Zip from Puerto Rico to Vieques by Ferry

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — A new high-speed passenger ferry connects Puerto Rico's capital with the outlying islands of Vieques and Culebra. The new service, operated by Island Hi-Speed Ferry, leaves from Pier 2 in historic Old San Juan, said Robert Leith Sr., a spokesman for the Narragansett, R.I.-based company.

The catamaran Athena leaves San Juan once daily on weekdays and twice daily on weekends, Leith said. It can reach Culebra in approximately one hour, 45 minutes, continuing on to Vieques in another half hour, he said.

The 98-foot Athena has 250 seats and can reach speeds of 40 mph.

Round-trip fares to Culebra range from $63 for residents to $68 for nonresidents while children's prices range from $48 to $53. Vieques fares range from $73 to $78 for adults and $58 to $63 for children.

Passengers can buy round-trip tickets between Culebra and Vieques for $33, and $23 for children.

Currently, travelers headed to the islands must drive more than an hour from San Juan to the northeast-coast town of Fajardo to take a state-run ferry to Culebra and Vieques. The ferry takes about an hour and a half, but it only costs about $3.

There are also small planes that fly between San Juan and the two outlying islands.

Culebra and Vieques, east of Puerto Rico's mainland, are dotted with unspoiled beaches and their turquoise waters are known for snorkeling. Both islands were used in the past for U.S. military exercises.

for more information go to www.islandhighspeedferry.com