Review · BEACH AND SNORKEL TRIPS IN SAN JUAN

Icacos: Luxury Sailing Catamaran All Inclusive Beach and Snorkel

5.0 · 96 reviews From $195 Operated by Sail Getaway · Bookable on Viator
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Puerto Rico looks best from the water. This six-hour sailing trip aboard the 54-foot catamaran Getaway Too combines a beach stop, beginner-friendly snorkeling, water toys, a Puerto Rican lunch, and drinks served through the return sail. I especially like the roomy single-level design and the limit of 49 passengers, which helps the boat feel less packed than many large group excursions.

I also like the food. This is not a token sandwich-and-salad lunch. You get pork, roasted chicken, rice or pigeon peas, several salads, and sweet treats such as coconut and passion fruit sorbet. The main consideration is the snorkeling: it can be brief, and the water may be choppy when weather turns rough. If snorkeling is your main goal, keep your expectations measured.

Key things to know before booking

Icacos: Luxury Sailing Catamaran All Inclusive Beach and Snorkel - Key things to know before booking

  • A spacious 54-foot catamaran: You get sun loungers, shaded seating, private restrooms, water swings, a slide, mats, and plenty of room to move around.
  • A small maximum group of 49: This is still a shared boat trip, but the passenger limit helps reduce crowding during lunch, swimming, and the return sail.
  • A full Puerto Rican lunch: Expect pork, roasted chicken, vegan pigeon peas, green salad, bean salad, pasta salad, and other local-style dishes.
  • Snorkeling for beginners: A guided snorkeling clinic is included, with equipment provided for all ages.
  • Unlimited basic drinks: Water, soda, fruit juice, and tropical rum drinks are included. Beer and premium bar choices cost extra.
  • Strict arrival rule: The meeting point is in Fajardo, and you must arrive one hour before the 8:45 a.m. departure. Arriving late can mean being marked a no-show with no refund.

Why the Fajardo departure matters

Icacos: Luxury Sailing Catamaran All Inclusive Beach and Snorkel - Why the Fajardo departure matters

The tour begins at 200 Ave Marina Vw in Fajardo, on Puerto Rico’s eastern coast. The listed departure time is 8:45 a.m., but the operator requires you to arrive at least one hour early. That means treating 7:45 a.m. as your real arrival time, not a loose suggestion.

This early check-in is important because the boat cannot wait for late arrivals. You should plan your morning around reaching the marina with time to spare, especially if you are coming from San Juan. The activity ends back at the same meeting point after roughly six hours.

Fajardo is a practical base for water trips to the Cordillera Cays. The setting feels more like an island outing than a city harbor cruise. Once the boat pulls away, your day shifts quickly from marina routines to open water, bright beaches, and the easy rhythm of a Caribbean sailing trip.

Bring a towel, wear your swimsuit under your beach clothes, and pack sunscreen. The repeated sunscreen advice is well earned. You have plenty of time in the sun, and a cool breeze can make you forget how much light you are getting.

More Beach and Snorkel Trips in San Juan

Boarding a 54-foot boat with room to spread out

Icacos: Luxury Sailing Catamaran All Inclusive Beach and Snorkel - Boarding a 54-foot boat with room to spread out

The Getaway Too is designed for a full day on the water rather than a quick transfer to a beach. Its single-level layout is especially useful. You do not have to manage stairs every time you want to move between the seating area, shaded spots, water toys, or food service.

The boat includes shaded areas, sun loungers, private restrooms, and comfortable seating for the ride out and back. If you want a quiet stretch, look for a shaded retreat. If you prefer the sun and action, the open seating and water-play areas give you a place to settle in.

The maximum capacity of 49 people is one of the strongest practical features. It does not make the excursion private, but it should make the shared experience easier to handle. You have more room to find a seat, collect lunch, and use the water equipment without feeling as if every activity is happening shoulder to shoulder.

The catamaran also has a social side. Music plays during the day, drinks circulate, and the water toys create an upbeat atmosphere. The mood is best described as a floating beach party with a strong family option, not a quiet sailing lesson.

The sail out to the Cordillera Cays

Icacos: Luxury Sailing Catamaran All Inclusive Beach and Snorkel - The sail out to the Cordillera Cays

The outward sail gives you time to settle in before the main activities begin. You can claim a lounger, sit in the shade, listen to music, or order water, soda, fruit juice, or a tropical rum drink.

The boat visits parts of the Cordillera Cays where you can enjoy beach and water time away from some of the heavier tourist traffic. The exact stop can depend on conditions, so you should think of the route as weather-sensitive rather than fixed to one guaranteed beach.

That flexibility is useful in Puerto Rico, where wind and sea conditions can change the feel of a day quickly. The tradeoff is that the water may be choppy, and the ride may not feel smooth for everyone. If you are sensitive to motion, eat lightly before boarding and keep water close.

The scenery is a major part of the value. You are not only paying for a swim stop. You are also paying for several hours of access to the coast, islands, music, service, food, and a comfortable boat. The view changes constantly, and the trip gives you a fuller sense of Puerto Rico’s eastern waters than a simple beach visit would.

Snorkeling with equipment and a guided clinic

Icacos: Luxury Sailing Catamaran All Inclusive Beach and Snorkel - Snorkeling with equipment and a guided clinic

Snorkeling is included, and the crew provides the equipment and a guided clinic suitable for all ages. That makes this a good choice if you are new to snorkeling or if someone in your group needs a clear introduction before entering the water.

The clinic adds value because beginners often need help with mask fit, breathing, and getting comfortable in the water. You do not need to arrive as an experienced snorkeler to take part.

Still, you should not book this trip expecting a long, specialized snorkeling session. The snorkeling can be minimal, and some people may find that disappointing. Conditions, timing, and the chosen stop all affect what you see.

I would treat snorkeling as one part of a larger day. You may enjoy the beach, floating mats, food, music, and water toys just as much as the fish and reef views. That outlook is especially helpful for mixed groups, where a few people want to snorkel and others mainly want to swim or relax.

The water can also be choppy because of weather conditions. That matters for children, older adults, and anyone who is not a confident swimmer. The experience is described as suitable for most people, but you should still be honest about your comfort in open water.

A completely different kind of day:

Water swings, a slide, and floating mats

Icacos: Luxury Sailing Catamaran All Inclusive Beach and Snorkel - Water swings, a slide, and floating mats

The Getaway Too gives you more to do than simply sit on a beach. The included water equipment includes swings, floating mats, and a water slide. There are also other recreational items such as balls and a Frisbee.

The swings offer a playful way to enter the water, while the slide turns the side of the catamaran into a small water park. The mats are better for taking it easy once you are in the water. This mix works well for groups with different energy levels.

You can spend part of the day being active, then return to the boat for shade, lunch, or a drink. That flexibility is one reason the catamaran works for families and groups of friends. Younger or more energetic passengers have outlets for play, while others can stay comfortable on board.

The water toys also help fill the time if snorkeling is short. That is worth noting. A boat trip built around one activity can feel disappointing if conditions interfere, but this one has several ways to enjoy the stop.

A proper Puerto Rican lunch on board

Icacos: Luxury Sailing Catamaran All Inclusive Beach and Snorkel - A proper Puerto Rican lunch on board

Food is one of the best reasons to choose this excursion over a basic sailing trip. Lunch features pork, roasted chicken, vegan pigeon peas, fresh green salad, bean salad, and pasta salad. The meal reflects Puerto Rican flavors instead of relying on cold cuts or a light boxed lunch.

Specific dishes served on some departures have included pernil, arroz con gandules, pollo asado, bread, and salads. Menus can vary, but the overall approach is clear: you receive a substantial local-style meal rather than a few snacks between swims.

This matters at sea. Six hours of sun, salt water, and activity can leave you hungry, and a real lunch makes the day more comfortable. It also gives the excursion a stronger connection to Puerto Rican culture. You get to taste familiar island dishes in the middle of an island setting, which feels more meaningful than eating a generic meal on a boat.

Fresh fruit and a sweet finish may also appear during the day. On the return sail, coconut and passion fruit sorbet is served as a signature snack. Some departures have included the sorbet in cones, creating a cheerful final treat while the boat heads back toward Fajardo.

Drinks, music, and the return sail

Icacos: Luxury Sailing Catamaran All Inclusive Beach and Snorkel - Drinks, music, and the return sail

Unlimited water, soda, and fruit juice are included throughout the outing. Tropical rum drinks are included during and after lunch. This makes the price easier to understand because you are not constantly adding small drink charges to the bill.

Beer is not included, and premium bar selections cost extra. If you want those options, budget accordingly. For most people, the included drink package should cover the basics and provide the tropical feel the excursion promises.

The crew keeps the atmosphere lively with music, and drink service continues during the return sail. The ride back is not simply dead time after the beach stop. You can relax, talk with your group, enjoy the scenery, and have the sorbet while the boat makes its way back.

The mood may become quite festive. Some departures have included playful moments such as a boat race on the way home. That kind of entertainment is not the main purpose of the trip, but it helps explain why many people treat the excursion as the highlight of their Puerto Rico visit.

If you want a silent, low-key sailing experience, this may not be your best match. Music, rum drinks, water toys, and group energy are central to the day.

The crew and the level of service

Icacos: Luxury Sailing Catamaran All Inclusive Beach and Snorkel - The crew and the level of service

The crew receives especially strong praise for friendliness, attentiveness, and professionalism. You can expect help with snorkeling, water equipment, food, and drinks. The crew also takes an active role in keeping the day organized and safe.

Captain Gabriel is specifically associated with the experience, and his professionalism has earned warm praise. Stephanie is also part of the team mentioned in connection with attentive service. Crew members have been described as energetic without losing their polite, respectful manner.

That service matters on a boat. A good crew can make boarding, swimming, lunch, and returning to the catamaran feel easy. It also helps first-time snorkelers and families who need a little extra direction.

The boat itself is kept clean, and the private restrooms add an important bit of comfort. Six hours is long enough that these practical features become more than luxuries. They make the trip easier for parents, older family members, and anyone who does not want a bare-bones beach transfer.

Is $195 a fair price?

At $195 per person, this is not a budget beach excursion. The value depends on how much of the package you will use.

You are paying for about six hours aboard a large catamaran, a limited capacity of 49 people, snorkeling equipment, instruction, water toys, lunch, nonalcoholic drinks, tropical rum beverages, snacks, music, and service. If you would otherwise pay separately for a boat ride, beach access, lunch, drinks, and equipment, the package becomes easier to justify.

The strongest value comes from the combination. You are not booking only snorkeling, and you are not booking only a catamaran ride. You receive a full day at sea with food and activities built in.

The price is harder to defend if you do not drink, dislike group outings, or mainly want a long snorkeling session. In that case, you may not use enough of the included package to make the cost feel worthwhile.

For families, couples, and groups of friends who want a polished day with few extra decisions, the price can be reasonable. The all-inclusive structure also makes budgeting easier. Just remember that beer and premium bar choices are separate.

Who should book this catamaran trip?

I would recommend it most strongly to:

  • Families who want swimming, food, shade, and water activities in one outing.
  • Friends looking for a social day with music and tropical drinks.
  • Couples who prefer a comfortable boat to a rougher, bare-bones charter.
  • First-time snorkelers who want instruction and equipment included.
  • People who value a real Puerto Rican lunch over a basic boat snack.

You should think twice if you want a quiet sailing trip, a private charter, or a serious snorkeling expedition. The boat can be lively, and the snorkeling may be shorter than you hope.

The tour is also a good option for a birthday or family celebration. The combination of a beautiful beach, attentive service, local food, and water toys gives the day a clear sense of occasion without requiring you to organize each part yourself.

Animals, including service animals, are not allowed aboard the vessels. Most people can participate, but you should also keep the possible choppy water in mind when deciding if this suits your group.

Booking details and cancellation rules

The experience offers mobile tickets and confirmation at booking. You must arrive one hour before the 8:45 a.m. departure at 200 Ave Marina Vw in Fajardo.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund. If poor weather cancels the trip, you can receive a different date or a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number of participants is not reached.

Should you book Sail Getaway Too?

Book it if you want a full, easygoing day on Puerto Rico’s eastern waters, with a comfortable boat, local food, water toys, and drinks included. The limited passenger count, shaded seating, private restrooms, and attentive crew make the $195 price easier to accept.

I would not book it solely for snorkeling. The better reason is the complete package: sail out from Fajardo, spend time at a beautiful cay, swim and play, eat a generous Puerto Rican lunch, then relax with music, drinks, and sorbet on the way home.

Arrive early, bring sunscreen and a towel, and expect the sea to set some limits. If that sounds like your kind of day, this is a strong choice for a memorable group outing.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran tour begin?

The tour begins at 200 Ave Marina Vw, Fajardo, Puerto Rico, 00738.

What time does the tour depart?

The listed departure time is 8:45 a.m. You must arrive at least one hour before departure.

How long does the experience last?

The activity lasts approximately six hours and ends back at the meeting point in Fajardo.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and a guided snorkeling clinic for all ages are included.

What food is included?

Lunch includes pork, roasted chicken, vegan pigeon peas, fresh green salad, bean salad, and pasta salad. Snacks include coconut and passion fruit sorbet on the return sail.

Are drinks included?

Unlimited water, soda, and fruit juice are included. Tropical rum beverages are included during and after lunch. Beer and premium bar selections cost extra.

What happens if the weather cancels the tour?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

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