All-Inclusive Private Charter to Icacos or Palomino Islands

Small boats make better island days. This private Fajardo charter gives your group four hours on the water, with a choice of Icacos or Palomino Island, guided snorkeling, beach time, and food already aboard. I like the freedom to set your own pace, and I like that the boat is reserved for only your group of up to six. The main drawback is time: four hours passes quickly, especially if you want both a long snorkel session and a lazy stretch on the sand.

The $750 group price makes the most sense when you can fill the boat. Six people pay $125 each, which is a fair rate for a private outing with equipment, food, drinks, and crew. Smaller groups pay much more per person, so I would compare the total with shared boat trips before booking.

Five useful things to know before you book

• You choose the island: Select Cayo Icacos or Isla Palominos when arranging your charter, then spend time snorkeling and relaxing near that island.
• Two departure windows: Go from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or from 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• Private means flexible: Only your group participates, so the pace can suit your family or friends.
• Food is part of the deal: Expect fruit, ham and cheese sandwiches, snacks, water, juice, Pepsi, 7UP, Medalla beer, and rum.
• Snorkeling has guidance: Equipment is supplied, and the crew provides a guided snorkeling session rather than simply dropping gear in your lap.
• The marina is in Fajardo: Meet at Sunbay Marina in Parcelas Beltran Barrio, then return there at the end.

Leaving Sunbay Marina for a four-hour island outing

Your day begins at Sunbay Marina, Parcelas Beltran Barrio, Fajardo. The trip ends at the same meeting point, which keeps the arrangement simple if you are staying in the Fajardo area or planning another activity afterward.

You have two practical start times. The morning boat runs from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The afternoon option runs from 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. The morning sailing gives you the rest of the day for another plan, while the afternoon departure lets you enjoy a slower start.

The schedule is not built around a long list of formal stops. Instead, the crew takes you to a good snorkeling area first, then moves near your chosen island for beach time. That matters because you are not spending the whole charter shuffling between points on a map. You get a clear rhythm: boat ride, guided snorkeling, island relaxation, and food or drinks as you please.

The route may include views connected with El Faro de las Cabezas de San Juan and the Cabezas de San Juan Natural Reserve. The description lists these as attractions along the Icacos and Palomino routes, but the main purpose is the island and water time, not a land visit to the lighthouse or reserve.

Cayo Icacos: clear water and an easy beach day

Icacos is the better-known choice for many people booking this type of trip, and the feedback from this experience points to a pleasing mix of snorkeling and white sand. The island gives you a place to get off the boat, swim, stretch out, and enjoy the setting without the feel of a large group excursion.

The snorkeling session is guided and equipment is supplied. That is useful for anyone who has snorkeled before but wants help finding marine life, and it is especially helpful for children or first-timers. One family described a crew member patiently helping a nervous nine-year-old, which gives you a good sense of the service style to expect.

The underwater experience can include coral areas and plenty of fish. Sightings are never guaranteed, but people on these outings have seen sea turtles, lobsters, manatees, and dolphins during the wider trip. One group snorkeled for about 30 minutes before moving to Icacos for swimming and drinks. That is a realistic way to think about the day: the snorkeling is a meaningful part of the trip, but the charter is not a dedicated underwater expedition.

I like Icacos for families and mixed groups. One person can swim, another can use the floating mat or noodles, and someone else can simply sit aboard with a sandwich and watch the water. The crew can play music selected by your group, adding a personal touch without turning the trip into a party boat by default.

Isla Palominos: the alternative island choice

Palominos gives you a second island option while keeping the same basic plan. You still receive snorkeling equipment and a guided session, then head near the island for beach time, swimming, and relaxation.

The route is associated with the Cabezas de San Juan Natural Reserve. That setting adds interest to the boat ride, but you should not book this as a reserve tour with a long guided land program. The experience is focused on the water and the island stop.

Choosing Palominos may suit you if you have already visited Icacos or simply want to let the crew recommend the best option for conditions on your date. The supplied details say the crew takes you to the best snorkeling spot depending on the island you choose. That suggests some flexibility in how the water portion is handled, though the island choice itself should be made when you arrange the charter.

Because this is a half-day trip, the practical difference between Icacos and Palominos may be less important than your group’s preference. Ask about current conditions and the planned snorkeling area before departure. The operator can then explain how the four hours will be divided.

What comes with the $750 private charter

The charter costs $750 per group, with up to six people included. At full capacity, that works out to $125 per person. For four people, the effective cost rises to $187.50 each, and for two people it reaches $375 each.

That math tells you who gets the best value: families, two couples, or a group of friends who can fill most or all of the boat. The private setting is the main reason to pay more than a shared trip. You are not joining a boat packed with unrelated groups, and you can spend more time on the activities your own party prefers.

The package includes:

• Fruit
• Ham and cheese sandwiches
• Snacks
• Water
• Juice
• Pepsi
• 7UP
• Snorkeling equipment
• Guided snorkeling
• A case of Medalla beer
• Rum

The food is basic rather than gourmet, but it fits a four-hour outing. Sandwiches give you something substantial, while fruit and snacks work well between swimming sessions. Non-alcoholic drinks are included, and the beer and rum are an unusual bonus for a private island charter.

Use sensible judgment with alcohol. You still need to swim safely, follow crew instructions, and respect the boat rules. The package includes alcoholic drinks, but this is also a guided water activity, not an invitation to spend four hours drinking heavily.

The private boat is the real advantage

A private charter changes the mood of the day. You are not waiting for a large group to finish snorkeling, return from the beach, or agree on the music. The crew can adjust the pace around your group, within the fixed four-hour window and the needs of the route.

The strongest praise for this experience centers on the crew. Captains and crew members named in the feedback include John, Jon, Oscar, Matthew, Syd or Sid, Adriana, Lolo, Angel, Justin, Bradley, Jamil, Red, and Ale. Since assignments can change, you should not assume a particular person will operate your boat, but the repeated pattern is clear: the crew is attentive, friendly, safety-minded, and willing to help.

That personal service shows up in small ways. The crew checks on drinks and snacks, refreshes guests on how to use the snorkel gear, helps guide people through the coral area, and keeps an eye on children who need extra confidence. Music can be chosen by your group, and floating mats and noodles may be available for the beach stop.

The boat has been described as clean, spacious, and comfortable for a small group. It is also described as fast, though speed is not the point of the trip. The useful part is that the boat gets you from Fajardo to the island area without making the transfer feel like the whole day.

Snorkeling, swimming, and time on the sand

The planned order is snorkeling first, followed by time near the island. That is a smart arrangement. You get the active part done while everyone is fresh, then settle into a more relaxed beach period.

A guided snorkel is valuable because the crew can point out marine life and help you move through the area with more confidence. You might see fish and coral, and some outings have produced sightings of turtles, lobsters, dolphins, or a manatee. These are possible encounters, not promises. Sea conditions and wildlife always vary.

After snorkeling, you can swim in the clear water or relax on the white sand. The descriptions of the beach portion suggest a calm, flexible stretch rather than a tightly timed shore visit. One group decided to stay at Icacos because everyone was having such a good time, and the crew accommodated that choice.

You may also find floating mats, noodles, and a beach umbrella available. These details matter if your group includes children or people who want a break from active swimming. Still, ask the crew what equipment is on your specific boat if an umbrella or float is important to your plans.

How the four hours may feel

Four hours is enough for a satisfying taste of the islands, but it is not a full beach day. You have boat travel from Fajardo, a guided snorkeling session, time near the island, and a meal or snacks. If your group wants a lengthy snorkel, a long beach stay, and an unhurried lunch, you may find the clock moving too fast.

The experience works best when you decide your priorities before leaving. A family with young children may prefer a shorter snorkel and more time with floats and noodles. Strong swimmers may want to give snorkeling more of the schedule. A group focused on scenery may spend less time in the water and more time enjoying the ride and beach.

The private format helps, but it does not create extra hours. The crew can tailor the pace, yet the boat still returns to Sunbay Marina at the scheduled end time.

Who will get the most from this trip

I would recommend this charter to you if you value privacy, personal service, and control over the pace. It is a particularly good fit for:

• Families with children
• Couples traveling with another couple
• Groups of friends who want their own music and schedule
• First-time snorkelers who want guidance
• Swimmers who also want an easy beach break
• Anyone who dislikes crowded catamarans

The private boat also suits groups with different energy levels. Not everyone has to snorkel for the same length of time, and the crew can help make the outing comfortable for both active and relaxed participants.

This may not be the best choice if you are traveling alone or as a pair and want the lowest possible per-person cost. A shared boat could be cheaper. It also may not suit you if you want a full-day island stay, a highly structured ecology tour, or a long list of sightseeing stops.

Service animals are allowed, the meeting point is near public transportation, and the activity is suitable for most participants. Confirmation is provided at booking. Those details help, but you should still consider your group’s swimming ability and comfort on a boat before paying.

Weather, timing, and cancellation details

This trip requires good weather. If poor conditions cause a cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund.

You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund. The cut-off follows local Puerto Rico time, so check the clock carefully if you are arranging the trip from another time zone.

I would avoid placing this charter on the final morning of a short Puerto Rico visit. A weather change could force a new date, and you want enough room in your schedule to use that option.

Is this private island charter worth booking?

I would book it if your group can bring five or six people and wants a relaxed island outing without strangers on the boat. The combination of guided snorkeling, beach time, food, drinks, floats, and attentive crew gives the $750 price real value when shared across a full group.

For a smaller party, the math deserves more thought. The experience remains attractive, but the private-boat premium becomes large. In that case, compare shared options, then decide how much privacy and flexibility are worth to you.

Choose Icacos for the familiar mix of snorkeling and white sand, or ask about Palominos if you prefer that route or want the crew’s advice. Book this for a personal half-day on the water, not for a full-day island escape. If that matches your plans, this is one of the stronger ways to enjoy the Fajardo coast.

FAQ

How much does the private charter cost?

The price is $750 per group, with up to six people included.

How long does the experience last?

The charter lasts about four hours.

What departure times are available?

You can choose 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Can I choose between Icacos and Palomino Island?

Yes. The experience offers a half-day charter to either Cayo Icacos or Isla Palominos.

Is the boat shared with other groups?

No. This is a private activity, and only your group participates.

What food and drinks are included?

The package includes fruit, ham and cheese sandwiches, snacks, Pepsi, 7UP, juice, water, a case of Medalla beer, and rum.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and a guided snorkeling session are included.

Where does the charter begin and end?

You meet at Sunbay Marina, Parcelas Beltran Barrio, Fajardo, Puerto Rico. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

What happens if the weather is poor or I need to cancel?

If poor weather cancels the trip, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations within 24 hours are not accepted for a refund.