Snorkeling in Puerto Rico: Icacos and Palomino islands

Spend a full day in the water and on two of Puerto Rico's best beaches

A full-day boat charter to Icacos and Palomino islands in Puerto Rico includes guided snorkeling at Tortuga Reef, beach time on both islands, and a BBQ lunch with beer and rum punch. The captain and crew handle navigation and setup. You bring a towel and sunblock, and the boat provides snorkeling gear, floats, music, food and drinks for the entire day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Snorkeling and beach visits

• Visit Icacos Island
• Guided snorkeling at Tortuga Reef
• Beach time and lunch at Icacos
• Sail to Palomino Island
• Relax on Palomino beach

The experience

The boat leaves from a private marine and heads to Tortuga Reef first, where you snorkel with a guide through waters that hold the marine life both islands are known for. After the reef, the day moves to Icacos Island for beach time and a BBQ lunch of chicken, pasta salad and bread, with fruit and snacks throughout. Once you've had your fill of sand and water at Icacos, you sail to Palomino Island to spend the remaining hours on its beach before heading back.

Everything is set up for you: snorkeling gear, floats and a floating mat in the water; an umbrella planted in the sand; coolers stocked with Medalla beer, rum punch, sodas, juice and water; and music playing on deck. The crew has years of experience in the area and adjusts the day to what you want. The boat itself is maintained to stay comfortable and clean, and there's a restroom on board. All you need to bring is a towel and sunblock.

The full day runs about seven and a half hours, which gives you real time in the water and on the beach rather than a quick stop at each island. Because the boat is chartered for your group alone, the pace and the schedule are yours to shape within that window.

What’s included

• Snorkeling gear and floats.
• Medalla beer and rum punch.
• BBQ lunch with chicken, pasta salad and bread.
• sodas, juice and water.
• fruit and snacks.
• music and an umbrella.
• restroom on board.
• use of the boat for the full day.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to9h before

GroupPrivate

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.

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Escape To Paradise PR

Is this one for you?The boat departs from a private marine with parking and public transit nearby, so you don't need a car to reach it. The crew handles all the logistics (setup, navigation, food prep), which means you can focus on the water and the beach instead of arranging transport or managing the day yourself.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What will I see when I snorkel at Tortuga Reef?

Tortuga Reef holds the marine life both Icacos and Palomino islands are known for, and the guide leads you through the reef as part of the day's itinerary. The exact species and conditions depend on the season and the day's conditions, but the reef is the reason the islands draw snorkelers.

Do I need snorkeling experience to go?

The snorkeling is suitable for all physical fitness levels, and the crew provides all the gear and a guide at the reef. If you've never snorkeled before, let the crew know when you arrive and they'll help you get comfortable in the water.

What's included in the lunch?

Lunch is a BBQ with grilled chicken, pasta salad and bread, plus fruit and chips throughout the day. Drinks include Medalla beer, rum punch, sodas (Pepsi, 7Up, Diet Coke), Caprisun juice and water, all provided on the boat.

How long is the full day on the water?

The charter runs about seven and a half hours, starting from the private marine and ending when you return. That span covers the snorkeling at Tortuga Reef, beach time on both Icacos and Palomino, and the BBQ lunch.

Is there a bathroom on the boat?

Yes, there's a restroom on board. The marine where the boat departs also has bathrooms and showers if you want to rinse off before or after the day.

What if I don't have a car to get to the marine?

Public transportation options are available near the private marine. The crew can advise on the best route when you book, and parking is available at the marine if you do have a car.