All-Inclusive Private Charter to Icacos or Palomino Islands

Trade the crowd for your own boat. This four-hour private charter from Fajardo gives you a choice of Icacos or Palominos, guided snorkeling, beach time, and food without the fixed pace of a large boat. I especially like the private setting, which lets your group choose how to spend the day, and the attentive crews, including John, Adriana, Syd, Lolo, and Captain Oscar. The main consideration is time: four hours passes quickly, especially if you want plenty of snorkeling and a long stretch on the beach.

The $750 group price works best when six people share it, bringing the cost to $125 each before any other personal expenses. If your group is smaller, the price rises fast, but you are paying for a private boat, not simply a seat on a shared cruise.

Key points to know before you book

• You choose Icacos or Palominos: The crew takes you to a good snorkeling area, then moves close to your chosen island for beach time.
• The boat is private for up to six people: Your group controls the rhythm, music, swimming breaks, and time spent on the beach.
• Snorkeling help is built in: Equipment and a guided snorkeling session are included, with crew members helping less confident swimmers.
• Food and drinks are included: Expect fruit, ham and cheese sandwiches, snacks, water, juice, Pepsi, 7up, Medalla beer, and rum.
• Two departure windows make planning easier: Choose 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• The strongest praise goes to the crew: Personal attention, safety, good music, and a relaxed manner come up again and again.

A private half-day from Fajardo

This outing begins at Sunbay Marina in Fajardo and returns to the same spot. It is a straightforward setup, but plan your own way to the marina because transportation to the meeting point is not included in the information provided.

You can choose a morning departure from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or an afternoon trip from 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. The morning slot gives you the rest of the day afterward, while the afternoon departure may suit anyone who prefers a slower start. I would choose based on your wider Puerto Rico plans rather than assuming one time is always better.

The boat is reserved for your party, with a maximum of six people. That small capacity matters. You are not waiting for a large group to board, lining up for shared equipment, or following a fixed entertainment schedule designed for strangers. If your group wants quiet swimming, more time in the water, or music during the ride, the crew can shape the outing around you.

The tradeoff is cost. At full capacity, $750 divides neatly to $125 per person. For a family of six or a group of close friends, that is a fair price for a private boat with food, drinks, snorkel equipment, and crew service. For two or three people, it becomes a much more expensive half-day, so compare it with your priorities before booking.

Choosing between Icacos and Palominos

The two island choices promise a similar basic pattern: boat ride, snorkeling, then time near the island’s beach. The best choice may depend on availability, sea conditions, and what the crew recommends on the day. The supplied route information connects Icacos with El Faro de las Cabezas de San Juan and Palominos with the Cabezas de San Juan Natural Reserve, giving the trip a clear connection to the coastal setting around Fajardo.

Icacos for snorkeling and easy beach time

Cayo Icacos is the option most often described in the supplied experiences. The usual rhythm is a guided snorkeling stop followed by time near the white sand. One family stayed at Icacos because they were enjoying themselves and did not want to move on, which tells you something useful about the private format: the day can feel flexible rather than locked to a strict island checklist.

The snorkeling can be a highlight. One group spent about 30 minutes over a reef area and saw plenty of fish. Other groups reported sea turtles, lobsters, and even a manatee, though wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. Conditions, timing, and luck all matter.

If you are new to snorkeling, the crew can give you a refresher before you enter the water. Lolo was praised for guiding a swimmer safely through the coral, while Syd was especially patient with a nervous nine-year-old. That kind of help makes a real difference for families and first-time snorkelers.

After snorkeling, the trip shifts to a slower beach period. Floating mats and noodles are available, along with food, drinks, and, according to one family, a beach umbrella. The supplied details do not promise every comfort on every departure, so I would treat those extras as helpful possibilities rather than guaranteed items unless the operator confirms them.

Palominos for a different island stop

Palominos offers the same private half-day format, with snorkeling first and beach time afterward. The route information places it near the Cabezas de San Juan Natural Reserve, and the crew chooses the best snorkeling spot based on the island selected.

There is less specific detail about the Palominos stop than about Icacos, so choose it because you want that island option, not because you expect a completely different kind of tour. The central benefit remains the same: your own boat, a guided water activity, refreshments, and time to relax near the sand.

If the operator gives you a choice close to departure, ask about sea conditions and the day’s best snorkeling area. The crew’s local judgment is useful here. A private charter has value partly because you can make that choice with the people operating the boat instead of accepting a preset route.

What the four hours actually feel like

The schedule divides naturally into three parts: the ride out, snorkeling, and beach time. The exact length of each part is not fixed, and that is one of the better features of a private charter.

The boat first heads toward a snorkeling area suited to your selected island. Equipment is supplied, and the crew provides a guided session rather than simply handing you a mask and pointing toward the water. You may see fish and reef life, and some groups have encountered turtles, lobsters, dolphins, or a manatee. Those sightings are pleasant surprises, not promises.

After snorkeling, the boat moves near Icacos or Palominos for swimming and beach time. This is when the private arrangement earns its keep. You can linger instead of rushing to the next scheduled activity, and you are not sharing the beach plan with a boatload of people who want something else.

Food and drinks are available during the outing. The package includes fruit, ham and cheese sandwiches, snacks, Pepsi, 7up, juice, and water. It also includes a case of Medalla beer and rum. That is a generous spread for a four-hour trip, though you should still tell the operator about food or drink needs before departure because the stated sandwich option is specific.

The crew also appears to put effort into the small touches. Several accounts praise good music, attentive service, a clean and well-stocked boat, and frequent checks to make sure everyone is comfortable. Those details matter on a short outing because poor service can take over the whole experience, while a relaxed crew lets you focus on the water.

The crew is the real difference

The crew receives unusually strong praise, and the names repeat often enough to help you understand the service style. John, Adriana, Syd, Lolo, Oscar, Angel, Justin, Jamil, Bradley, and Ale are all mentioned positively in the supplied experiences.

The common thread is not flashy entertainment. It is attention. The crew explains safety measures, helps with snorkeling, checks on food and drinks, plays requested music, and keeps the mood easy. Captain Oscar and Matthew were praised for making the outing feel like a choose-your-own-adventure day. John was described as fun and well informed about marine life and safety.

That approach suits a private boat. You are not only buying transport to an island. You are buying a crew that can adjust the outing to your group’s comfort. A confident swimmer may want more water time, while a child or cautious adult may need a slower introduction to the equipment.

The staff also seems willing to help when the unexpected happens. One group stopped to assist a stranded couple during the ride. That is not an advertised part of the trip, and it should not be expected, but it shows the sort of real-world moment that can occur on the water.

Food, drinks, music, and the practical comforts

The included refreshments make the $750 price easier to understand. You do not need to arrange a separate beach lunch for a four-hour outing, and the food is simple enough to eat between swims. Fruit, sandwiches, snacks, and non-alcoholic drinks cover the basics.

The alcoholic package includes Medalla beer and rum. If your group plans to drink, remember that you are still on a boat and in the water. I would enjoy these responsibly and give priority to hydration, especially in Puerto Rico’s warm conditions. The presence of alcohol should not be confused with a party boat atmosphere. The strongest praise centers on relaxed service and private time, not heavy drinking.

Music can be part of the mood, and several groups appreciated being able to hear songs they liked. That is another small advantage over a shared cruise with a fixed playlist. Still, if your group wants a quiet ride, say so. A private charter gives you room to set the tone.

The crew may provide floating mats, noodles, and an umbrella. These were specifically appreciated by families and beach-focused groups. Since the core inclusions officially list snorkel equipment, food, and drinks, confirm any extra beach gear if it matters to your plans.

Who will get the most from this charter

I would recommend this outing most strongly to a group of up to six people who value privacy. Families with children benefit from the ability to slow down, and the crew’s patient snorkeling help is reassuring for a child who feels unsure in open water.

It also suits friends who want a polished beach day without spending the whole time among strangers. You can swim, snorkel, eat, listen to music, and rest without adjusting to a large boat’s timetable.

Couples can enjoy it too, but the price is harder to justify for only two people. The same is true for a small group of three unless privacy is a major part of the holiday budget.

You should also consider your comfort on boats and in the sea. The tour includes snorkeling, but you can decide how much of that activity you want to do. Most participants can take part, and service animals are allowed. The experience requires good weather, so plans may change if conditions are poor.

Timing, cost, and booking advice

The tour lasts about four hours, including the ride and water activities. That makes it easy to fit into a Fajardo day, but do not treat it as a full-day island escape. If your ideal outing includes a long beach stay, a leisurely lunch, and several snorkeling locations, four hours may feel short.

At $750 per group, the math is simple:

• Six people: $125 each
• Five people: $150 each
• Four people: $187.50 each
• Three people: $250 each
• Two people: $375 each

The value improves sharply as your group gets closer to six. You are receiving private use of the boat, a crew, snorkeling gear, food, drinks, and a flexible route. A shared tour may cost less per person, but it will not offer the same control over pace and company.

Free cancellation is available when you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund, and poor weather may lead to another date or a full refund. Confirmation arrives when you book, so keep the details available on your phone. The mobile ticket format is convenient at the marina.

My call: book it if privacy matters

I would book this private charter if I had four to six people and wanted a simple, well-served half-day on the water. The combination of Icacos or Palominos, guided snorkeling, white sand, food, drinks, and a crew that pays attention is hard to beat for a small group.

I would pause if my group had only two people, if I wanted a full-day trip, or if I preferred a large social cruise. The four-hour limit also means you need to choose your priorities. Plan to snorkel and enjoy the beach, but do not expect endless time for both.

For the best value, bring a full group, choose your preferred departure window, and ask about the day’s recommended island and sea conditions. If your family includes a nervous swimmer, tell the crew early. Their patient instruction and close attention may be the part you remember longest.

FAQ

Where does the charter begin and end?

The tour begins at Sunbay Marina, Parcelas Beltran Barrio, Fajardo, Puerto Rico 00738. It ends back at the same meeting point.

How long does the experience last?

The charter lasts approximately four hours.

What departure times are available?

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

Can I choose Icacos or Palominos?

Yes. The experience offers separate half-day charter options for Cayo Icacos and Isla Palominos.

Is the boat private?

Yes. This is a private activity for your group only, with up to six people.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

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

What food and drinks are provided?

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

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If poor weather causes a cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. For other cancellations, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time to receive a full refund.