All inclusive Private Tour to Icacos and Palomino Island

The best part of this Fajardo boat trip is the freedom to shape the day around your group. You are not tied to a large tour boat or a fixed island schedule. Your captain can choose an Icacos or Palomino stop, adjust the timing, and look for the calmest water available that day. Captain Angel, Jorge, Nomar, Kyle, and Luis have all guided this private charter.

I like the small-group format, which makes the four-hour outing feel personal rather than crowded. I also like the practical inclusions: deli sandwiches, fruit, chips, beer, rum drinks, soda, water, snorkeling gear, float belts, a float mat, and certified safety equipment. You can arrive ready to enjoy the water instead of packing a full beach kit.

The main consideration is weather. The route and snorkeling stops can change, and a trip may be canceled for poor conditions. The short duration also means this is a focused half-day boat outing, not a full-day island expedition.

Key Points Before You Book

• Private 30-foot power catamaran: Your group has the boat to itself, with space for up to six people.
• Icacos or Palomino by local conditions: The captain chooses the best stop and swimming area for the day.
• Shallow turquoise water: Many swimming spots are around 3 to 5 feet deep, useful for families and casual swimmers.
• Food and drinks included: Sandwiches, snacks, beer, rum drinks, piña coladas, soda, and water are provided.
• Snorkeling and floating gear onboard: You can use snorkels, float belts, and a float mat without renting basic equipment.
• Four hours goes quickly: Plan to spend the time in the water, on the beach, and aboard the boat rather than trying to see every nearby island.

Leaving Safe Harbor Puerto del Rey in Fajardo

The trip begins at Safe Harbor Puerto del Rey, at 4900 State Road 3, Kilometer 51.4, in Fajardo. Free parking is included, and the activity returns to the same meeting point after the boat ride.

Fajardo is the practical departure point for trips to the nearby cays. Once aboard the 30-foot power catamaran, you head out toward Icacos or Palomino. The boat itself matters here. A private charter gives you room to settle in with your own family or friends, and you do not have to match the pace of a large mixed group.

The stated duration is about four hours. That is enough time for a boat ride, a swim, snorkeling, and some beach time, but you should keep your expectations realistic. This is not a long island-hopping cruise with hours at several different beaches.

You will want to arrive with sunscreen, a hat, a towel, and anything your group needs for the ride. The boat provides food, drinks, safety gear, and water equipment, but the information does not promise every personal beach item. Reapply sunscreen during the outing, especially after swimming.

Choosing Between Icacos and Palomino

The two named island stops give the charter some useful flexibility. You are not promised one exact beach regardless of conditions. Instead, the captain selects among spots around Icacos or Palomino based on the weather and the water that day.

Cayo Icacos is the main stop described for the outing. Its appeal is simple: clear water, beach time, and easy access to swimming and snorkeling. You can spend part of the visit in the water and part on shore, making it a good fit for a group with mixed interests.

Palomino offers the same basic kind of day, with beach areas and calm water for swimming. One family group found the island especially suitable for a mix of adults, children, and a baby, with the captain paying close attention to everyone’s comfort. That does not mean every trip will feel identical, since weather and sea conditions affect the route.

The captain may also change the order or length of the stops. A group that prefers swimming can spend more time in the water. Another group may want more beach time or a shorter snorkeling session. That flexibility is one of the main reasons to choose a private charter instead of a standard group excursion.

Swimming in Three to Five Feet of Clear Water

The swimming areas are often around 3 to 5 feet deep, with clear turquoise water. That shallow depth can make the day easier for children and adults who are not strong swimmers, though parents still need to supervise children closely.

The float belts and float mat add comfort rather than replacing good judgment. You can use them while relaxing in the water or taking a break from snorkeling. The boat also carries United States Coast Guard certified safety equipment.

The water is the star of the experience, but conditions can change. One family had to skip a snorkeling location and return early because the weather did not cooperate. They still enjoyed the day, but that example is a useful reminder: the captain may shorten or alter the outing when conditions are not suitable.

You should also expect sun exposure. The open water and pale sand reflect heat, and four hours can feel longer than expected without regular sunscreen use. Bring reef-safe sunscreen if you have it, and keep your belongings organized so wet gear does not become a nuisance.

Snorkeling Without Extra Rental Costs

Snorkeling equipment is included. That saves you the trouble of arranging masks and snorkels separately, and it lets you decide on the day how much time you want to spend looking underwater.

The captain takes the group to a snorkeling area selected according to the weather. This is important because the best location is not always the same from one day to the next. Water conditions, wind, and comfort in the boat all affect the choice.

Captain Nomar received especially warm praise for staying attentive to safety during snorkeling. That is the right way to think about this part of the trip. You get equipment and guidance, but you remain responsible for your own swimming ability and for keeping watch over children in your group.

If snorkeling is your main reason for booking, ask about current conditions when you arrive. The charter includes the activity, but it cannot guarantee clear water or a specific reef area. If you prefer floating, beach time, and swimming, the trip still works well even when snorkeling is cut short.

Sandwiches, Fruit, Beer, and Rum Drinks

The food is straightforward and suited to a hot day on the water. The charter provides turkey, ham, or vegetarian sandwiches, along with chips and fruit. You can also bring food that suits your preferences, which is useful for picky eaters, dietary needs, or a group that wants a larger meal.

Drinks include soda and water, plus beer and rum-based drinks. Piña coladas or rum drinks are listed among the inclusions. One outing did not offer the advertised rum drinks, and the operator acknowledged that this should have been handled better. I would confirm the drink options before departure if that part of the package matters to you.

The food is not a restaurant meal, and it is not meant to be. It is convenient boat-day fare that keeps you from needing to leave the island in search of lunch. Tell the operator about allergies when booking. The information specifically asks passengers to report allergies in advance.

Alcohol is included, but you still need to use common sense around boats and swimming. If children are in your group, the nonalcoholic drinks and sandwiches make the package easier to manage, while adults can choose beer or rum drinks.

What the Captain Adds to the Day

A private boat tour succeeds or fails partly on the captain. Here, the named captains include Angel, Jorge, Nomar, Kyle, and Luis. The feedback describes them as friendly, attentive, and willing to adjust the outing around the group.

Captain Angel appears often in the trip details, including a family outing where the timing of each stop was adjusted to fit the group. Another family credited Angel and Luis with making everyone feel well cared for. Captain Kyle was praised for making the most of a Caribbean Sea outing, while Captain Nomar focused closely on snorkeling and safety.

Those details point to the strongest feature of the charter: personal attention. You can ask for a slower beach stop, more swim time, or a different balance between snorkeling and relaxing. The captain still makes the final call on safety and conditions, but the day is not run like a rigid conveyor belt.

Communication matters, especially if you have children, an older family member, a food allergy, or a strong preference for snorkeling. Share those needs before departure. The tour allows children age one and older, and service animals are allowed. A bathroom is available.

The Optional Water Scooter and Seabob Question

Water scooter rentals are available for an additional fee. The supplied information does not give the rental price, length of use, or exact equipment terms, so ask before paying.

One outing also praised a Seabob as a fun add-on. Since the standard description names water scooters rather than promising a Seabob on every trip, treat this as an optional possibility, not a guaranteed inclusion.

These extras may appeal to active groups, but they are not needed for a good day. Snorkeling gear, float belts, and a float mat are already included. If your group mainly wants beach time and swimming, the base charter should cover the essentials without adding another charge.

Is $850 a Good Value for Six People?

The price is $850 per group for up to six people. At the full group limit, that works out to about $142 per person. For a smaller group, the per-person cost rises quickly, so the value depends heavily on how many people join you.

The package includes a private boat, captain, parking, food, alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks, snorkeling equipment, float belts, a float mat, and safety equipment. A family or group of six can spread the fixed cost across everyone while also getting privacy and control over the schedule.

I see the strongest value for a group that would otherwise book several seats on a crowded boat. You are paying for control as much as for transportation. Your group can talk, eat, swim, and rest without sharing the day with strangers.

For two people, the price is harder to justify unless privacy is the main goal. A shared trip may cost less, though it will not offer the same control over the route or timing. The optional water scooter rental also raises the total, so set your budget before adding extras.

Who Will Enjoy This Private Boat Charter Most?

This outing suits families, couples, and friend groups that value privacy and a relaxed pace. Children age one and older can participate, and the shallow swimming areas may work well for a family group. Parents should still supervise children at all times, particularly around the boat and open water.

It also suits mixed groups. One person can snorkel while another floats, and someone else can stay on the beach. The captain can adjust the stops, so your group does not have to agree on one single activity for the entire four hours.

I would choose this trip if you want a half-day on the water with food and drinks already arranged. I would look elsewhere if you want a long sailing day, a guaranteed snorkeling reef, a full meal, or a fixed route that will not change with weather.

The boat has a bathroom, and the marina is near public transportation. Most people can participate, but the description does not provide detailed information about wheelchair access or boat boarding assistance. If you have mobility concerns, ask the operator before booking.

Weather, Cancellations, and Sensible Planning

Good weather is required. If poor conditions cancel the trip, you are offered another date or a full refund. That policy is useful, but a last-minute cancellation can still disrupt a vacation schedule, especially during a busy period when other boats are already booked.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made inside 24 hours are not refunded or accepted, except when the operator cancels because of weather.

I would avoid scheduling this as the final activity before an evening flight. A weather change can affect the plan, and the trip returns to the marina only after the boat outing ends. Give yourself breathing room.

The same advice applies to booking another activity on the same day. Four hours is approximate, and sea conditions can affect the timing. A flexible morning or afternoon plan will make the day less stressful.

FAQ

Where does the private boat tour begin?

The tour begins at Safe Harbor Puerto del Rey, 4900 State Road 3, Kilometer 51.4, in Fajardo, Puerto Rico.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the same meeting point at Safe Harbor Puerto del Rey.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts approximately four hours.

How many people can join the private charter?

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

Are food and drinks included?

Yes. The trip includes turkey, ham, or vegetarian sandwiches, chips, fruit, soda, water, beer, and rum-based drinks or piña coladas. You may also bring food you prefer.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment, float belts, a float mat, and certified safety equipment are included.

Can children join the tour?

Yes. Children age one and older can participate.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

You will be offered a different date or a full refund if the experience is canceled because of poor weather. If you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time, you can receive a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.

Should You Book the Icacos and Palomino Charter?

I would book this private tour for a group of four to six people that wants a flexible, easy boat day from Fajardo. The strongest reasons are the private boat, attentive captains, shallow swimming areas, and generous practical inclusions.

Book it with a clear understanding that weather controls the route and that four hours passes quickly. Confirm allergy needs, drink availability, and the cost of any water scooter before departure. If your group values time together more than a fixed sightseeing checklist, this charter offers a comfortable way to enjoy Icacos or Palomino without the crowds.