All inclusive Private Tour to Icacos and Palomino Island

A private 30-foot power catamaran carries your group from Fajardo to Icacos or Palomino Island, with the captain choosing the best stop for that day’s weather. You can swim, snorkel, relax on a beach, and enjoy a simple lunch without sharing the boat with strangers.

I like the flexible format and the useful inclusions: snorkel gear, float belts, a float mat, sandwiches, fruit, chips, water, sodas, beer, and rum drinks. Captains including Angel, Jorge, Nomar, Kyle, and Luis are repeatedly praised for friendly service and for adjusting the outing to suit families and children.

The main caution is the weather. One trip was canceled the same morning because conditions were poor, and another returned early when the weather changed. Also, the advertised piña coladas or rum drinks may not always be available, so confirm your drink choices before leaving the marina.

Key Points Before You Book

• Private boat for your group: The trip is reserved for your party, with a maximum of six people at the listed $850 group price.
• Two island choices: The captain selects Icacos or Palomino, plus swimming and snorkeling areas based on the day’s weather.
• Four hours on the water: The outing includes boat time, a beach stop, swimming, and snorkeling, but the exact order can change.
• Food and drinks included: Expect deli sandwiches, chips, fruit, water, sodas, beer, and rum-based drinks.
• Family-friendly water gear: Snorkels, float belts, a float mat, and United States Coast Guard certified safety equipment are provided.
• Optional water scooters: Seabob or water scooter rentals are available for an added fee and must be arranged separately.

Leaving Fajardo on a Private Power Catamaran

The trip begins at Safe Harbor Puerto Del Rey, at 4900 State Road 3, kilometer 51.4, in Fajardo. Free parking is provided, and the activity ends back at the same marina, which keeps the day simple if you are staying in or around eastern Puerto Rico.

The boat is a 30-foot power catamaran. That matters because you get a proper private vessel without signing up for a large shared cruise. Your group has the captain’s attention, room to settle in, and a better chance of shaping the pace of the day.

You are paying $850 per group, up to six people. For six, that works out to about $142 per person. For two people, the per-person cost is much higher, so this outing makes the most financial sense for a family or group of friends that can fill the boat.

The four-hour length is also worth weighing. It is long enough to reach the islands, spend time in the water, eat, and return without giving up an entire day. It is not a full-day charter, so you will still have time for dinner or another activity in Fajardo.

The crew members named in the available information include Angel, Jorge, Nomar, Kyle, and Luis. Service can vary by captain, but the strongest pattern is personal attention. Angel is praised for helping families with children and a baby, while Nomar receives special credit for guiding a snorkeling outing and keeping safety in view. Jorge is described as warm and attentive, and Kyle is noted for making the trip easy and flexible.

Choosing Between Icacos and Palomino Island

You do not get a rigid, guaranteed island schedule. The captain decides between Icacos and Palomino, along with the best swimming and snorkeling areas, after considering the weather and sea conditions.

That flexibility is a real benefit in Puerto Rico. Water conditions can change, and a captain who adjusts the plan can often give you a better and safer day than a boat that follows the same route no matter what. The trade-off is that you cannot book this experience expecting one exact beach, one fixed snorkeling site, or a precise order of stops.

Cayo Icacos is presented as a beach and snorkeling destination with clear, turquoise water. The swimming areas are generally around 3 to 5 feet deep, which is useful for families, less confident swimmers, and anyone who mainly wants to float near shore.

Palomino offers the same basic appeal: a beach setting, swimming, and time in the water. One family outing to Palomino included five adults and three children, with the captain paying close attention to the younger members of the group. The trip was especially praised for smooth service from the marina to the return.

Since no fixed island is promised, ask about the expected destination when you confirm your booking. If you have your heart set on Icacos or Palomino, understand that weather and water conditions may change that plan.

Beach Time in Three to Five Feet of Clear Water

The beach stop is the heart of the outing. The water near the swimming areas is usually shallow, clear, and turquoise, with depths around 3 to 5 feet. You can wade, swim, float, or simply sit in the water while the crew sets out food and drinks.

The float belts and large float mat are handy here. You do not need to be a strong swimmer to enjoy the stop, though normal care is still needed. The boat carries United States Coast Guard certified safety equipment, and children as young as one year old may participate according to the supplied tour information.

The beach is also where the private format pays off. You can spend longer in the water if everyone is enjoying it, or move on if your group has had enough sun. A shared boat usually has to follow a schedule built for many people. Here, the captain can respond to your group’s needs within the limits of weather, time, and safe boating.

Bring sunscreen and use it often. One guest specifically advised reapplying it, and that is practical advice for any bright day on open water. The combination of sun, reflected light, salt water, and wind can catch you off guard, even if the air does not feel especially hot.

Snorkeling Without Packing Half Your Beach Bag

Snorkeling equipment is included, so you do not need to rent a mask and snorkel before arriving. The captain selects the snorkeling area based on conditions, and one of the captains is specifically praised for taking care of the group during the snorkeling portion.

That does not mean every outing will have the same underwater visibility. Weather can change the water, and a captain may skip the snorkeling stop or return early if conditions turn poor. One family still considered the day a favorite after the weather forced the boat to cancel the snorkeling portion.

This is a good choice if snorkeling is one part of your day rather than the entire purpose of your trip. You get beach time and swimming as a backup, so the outing does not depend on perfect underwater conditions.

The boat also carries float belts and a float mat. These are especially useful if some people in your group want to relax while others snorkel. You can split up for a short time without making the whole group sit on the beach.

What Is Served on the Boat

The food is simple and practical. The included meal consists of turkey, ham, or vegetarian deli sandwiches, along with chips and fruit. You can also bring food of your own choosing, which is helpful for picky eaters, dietary restrictions, or a group that wants more than sandwiches.

Water and sodas are included, as are beer and rum-based drinks. The description also mentions piña coladas, but one outing did not offer them, and the provider acknowledged that this should have been handled better. If a particular drink matters to you, ask the captain before departure rather than assuming every option will be stocked.

The provider asks you to report allergies. Take that seriously. Tell them in advance if anyone needs a specific food option, and consider bringing a safe backup if your needs are strict. The included food is convenient, but it should not be treated as a custom catering service.

Eating on a private boat is less formal than a restaurant lunch, which is part of the charm. You can have a sandwich after swimming, grab fruit between stops, and keep the day moving without searching for a beach café.

The Extra-Cost Water Scooter Option

Water scooter rentals are available for an additional fee. A guest specifically singled out the Seabob as a lot of fun, but the price is not provided in the supplied details, so you should ask for the current rate before booking or paying.

This add-on is best for a group that wants a burst of active fun beyond ordinary snorkeling. It is not necessary for enjoying the islands, beach, or included equipment. If your group includes young children, confirm age and safety requirements directly before arranging a scooter.

The extra cost can affect the value calculation. At $850, the base charter already includes the boat, captain, food, drinks, and water equipment. Add-ons can push the total well above the advertised group price, so decide in advance how much your group actually wants to spend.

How Weather Can Change the Day

This experience requires good weather. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you are offered a different date or a full refund. That policy is fair, but a same-day cancellation can still cause trouble if you are visiting during a busy period.

One booking was canceled on the morning of the trip, leaving the group looking for another activity at short notice. The provider’s position was that the cancellation was made to avoid sending people out in poor conditions. Both points can be true: the safety call may be sensible, while the timing can still disrupt your plans.

I would avoid placing this trip on the single most important day of a short Puerto Rico visit. If you have flexibility, schedule it early enough in your stay to allow a second chance if weather cancels the first attempt.

The same issue applies during the tour. A family outing skipped snorkeling and returned early because conditions changed, but the group still enjoyed the beach and boat ride. That is the right mindset for this charter: you are booking time on the water, not a guarantee of perfect sea conditions or a fixed list of stops.

Who Gets the Best Value

This charter suits families, couples traveling with friends, and small groups that want privacy. It is particularly practical if different people want different things: some can snorkel, others can float, and children can stay in the shallow swimming area.

The private format also helps if you dislike crowded boats or want to control the pace. Several outings were adjusted around family needs, including one with children and a baby. The crew’s attention to safety and comfort is a major part of the value.

It is less attractive for solo visitors or a couple who would need to pay the full group rate. In that case, a shared boat could cost less, even if it offers less privacy and flexibility.

It may also disappoint you if you expect a luxury yacht, a long gourmet lunch, or a guaranteed cocktail menu. This is a practical powerboat outing with casual food and drinks. The appeal comes from the private setting, the islands, and the freedom to adjust the day, not from polished resort service.

Booking, Cancellations, and Practical Details

Confirmation is provided at booking, and a mobile ticket is available. The meeting point has a bathroom, free parking, and access to public transportation. Service animals are allowed, and the activity is described as suitable for most people.

Children from age one can participate. Tell the operator about allergies and any special needs ahead of time. Since the boat trip includes swimming and snorkeling, bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and any personal items you need for several hours outside.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the local start time. Canceling or changing the booking within 24 hours means no refund, except when the provider cancels because of poor weather. In that case, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

Should You Book This Fajardo Boat Charter?

I would book this trip if you have four to six people, want a private boat, and care more about relaxed island time than a fixed sightseeing schedule. The included food, drinks, snorkeling gear, and floats reduce the amount you need to organize, while the captain can choose between Icacos and Palomino based on the day’s conditions.

I would think twice if your budget is tight for a small party, if you need a guaranteed snorkeling session, or if specific cocktails are central to your plans. Ask about the island choice, drink supply, and any water scooter fee before you go.

For a family or small group willing to accept some weather-related uncertainty, this is a strong way to reach Puerto Rico’s eastern islands without sharing the boat with a crowd. Schedule it with a little flexibility, pack serious sunscreen, and treat the captain’s route choice as part of the experience.

FAQ

Where does the private boat tour begin and end?

The tour starts at Safe Harbor Puerto Del Rey, 4900 State Road 3, Kilometer 51.4, in Fajardo. It ends back at the same meeting point.

How long does the tour last?

The activity lasts approximately four hours.

How many people can join the private tour?

The listed price of $850 covers a private group of up to six people.

Are food and drinks included?

Yes. The trip includes turkey, ham, or vegetarian sandwiches, chips, fruit, water, sodas, beer, and rum-based drinks. You may also bring additional food.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment, float belts, a float mat, and United States Coast Guard certified safety equipment are included.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor conditions, you can select another date or receive a full refund. Free cancellation is also available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.