Icacos & Palomino Islands: Private Charter with Snorkeling

Summary

Private boat escape to Icacos or Palomino with snorkeling food & drinks

You’ll board a private boat in Fajardo for a day trip to Icacos or Palomino Island with a local captain. Enjoy guided snorkeling among reefs, swim off white sand beaches, snack on fresh fruit and sandwiches, sip cold drinks (yes, beer and rum are included), and soak up stories from your crew as you drift under Puerto Rico’s sun.

What’s the experience like?

I never thought the water around Icacos Island could look so blue — almost fake, like someone turned up the color on a TV. We met our captain at the marina in Fajardo (private parking, which was a relief because I always worry about that), and he just grinned when I asked if it ever gets old out here. “Not once,” he said, tossing us cold Medallas before we even left the dock. The salt in the air hit me right away, mixed with sunscreen and that faint diesel smell from the boat’s engine warming up. Not unpleasant — just real.

We picked Icacos for our private charter but honestly kept second-guessing ourselves because Palomino looked tempting too. The ride was maybe 20 minutes? Hard to keep track when you’re laughing with your friends and trying not to drop your sandwich (ham and cheese — simple but somehow perfect after swimming). Our guide handed out snorkel gear and pointed toward the reef near El Faro de las Cabezas de San Juan. I’m not much of a swimmer but he swore he’d stick close by, and he did — even helped untangle my mask when I panicked for a second. The fish were everywhere, all neon stripes darting between rocks. One of them nibbled my finger; I yelped and everyone cracked up.

The sun felt heavy on my shoulders by the time we anchored closer to shore. There’s this moment — quiet except for waves slapping against the hull and somebody’s playlist drifting over from another boat — where you realize you’ve got nowhere else to be. I watched pelicans dive while peeling an orange from the snack cooler (sticky hands, sweet juice). Our captain told stories about growing up in Puerto Rico, pointing out little islands in the distance like old friends. It didn’t feel rushed at all; actually, I think we lost track of time completely.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Private half-day island charter

• Depart from marina
• Snorkel at best spot
• Enjoy beach on chosen island
• Eat fruits, sandwiches, snacks
• Drink beverages
• Return to marina

Top questions

How long is the private charter to Icacos or Palomino?

The tour lasts about 4 hours total, either morning or afternoon.

Is snorkeling equipment included on this tour?

Yes, all snorkeling gear is provided by your guide.

Are food and drinks included during the trip?

You get fruits, ham & cheese sandwiches, snacks, water, juice, sodas plus Medalla beer & rum.

Where does the tour depart from?

The charter leaves from a marina in Fajardo with private parking available.

Can I choose which island to visit?

Yes — you can pick either Icacos Island or Palomino Island for your charter.

Is there hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; you meet at the Fajardo marina.

Are there bathrooms or showers at the marina?

Yes, both bathrooms and showers are available at the departure marina.

Is this private charter suitable for kids or infants?

Infants can join but must sit on an adult’s lap during the trip.

What’s included

Your day includes meeting your captain at Fajardo marina (with private parking), use of clean bathrooms and showers before boarding your private boat charter to either Icacos or Palomino Island. All snorkeling equipment is provided along with guided reef exploration; enjoy fresh fruit, ham & cheese sandwiches, snacks plus soft drinks — as well as Medalla beer and Puerto Rican rum for adults.