Fajardo: Sailing & Snorkeling Charter with BBQ Lunch

Summary

Sail Caribbean waters snorkel reefs taste Puerto Rican barbecue

You’ll sail from Fajardo with a small group and local crew toward hidden reefs near Piñeros or Palomino. Snorkel calm Caribbean waters, relax on deck or floating mats, then savor freshly grilled barbecue lunch right onboard. Expect laughter, easygoing company, and moments where time feels slower under that endless blue sky.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the water to look that blue — almost fake, like someone cranked up the color on a TV. We met our guide at Marina Puerto del Rey just before nine (I was nervous we’d be late, but turns out “island time” is real). The Janise Lagoon catamaran felt bigger than I thought, and the crew — I wish I remembered everyone’s names — were already joking with us before we even left the dock. Someone handed me a cold drink right away. That first salty breeze hit my face and I just… kind of melted into it.

The sail out to Piñeros took about an hour. I stretched out on the trampoline netting up front — you can feel every little splash underneath you, toes poking through the ropes. Our guide pointed out Palomino off in the distance, telling stories about local fishermen and how they still bring in their catch at sunrise (I tried picturing it; all I could see was sun glitter on water). When we anchored near a reef, there was this hush except for gulls and people laughing as they fumbled with their snorkel masks. The Caribbean sea here is warm but not bathwater-warm — just enough to wake you up when you slide in.

I’m not much of a swimmer but floating above those corals was easier than expected. Saw a parrotfish nibbling at something purple — maybe coral? No idea. The crew kept checking if we needed help or more snacks; honestly, it felt like hanging out with friends who actually know what they’re doing. Lunch was grilled chicken and yellow rice cooked right on board (the smell drifted over before I saw the plates). There was this quick cooking demo too; Li laughed when I tried to say “sofrito” in Spanish — probably butchered it.

After eating way too much salad and fruit, some people sprawled on the lily pad float while others went back in for another swim. I just lay back watching clouds drift over Fajardo’s coast, thinking how weirdly quiet everything felt compared to San Juan. On the way back, sangria in hand, sunburn creeping up my shoulders — I still think about that view from the catamaran’s edge. Not sure if it’s possible to get tired of that color.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sailing and snorkeling in Fajardo

• Arrive at Marina Puerto del Rey by 8:30 am
• Board the Janise Lagoon 380 at 9:00 am
• Sail to Piñeros or Palomino islands
• Relax on catamaran trampoline
• Snorkel at secluded reefs
• Swim and relax on white sandy beach
• Enjoy floating lily pad water island
• Participate in Puertorrican cooking class
• Eat barbecue lunch with snacks and drinks
• Sail back to marina by 2:00 pm

Top questions

How long is the sailing & snorkeling day charter from Fajardo?

The tour lasts about 5 hours total, departing around 9:00 am and returning by 2:00 pm.

Is lunch included on this Fajardo sailing tour?

Yes, a barbecue chicken lunch with yellow rice, green salad, snacks, fruit, beer, wine, sangria and soft drinks are included.

Where does the boat depart for snorkeling?

The charter departs from Marina Puerto del Rey in Fajardo and sails to either Piñeros or Palomino islands.

Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear?

No need—snorkeling equipment is provided as part of your booking.

Is hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup is included; you meet directly at Marina Puerto del Rey by 8:30 am.

Can children join this sailing trip?

Yes—participants between ages 4 and 85 are welcome; infants must sit on an adult’s lap.

Is this sailing tour private?

The standard charter is shared unless you pay for six guests or request a private upgrade when booking.

What should I bring for this day trip from Fajardo?

You’ll want a bathing suit, towels and sun protection—everything else is covered onboard.

What’s included

Your day includes marina boarding in Fajardo around 9:00 am, all snorkeling equipment provided by friendly local crew, grilled barbecue chicken lunch with yellow rice and salad prepared fresh onboard (plus snacks and fruit), unlimited cold beer, wine or sangria along with sodas and water throughout the trip before returning by mid-afternoon.