Float, Snorkel and Grill: A Private Day Sail from Fajardo to Icacos and Palomino

Off Fajardo’s shore in eastern Puerto Rico, Private Boat Charter offers small-group trips to Icacos and Palomino Islands that feel like a private, sunlit escape. Departing from Fajardo, Puerto Rico, these four- and eight-hour voyages center on swimming, snorkeling, and long lazy stretches on a large floating mat. The business keeps trips intimate — a maximum of six people including the captain — so you spend the day on clear water instead of in a crowd. The route threads past coral reefs and low limestone keys, bringing you to the sand flats and reef edges that ring Icacos and Palomino. Expect turquoise shallows, patches of hard and soft coral, and sandy beaches that tuck behind low vegetation. Snorkelers can swim among parrotfish, wrasse and the occasional sea turtle; glimpses of southern stingrays and schooling jacks are common. These islands showcase eastern Puerto Rico’s marine geology: exposed reef rock, sandbars formed from biogenic carbonate, and driftwood-smoothed shorelines. Choose a half day (roughly four hours) or a full day (about eight hours). Half-day trips include a fruit plate, cold-cut sandwiches, unlimited soft drinks, snorkeling gear, and the large floating mat. Full-day outings add a BBQ lunch—let the crew know allergies in advance—while keeping the same unlimited drinks and snorkeling setup. Lifejackets are provided for adults; bring child-sized jackets and any personal flotation devices for small children. Children and well-behaved pets are welcome, though infants under one year are not permitted. This operator is a standout in Fajardo’s outdoor scene for how it balances comfort and access. The small-group format means more time anchored at swim spots, personalized route changes for calm water or better snorkeling, and a captain who can adapt the day to tides and weather. For visitors based in Fajardo, the trip is an easy add-on to a stay near the ferry terminals and marinas that send boats to Vieques and Culebra. Practical notes: cancellations due to weather are refundable; communicate dietary restrictions before the trip; bring reef-safe sunscreen and a dry bag. Whether you want to float on a mat with a cooler beside you or spend hours exploring spry reef life, this Private Boat Charter from Fajardo delivers a flexible, family-friendly way to see two of Puerto Rico’s best offshore gems. Mornings typically offer the calmest water and the clearest visibility, so early departures maximize snorkeling and underwater photography. The half-day option suits families with younger children or short itineraries; the full day rewards those who want to BBQ ashore and explore multiple snorkeling spots. Because group size is limited, book early during high season. The captain will advise on currents and anchor in sheltered coves for the smoothest swim and float sessions. Bring binoculars; watch for dolphins too.