Puerto Rico Islands: Snorkel & Slide Boat Tour with Lunch

Summary

Snorkeling Puerto Rico’s eastern islands with local crew, lunch and rum included

You’ll float out from Fajardo to either Vieques or Icacos Island for a day of snorkeling with a friendly local crew. Expect guided help spotting marine life, fresh lunch onboard with Puerto Rican rum, and plenty of time to soak up sun or swap stories on deck. It’s relaxed but lively—one of those days you’ll replay in your head later.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the color — that wild, impossible blue as we left the marina near Fajardo. The boat cut through water that smelled faintly of salt and sunscreen, everyone half awake but grinning. Our guide, Carlos, joked about his “famous” rum punch before we’d even left the dock (he wasn’t kidding). I picked the morning tour to Vieques Island because someone at my hostel swore by it — said the fish looked like confetti down there. They were right. After about 40 minutes of wind and sun on my arms, we anchored off this little crescent of sand. You could see clear to the bottom — no kidding, like looking through glass.

Carlos handed me a mask and fins, checked if I’d snorkeled before (I had, but not in ages), then led us into the water. There was this moment when everything went quiet except for my own breathing and the distant click-click of parrotfish nibbling coral. He pointed out a sea cucumber — which I’ll admit looked way less gross than I expected — and some kind of electric blue fish darting around my ankles. At one point I tried asking what it was in Spanish and totally blanked; Carlos just grinned and told me its name twice until I got it right. The sun felt different out there — sharper somehow.

Back on deck, someone had already opened up the lunch spread (nothing fancy but honestly hit the spot after swimming), and Carlos poured us little cups of local rum with pineapple juice. People swapped stories about their favorite beaches in Puerto Rico; one woman from Ponce said she comes every year just for this tour. The ride back was slower, maybe because nobody wanted it to end yet. I still think about that view over the side — sunlight flickering on water, salt drying on my skin.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Snorkeling tour to Vieques or Icacos

• Introduction and boat navigation
• Travel to Vieques or Icacos Island
• Guided snorkeling and marine species ID
• Enjoy light lunch and drinks at the bar
• Learn about local history and nature

Top questions

How long does the boat ride take from Fajardo to Vieques or Icacos?

It’s about 35–45 minutes each way by boat from Fajardo marina to either island.

Is hotel pickup included for this snorkeling tour?

Yes, transportation is available from San Juan to Fajardo area only; your driver will contact you before your trip.

Are children allowed on this snorkeling tour?

No, children under 6 years old are not permitted on this tour for safety reasons.

What’s included in the price of this Puerto Rico snorkeling tour?

The price includes free parking at the marina, snorkeling equipment, safety belts, beverages (including local rum), light lunch, and showers at the marina.

Can beginners join this day trip to Vieques or Icacos?

Yes, all experience levels are welcome; guides provide help based on your comfort in the water.

Is lunch provided during the boat tour?

Yes, a light lunch is served onboard after snorkeling along with drinks like soft drinks and Puerto Rican rum.

What should I bring for this boat & snorkel tour?

You should bring swimwear, towel, sun protection (reef-safe sunscreen), any needed medicine, credit card for extras or gratuity—and leave valuables behind since things can get wet.

What happens if there’s bad weather on tour day?

If weather conditions are poor and your trip is canceled, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

What’s included

Your day includes roundtrip transportation from San Juan or Fajardo area (with advance contact from your driver), all snorkeling gear plus safety belts if you want them, free parking and showers at the marina before or after your trip, a light lunch served onboard along with soft drinks and local Puerto Rican rum (for those 21+), plus use of half-bathroom facilities on the vessel so you’re comfortable throughout.