Snorkeling in Fajardo: Private Catamaran to Icacos & Palomino

Turtle Reef, white sand beaches, and the chance to spot sea turtles and manta rays from a private boat.

A private guided snorkeling tour from Fajardo aboard a 24-foot catamaran to Icacos and Palomino islands, with a Coast Guard-certified captain, snorkeling equipment and paddleboard included. The boat stops at Turtle Reef for snorkeling, then moves to island beaches where you swim and relax in shallow, clear water. A guide in English or Spanish leads the experience, suited to beginners and small groups. The tour runs four hours and departs from Fajardo.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Icacos Island2h · entry included
2. Palomino Island2h · entry included

Private catamaran tour and snorkeling

• Depart from Fajardo
• Enjoy panoramic views of nearby islands
• Snorkel at Turtle Reef
• Relax on white sand beaches
• Sail to Palomino Island
• Admire private island residence
• Spot sea turtles and manta rays
• Relax on Palomino Island beach
• Pass by Palominito Island
• Learn about Palominito's history
• Take photos of Palominito Island

The experience

The catamaran leaves Fajardo and heads toward Turtle Reef, your first snorkeling stop. The reef sits in shallow water where sea turtles often appear, and the marine life is dense enough that you'll spot fish, corals and rays without diving deep. Snorkeling here is optional. If you'd rather stay on deck or in the water without the mask, that works too. The captain navigates based on conditions and what's visible that day.

From the reef, the boat moves to Icacos Island, where you'll find white sand beaches and water so clear you can see the bottom from the deck. You swim, wade and rest on the sand for as long as the schedule allows. The captain points out wildlife as you sail between stops: manta rays and sea turtles are common sightings, though not guaranteed. Palomino Island comes next, a private island with its own beaches and the chance to walk the shore or photograph the landscape depending on conditions and the season. Palominito, a small eroding island with a visible history, rounds out the route. You'll view it from the boat and learn its story from the guide.

The boat carries snorkeling gear, life jackets and a paddleboard, so you don't pack equipment yourself. Water, soda and an aperitif come with the tour. The captain holds a Coast Guard certification and speaks English or Spanish. Parking at the departure point is free and guarded. The whole outing takes four hours, which leaves the rest of your day open: early enough to fit a beach lunch afterward, late enough to catch the afternoon light on the water.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment and life jacket.
• paddleboard.
• water, soda and an aperitif.
• Coast Guard-certified captain guiding in English or Spanish.
• free guarded parking at the Fajardo departure point.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00 and 13:30

Book up to3h before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Audio guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Navea PR Adventure

Is this one for you?Four hours on the water leaves your morning or afternoon free for other plans. Book an early departure if you want the rest of the day ashore, or a midday one if you're building the tour around a beach lunch. The private boat and small group size suit couples and families who want personalized attention without a crowd.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What will I see when I snorkel at Turtle Reef?

Turtle Reef holds vibrant marine life in shallow water where sea turtles often swim. Fish, corals and rays are common, and the water clarity means you can see the bottom without going deep. Snorkeling here is optional, so you can stay on the boat or in the water without a mask if you prefer.

Can I visit both Icacos and Palomino islands on the same tour?

Yes. The tour stops at Turtle Reef first, then moves to Icacos Island for beach time, followed by Palomino Island, where you can walk the shore or photograph it depending on the season and conditions. Palominito, a small island, is viewed from the boat.

Is this snorkeling tour good for beginners?

The tour is designed for beginners. The captain guides you through the experience, snorkeling at Turtle Reef is optional, and the water at the island beaches is shallow and clear. A life jacket is provided, and the small group size means personalized attention.

What's included in the tour price?

Snorkeling equipment, life jacket, paddleboard, water, soda and an aperitif are included. The Coast Guard-certified captain leads the tour in English or Spanish. Free guarded parking at the departure point is also part of the package. Towels, sunscreen and tips are not included.

How long is the snorkeling tour, and when does it depart?

The tour runs four hours and departs from Fajardo. The exact departure time depends on your booking. Contact the operator for available times on your date.

What wildlife might I see during the boat ride?

Sea turtles and manta rays are common sightings as the boat sails between stops, though they're not guaranteed. The captain will point them out when they appear. The reefs and shallow waters also hold colorful fish and coral formations.