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Hi all, I’m looking for some type of consensus. I have gotten 2 very different opinions from 2 very knowledgeable individuals that live on Culabra. I'm going to be in San Juan on business Feb 1st and will be renting a car while there.
On Sunday Feb 5th I will be traveling to Culabra. My lodging is booked for 3nights, I will be returning on Wednesday the 8th to Jan Juan to catch a 3:30 flight.
My plan is to fly back on the 8th in order to make sure I get my connections.
My dilemma is the Sunday travel to Culabra.
A few years ago I took the ferry from Fajardo for the day and loved it. The ferry broke down at some point and we ended up getting the midnight ride back on the freighter, which by the way was really cool but im not sure I want the uncertainty of arriving on Culabra after midnight.
There will be 2 of us and we have the time Sunday to travel. Will be in San Juan Saturday night. Since I will have a car, I could drop it at Fajardo, there is a $40 drop fee. So price wise it would be much cheaper to take the ferry.
If the ferry schedules are accurate i found online, there is a 9am and a 3pm ferry out. Earliest drop time for the rental car is 8am. If memory serves me right, there would be a possibility that the ferry was too crowed and getting there 15 min before might not insure us a ride.
Any thoughts? Reliability of the ferry? Potential problems with an early morning drive from San Juan to Fajardo? Opinions are appreciated. Thanks. Rick
Re: your opinions on Ferry vs Flight
We live year round in Culebra & own a Guesthouse, thus deal with flights & ferries daily.
My strong advice is to fly round trip. You should book your tickets now & return your vehicle in San Juan.
The flight will be smoother, easier, & more convenient. Save yourself the hassle.
Listen to Terrie. There is currently a lot of political maneuvering going on that has exacerbated the lack of dependability of ferry travel. Additionally, 3 days on Culebra is barely enough time to allow the island to work its magic on your psyche and metabolism. Don't waste it being frustrated over delays you can't do anything about.
For me the ferry is appropriate in three situations:
1. Very long stays on Culebra.
2. Large amounts of gear/luggage, such as camping or scuba.
3. During whale season, assuming 1 or 2 is also true. I've never seen them, but would try again if I had the time.
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Re: your opinions on Ferry vs Flight
Author: Robert Zeigler (---.drr01.hrbg.pa.frontiernet.net)
Especially with Doug's analysis ..... if it's a short-time trip (less than a month), do the flight.
Besides,..... it's a rush....!
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Re: your opinions on Ferry vs Flight
Author: Bill Saxton (---.hsd1.ca.comcast.net)
How much luggage can come on the plane per person? Someone mentioned 25lbs. Is that right?
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Re: your opinions on Ferry vs Flight
Author: Frank S. (---.nyc.res.rr.com)
if you decide not to drive to fajardo and want the option to fly out of Isla Grande in San Juan, think about renting your car from hertz.
Hertz has a counter at the Million Air Hangar. It is adjacent to the Isla Grande Airport. Go to I.G., check in then return the car next door and walk back.
It's simple to do and gives the option of Isla Grande.
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Re: your opinions on Ferry vs Flight
Baggage over 25 lbs. costs, I believe, 60 cents a pound. If the flight is full and you have overage, it may come on the next flight. Pack your necessities in one bag in case this happens. Unless you are camping or scuba diving, it is easy to go carry-on only for a Culebra stay. I usually mail my mask, snorkle and fins to myself, general delivery.
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Re: your opinions on Ferry vs Flight
Author: Robert Zeigler (---.drr01.hrbg.pa.frontiernet.net)
In this day and age, what with baggage limitations on commercial flights, it makes good sense to learn how to travel light ..... and I can't think of too many places that don't have laundromats ..... besides, a good Tourist Stink is a Badge of Honor....:)
Believe it or not, by using your head, you can pack very effectively for a two week stay in a carry-on bag ..... no lines for baggage pick-up, customs is a breeze, and yer not hauling along all that stuff.....
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Re: your opinions on Ferry vs Flight
Author: Richard jefferson (---.c3-0.smt-ubr1.atw-smt.pa.cable.rcn.)
Frank, thanks for that tip!
Im still undecided but im feeling the pressure to make a decision quickly. Its a timing issue. there are 2 things we really want to fit in while staying in sanjuan. one is a evening horse back ride along the beach, we found tropical trail rides in Isabela for that and the other is visiting the El Yunque Rain Forest. The visit to the Rain Forrest would fit nicely with a Sunday drive to Fajardo to get the Ferry. Its just after reading the blogs im concerned about the certainty (reliability) of getting a ferry on a Sunday Afternoon.
you seem to be familiar with I.G. Is there a place to store luggage there? we will be coming from a meeting stay at the Caribe Hilton with more luggage then we will be taking to culabra (probobly 2 or 3 bags to store).
I could leve it at the hilton for the 4 days and have the taxi stop there on my return and on the way to SUJ for our departing flight.
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Re: your opinions on Ferry vs Flight
You could drive the rental car to El Yunque and then on to the airport in Ceiba and fly from there to Culebra. I agree with the plane recommendation having done both many times.
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Re: your opinions on Ferry vs Flight
Michael answered for me. If your flight time home out of SJU is tight, I'd fly Ceiba to Culebra (CPX) one-way and then pick up flight from CPX to SIG (Isla Grande) or to SJU depending on HOW tight. This means your rental car should be one-way as well.
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Re: your opinions on Ferry vs Flight
My advice-having done this & vicariously many times w/guest-Leave the bags at the Hilton. Drive r/t to El Yunque. Fly from/to San Juan/Culebra.
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Re: your opinions on Ferry vs Flight
Author: Frank S. (---.nyc.res.rr.com)
youre welcome for the tip. many people dont realize it is an option. but i have done this several times and have never had a problem. they open at 6 am.
I.G. does not offer a place to hold your luggage however. the general idea has been addressed many times on the Trip advisor forum(Puerto Rico) since many people coming from or going on a cruise want to store their luggage while they tour the city. I think there is a place somewhere but dont remember. maybe you can search it there.
Going to Fajardo/Ceiba is very convenient from El Yunque and it makes sense.
Which company gave you a $40 drop off fee? Do they offer a ride to the ferry or airport after that?
If you decide to go to Fajardo/Ceiba, look into Avis for a drop off in Ceiba(Fajardo). When you drop the car off, they will then take you to the airport or ferry. i usually give the guy a tip if they take me to the ferry since it is far. The price for a one way rental from SJU to Ceiba tends to be a little expensive. But overall from Avis tends to be the best. Online use the "Brisas de Ceiba" location. they open at 8am and close at 5pm.
If you do ceiba/fajardo, definitely make time for Guavate if you can. If you get to El Yunques early enough, you can make it to Guavate for a late lunch and back to the Avis office by 5pm. Im not sure about the flight times from Ceiba though.
Also, something to keep in mind is not so many tourists are travelling to the islands on a sunday evening. most tourists are coming back from Culebra then since most go for the weekend. Is there a holiday the following Monday? So, if it were me, before i drop the car off, I would go by the ferry. Try to get tickets. If you cannot, take the plane. The only thing is, there may not be any seats on the plane. Which would be a major problem.
I hope this is clear and helps
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Re: your opinions on Ferry vs Flight
Author: Cap'n Wacky (---.mycingular.net)
Well, personally I'm taking the ferry next time. You never know, the crew may treat you to a 15 hour tour of the Caribbean, free of charge. It's happened before!
drive fast and take chances
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Re: your opinions on Ferry vs Flight
Author: Richard jefferson (---.c3-0.smt-ubr1.atw-smt.pa.cable.rcn.)
WoW.. that sounds GREAT! So, Ive booked my Round trip flight on air flamenco. Reserved my ride from Jerry, confirmed my lodging with Jane at Harbor view... Damn.. were set!
Now i have to figure how to get to see the rain forest AND get in a horse back ride on the beach while im in San Juan at a business meeting. I think ill be missing some of the sessions!