Snorkeling with Turtles on Vieques
Snorkeling with turtles on Vieques, Puerto Rico: small-group snorkels on the island, the ferry from Ceiba, a boat from Fajardo and the wildlife refuge's rules.
Vieques is the larger island south of Culebra, an hour by public ferry from Ceiba, and its turtle snorkels start on the island itself: small groups meet near the airport or in town and ride to the snorkel spots on the west side, around Punta Arenas and Mosquito Pier. They take about two hours and cost from $80 a person (checked October 2026). If you are not staying on Vieques, a boat day from Fajardo crosses in the morning to snorkel there instead.
Where you snorkel
The ferry lands at Isabel II on the north coast. The snorkels head west, to the water around Mosquito Pier, the long pier on the north-west shore, and Punta Arenas beach at the western tip. Esperanza is the small town on the south coast.
The snorkels on the island
Vieques Snorkel with Sea Turtles and Rays
Snorkel Paradise's two hours: a van from its meeting point on Calle Flamboyan and about an hour in the water with a guide, water included.
Check dates →Vieques Small-Group Turtle Snorkel with Photos
Fokito's two hours from the ceiba tree past the airport, to the spots that suit the day's sea, with photos and videos, water and snacks.
See the small group →Fajardo Boat Snorkel to Vieques or Cayo Icacos
Snorkeling Puerto Rico's 7:30 am boat from Marina Puerto Chico crosses to Vieques to snorkel, with lunch and drinks on board. From age 6.
See the boat day →Prices, ratings and review counts from the listings (GetYourGuide checked October 2026; Viator checked October 2026). Operators price by date and season, so treat the figures as the shape of the market, not a quote.
| Snorkel | Meets | Time | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turtles and rays (Snorkel Paradise) | Calle Flamboyan, Vieques | 2 hours | From $80 |
| Small-group snorkel with photos (Snorkeling & BioBay Tours With Fokito) | The ceiba tree past the airport | 2 hours | From $89 |
| Boat day to Vieques (Snorkeling Puerto Rico) | Marina Puerto Chico, Fajardo | 5 hours | From $135 |
Listing prices: GetYourGuide checked October 2026; Viator checked October 2026.
The two island snorkels start on Vieques, so take the ferry or a flight first and book a time that leaves room for a late boat. Fokito’s group is for people who can swim without help. Snorkeling Puerto Rico’s boat runs the Vieques trip in the morning and a Cayo Icacos trip in the afternoon, at the same price; book the 7:30 am departure for Vieques.
Getting to Vieques
The public ferry from Ceiba takes about an hour. The adult fare on Puerto Rico Ferry’s rate table is $2.00 each way (checked October 2026), and a higher fare for visitors has been announced and postponed, so check before you go. Visitors cannot take a car across: vehicles are for residents of Vieques and Culebra. Arrive an hour early; check-in closes 10 minutes before departure.
The wildlife refuge
Much of Vieques is the Vieques National Wildlife Refuge, about 17,771 acres of former Navy land on the west and east of the island, run by the US Fish and Wildlife Service. There is no entrance fee, and swimming, snorkeling and diving are among the things visitors do there; the service writes that manatees, sea turtles and dolphins can be seen in the waters around the refuge. Its rules ban harassing wildlife or endangered species, removing plants or animals, flying drones and driving off road. A large part of the eastern refuge is closed because of unexploded ordnance, and closed areas may not be entered by land or by sea.
Good to know
- Watch turtles from the side and at a distance. No touching, feeding or chasing: see the Puerto Rico sea turtle rules.
- Turtles are wild. No snorkel can promise one, and the sea on the day decides the spots.
- Short on time? The turtle snorkels in San Juan need no ferry: see San Juan.
More Trips with Open Dates
More Puerto Rico Snorkel Trips with Open Dates
Turtle snorkels, boat days and island trips with live availability. Times and cancellation terms are on each listing.
Turtles and Rays on Vieques
Snorkel Paradise's two hours on Vieques: a van to the snorkel spot and about an hour in the water with a guide.
See dates