wife on the first trip was deep in prayer after surviving she has come to enjoy the dinky plane.

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Re: San Juan Airport to Fajardo Ferry
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: palmettoculebra (---.coqui.net)
Date:   01-12-12 06:50

Good morning,
Flying continues to be the easiest, fastest way to go. There are flights (30 min.) from San Juan & (10 min.) from Ceiba.

We had guests who were taking the 3pm ferry from Fajardo last night finally arrive at 11pm. In my opinion, a much nicer intro. to Culebra would have been to arrive in time to have a nice dinner & relax, rather than spending 6 hours in ferry turmoil.

Best,
Terrie
Palmetto GH, Culebra

http://www.palmettoculebra.com/

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Re: San Juan Airport to Fajardo Ferry
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Herb (---.dsl.stlsmo.swbell.net)
Date:   01-12-12 14:46

It appears yesterday was a real mess. I can only hope the 9 AM ferry out of Fajardo will be better than the afternoon ferry because I am locked in and can not get out of my reservations in Fajardo.

Peace out
Herb

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Re: San Juan Airport to Fajardo Ferry
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: palmettoculebra (---.coqui.net)
Date:   01-13-12 09:28

Good afternoon,
Herb-you could still fly from Ceiba (10 min. driving down the road from Fajardo) if you wanted. $40 & 10 min.

Best,
Terrie
Palmetto GH, Culebra

http://www.palmettoculebra.com/

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Re: San Juan Airport to Fajardo Ferry
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Herb (67.65.139.---)
Date:   01-13-12 13:18

Doh!! What was I thinking? Thanks Terrie.

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Re: San Juan Airport to Fajardo Ferry
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Andrea Loops (---.vc.shawcable.net)
Date:   01-29-12 17:46

Hi - I just got back from Culebra, and we rented a car and took the 7 PM ferry from Fajardo. We actually returned our rental around 3 PM, and I was hoping we might still be able to catch the 3 PM ferry because everything I'd read on this forum indicated that the ferries sucked, however, it left right on time. THe 7 PM was about 20 minutes late leaving, but still, it seems reliable to me!

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Re: San Juan Airport to Fajardo Ferry
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: palmettoculebra (---.prtc.net)
Date:   01-30-12 11:44

Good afternoon,
I'm glad that Andrea's experience on the 7pm ferry one day was reliable, however as a year round resident & with guests arriving & departing daily I can say with confidence that as a general rule the ferries are currently not reliable.

In fact, there is a protest in San Juan this evening by Culebra & Vieques residents re: improving the ferry services.

We strongly suggest flying. Not long ago we had some folks on the 3pm ferry who ended up finally getting to Culebra at 11:30pm. This was not a completely isolated incident.

Best,
Terrie
Palmetto GH, Culebra

http://www.palmettoculebra.com/

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Re: San Juan Airport to Fajardo Ferry
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Herb (67.65.139.---)
Date:   02-01-12 13:34

We just returned from Culebra last night after 2 weeks of camping at Flamenco. The ferry, when running, is relatively reliable. From Culebra to Fajardo it runs at 0630, 1300 and 1700. They are running only the cargo ferry and it gets to one town and ASAP it turns around and goes back. That having been said, we did hear horror stories of one night it did not arrive until 2300 and a few weeks ago, they cancelled the ferry due to rough sea conditions. The 0900 ferry out of Fajardo was timely.

We chose to exit the island via plane due to many expensive factors that would come into play if we missed our flight back to the states. I have never put so much planning on exit strategy as I did this trip and one would be wise to put as much planning on leaving as they do getting there.

Peace out
Herb

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