Icacos: Luxury Sailing Catamaran All Inclusive Beach and Snorkel

The best part of this six-hour sailing trip is the boat itself. Getaway Too is a 54-foot catamaran with a water slide, swings, floating mats, shaded seating, daybeds, and private restrooms. You can be active for ten minutes, then stretch out with a drink and watch the green hills of Puerto Rico slip past. The 49-person limit helps keep the boat from feeling like a floating bus.

I especially like the authentic Puerto Rican lunch, which includes pork, roasted chicken, rice and beans, salads, and other local dishes rather than a basic sandwich. I also like the easy mix of activities and downtime. You can join the guided snorkeling clinic, play in the water, or simply sit under cover. The main caution is that snorkeling conditions and time in the water depend on weather, and some days may bring choppy seas or only modest underwater viewing.

Quick points about the Icacos catamaran cruise

• A spacious 54-foot catamaran: Getaway Too offers one-level seating, sun loungers, shaded areas, private restrooms, and room to move around.
• A smaller maximum group: The boat carries no more than 49 people, a useful feature for a full-day outing on a popular stretch of coast.
• Water toys for active swimmers: Use the slide, water swings, mats, floats, balls, and Frisbees during the beach stop.
• Puerto Rican food at sea: Lunch includes pork, roasted chicken, vegan pigeon peas, fresh green salad, bean salad, and pasta salad.
• Open bar with limits: Water, soda, fruit juice, and tropical rum drinks are included. Beer and premium bar selections cost extra.
• A beginner-friendly water session: A guided snorkeling clinic is provided for all ages, though the quality of the snorkeling varies with conditions.

From Fajardo to the Cordillera Cays

The day begins at 200 Ave Marina Vw in Fajardo, not in central San Juan. The listed start time is 8:45 a.m., but you need to arrive one hour before departure. That early arrival rule is strict: arriving late can mean being marked as a no-show with no refund.

This matters if you are staying in San Juan. Fajardo sits on Puerto Rico’s eastern coast, so you should allow extra time for the drive. The reward is a quick start into the waters around the Cordillera Cays, an island chain known for pale beaches and clear water.

Once aboard, the design of the catamaran becomes important. A single-level layout makes it easier to find a seat, move between the shaded and sunny areas, and keep an eye on children. Private restrooms are another small but valuable touch on a six-hour boat trip. You will not need to sacrifice comfort for the beach setting.

The boat offers a social atmosphere, with music, drinks, and crew service throughout the day. It is not a quiet sailing lesson. If you want a peaceful, silent trip focused only on birds and sea views, this may feel lively. If you like a beach party with plenty of places to sit down, the format works well.

The first water stop: snorkeling for beginners

The first main stop is set up for swimming and snorkeling. The crew provides equipment and leads a snorkeling clinic for all ages, making this a good choice if you are new to using a mask and snorkel. You get instruction before heading into the water, rather than being left to figure everything out alone.

The water near the cays can be wonderfully clear, and the setting is the main attraction. You may see fish and reef life, but you should keep expectations sensible. Snorkeling is controlled by wind, waves, visibility, and the precise anchorage chosen that day. One published experience described the snorkeling as minimal, which is a fair warning for anyone choosing this trip mainly for underwater wildlife.

I would treat the snorkeling as one part of a broader beach day, not as a dedicated reef expedition. Strong swimmers can spend more time in the water, while beginners can use the instruction and stay close to the boat. If conditions turn choppy, the crew may need to adjust the activity for safety.

The catamaran’s water equipment gives you other ways to enjoy the stop. You can use the floating mats, swim from the boat, or take a turn on the water swings. The slide adds a playful touch, especially for families and groups of friends. There are also balls and Frisbees for casual games in the water.

Bring sunscreen and reapply it. The combination of reflected sun, open water, and a long day outside can catch you quickly, even if you spend plenty of time under the canopy. Wear your swimsuit under your beach clothes, and bring a towel.

Icacos and the second beach stop

The itinerary also includes time at a beautiful beach or island stop around Icacos and the Cordillera Cays. The appeal here is simple: pale sand, warm water, and room to swim or lie on the shore without the steady movement of the boat beneath you.

The second stop is less about organized instruction and more about choosing your own pace. You can walk along the beach, swim, use the water toys, or sit with a drink. This flexibility is one of the strongest reasons to choose the trip over a short snorkeling-only outing.

You should not expect a private island experience. Icacos is a popular destination, and conditions can change from day to day. Still, the limited boat capacity helps once your group reaches the shore. The experience feels more comfortable when you can return to a roomy catamaran with shade, seating, and a restroom.

The time on the island is important. Several parts of the day compete for your attention: snorkeling, lunch, water toys, music, drinks, and beach time. If your priority is a long, uninterrupted stretch on the sand, ask the crew about the exact timing when you arrive. The schedule may shift with weather and sea conditions.

Lunch with pernil, pollo asado, and local sides

Lunch is a real strength of this outing. The advertised meal includes pork, roasted chicken, vegan pigeon peas, fresh green salad, bean salad, and pasta salad. Experiences on board have also included arroz con gandules, pernil, pollo asado, bread, fruit, and other traditional dishes.

That menu gives you a proper taste of Puerto Rico rather than the usual cold cuts and chips found on many boat trips. Pernil, or seasoned roast pork, is a familiar Puerto Rican favorite, while arroz con gandules is a classic rice dish often served at celebrations and family meals.

The meal suits a mixed group. Meat eaters have pork and chicken, while the pigeon peas and salads offer plant-based choices. The available information does not promise a full special-diet menu, so if you have serious allergies or strict dietary needs, ask before booking.

Food is served as part of the all-inclusive experience, but the day is not limited to one meal. Fruit and snacks are included, and the return sail features coconut and passion fruit sorbet served in a cone. That frozen treat is a smart finish after a sunny afternoon in salt water.

Drinks, music, and the return sail

The beverage package includes unlimited water, soda, fruit juice, and tropical rum drinks served during and after lunch. Piña coladas are among the drinks associated with the trip, and the crew keeps the service moving during the day.

Beer is not included. Premium bar selections also cost extra. This distinction matters because the phrase all-inclusive can sound broader than it is. You will have plenty of included nonalcoholic drinks and tropical rum beverages, but beer drinkers and anyone seeking premium labels should budget for additional charges.

Music helps set the tone. The boat has a party-friendly feel, with a playlist designed for a social day on the water. Some people will love that energy. Others may prefer a quieter boat, especially during the sail between stops. The best seats for a calmer break are likely the shaded or more tucked-away areas, though the exact sound level depends on the crew and group.

The return sail includes the sorbet snack and more time to relax. A playful boat race has been part of at least one sailing, but that should be treated as a possible bit of entertainment rather than a guaranteed feature. The boat returns to the same Fajardo meeting point where the day began.

What the $195 price really covers

At $195 per person, this is not a bargain boat ride. It is priced as a full-service day on a large catamaran, with food, drinks, equipment, guided instruction, beach access, and water toys included.

The value improves if you plan to use the package. A person who enjoys snorkeling, swimming, lunch, several drinks, and a full afternoon on the beach may find the price reasonable. You are paying for the boat’s space and comfort as much as for transportation to Icacos.

The price is less attractive if you do not drink, dislike music, or plan to spend the day sitting quietly on the sand. You might get better value from a simpler boat trip or a land-based beach outing. The included meal is a meaningful advantage, especially for anyone who wants local food rather than packing lunch.

The 49-person limit also affects the calculation. A cheaper boat that loads many more people can leave you competing for seating, shade, restrooms, and water equipment. Here, the higher price buys a more comfortable setting, though it does not guarantee solitude.

Service, safety, and comfort aboard Getaway Too

The strongest part of the experience is the crew’s attention. The captain and staff are repeatedly praised for being friendly, professional, energetic, and helpful with drinks and equipment. Captain Gabriel and crew member Stephanie have received especially warm recognition, so you may encounter a familiar team if they are assigned to your sailing.

The crew also provides the snorkeling clinic and manages the water activities. That is useful for families, first-time snorkelers, and anyone who feels uncertain about entering open water. The captain’s decisions matter when the sea becomes rough, and the tour notes clearly warn that water can be choppy.

The boat has room for both activity and rest. Use the daybeds and loungers when you want sun, then move into a shaded area when the heat becomes too much. The boat’s clean condition and ample seating have been important parts of the experience for many people.

Animals, including service animals, are not permitted on board. Most people can participate, but you should be comfortable with a boat environment, swimming or floating in open water, and possible movement from waves.

Who will enjoy this six-hour sailing day?

I would recommend this trip most strongly to families with older children, couples who want a polished beach day, and groups of friends who enjoy music, drinks, and water activities. It also works for mixed groups because not everyone has to snorkel or use the slide.

The trip can suit beginners better than a technical snorkeling excursion. The guided clinic lowers the barrier to entry, and you can spend the rest of the day on the beach or catamaran if snorkeling does not appeal.

It may not be the right fit for you if you want a very quiet sail, a serious reef-focused outing, or a guaranteed wildlife encounter. It is also a poor match if you cannot reach Fajardo early in the morning. The one-hour arrival rule leaves little room for a late start.

Weather is another key factor. The excursion requires good conditions, and poor weather can lead to a different date or a full refund. If you cancel, you need to do so at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund.

Should you book the Icacos catamaran cruise?

I would book it if you want a comfortable, social day that combines Puerto Rican food, beach time, and water toys in one package. The roomy catamaran, shaded seating, private restrooms, attentive crew, and included drinks make the price easier to justify than it first appears.

Go in knowing that snorkeling is not always the star. Sea conditions can limit visibility, and the day is better understood as an all-around catamaran and beach outing. Arrive early, pack sunscreen and a towel, and choose this trip for the complete experience rather than for reef viewing alone.

FAQ

Where does the Icacos catamaran tour depart?

The tour departs from 200 Ave Marina Vw in Fajardo, Puerto Rico.

What time does the tour start?

The listed start time is 8:45 a.m. You must arrive one hour before departure. Late arrival can result in being marked as a no-show without a refund.

How long does the experience last?

The sailing and beach experience lasts approximately six hours and returns to the original meeting point.

How many people can join the catamaran?

The tour has a maximum capacity of 49 people.

Are food and drinks included?

Yes. The package includes unlimited water, soda, and fruit juice, plus tropical rum beverages served during and after lunch. Lunch includes pork, roasted chicken, vegan pigeon peas, and several salads. Beer and premium bar selections cost extra.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with a guided snorkeling clinic for all ages.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel, sunscreen, and a swimsuit worn beneath your beach clothes. The water can be choppy depending on weather conditions.