Icacos Island: Catamaran Snorkel Cruise & Picnic Lunch

Summary

Caribbean sailing to Icacos with reef snorkeling and island picnic

You’ll sail from Fajardo to Icacos Island by catamaran with a local crew, swim or float in clear Caribbean water, enjoy a relaxed picnic lunch on the sand, then snorkel colorful reefs before heading back. Expect laughter, good food, and that salty breeze lingering long after you return.

What’s the experience like?

The morning didn’t start smooth—I forgot my hat in the car and had to jog back just as the crew was calling names. I could feel the sun already warming up the dock at Villa Marina in Fajardo, but our guide, Carlos, just grinned and said, “Don’t worry, you’re right on time.” The catamaran felt bigger than I expected, with this salty breeze mixing with hints of sunscreen and pineapple from someone’s piña colada (at 9 am—respect). We set off for Icacos Island, and I tried not to look too eager as we left the coast behind. It’s about 45 minutes across the water—enough time to realize how blue everything gets out here.

Landing at Icacos was almost surreal. The sand is so pale it squeaks under your feet, and there’s this hush except for people laughing or the occasional splash. Carlos handed out floating belts and pointed us toward where the water got deepest—he said you can sometimes spot rays if you’re lucky. I mostly floated around staring at clouds and sipping rum punch (probably too early for that too), while a couple of kids tried to bury their dad in shells. Lunch was a make-your-own sandwich sort of thing—cold cuts, cheese, pasta salad—and honestly? It hit the spot after swimming. There was fruit salad too but I went back for seconds on chicken salad instead.

After lunch they sailed us over to a reef nearby for snorkeling. I’m not exactly Jacques Cousteau but even I could see schools of little yellow fish darting around coral fans. The mask kept fogging up (my fault), but every time I cleared it there was something new—a flash of blue or a weirdly shaped sea cucumber. Carlos dove down once to point out something called a parrotfish; he popped up grinning when I mispronounced its name in Spanish. The sun started dipping lower on our way back and everyone got quiet for a bit—just wind and waves and that tired feeling you get after saltwater.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Catamaran trip to Icacos Island

• Check in at dock by 8:30 am
• Enjoy 45-minute sail to Icacos Island
• Swim and relax on the beach
• Use flotation belts in clear water
• Enjoy piña colada on board
• Have lunch on the catamaran
• Sail to reef for snorkeling
• Snorkel around tropical reef
• Sail back to dock

Top questions

How long does the Icacos Island catamaran tour take?

The tour includes about 45 minutes sailing each way plus several hours at Icacos Island and the reef; plan for most of your day.

Is lunch included on the Icacos catamaran cruise?

Yes, a sandwich buffet lunch is included along with salads and fruit.

Are drinks provided during the cruise?

Bottled water, sodas, piña coladas, and rum punch are included throughout the day.

Can vegetarians eat lunch on this tour?

Vegetarian options are available; contact the operator ahead if you have other dietary needs.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes, all snorkeling gear is provided as part of your booking.

Where does the tour depart from?

The cruise departs from Villa Marina in Fajardo; check-in is required by 8:30 am.

How far is Fajardo from San Juan?

The drive from San Juan to Fajardo takes about 1 to 1.5 hours depending on traffic.

Are children allowed on this tour?

The minimum age is 4 years old; proof of age may be required.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip sailing aboard a catamaran with bathroom facilities, use of snorkeling equipment and floating devices, beach toys like volleyballs or paddles if available, unlimited bottled water plus sodas and tropical cocktails like piña coladas or rum punch throughout the trip. A buffet-style sandwich lunch with salads and fruit is served before heading out to snorkel at a nearby reef before returning to shore.