Puerto Rico - Facts

Puerto Rico FAQs

Pre-Arrival Boat: If you plan to clear in via the ROAM App, ensure that you have the latest version downloaded and preload vessel and crew information. It's highly likely, however, if you are a non-US boat coming from a foreign port, that you will be asked to go to a CBP office for an in-person inspection. If coming from the USVI you have to check into Puerto Rico. See Clearance for full details.
Pre-Arrival Crew: All nationalities (other than citizens of the US, Canada or Bermuda) arriving by private yacht need a valid US B1/B2 visa obtained in advance. An ESTA does not apply if entering the USA for the first time by yacht. However, if your first entry to the USA is by commercial carrier, or on foot across the border first with an ESTA - then subsequently entering by yacht is a valid form of entry for short visits. See Immigration for full details. Note: Foreign nationals arriving without a valid US visa will be fined and/or refused entry. The CBP ROAM app only checks in the boat, not the crew. A face-to-face procedure is required for all crew as well.
Where can I enter? There are six ports of entry  (to find out more info. click on the anchor symbol in the blue “Explore Country” drop down).
Are fees high to enter by yacht? There are no fees for entering or exiting Puerto Rico during normal office hours. 
What security concerns should I know about? Puerto Rico has few reported incidents and the overall safety of the area is high in comparison to many other Caribbean destinations. See Security for more information.

Puerto Rico Facts for Sailors

• Northernmost, within the eastern Caribbean, and several times larger than its southerly island neighbors, Puerto Rico’s sophistication as a US Commonwealth makes it stand out in terms of value.
• Puerto Rico is a natural stepping-off point to/from North America and Europe, thus known as the Passage Islands.
• The ports of San Juan, Ponce, and Fajardo offer full-service marinas and haul outs, diesel repair, boatswains, sailmakers, and other services. Puerto Real in Cabo Rojo, Boquerón, Salinas, La Parguera, and Bahia de Jobos offer marinas and inland adventure.
• The Spanish Virgin Islands (which are part of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico), includes the islands of Vieques and Culebra, which are less than 15 nautical miles from the USVI. Other beautiful uninhabited islands dot Puerto Rico’s west, south, and east coasts.
• Avoid eating any fish caught off Vieques as local opinion is that most fish have Ciguatera.
• Mona Island off the West coast of Puerto Rico (the "Galapagos of the Caribbean), whilst a fascinating place to visit, has no safe anchorages. A permit is required to walk the trails there.
• The currency is the US dollar. Credit cards are accepted virtually everywhere. Puerto Rico is bi-lingual in Spanish and English.
• Hurricane Maria struck the island as a Cat 4 on 20 September 2017 shortly after Hurricane Irma passed by less than two weeks prior. The damage from Hurricane Maria was catastrophic. The entire island lost power, hydroelectric dams failed, and some areas were cut off. The central mountain range suffered the most damage; coastal towns and marinas sustained little destruction and quickly reinstated operations.