Snorkeling in Fajardo: Private Boat to Icacos Island

White sand, clear water, and two island stops in a single day

A full-day private boat snorkeling tour from Fajardo visits Icacos Island and Palomino Island with a captain and crew, snorkeling gear, and a charcuterie board with fruit and drinks included. The boat holds a maximum of six people, so you avoid the crowds that come with larger group tours. The day runs 9 am to 4 pm with a 25-minute boat ride to reach the islands.

Step-by-step itinerary

Private boat tour to local islands

• Start tour at 9:00 am
• Navigate 25 minutes along Fajardo coast
• Visit Icacos Island and explore beaches
• Swim and snorkel in clear waters
• Visit Palomino Island and explore beaches
• Swim and snorkel in clear waters
• Enjoy snacks, fruits, and drinks on board
• Return to shore by 4:00 pm

The Experience

The boat leaves Fajardo at 9 am and takes 25 minutes to reach the first island. You'll spend the day moving between Icacos Island and Palomino Island — both have white sand beaches and the clear water the operator mentions as the draw. The snorkeling happens in the shallows off each island; the gear is provided, so you just show up with a swimsuit. A captain and crew run the boat, handle navigation and manage the day's timing, which means you're free to focus on the water instead of logistics.

Food and drink are built in: a charcuterie board with cold cuts, fresh fruit, water, soda and ice come with the tour. If you want a BBQ lunch, you can add that at checkout for an extra charge. The boat has bathrooms with showers before and after, so you can rinse off the salt water before heading back to Fajardo. Music plays on board. The whole day wraps at 4 pm.

Six people is the maximum capacity, which is the main thing that separates this from the packed group boats. You're not competing for deck space or waiting for a crowd to finish snorkeling before you get in the water. The crew speaks English and Spanish, so language is not a barrier to understanding what's happening or asking questions about the islands and the reefs.

What’s included

• Private captain and crew.
• snorkeling equipment (mask, fins, snorkel).
• charcuterie board with cold cuts and fresh fruit.
• water, soda and ice.
• use of cooler.
• floating noodles.
• bathrooms with showers before and after the tour.
• music on board.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditions

Operated by Culebra VIP & East

Is this one for you?Choose this if you want snorkeling on a private boat rather than sharing with larger groups—your captain navigates to two island destinations while you set the pace for exploring.

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Top questions

What's the snorkeling like at Icacos Island and Palomino Island?

Both islands have white sand beaches and clear water where you swim and snorkel in the shallows. The operator describes it as "the most amazing snorkeling experience" and includes time to walk the beach and explore each island during the day.

How many people will be on the boat with me?

The boat holds a maximum of six people total, including yourself. That's the size limit, so you're never on a crowded vessel with dozens of other tourists.

What snorkeling equipment do I need to bring?

Snorkeling gear — mask, fins and snorkel — is provided with the tour. You just bring a swimsuit and a towel. If you want to rent a Seabob (an underwater scooter), you can request that by sending the operator a direct message.

What food and drinks are included?

The tour includes a charcuterie board with cold cuts, fresh fruit, water, soda and ice. A BBQ lunch is available as an add-on for an extra charge at checkout. The operator does not provide alcohol, but you can bring your own.

When does the tour start and end?

The tour starts at 9 am and finishes at 4 pm, with a 25-minute boat ride from Fajardo to the islands at the beginning of the day.

Are there bathrooms on the boat?

Yes, the boat has bathrooms with showers available before and after the tour, so you can rinse off after snorkeling.