Private Janise Sailing Full Day Charter in Fajardo, Puerto Rico

The best part of this Fajardo charter is the freedom of a private catamaran day. You sail with only your own group, spend about an hour reaching Palomino or Piñeros, then choose your pace: snorkel, stretch out on the trampoline, swim, eat, or simply sit by the beach. I especially like the secluded snorkeling stops and the onboard barbecue lunch with local ingredients.

I also like that the crew includes a USCG-certified captain and professional first mate, plus a full supply of drinks and snacks. The main consideration is the price: $1,995 for up to six people is sensible for a full private boat, but expensive for one or two passengers. You’ll also need to arrive early, remove your shoes before boarding, and plan around the weather.

Key things to know before booking

• Palomino or Piñeros is about one hour from the marina, leaving plenty of time for water activities once you arrive.
• Your group has the catamaran to itself, with room for up to six people.
• Lunch is prepared aboard, including grilled chicken, yellow rice, green salad, fruit, and snacks.
• Beer, wine, sangria, sodas, coffee, tea, and water are included, so you do not need to pack a cooler.
• A floating lily pad adds an easygoing water feature, especially for people who prefer lounging to snorkeling.
• The full day runs from about 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, with check-in at Puerto del Rey Marina by 8:30 am.

Setting sail from Puerto del Rey Marina

Your morning begins at Puerto del Rey Marina in Fajardo. The stated arrival time is 8:30 am, with boarding planned for 9:00 am, so you should leave room for parking, finding the meeting point, and getting organized before stepping aboard.

The Janise is a Lagoon 380 catamaran. Its two hulls give you a broad, stable platform, while the forward trampoline offers a breezy place to sit as the boat moves through the water. The boat is described as comfortable rather than bare-bones, which matters on an eight-hour outing. You are not signing up for a quick harbor ride. You will spend most of the day on the boat or in the water.

Shoes are not allowed aboard. Wear something easy to remove and bring a separate bag for footwear. The practical packing list is simple: swimsuit, change of clothes, towel, comfortable footwear for the marina and shore, rain jacket, hat or cap, and sunblock. A hat with a chin strap is a smart choice because open water and wind can send a loose cap flying.

The one-hour sail to Palomino or Piñeros

The ride to the islands takes about an hour. That travel time is part of the experience, but it also means the destination matters. The route takes you away from Fajardo and toward the Spanish Virgin Islands, where the day shifts from marina departure to swimming, snorkeling, and beach time.

The exact island is listed as Palomino or Piñeros, so you should not book this expecting one fixed beach or one guaranteed reef. The crew selects the destination and snorkeling location for the day. That flexibility can be useful because conditions on the water change, though anyone hoping to visit a particular island should ask about the plan before departure.

The forward trampoline is a good place to settle in during the crossing. It gives you a close-to-the-water view and a more open feel than sitting inside a cabin. If you prefer shade or a calmer ride, other seating areas are available on the catamaran, though the exact arrangement is not specified.

Snorkeling away from the crowds

Snorkeling is one of the main reasons to choose this charter. Equipment is included, so you do not need to rent a mask, snorkel, or fins separately. The crew takes you to secluded snorkeling spots, creating a quieter experience than a large group boat with many passengers arriving at once.

The description does not promise a particular species, water clarity, or reef condition, and that is worth keeping in mind. Sea conditions and visibility vary. Still, the small-group format gives you a better chance to ask questions, get help with equipment, and return to the boat when you have had enough.

You can also swim without snorkeling. That makes the day more flexible for a mixed group. One person can explore the reef while another relaxes on the catamaran or waits on the beach. The floating lily pad gives you another choice: stretch out on the water, cool off, and enjoy the setting without needing to swim far.

Beach time at Palomino or Piñeros

The island stop is not built around a long list of scheduled sights. Its appeal is the simple combination of white sand, clear water, and time without a tight timetable. You can take a refreshing swim, relax at the beach, or use the stop as a break between snorkeling sessions.

That slower pace is a real benefit on a private charter. You are not being pushed from one photo stop to the next. At the same time, the exact length of the beach visit is not provided, so the crew will shape the day around sailing conditions, snorkeling, lunch, and the return trip.

Bring a change of clothes even if you plan to stay in your swimsuit. After several hours in salt water, dry clothing makes the trip home much more comfortable. A rain jacket is also recommended, since weather can shift during a full day on the water.

Barbecue lunch with Puerto Rican flavors

Lunch is prepared onboard and includes grilled barbecue chicken, yellow rice, green salad, assorted snacks, and fresh fruit. The meal is designed to fit the day rather than interrupt it. You can eat after working up an appetite in the water, then return to swimming or settle into a relaxed afternoon.

The cooking element adds some local character. You are invited to enjoy Puerto Rican flavors through an onboard cooking class, though the details of the class are not specified. Think of it as a chance to see part of the meal come together rather than a formal culinary school lesson.

Food is included in the price, which helps when comparing this charter with cheaper boat trips that charge extra for lunch. The supplied information does not list vegetarian, vegan, allergy-friendly, or other special menus, so you should ask about dietary needs before booking. Do not assume that the standard chicken-based meal will suit every diet.

Drinks, snacks, and the small-group advantage

Beer, wine, sangria, sodas, other refreshing drinks, bottled water, coffee, and tea are included. Snacks and fruit are also provided. For an eight-hour outing, that is more than a minor convenience. You can focus on the day instead of packing food and trying to keep drinks cold.

Alcohol is part of the package, but responsible drinking matters on a boat. Sun, salt water, and alcohol can catch up with you quickly. Drink water throughout the day and use sunblock often, especially after swimming.

The private format is the heart of the product. Up to six people can sail together without sharing the boat with strangers. That works especially well for a family, a group of friends, or a small celebration where you want control over the rhythm of the day.

The tradeoff is cost. At $1,995 per group, the effective price is $332.50 per person for six people. For a full boat, captain, first mate, lunch, drinks, equipment, and eight hours on the water, that can be reasonable. For two people, the cost rises to nearly $1,000 each, making it a luxury choice rather than a casual day trip.

The crew and the feel of the day

The crew includes one USCG-certified captain and one professional first mate. Their roles cover navigation, safety, boat operation, food service, and help with the activities. The available information does not provide their names, so you should not expect to select a particular guide.

The crew is presented as friendly and professional, with safety and comfort as central parts of the day. That matters on a private charter because the quality of the experience depends heavily on how well the crew balances your wishes with weather, sea conditions, and the return schedule.

The day is meant to feel personal rather than formal. You can ask for more time to swim, spend longer relaxing, or simply enjoy the boat, within the limits of the route and conditions. A private charter gives you more say, but it does not mean every request can be granted. The captain has the final word on safe routes and stops.

Timing, weather, and what you should expect

Plan on roughly eight hours from morning departure to afternoon return. You arrive at 8:30 am, board around 9:00 am, reach the island area after about an hour, and sail back to Puerto del Rey Marina for about 5:00 pm.

That schedule makes this a full vacation day. It is not a good choice if you want a short activity before an evening reservation or airport transfer. Give yourself extra time after the boat returns rather than booking anything tight.

Weather matters. The activity requires good conditions, and a cancellation for poor weather brings the choice of another date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund.

Confirmation is provided when you book, and a mobile ticket is available. The marina is near public transportation, and private transportation is not included. You will need to arrange your own way to Puerto del Rey Marina.

Who will enjoy this Fajardo charter most

I would choose this charter for a group that values privacy, food, and flexible time on the water. Six friends can split the cost and create a relaxed day without sharing space with a larger excursion group.

It also suits families who want several activity choices. Strong swimmers can snorkel, people who prefer a gentle swim can use the lily pad, and anyone who needs a break can sit on the catamaran or beach. Most people can participate, according to the tour information, but anyone with specific mobility, medical, or swimming concerns should ask the provider for details before booking.

This is less suitable for a solo visitor or couple on a strict budget. The private price only begins to make financial sense when the boat is close to capacity. It is also not ideal for someone who wants a fixed island, a guaranteed type of marine life, or a tightly scheduled sightseeing program.

Should you book the Janise?

Book it if your group can fill most of the six spaces and you want a private, all-day sailing experience with snorkeling, beach time, a cooked lunch, and drinks included. The strongest reasons are the small group, secluded snorkeling stops, and the freedom to spend the day at an easy pace.

Think twice if you are only two people, need a low-cost excursion, or have strict dietary requirements that have not been confirmed. For the right group, the $1,995 price buys more than transportation to an island. It buys eight hours of private use, crew service, equipment, food, and room to shape the day around your own group.

FAQ

Where does the sailing charter begin?

The charter begins at Puerto del Rey Marina in Fajardo, Puerto Rico, at the listed address area of 00738.

What time should I arrive?

You should arrive at Puerto del Rey Marina by 8:30 am. Boarding is scheduled for 9:00 am.

What time does the charter return?

The boat is scheduled to return to the marina at about 5:00 pm. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

How long is the experience?

The full charter lasts approximately eight hours.

How many people can join the private charter?

The price covers one private group of up to six people. Only your group participates.

Which islands does the boat visit?

The route goes to either Palomino or Piñeros, located about one hour from the marina. The exact island can vary.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Use of snorkeling equipment is included in the charter price.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The included meal features grilled barbecue chicken, yellow rice, green salad, assorted snacks, and fresh fruit.

What drinks are included?

Included drinks consist of beer, wine, sangria, sodas, bottled water, coffee, tea, and other refreshing beverages.

What should I bring?

Bring a swimsuit, change of clothes, towel, comfortable footwear, rain jacket, hat or cap, and sunblock. Shoes must be removed before boarding, so you should have footwear for the marina and shore but expect to go barefoot on the boat.

Is transportation to the marina included?

No. Private transportation is not included. The marina is near public transportation.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted for a refund.