For a quarter-century, a single ferry company has quietly but consistently built a maritime bridge between the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico, transporting over 1.2 million visitors and counting, Diario Libre reports. Travelers have the option of traveling with their vehicle, overnighting in a cabin, or partying all night long on deck.
The Ferries del Caribe ship has a capacity for up to 1,750 passengers, 70 vehicles, and 1,669 linear meters of general cargo, traveling at a speed of 25 knots (about 46.3 kilometers per hour).
While the Dominican Republic has cemented its status as a major cruise destination, attracting over two million cruise passengers annually, the reliable ferry DR-Puerto Rico service has provided a critical alternative, shuttling an average of 44,590 visitors per year since 1999.
Puerto Rican-based Ferries del Caribe is the sole operator of this vital sea route, which connects Santo Domingo with Mayagüez, Puerto Rico. According to data from the Central Bank of the Dominican Republic (BCRD), the company has facilitated the arrival of 1,203,930 passengers, mainly Puerto Rican, aboard more than 3,000 ships over the past 26 years.
Diario Libre reports that the route’s enduring relevance is evidenced by recent growth. As of November 2025, the DR has received 36,770 passengers via the ferry, marking a 20.6% increase over the 30,487 arrivals reported for the entirety of 2024.
Ferries depart from San Juan every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 6pm, arriving in Santo Domingo on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday mornings at 8am. A total of 142 vessels docked at the Don Diego port through November 2025.
While ticket prices fluctuate based on season and added services, the ferry presents a competitive option compared to air carriers. Diario Libre details that, for example, a round-trip ticket for one person, excluding taxes, on the ferry is priced at US$249. This is comparable to the average US$253 for a connecting flight and notably cheaper than a direct flight, which could cost around US$314. However, budget airlines can offer a base fare as low as US$170.
A key difference is that the ferry’s base fare covers transport and allows for generous luggage (one personal item and up to three suitcases at no extra cost). Services like lodging in a cabin (US$65 to US$95), meals (a dinner/breakfast combo is US$58 for adults), and vehicle transport (starting at US$150) are purchased separately. Adding a basic cabin, meal package, and vehicle transport brings the total round-trip cost to approximately US$747 before taxes.
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Diario Libre
16 December 2025