Fajardo Mini Boat Snorkel Tour: Icacos & Palominitos Islands

Summary

Snorkeling Puerto Rico’s cays by mini boat with real local flavor

You’ll drive your own mini boat from Fajardo along Puerto Rico’s east coast with a local guide leading the way. Snorkel coral reefs at Icacos Island, float off Palominitos’ soft sand beaches, and share snacks right on your boat—all gear included. It’s salty hair and sun-warmed skin kind of day you’ll remember long after heading home.

What’s the experience like?

Hands gripping the wheel of that little 13’ mini boat, I could taste salt on my lips before we even left Marina Puerto Chico. Our guide, José, waved us forward with a big grin and a “Ready?”—I was, mostly. The motor buzzed under me as we slipped past the breakwater, and suddenly there was just open water, mangroves sliding by on one side and El Yunque’s green silhouette in the distance. I kept squinting at the old lighthouse perched up on Las Cabezas de San Juan—José said it’s over a hundred years old, still working. Didn’t expect to feel so small out there, honestly.

The ride to Icacos Island was faster than I thought—maybe thirty minutes?—but my arms were tingling from steering against the chop. We anchored off this blinding stretch of white sand, nobody else around except a couple of pelicans bobbing nearby. I fumbled with my snorkel (mask always fogs up on me), but our eco guide, Li, just laughed and showed me how to clear it without swallowing half the ocean. The water was so clear I could see tiny fish darting between coral heads before I even put my face in. There’s this moment underwater where everything goes quiet except for your own breathing—it stuck with me longer than I expected.

Back on board, José handed around cold drinks from our little cooler (ginger ale never tasted so good). Sunburn started sneaking up on me—I forgot to reapply sunscreen after snorkeling, classic mistake. We drifted towards Palominitos for another quick stop; sand here felt finer somehow, almost powdery between my toes. Some folks tried free diving again but I just floated for a bit watching clouds roll over Fajardo’s hills. The ride back felt slower, maybe because nobody wanted it to end yet.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Mini Boat Snorkel Safari in Fajardo

• Depart Marina Puerto Chico
• Drive north along Las Cabezas de San Juan
• Enjoy views of mountains, mangroves, and lighthouse
• Arrive at Icacos Island
• Practice snorkeling and free diving techniques
• Snorkel among coral reefs and tropical fish
• Enjoy snacks and refreshments on Mini Boat
• Visit Palominitos Island
• Return to Marina Puerto Chico
• Rinse off and use restroom facilities

Top questions

How long does the Fajardo mini boat snorkel tour last?

The tour typically lasts about 3-4 hours including boating time and snorkeling stops.

Do I need a boating license to drive the mini boat?

No boating license is required for this tour; basic instruction is provided before departure.

What islands do you visit during the tour?

The main stops are Icacos Island and Palominitos Island in La Cordillera Cays Nature Reserve.

Is snorkeling gear included?

Yes, premium quality snorkeling gear and life jackets are included for all participants.

Are snacks or drinks provided?

An iced cooler with light snacks and refreshments is provided on each mini boat.

Can children join this tour?

Passengers must be at least 6 years old; drivers must be 18 or older.

What should I bring for the trip?

Bring sun protection (long sleeves or biodegradable sunblock), towels, extra clothes, and your cell phone for safety contact.

Is hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup is included; you meet at Marina Puerto Chico in Fajardo where free parking is available.

What’s included

Your day includes driving your own 13’ mini boat with a 40hp Yamaha motor along Puerto Rico’s cays guided by locals, all snorkeling equipment and USCG-approved life jacket provided, stops at secluded white sand beaches like Icacos Island for guided snorkeling sessions among coral reefs and tropical fish, plus an iced cooler stocked with light snacks and refreshments right on board before returning to shore with access to showers and private restrooms at the marina.