Culebra Catamaran Snorkeling Tour from Fajardo with Lunch

Summary

Snorkel Culebra’s reefs then unwind on Flamenco or Culebrita beach

You’ll ride a catamaran from Fajardo to Culebra’s famous beaches for snorkeling over vibrant reefs with all gear included. Enjoy a deli-style lunch and drinks onboard before relaxing on Flamenco or Culebrita beach—sunbathing, swimming, or just listening to waves. It’s an easygoing day with local guides who keep things light—and you’ll probably still taste salt hours later.

What’s the experience like?

"You ever tried putting on fins while the boat’s still moving?" That’s what I blurted out as we bounced away from Fajardo, salt spray already in my hair. Our guide, José, just grinned and handed me a mask—he’d clearly seen first-timers like me before. The catamaran was louder than I expected, engines humming under our feet, but there was this giddy energy as we cut across the water toward Culebra. I kept catching whiffs of sunscreen and fresh bread from the lunch buffet they were prepping below deck. The sky kept shifting between blue and that almost-white glare you get near noon in Puerto Rico.

After about 50 minutes (give or take—I stopped checking my phone), we anchored near Carlos Rosario reef. José tossed the anchor and started pointing out where to spot parrotfish. Slipping into the water was a shock at first—cooler than I thought—but once I got used to it, all I could hear was my own breathing and the muffled clinks of someone adjusting their snorkel nearby. The reef really is something else: flashes of yellow and blue darting past, soft sand underfoot if you drift too close to shore. At one point, someone surfaced laughing because a tiny fish had nibbled their toe. That kind of thing sticks with you.

Lunch back on board was simple but hit the spot—deli sandwiches, fruit, sodas, even local beer if you wanted it (I did). We all compared notes about what we’d seen underwater; some folks had GoPros, but honestly I just wanted to sit in the sun for a second and watch the crew joke around in Spanish. After that, it was another short hop over to either Flamenco Beach or Culebrita—the captain picked depending on weather. We ended up at Flamenco this time: powdery white sand stretching forever, barely anyone else around except our group. There’s something about digging your toes into that sand after swimming that feels kind of perfect.

I didn’t expect to feel so wiped out by the end—maybe it was all the sun or just being in and out of the water so much—but as we headed back toward Fajardo with everyone quiet for once, I realized I still had salt on my skin and couldn’t stop thinking about those little flashes of color under the surface. You know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Catamaran trip and beach activities

• Board high-speed catamaran in Fajardo
• Cruise approximately 50 minutes to reef
• Snorkel 1.5 hours at reef preserve
• Enjoy light lunch on board
• Travel 20 minutes to deserted Culebra beach
• Swim, snorkel, beachcomb, or sunbathe

Top questions

How long does it take to get from Fajardo to Culebra by catamaran?

The cruise takes approximately 50 minutes each way.

Is snorkeling equipment included in this tour?

Yes, use of snorkeling equipment is included for all participants.

Which beaches do you visit on this day trip?

The captain chooses between Flamenco Beach or a beach on Culebrita based on weather conditions.

Is lunch provided during the Culebra snorkeling tour?

Yes, there is a deli-style lunch buffet served onboard along with beverages like soda and local beer.

Are children allowed on this tour?

Children must be at least 5 years old; children 4 years or younger cannot participate.

Can non-swimmers join this tour?

No, all participants must know how to swim for safety reasons.

Is hotel pickup included from San Juan?

No, but roundtrip transportation from San Juan can be arranged for an additional fee if requested at least 48 hours prior.

What should I bring for this catamaran tour?

You should bring a towel and wear your swimsuit underneath beach clothes; sunscreen is also recommended.

What’s included

Your day includes roundtrip catamaran transport from Fajardo to Culebra’s beaches with all snorkeling gear provided onboard. You’ll get a deli-style lunch buffet plus drinks (soda, juice, water, local beer), plenty of time for swimming or relaxing on white sand beaches—and guidance from friendly local crew throughout.